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Prasad01 May 2026 AppleHeadphones The AirPods Max are the only full-sized headphones Apple has ever made. It was certainly a surprise when the original model first dropped back in 2020, still bearing the AirPods name despite not being particularly pod-like. At $549, they were also expensive, even compared to the other premium wireless headphones on the market. And then they just sat there without receiving many updates, with the 2024 iteration only introducing a USB-C port and new colors. Six years from that original release, Apple has finally launched the AirPods Max 2. At first, second, or maybe even a third glance, these might seem like the headphones they are replacing, and unfortunately, in many ways, they are. However, Apple is also promising advancements in the form of improved active noise cancellation, audio quality, and a few other features thanks to the inclusion of the updated Apple H2 processor. But is that enough, especially considering these are still $549 headphones? Well, it's time to find out. The AirPods Max 2 design is identical to the original 2020 model. The 2024 model (let's call it AirPods Max 1.5) brought with it new colors, which have been carried over to the AirPods Max 2. This means there is no way to visually identify the AirPods Max 2 from the model you could have purchased two years ago. Aesthetically, these are some of the most handsome headphones money can buy. Apple's designers have achieved a timelessness here that is difficult to match in the consumer electronics space. It fuses classic, identifiable lines and shapes from aviation headsets while maintaining a resemblance to Apple's industrial design sensibilities, along with some futuristic design elements. This creates a visual profile that is suspended in time, echoing the past, present, and future of headphone aesthetics simultaneously. It's no wonder the company feels no real compulsion to update it, as it would be difficult to come up with something better. Looking closer at some of the elements reveals a lot of finer detailing. The headband uses a cloth mesh that is suspended in a downward curve, but rather than hanging loosely, it's taut, by means of what I assume is pure witchcraft. Extending the headband exposes beautifully polished metal yokes that maintain a visually delicate but otherwise sturdy contact with the ear cups. The ear pads are magnetically attached and come off with minimal effort. The antennas are hidden on the bottom of the ear cups, so they don't spoil the aesthetics. The digital crown and the listening mode button mirror the design of their counterparts on other Apple products. The headphones are also perfectly symmetrical in design, with the only mismatch coming from the physical controls and the USB port on the right ear cup. Every other component echoes the design of its counterpart on the other side, to the point where you'd be forgiven for wearing these headphones backwards. In fact, those dastardly symmetry-breaking controls are the only way you can tell one side from the other, especially in the dark. However, while the AirPods Max 2 get full marks for their aesthetics, there are some fundamental drawbacks to their design. For starters, there is a good reason why most headphones today aren't symmetrical. You may have noticed that our ears are angled from the vertical plane of our heads, and most modern headphones today follow that alignment instead of trying to force an angled peg through a straight hole. The second issue is with the level of adjustability of the headband, which is limited. You can only extend them so much before they bottom out, which would leave out a lot of folks with big heads. I don't even have a particularly large head, and I still found myself wanting the headband to be longer. In fact, there are a fair few issues with the ergonomics of these headphones, but more on that later. For now, let us discuss the Smart Case. The AirPods Max Smart Case has been the butt of many jokes since the product first launched, and it remains unchanged to this day. For some reason, it covers only the ear cups, and Apple also decided that placing the AirPods Max inside this case is the only way to truly power them off. Here's my hot take: I don't think the AirPods Max 2 Smart Case is that bad. In fact, I don't think it's bad at all. It takes considerably less space than a typical case, and is easier to stow away when not in use. The process of taking the headphones in and out of it is very easy, which meant I ended up using this case a lot more than a typical headphone case that I would only use while traveling. My only complaint with it is that while you can charge the headphones while they are in the case, the cutout sometimes doesn't align properly with the port, so you have to faff around a bit before you can plug the cable in. I would like to finish off the design section by discussing the build quality. The AirPods Max 2 are a phenomenally well-built set of headphones. The finish of the aluminum ear cups, the fluidity of the joints, the tactility of the moving dials and switches, the seamlessly hidden joints and stitches all ooze quality. That $549 you spent is almost on full display here, and the AirPods Max 2 look and feel head and shoulders above their rivals in this department. With that said, there are a couple of concerns regarding the construction of these headphones. The ear cups are known to accumulate condensation on the inside around the speaker grilles, and people have also reported their headband fabric sagging after a while. I didn't notice any condensation during my use, nor am I in the type of climate to experience something like that. As for the sagging, that is something only time will tell, and not something that can be discovered during the review period. Now for the all-important topic of comfort, and the AirPods Max 2 have some glaring issues that have remained unchanged from the previous generations. First of all, at 386g, these headphones are heavy. You can stack two iPhone 17 on top of one another, and they still wouldn’t weigh as much as one AirPods Max 2. Most of the weight is in the ear cups, so the headphones don’t feel top-heavy as such. Still, when you have that much weight placed on your head, it introduces additional inertia to your neck movements. You will tilt your neck back for some reason and find your head just flops backward more aggressively than usual. And the AirPods Max 2 are deceptively compact for their weight, so it doesn’t feel like you have a lot of weight hanging around your head, but rather your head itself suddenly weighing a lot more. In order to anchor that weight securely to your head, the AirPods Max 2 clasp more aggressively than usual around your ears. The headband has significant clamping force, especially when the headphones are new, and the good thing about it is that the headphones aren’t going anywhere once you put them on. The bad thing is that you are always aware of the headphones being around your head, and the feeling can get tiring after a while. The ear cups on the AirPods Max 2 have the same coarse fabric texture as before. I wasn’t fond of how they felt around my ears initially, and also the sound they make when they rub against your skin, especially if you have facial hair. However, I did get over that pretty quickly, and it doesn’t bother me now as much as I thought it would. The great thing about these cups is just how easy it is to remove and reattach them, and spares are available readily from Apple itself as well as several third-party sources. Another annoyance with the AirPods Max 2 is the adjustability of the headband. As mentioned before, the ear cups can only be extended in a somewhat limited fashion. This not only limits the size of the heads that can wear these headphones but also makes it incredibly uncomfortable to have them around your neck when you’re not actively using them. Not only did it severely restrict my neck movement, but I’m also not the type to enjoy being slowly choked in this manner. I would like to say at this point that I do not find the AirPods Max 2 unusable by any means, and I did end up spending quite a bit of time with them once I got used to how they feel. However, they do not leave a positive impression on you the first few times you use them, and some people may never get used to how much they weigh or feel around your ears. You also probably can’t even wear them at all if your head is bigger than mine. These are some aspects that Apple should have worked on in the second-generation model, and simply making them 30% lighter would have gone a long way in making them more approachable. Like the other AirPods models, the AirPods Max 2 are designed to be used with all Apple devices. While you can use them with Windows, Linux, or Android products, you lose out on a significant portion of their functionality, and at that point, you should just consider buying something else. All testing here was done with an iPhone 15 Pro and an M4 Mac mini. The AirPods Max 2 features can be accessed through dedicated menus that appear when you pair the headphones with a compatible Apple device. Here, you can adjust things like the ANC modes and features, head gestures, Spatial Audio, Find My, and more. You can also see the firmware version here, but you still can’t manually force an update, and just have to wait for the headphones to do it themselves whenever they feel like it. For reference, all testing here was done with the 8E251 firmware, which was the latest at the time of writing. iOS settings You could say that the AirPods Max 2 have an adequate number of features, but it is strange to see that they still lag behind the AirPods Pro 3, despite the bump up to the latest generation Apple H1 chip. You do get stuff like Adaptive Audio, loud sound reduction, Live Translation, voice isolation, etc., that you didn’t have before. macOS settings But the AirPods Pro 3 still have the upper hand, with features such as Hearing Test, Hearing Aid with automatic conversion boost, and hearing protection. The latest model also got heart rate monitoring, which does make more sense on the AirPods Pro 3, but considering the number of people who use the AirPods Max in the gym anyway, it probably would not have gone amiss here. Audio quality The AirPods Max 2 use what Apple calls ‘Apple-designed dynamic drivers’ of unspecified diameter that have been carried over from previous generation models, and a ‘custom high dynamic range amplifier’ that is new for this generation. The headphones support SBC and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.3, and you can also connect them in wired mode using a USB-C to USB-C cable or Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable that has a built-in DAC/ADC. After using the AirPods Max 2 every day for over a week, my impressions of their audio quality are mostly positive. However, there are a couple of drawbacks that hold them back from being really good. The overall frequency response is V-shaped, which is quite common these days, but it’s the way Apple has gone about it that sets these headphones apart from their competition. Starting with the bass, the AirPods Max 2 choose to place most of their emphasis in the sub-bass region. The advantage of doing things this way is that you avoid the excess bass energy from spilling into the lower midrange and reduce the overall bloated feeling that may come from a wide-band bass boost. Most music doesn’t really have a ton of sub-bass information, so quite often the AirPods Max 2 don’t sound especially bass-heavy. However, it’s when the source does have a lot of sub-bass energy that you realize that the AirPods Max 2 may have overcooked in this area. There is a lot of sub-bass coming from these drivers, which imparts a lot of thump and rumble to the lowest notes, but can also sound like a runaway subwoofer. This is especially noticeable when listening to Spatial Audio content that includes a dedicated low-frequency channel, and the AirPods Max 2 really make a meal out of it. Watching the movie ‘F1’ on Apple TV resulted in a lot of rumbling and thumping notes coming my way that got a bit distracting after a point. The mids and treble are a mixed bag, and this is where we need to talk about the elephant in the room with the AirPods Max 2 sound, which is a rather substantial dip in the upper-mid and lower-treble regions. Much like with the AirPods Max, the AirPods Max 2 sound dips audibly past 3,000Hz, and gets real quiet around 5,500Hz, something you can hear very clearly if you listen to a logarithmic frequency sweep tone. It then recovers past that, and then gets quite high, which then results in the other half of the V-shaped response. Starting with the lower mids, the AirPods Max 2 perform quite well. Most voices and instruments in this region of the audible spectrum come across quite well, and Apple’s decision not to overwhelm the listener with a lot of high-bass energy pays dividends here. However, once we get into that upper-midrange/lower-treble transition phase, the sound can get notably quiet. This results in a fuzzier, murkier presentation at times. This isn’t always noticeable, and really depends on what you’re listening to. Some content simply doesn’t have a lot of information in that region, or it’s something that you don’t need to focus a lot of attention on. But content that does utilize this region has parts that sound strangely quiet, which just makes you want to increase the volume to unsafe levels. Past that point, the sound gets noticeably spicy. Apple has chosen to have the upper-treble region elevated to possibly make up for the lower-treble, but also to perhaps minor details in the sound that can improve imaging and soundstaging performance. Unfortunately, it often just adds to sibilance and hiss in the music, and can make some tracks uncomfortably shrill at times. Frequency response aside, there is not much else to talk about the AirPods Max 2 sound. The detail reproduction is average, and the imaging is unconvincing. The sound mostly just feels like it’s located within the ear cups rather than being around you, unless you are specifically listening to Spatial Audio content. Like the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Max 2 support Adaptive Audio, which adjusts the audio to your specific fit and ears. It monitors the sound in real-time using the internal microphones and can make up for any leaks that might be present in the ear cups due to improper fit or glasses. This ensures you are always hearing the intended sound from the headphones and reduces consistency issues that typically plague headphones. The AirPods Max 2 also support Adaptive EQ, which automatically boosts certain frequencies at lower volumes to compensate for the inconsistencies in our hearing at different volume levels. Things like bass and treble don’t sound as loud as lower volumes, even if they do not change in relative amplitude, and to make up for that, these headphones can boost them. This also means if you saw some frequency response graph of these headphones (or the AirPods Pro 3, for that matter), then it’s not that relevant, as those are usually done at maximum volume, and the sound can be quite different at volumes people typically listen at. Getting back to the overall impressions of the sound quality, I do find it to be good, all things considered. It is certainly better than what the standard has been for the category over the past decade or so, as low as that bar is. Having said that, Apple itself delivers better audio quality on the AirPods Pro 3, and this becomes yet another thing that the smaller, cheaper earbuds do better than this flagship model. Microphone Much like the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Max 2 have a very impressive microphone performance. Testing in a quiet environment, the audio captured through the microphone is above and beyond what you will find on any other Bluetooth device, with sound rivaling that from wired microphones. This is the clearest way to make voice calls outside of using dedicated wired headsets. When testing in a noisy environment, the AirPods Max 2 choose to prioritize audio quality over making the background noise quieter. You can still hear some of the background noise, especially when the person is speaking, but the voice quality itself remains very good. This is, once again, similar to how the AirPods Pro 3 work. Noise cancellation The AirPods Max 2 get updated active noise cancellation over their predecessors thanks to the inclusion of the Apple H2 chip. Unfortunately, I do not have the H1 models on hand here to compare, so this will have to be an isolated analysis. The AirPods Max 2 have very good noise cancellation performance. Right off the bat, the ear pad cushions absorb a lot of ambient noise, even before the electronics kick in. This also means that you can just keep the ANC off and still get reasonable isolation from your surroundings. The ear pads also don't leak much sound, so no one around you will be privy to what you're listening to. The ANC does incredibly well with household noises. Sounds from things like fans, air conditioners, the TV playing in the living room, and even doorbells are suppressed to such a degree that you genuinely have no idea what's going on around you anymore. A similar thing can happen outdoors, with only the loudest of sounds getting in, which makes them quite dangerous to walk around in if you aren't actively paying attention. The overall ANC performance of the AirPods Max 2 is similar to that of the AirPods Pro 3. I found this to be surprising, as full-sized headphones usually do better, considering they can block your internal as well as your entire external ear, while in-ears can only block your ear canal. It just goes to show how well the ANC works on the AirPods Pro 3. I have come to have an incredible amount of respect for those earbuds since I reviewed them last year after a handful of long international flights because of just how utterly brilliant their ANC is on planes. I have no doubt the AirPods Max 2 will perform just as well. A final point regarding the ANC on the AirPods Max 2 is that it can get uncomfortable at times, especially when you are using it indoors in already quiet environments. This was noticeable on the AirPods Pro 3 as well to some extent, but it can be quite oppressive on the AirPods Max 2. The pressure of the ear cups combined with the strong ANC effect can really feel like your eardrums are under constant duress. This effect is reduced when you have something playing, but the quiet moments in between can be quite disconcerting. Interestingly enough, the AirPods Max 2 readily display an option to disable the ANC entirely in the AirPods menu on the phone, whereas on the AirPods Pro 3, the option is hidden by default and needs to be enabled through a separate setting. Finally, there's the transparency mode. I found this mode on the AirPods Max 2 to be not as good as on the AirPods Pro 3. The transparency mode on the AirPods Max 2 is so exceptional that there is almost no difference between wearing and not wearing the earbuds. You can have only one earbud in your ear, and you hear more or less the same as with your other fully open ear. On the AirPods Max 2, the sound feels artificially boosted and somewhat unnatural. There is also more buffeting noise on the AirPods Max 2 from the wind, even from indoor sources like fans and air conditioners, which was also not much of a problem on the AirPods Pro 3. The transparency mode on the AirPods Max 2 still gets the job done, but I found myself only turning it on in select circumstances and not just leaving it on, like on the AirPods Pro 3. Like the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Max 2 also get an Adaptive mode, which acts as a halfway point between transparency and ANC modes, letting some ambient noise in while also blocking or turning down really loud sounds. It works really well here as well, and maybe a better alternative to the transparency mode in certain scenarios, such as on planes where you may need to hear what the pilot is mumbling on the intercom, but not so much the engines. Connectivity In the wireless mode, the AirPods Max 2 have exceptional connectivity performance. The connection was rock-solid during testing with nary a fault. One of the amazing things about AirPods is also how well they handover between multiple Apple devices, and the AirPods Max 2 would transition beautifully between my iPhone and Mac whenever I started playing something on one or the other. I also wanted to test Apple's much vaunted lossless wired mode. I'm sure most people won't bother using it at all, but I wanted to see if they should. Short answer? No. The audio quality does not meaningfully get better at all, which, once again, goes to show the major quality bottlenecks in Bluetooth products are the drivers and audio processing, not the codecs. The latency would be better, but not in a way that matters, as the wireless latency is low enough on these headphones already, and no one is really planning on doing serious gaming with these. I tested the wired mode with a Mac, an iPhone, a few Android phones, and Windows PCs. The headphones obviously work the best with Macs and iPhones, but they also worked quite well with Windows PCs, wherein moving the digital crown adjusted the volume on the PC, and you can also press the crown or remove the headphones to pause. The functionality was the worst on Android, where the digital crown volume and the phone's volume were not in sync, and removing the headphones also wouldn't pause. There was also a persistent loud popping sound, despite testing with multiple phones and cables. The AirPods Max 2 show up as a 24-bit, 48kHz USB audio device on the connected phone or PC. This is the only bit-depth/sampling rate they can operate at, with nothing higher or lower being supported. This brings Apple's claims of lossless audio under scrutiny, because if you provide audio that is different in bit-depth or sampling rate, the internal DAC on the headphones will have to do up- or down-sampling. At that point, we are no longer in the realm of losslessness, so you really shouldn't get much attached to that label. By the way, the microphone doesn't work no matter which platform you plug these headphones into, so you can't use them for voice calls or gaming with voice comms. The AirPods Max 2 have a rated battery life of 20 hours, a rather low number for a full-sized pair of headphones, especially when the competition is doing at least 30 hours. In my testing, the AirPods Max 2 played for 21 hours and 36 minutes continuously with ANC on a full charge. That's a bit above the claimed figure, but not enough to meaningfully change anything. This is still relatively low for full-sized headphones, and during my use, I would frequently see the battery low notification. Apple claims 1.5 hours of listening after a 5-minute charge. I did my usual 10-minute charge for consistency with other tests and got 3 hours and 25 minutes. This, to me, is a good number, as you could be on a long flight, run out of juice, plug it in for a bit, and then get enough power to watch Oppenheimer in its entirety. You can then take a quick 10-minute break and get enough power back to do it all over again (hopefully with a different movie). Much has been said about the lack of a power button on the AirPods Max 2. It is confounding as to why it simply does not exist, and why the only way to power down these headphones is to put them inside the Smart Case. However, just to check how much the battery drains when you don't put the headphones into the case, I left the headphones outside overnight, and after 8 hours, the headphones had lost 1% battery. I find that acceptable. If I were planning on not using them for longer, I would simply put them inside the case. Even if I didn't, it doesn't seem like they drain much power outside the case either, so this really seems like a non-issue. Of course, you can simply forget to put them inside the case and come back to them a month later and find them dead. Any other pair of headphones would still have most of their charge remaining from when you last used them, so it's not like Apple's approach here is entirely flawless. The AirPods Max is a perplexing product. Logically, it doesn't make much sense to buy these headphones, even while shopping within Apple's own catalog. The AirPods Pro are better in every meaningful way, and you can buy two pairs of those and still have cash leftover for the price of one pair of AirPods Max 2. Those also get more frequent updates from Apple, while the AirPods Max seem to have mostly been back-burnered. Then, of course, there are the competing products from other manufacturers, many of which are also cheaper. Yet, these headphones are everywhere. You can see them in coffee shops, malls, hotels, airports, and even in the gyms. People clearly cannot get enough of them despite the high price tag, and some may even find that as part of the charm. It seems these headphones scratch a very specific itch, one of buying a full-sized pair of headphones from Apple, regardless of the price. No other product fits that bill, so the AirPods Max win by default. That's not to say they are not without their merits. The design and construction are top-notch, the sound is good, the integration with Apple's products is second to none, and the noise cancellation on the latest model is superb. However, six years on from the launch of the original model, the AirPods Max 2 do very little to move the needle forward and improve upon the flaws of their predecessors, which include things like the weight and comfort, certain reliability concerns, and the middling battery life. Having said all that, the only real deal-breaker with the AirPods Max 2 is the price. If that's not really a concern for you, and if these headphones scratch that aforementioned itch, then you should be perfectly happy with them. We need a review of status pro x, please You're hilarious. These headphones carried over the issues of the predecessors, which is just insane and not a sign of quality. Yup, that's on me. I had tunnel vision because we were talking about wired mode and this was a headphone review article. HomeNewsReviewsCompareCoverageGlossaryFAQRSSYoutubeInstagramTikTokFacebookTwitter © 2000-2026GSMArena.comMobile versionAndroid appToolsContact usMerch storePrivacyTerms of use

Dublin, May 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The"Spain Cement Industry Market Size & Forecast by Value and Volume Across 100+ Market Segments by Cement Products, Distribution Channel, Market Share, Import - Export, End Markets - Databook Q1 2026 Update"report has been added toResearchAndMarkets.com'soffering.The cement market in Spain is expected to grow by 5.2% on annual basis to reach EUR 1.66 billion in 2026.The cement market in the country recorded strong growth during 2021-2025, achieving a CAGR of 5.8%. Growth momentum is expected to remain positive, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.2% during 2026-2030. By the end of 2030, the cement market is projected to expand from its 2025 value of EUR 1.58 billion to approximately EUR 1.89 billion.Key Insights Reframe Spain's Cement Industry as Infrastructure-Stabilised and Carbon-Transition Managed Building on the industry's stabilization and carbon-transition management, there is a clear shift underway from expansion to a focus on operational precision and low-carbon innovation. Build Strategic Partnerships to Reinforce Circularity and Market Stability Identify Core Demand and Structural Drivers Supporting the Market Forecast Future Direction Under Carbon-Constrained and Infrastructure-Led Conditions Report ScopeSpain Cement Industry Overview Spain Cement Market by Type of Cement Blended Cement Market by Subtypes of Cement Specialty Cement Cement Market by Subtypes of Cement Spain Cement Market by Key SectorResidential Construction Non-Residential ConstructionCommercial Buildings: Industrial Buildings: Institutional Buildings: Infrastructure & Other ConstructionSpain Cement Market by Distribution Channel Spain Cement Market by End-User Spain Cement Market by Location Tier Spain Cement Trade Dynamics Competitive Landscape: Spain Cement Market For more information about this report visithttps://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5f974d About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

The good news:Nikola Jokićfinally got to play with an All-Star. Jamal Murraywas brilliant in the regular season and, at long last, we witnessed the first Jokić teammate to be named to either All-Star, All-NBA or All-Defense in the Serbian’s 11-year career. So here is the bad news: It’s time to trade Murray. Because at this point, I don’t see another way out of this mess for Jokić. After winning the title in 2023, the Nuggets have fallen out of contention with a fading and increasingly expensive roster that is set to go deep into the tax. After Thursday’s disappointingfirst-round exitto theTimberwolves, Jokić told reporters, “I still want to be a Nugget forever.” He conceded that the Nuggets were “far away” from contention and, when asked about whether changes needed to be made, he said, "That's not my decision, to be honest. Definitely, if we were in Serbia, we would all get fired." Now,Denvermight have no choice but to deal Jokić’s co-pilot, Murray, while it still can get something of value in return. A year ago, I argued thatJokić had every right to ask for a trade out of Denverbecause of the continued lack of star support around him. He didn’t ask out, and he still probably won’t. But he should have, if nothing else, to sound the alarms for the organization. As far as putting pressure on the front office, the “we would all get fired” line is likely as far as Jokić will go. This time last year,Nuggetspresident Josh Kroenke made the decision to fire head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth days before the end of the season. Instead of looking outside the organization, Kroenke promoted from within ranks, calling it an“unorthodox”setup with Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace heading up the front office and longtime assistant David Adelman taking over on the sidelines. Unorthodox and ultimately unsuccessful — again. The Thunder ousted the Nuggets in the second round last year and, unfortunately for Jokić, yet another magnificent season has been wasted in 2025-26. Even the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves, withoutAnthony Edwards,Donte DiVincenzoandAyo Dosunmufor the end of the series, were able to thwart the Nuggets in the first round. Clearly, the Nuggets aren’t close to returning to the top of the West.Oklahoma Citylooks as dominant as ever. TheVictor Wembanyama takeoverhas arrived.The Los Angeles LakershaveLuka Dončić. As is, the Western Conference is leaving Jokić and the Nuggets in the dust. It’s not Jokić’s fault. Four-time Defensive Player of the YearRudy Goberthad him in fits at times in this series, but he still averaged 25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.5 assists. He struggled with his shot (just 47.5% effective field goal percentage), but a low-grade Jokić should still be enough to survive the Timberwolves’ B-Team — if any of his teammates stepped up. That’s the issue. Denver’s supporting cast is still a massive problem and it’s deteriorating fast. Let’s start withAaron Gordon. The body of Jokić’s top frontcourt mate, now on the wrong side of 30, has betrayed him. He played just 36 games this season and missed half the series against Minnesota with calf issues. Since last postseason when he pulled his hamstring in the playoffs, Gordon has been a shell of himself, unable to consistently offer the dynamic, above-the-rim presence that complemented Jokić’s game so well. With only 75 starts in the last two seasons, the team is stuck owing Gordon $110 million over the next three seasons. Cam Johnsonwas supposed to help matters. After the second-round exit against the Thunder, the organization sentMichael Porter Jr.anda 2032 first-round pick toBrooklynfor the sweet-shooting Johnson. The hope was that Johnson could provide Porter’s elite floor-spacing and cutting at a fraction of the cost. Instead, Porter enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 24.2 points and 7.1 rebounds, while Johnson faltered throughout the season in his place. With long-term savings from the Porter trade, the team signedChristian Braunto a frothy $125 million extension that will kick in next season, hoping that his 2024-25 breakout season was a sign of things to come. Instead, Braun, like Gordon, endured an injury-riddled campaign, averaging just 12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists with almost no floor-spacing in just 44 games. At his 2025-26 salary of just under $5 million, that’s not a problem. But starting next year, his salary soars to $21 million and will increase to $28 million by 2030-31 when Jokić is 36 years old. Denver’s only compelling young player,Peyton Watson, will be a restricted free agent. But even he has health questions after playing just 54 games this season and missing the entire first round of the playoffs with a devastating hamstring injury. Watson’s contract will likely be too expensive for Kroenke’s taste. As is, the Nuggets are projected to go deep into the tax with Braun’s big extension kicking in next season. According to Spotrac.com data, the Nuggets face a $16 million tax bill even without Watson and their 2026 first-round pick on the books. After a breakout season, Watson should command something in the neighborhood of Braun’s extension. It’s doubtful the organization will open up its wallet even more after the first-round out and bring back this underwhelming group. To put it in perspective, we can consult the advanced metrics fromdunksandthrees.comand quantify the Nuggets’ personnel around Jokić. This season, there were 85 players not named “Nikola Jokić” who registered at least five estimated wins added. Do you know how many of those 85 were on the Nuggets’ roster? Just one. Jamal Murray. Victor Wembanyama had not one, not two, but four teammates who eclipsed that mark. Same withShai Gilgeous-Alexander. Luka Dončić had two:LeBron JamesandAustin Reaves. But Jokić, who delivered 17.2 eWins this season, saw his third-best teammate, Johnson, clock in at merely 4.4 eWins. Gordon limped to a 3.7 eWin figure, just ahead of Watson at 3.3. With the bulk of the roster holding negative trade value, it’ll be almost impossible for the Nuggets to upgrade without moving Murray at the peak of his powers. Murray carries a steep salary at $50 million next season, $53.8 million in 2027-28 and $57.5 million, but there may be no better time to sell than now while he’s coming off an All-NBA level campaign. The Nuggets may have to break up Murray’s salary into multiple pieces to help shore up their woeful defense, which ranked 21st in the NBA in the regular season and made Dosunmu (43 points in Game 4) andTerrence Shannon Jr.(21 points in clinching Game 6) look like stars. Look at the books. How else would they upgrade the roster in a meaningful way? It won’t be painless. The easiest thing to do would be to run it back with this group. But doing so would risk Murray getting hurt or regressing to pre-2025-26 levels, which would prove disastrous at his cap number. Gordon, Braun and Johnson certainly aren’t bringing in real talent. Here are three trade ideas that can allow the Nuggets to use Murray for potential upgrades: Nuggets receive: Collin Murray-Boyles RJ Barrett Jakob Poeltl Raptors receive: Jamal Murray Zeke Nnaji This is a bet on CMB being the nextDraymond Green, a defensive mastermind who could flourish next to Jokić’s other-wordly playmaking abilities. Trading for a 20-year-old next to Jokić would be a timeline risk, but the blossoming South Carolina product could instantly step in as Denver’s best defensive player and provide much-needed athleticism. Balancing the defensive end of the floor has to be a priority while getting 80% of Murray’s offensive exploits with fellow Canadian guard Barrett. For the Raptors, the team would be loading up on star power in an open Eastern Conference. Murray is a clear upgrade on Barrett and would be coming home to Ontario where he grew up. It’d be tough to part ways with CMB, but flipping the ninth overall pick in the 2025 draft for an All-NBA talent in his prime would be a haul for the aspiring East contender. To make contracts work, Poeltl and Nnaji would be included. Jonas Valančiūnas’ 2026-27 salary is not guaranteed, paving the way for Poeltl to step in as Jokić’s backup. Nuggets receive: Kevin Durant 2029 first-round pick (via PHX) Rockets receive: Jamal Murray Kevin Durant never made sense on a roster withoutFred VanVleet(ACL) andSteven Adams(ankle) healthy, and the Durant experiment inHoustonmay very well be over before it ever really began. (We’ll see how things go against the Lakers from here.) At his age, Durant isn’t a massive upgrade defensively over Murray, but he helps lengthen the Nuggets, who are severely lacking in the athleticism department, especially with Gordon constantly lumbering. By many measures, Durant was better than Murray this season and the 37-year-old’s contract ($6 million less than Murray next season) will also help Denver shave its payroll and provide flexibility as the team desperately tries to navigate the apron world. To mitigate the risk of a Durant injury, the Nuggets will receive the 2029 first-round pick (via Phoenix) and help grease Denver’s ability to pivot. Durant holds a player option for $46 million in 2027-28, which even if he picks it up, Denver would be off of his money a year before Murray’s contract expires. On the Houston side, the Rockets get significantly younger and don’t have to pretzel themselves into win-now mode with Durant as he approaches 40. At 29, Murray is a much more polished and proven playoff scorer compared toJalen Green, who was moved along withDillon Brooksand the rights toKhaman Maluach, for Durant last summer. Nuggets receive: Ausar Thompson Duncan Robinson Caris Levert Pistons receive: Jamal Murray DEN’s 2026 first-round pick Denver needs an athletic defender.Detroitneeds an elite shot creator. It’s hard to find contenders with such compatible needs. Thompson may be untouchable, but the Nuggets have to at least make the call if the Pistons are embarrassed by theOrlando Magicwith a first-round out. That’s a big if. Still just 23 years old, Thompson received the third-most votes in a runaway Defensive Player of the Year vote, which may overstate his immediate value a tad, but if there’s a target for Denver, it’s that guy. Thompson would be a monster athlete and rim finisher who would be tailor-made for Jokić’s virtuoso passing abilities. You thought Gordon in the dunker spot next to Jokić was a devastating threat? Ausar could be even more electric in that role. Of course, he’ll need to dramatically improve his outside shooting to maximize his potential, but Gordon was able to do that when he caught passes from Jokić. We’ll see what happens in the Orlando series, but it’s easy to see that Detroit’s half-court offense needs a massive upgrade in the shot-creation department and few players would shore up that department better than Murray in his prime. The Pistons’ core will get more expensive onceJalen Duren’s extension kicks in, but there are serious questions about whether Duren and Thompson can coexist in the half-court in the playoffs.

Thinking of buying a Mac or MacBook for school, college or university? Choosing the right one in 2026 isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest model. Apple’s lineup now includes everything from the low-cost MacBook Neo to lightweight MacBooks, powerful Pro machines, and even desktop Macs—all with different strengths depending on your course, workload, and budget. Whether you’re writing essays, coding, editing video, or just need a reliable laptop for lectures, the best choice depends on how you plan to use it. In this guide, we break down the best Mac for every type of student – from budget buyers to creative pros – compare the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and explore whether a desktop Mac might actually be a smarter option for some. Best MacBook for Most Students MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 2025) ↓ See why we picked it Show Pros & Cons Pros Cons Hide Pros & Cons Best Budget MacBook Apple MacBook Neo ↓ See why we picked it Show Pros & Cons Pros Cons Hide Pros & Cons Best MacBook for Student Power Users Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 2025) ↓ See why we picked it Show Pros & Cons Pros Cons Hide Pros & Cons Best Desktop Option for Students Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024) ↓ See why we picked it Show Pros & Cons Pros Cons Hide Pros & Cons We’ll also help you choose based on your subject and budget, and show you how to save money. Students can take advantage ofApple’s Education Store discounts, but it’s worth checking resellers too, where you may find even better deals. We’ve picked out the best Macs for students right now, including the MacBook Neo, the latest MacBook Air and Pro models, and even desktop alternatives like the Mac mini. Here are our top recommendations based on price, performance and what most students actually need. The MacBook Air is the ideal laptop for most students, offering an excellent balance of portability, battery life, and performance. With the introduction of the M5 chip in early 2026, it further strengthens its position as a dependable everyday “workhorse” for academic and light creative use. You might assume the MacBook Air is significantly less powerful than the MacBook Pro, but that’s not entirely the case. The entry-level MacBook Pro uses the same M5 chip, meaning day-to-day performance is very similar. The Pro does offer additional advantages, such as improved cooling, more ports and a higher-end display, which we’ll explore in more detail below. The MacBook Air’s biggest advantage is its lightweight, fanless design. It’s easy to carry between classes and operates completely silently – ideal for lectures, libraries, and study spaces. Combined with all-day battery life, it’s well-suited to students who spend long hours away from power outlets. MacBook Air offers the following benefits: The MacBook Air is the mainstream choice for students who want a reliable, versatile laptop without the cost or weight of a Pro model. It’s ideal for: While the MacBook Pro is designed for sustained, high-end professional workloads, the MacBook Air delivers more than enough performance for the majority of students, including: Choosing the Air over the MacBook Pro or the budget-friendly MacBook Neo involves several specific tradeoffs regarding sustained power, display technology, and port selection. You’ll also see the best prices right now in the block above, which may be even better than Apple’s education pricing. Read our fullApple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) review The MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable laptop, launched in March 2026 to target the education market. While the MacBook Air remains the mainstream choice for students, the Neo is designed to compete directly with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops – bringing the macOS experience to a much lower price point. The MacBook Neo’s biggest advantage is value. It delivers a premium-feeling Mac experience at a significantly lower cost, making it especially appealing to students on a tight budget. MacBook Neo offers the following benefits: The MacBook Neo is ideal for students who want a reliable, well-built laptop for everyday use without paying for higher-end performance. It’s ideal for: The MacBook Neo is best suited for students with simple, everyday computing needs. For more demanding workflows – such as advanced video editing, 3D work, or software development – the MacBook Air (M5) or MacBook Pro models remain better choices. The MacBook Neo is optimized for typical student use and handles everyday tasks with ease, including: As a low-priced device so the specs are basic, but should be enough to handle the “day-to-day stuff” essential for schoolwork, such as writing papers, browsing, and streaming. To reach its lower price, the MacBook Neo makes several compromises compared to the Air and Pro models, so there are some trade-offs to consider: You’ll also see the best prices right now in the block above, which may be even better than Apple’s education pricing. Read our fullApple MacBook Neo review While the MacBook Air is the best choice for most students, the MacBook Pro is designed for those who need sustained performance, a superior display, and more advanced features. It’s the top option for students working with demanding software or intensive workloads. The MacBook Pro’s biggest advantage is sustained performance. With active cooling and more powerful chip options, it’s built to handle heavy workloads without slowing down. Key benefits of the MacBook Pro include: The MacBook Pro is ideal for students whose coursework or projects require high performance and professional-grade tools. For most students needing Pro-level performance, the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro offers the best balance of power and portability. Those in more demanding fields may benefit from M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations. The MacBook Pro is built to maintain high performance over long periods, making it ideal for demanding academic tasks. The current lineup is powered by the M5 family of chips, offering a wide range of performance options: While powerful, the MacBook Pro comes with a few downsides compared to the Air: The Mac mini is a strong option for students who prioritize performance and value over portability. While laptops are the default for university life, the Mac mini offers a powerful, lower-cost entry into the macOS ecosystem for those who primarily work at a desk. Students who need mobility for lectures can pair a Mac mini with an iPad or another device for note-taking, using the desktop as their main workstation at home. The Mac mini’s biggest advantage is performance per pound (or dollar). It delivers desktop-class power at a much lower price than a MacBook, making it one of the best-value Macs available. Key benefits of the Mac mini include: The Mac mini is ideal for students who primarily work from a fixed location and want maximum performance for their budget. The Mac mini is highly capable for both everyday and demanding academic tasks. The latest Mac mini models offer strong desktop performance in a compact form: Processor options: M4: Excellent for general student use; M4 Pro: Higher performance for demanding creative and technical work.Memory: Starts at 16GB unified memory; Up to 64GB on M4 Pro models.Storage: Starts at 256GB SSD, 512GB or higher recommended for most students.Ports & connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 (M4) or Thunderbolt 5 (M4 Pro), HDMI and front-facing USB-C portsSupports multiple external displays: Some models can support up to three displays at once. While powerful and affordable, the Mac mini has some important limitations: For most students, the 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) is the best overall choice, offering the ideal balance of portability, battery life, and performance. If your budget is tight the MacBook Neo delivers the Mac experience at a significantly lower cost. If you’re a creative student who wants more screen space – but doesn’t need full Pro power – the 15-inch MacBook Air is a strong middle ground. The MacBook Pro is best reserved for students with demanding workloads like 4K video editing, software development, or 3D modelling. The MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable laptop. Despite using an A18 Pro chip, it delivers a full macOS experience for everyday schoolwork. Why it’s a good fit for education: The 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) is the best choice for most university students. It offers a strong mix of performance, portability, and battery life, making it suitable for a wide range of majors. Why it’s a good fit for higher education: For students in computer science or engineering, performance and memory are key. Heavier workloads will benefit from the MacBook Pro. Why it’s a good fit: For students working in video editing, design, or 3D workflows, the MacBook Pro is the best choice due to its superior display and sustained performance. Why it’s a good fit: How do the different types of MacBook compare? Foundry Choosing between the MacBook Air, MacBook Neo and MacBook Pro for students in 2026 depends primarily on your major and budget. For the vast majority of students, the MacBook Air is the best choice due to its balance of portability and performance, while the MacBook Pro is reserved for those with demanding technical workloads. If your budget is tight, the MacBook Neo is an affordable entry to macOS with performance that is good enough for common tasks. Alternatively you could purchase a previous generation MacBook Air, eitherrefurbished, or if old stock is being sold off at a discount. See ourMacBook Air deals roundup. Foundry Choosing between a MacBook and an iPad depends on your course requirements and how you prefer to work. While the iPad has evolved into a versatile device that can replace a laptop for some students, the MacBook remains the stronger option for multitasking and full desktop software. For students with more demanding workflows, the MacBook is generally the better long-term choice. It offers a full desktop operating system with broader software support and more advanced multitasking. The iPad is a strong option for students who prioritize portability, note-taking, and creative input methods. It works especially well as a companion device or for specific types of learning. To compliment an iPad consider an one of thebest iPad keyboard caseandbest iPad styluseswe have reviewed. We also explainWhich Apple Pencil works with each iPad. Apple offers several ways for students and educators to save money on Macs and iPads, including year-round discounts and seasonal promotions. Taking advantage of these offers can significantly reduce the overall cost of a new device. We have a dedicated guide toHow to shop at the Apple Education Store. Apple provides consistent discounts for iPads and Macs through its Education Store, available to full-time higher education students and their parents, and educators. Typical savings include: Click on the links below to go straight to Apple’s Education Store where you are. In many regions, such as the UK, you must verify your student status through UNiDAYS before accessing the store. In the U.S., verification may be required during or after the purchase. The biggest savings typically come during Apple’s annual higher education promotion, often called the “Back to School” event as it falls in the summertime when students are preparing for college and university. Read more about the offer forApple’s back to school shopping eventthis year. This promotion adds free extras on top of education pricing, significantly increasing overall value. What you can get: When it runs: If you’re a student, you can also getApple Music for half pricewithfree Apple TV+included. You can save hundreds on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and even a Mac Pro at Apple’s Education Store all year round. Here’s how the Mac and MacBook MSRP compares to the student price: Simon Jary Getting a student discount from Apple’s Education Store isn’t the only way to save money when buying a Mac. Here are some other ways to find a good deal: You can often find significant savings at Apple resellers and retailers like Amazon, sometimes with discounts of up to $500. Check regularly for deals, including: Apple’s Refurbished Storeoffers ex-display, returned, and previous-generation Macs at reduced prices. These devices are fully tested and come with a one-year warranty, making them a reliable option. You can also buy refurbished Macs from third-party resellers, though quality can vary – so always check what “refurbished” includes before buying. Read our advice aboutbuying a refurbished Mac, including Pros, cons, savings, and what to avoid. Yes. The MacBook Neo is considered an excellent choice for students with more than enough power for the average student. However, students in specialized fields like engineering, 4K video editing, or heavy software development may find the device limiting. The MacBook Air is the best laptop for most students due to its balance of portability, battery life, and performance. While the Air is “good enough” for the vast majority, a MacBook Pro is better for heavy workloads, connectivity and display tech. 8GB should be sufficient, but we recommend 16GB. For most students, 256GB of storage is a functional minimum rather than an ideal long-term solution. It can work if you rely heavily on cloud storage, but many students will find it fills up quickly over time. 256GB is usually enough for basic academic tasks such as writing essays, web browsing, streaming, and light media use. However, modern operating systems and apps take up more space than ever, and storage can fill up faster than expected. Performance can also suffer as a drive nears capacity. A common rule of thumb is to buy at least twice the storage you think you’ll need to allow for growth and maintain performance. For most students, 512GB is now the practical minimum if your budget allows. It provides more flexibility and longevity, especially as course materials and apps grow in size. Apple Intelligence brings a range of AI-powered tools to Macs designed to support academic work – from smarter note-taking to writing assistance and automation. These features are increasingly integrated into everyday apps like Notes, Messages, and Shortcuts. Useful features include: While these features can boost productivity, it is important to note that over-reliance on AI for writing could raise plagiarism or originality concerns if not used carefully. Not all Apple devices support Apple Intelligence and some features are still less advanced than competing AI platforms. There is no “best MacBook for students” because everyone has different needs and choosing the best MacBook for a student depends on balancing academic requirements, portability, and budget. With the introduction of the MacBook Neo, Apple has significantly expanded its entry-level options, making the decision more complex than simply picking the most popular model. When evaluating which model fits your needs, consider these primary components: In conclusion, we recommend the following Macs depending on your use case: Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld more than two decades ago. Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Having edited the U.K. print and online editions of Macworld for many years, more recently her focus has been on SEO and evergreen content as well as product recommendations and buying advice.

The perfect graduationgifts can be hard one to find in the best case scenario, but if you're on a time crunch to find one, then the task canreallybecome Herculean. If that's your case, do not panic because we've done all the work to find you all the best last-minute gifts for graduates. Graduation, whether it's from high school or college, marks a before-and-after in a person's life. It's a milestone that many of us have looked forward to for years, and for many, it also marks the beginning of a new lifestyle, which means new things to buy. Whether the grad in your life is moving into their first dorm, moving out on their own, or trying to find theirfirst job, grad gifts often come in clutch, so the best advice when it comes to last-minute graduation gift ideas is to make them both thoughtful and useful at the same time. If you are all out of ideas, fret not. Below, we have rounded up 25 of the best last-minute gifts for graduates that will be sure to arrive in time, even if you are in a rush. (Pro tip: We have rounded all of these gift ideas for graduates in order of price, from the most affordable starting at $10—but the last pick might be your safest bet if you arereallypinched for time!) Amazon Amazon Amazon Aurora Amazon Graduation is a big day that we'll all want to remember for years to come. If you are on a tight budget and want to show your grad that you are proud of them, an adorable gradplushielike this little star from Aurora can be a sweet little keepsake that won't break the bank. If you want to give it a more personal touch, consider adding a handwritten note. (Extra points if you write it using the colors of their alma mater!) OMYSTYLE Amazon Whether they are starting uni or a new job post-grad, what most people need is a hand with organization, so what's better than a purse insert organizer? It might not scream perfect gift at first, but if you know their handbag is a bottomless pit, they will thank you a hundred times over. Plus, it is available in a wide range of colors, so you can make it extra personal by choosing their favorite one. charmast Amazon Perhaps the epitome of practical gifts is a portable charger, but this one from Charmast really takes the cake. What makes it so great? Well, it comes with built-in USB, micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning cables, so they can practically charge any of their devices with it, regardless of which port they use, without carrying anything extra. It's also fast-chargingandhas 10,000 mAh, meaning it could last a few charges and save the day when they are running around nonstop. This one also comes in multiple colors, so you can pick their favorite. Vandel Amazon Graduation means we are probably on the road a lot more, which means we carry our laptops everywhere more often, usually unprotected. Whether they are starting a job or a new course at college, a laptop sleeve is always a welcome gift, and this super cute one from Vandel is hard to beat for $25. (Just a reminder: make sure to triple-check the laptop size before you actually hit buy.) Apple Amazon Over the years, AirTags have become one of the best gifts, especially for recent graduates. If you know they are struggling with keeping track of their belongings as they get accustomed to a new commute or routine, AirTags can be super practical gifts, and they are pretty affordable, too! Owala Amazon Wellness and hydration are a top priority for everyone, including grads. Running around between classes can make you forget to drink your water, but a nice water bottle like this one from Owala will be a nice reminder. They are made of stainless steel, making them durable and easy to clean. They also come in various colors, so you can pick a more office-appropriate one, like this deep burgundy, which would be a perfect gift for a college graduate, or go for a more vibrant one for a high school graduation gift looking to go into uni. YETI Amazon If you know a water bottle isn't their thing, a tumbler is also a great alternative. This stainless steel vacuum-insulated one is great for coffee and tea lovers and perfect for someone who is commuting to an office daily. We love the mint green colorway, but it is also available in silver, black, purple, red, and many more. Soundcore by Anker Amazon If you know they have spent all their time until graduation using wired headphones and are now looking to upgrade to wireless earbuds, these noise-canceling ones from Anker's Soundcore line are a great, affordable alternative, with excellent reviews to boot. They come in four colors—light blue, light pink, white, and black—so you can pick the ones that better match their aesthetic. (If earbuds are not their vibe, then over-the-ear headphoneslike these ones, which also come with an AUX cable, are a great alternative!) REDKISS Amazon For a college grad moving into their first house, a set of towels is one of the best ones you can find. This striped six-piece set, with a Standard 100 certificate, could be a lifesaver for those starting fresh in a new house or apartment. Plus, they look super cute and trendy. If you know stripes aren't their vibe, the same brand also makesa checkered two-piece setwe're obsessed with. Away Amazon If, after all the hard work of earning their degree, you know they'd want to travel for a bit before stepping into "the real world," but you have an under-$50 budget, so plane tickets are not an option, packing cubes are an underrated, great gift, and these ones from Away are some of the best you can get. KODAK Amazon Graduation season is all about the memories, but the chapter that follows is worth capturing, too. In an era of smartphones and digital cameras, many people have turned to analog film cameras to make capturing their memories even more special. That's why this half-frame film camera from Kodak makes a great gift for those looking to dip their toes into the medium, since you essentially get double the photos per roll. If you want to make it a pack, consider addingsome rollsto a nicegift box—and make sure to give this one to them before their graduation party so the big night can be immortalized, too. Beckham Hotel Collection Amazon One of the most perfect high school or college graduation gifts you can give anyone who is moving out is a pair of hotel-quality pillows, and this Standard 100-certified pack from Beckham Hotel Collection is just that. Not only will they feel like a cloud, but they are also easy to clean and come in a variety of sizes, materials, and firmness. You can't always gift a hotel stay, but this might be the next best thing. Redchef Amazon Also in the home department, a tried-and-true gift for graduates moving out is a set of pans. This nonstick frying pack set from Redchef is both cute and practical, with three different sizes included, all of which are oven and dishwasher-safe for extra comfort, which we know grads prioritize. They are available in beige, blue, or green, so you can go as colorful or as muted as you'd like, and they are often on sale for well under their normal $100 price tag. Keurig Amazon For a lot of us, a ritual post-graduation is morning coffee, so is there a better gift than an adorable coffee maker? This K-Mini single-serve coffee brewer from Keurig comes in a variety of colors and is a great option for recent graduates looking for a quick-and-easy solution. Maison Margiela Amazon Fragrances are staples in gift guides, but for a good reason. Finding a scent that is right for you can be a transcendental experience. Finding a "grown-up" perfume that is palatable to everyone is tough. Still, this eau de toilette from Maison Margiela's Replica line is light enough to please most noses and would make a great graduation gift. Martha Stewart Amazon Air fryers are a great gift for anyone who is just moving out on their own, like a graduate. They make cooking and meal prepping super easy, but let's be honest, they can often be an eyesore. Not this one from Martha Stewart, though! Available in four colors—blue, green, white, and black—and for just under $100, this is one of the most functional and best-looking Air Fryers on the market, making it a no-brainer gift for the cook in your life. Amazon Amazon Another certified winner when it comes to gifts is often the Kindle. An e-reader is a great present for anyone who enjoys devouring books on the go, and the Matcha colorway from the classic Kindle range is not only arguably the prettiest model but also the most affordable. Penguin Classics Amazon A Kindle is always a good idea, but if your grad loves a physical book, then this box set from Penguin, featuring 80 of the publisher's Little Black Classics, is hard to beat, especially for a grad trying to make their new space a home with their own mini library. Reading is, indeed,fundamental! Philips Amazon A Hatch is a great gift and often included in gift guides aplenty, but the last thing a recent graduate probably wants is another subscription. This SmartSleep light from Philips, which also doubles as a radio, is a great alternative that won't break the bank if they just want to test out a wake-up light device. Shark Amazon With graduation season also comes allergy season, so in the realm of practical gifts, an air purifier is also a great idea. This compact one from Shark packs a punch while also being easy on the eye, with versions in lilac, pink, green, and more. JULY Amazon One of the most practical gifts for a college graduate starting out in a new job is awork bag, and this one from July will tick most boxes. It's an elevated version of a classic tote bag, perfect for on-the-go, with a pass-through band, a laptop sleeve, and a water bottle holder. Samsonite Amazon If you know the graduate in your life has the travel bug and you feel the packing cubes above aren't enough, a luggage set like this one from Samsonite, featuring a small carry-on and a large check-in bag, is a gift that will last them for years, whether they use them for leisure, work, or a mix of both. We all need trusty luggage to tow around the world as we enter adulthood, and a brand like Samsonite is top-of-the-line. Nintendo Amazon You have noticed that many of the gifts in this guide focus on practicality, but grads also need fun. If it fits your budget, something like the Nintendo Switch 2 console, which works just as well for on-the-go as it does at home, will certainly earn you the best gift-giver award. Apple Amazon Also higher on the budget spectrum is the MacBook Neo, Apple's new under-$600 laptop, which is perfect for graduates heading to college and looking for their first "adult" laptop. It's the more affordable computer in the Apple ecosystem, so it's great to test the waters and will be more than enough for writing, minor editing, and browsing. Amazon Amazon Last but very much not least istheperfect last-minute gift for graduates: a digital gift card that they can use on anything their heart desires. Don't let the masses fool you into thinking a gift card is lame or not thoughtful; sometimes it can be the opposite. While material gifts can be super practical and great mementos, giving someone the chance to get whatever they actually need without the financial burden is literally priceless—at least for them. If you want to make it graduation-appropriate, you can opt for this timely version and load it up with anything from as little as $5.00 up to $2,000, so it could also be a great group gift that could change someone's life after graduation.