A Kinect for kids is outselling Xbox to become the hot console this holiday
It's a small sample size, likely driven by Black Friday discounts and temporary virality, but the Nex Playground has gone from little-known console curiosity to best-seller. It's now on track to quadruple its sales from last year. According to research firm Circana, the Playground was the second best-selling console in the US for the week ending November 22nd, and third for the week ending November 28th. In October, it wasn't even mentioned by Circana's video game analyst, Mat Piscatella.
The colorful cube got a steep discount for Black Friday, from $249 to $199, which is likely part of what drove sales, especially since Microsoft didn't d …
Slab is the first MIDI controller built exclusively for Serato Studio
Native Instruments and Ableton have had incredible success with their custom MIDI controllers that integrate with their DAWs (digital audio workstations), Maschine and Live, respectively. Native Instruments' Maschine (yes, it's the name of the hardware and the software) and Ableton's Push are pretty much the gold standard for integration between music-making software and hardware. Serato is hoping it can capture even a sliver of that magic with its pairing of Slab and Serato Studio.
Plenty of others have tried their hand at building (or having others build for them) custom controllers for their DAWs - FL Studio, Studio One, and the MPC desk …
This $1,500 robot cooks dinner while I work
As I'm sitting in my office writing this review, delicious, cheesy, garlicky scents are wafting up the stairs. I can hear whizzing and whirring, and the occasional clunk, as a robot chef in my kitchen is making macaroni and cheese. Its app tells me there are three minutes left in the process, and based on the snapshot it's showing, the dish looks like a creamy pile of cheesy goodness.
I'll be heading out the door shortly to pick up my daughter from the school bus, and when we're back, the robot-cooked mac and cheese will be waiting for her to dive into, staying fresh thanks to a "copilot" mode that keeps it warm and stirs it occasionally u …
The Nex Playground and Pixel Buds 2A top our list of the best deals this week
The Nex Playground is apparently one of the hottest consoles this holiday season thanks to its kid-friendly games and fun, motion-controlled gameplay. And now through December 14th, the cube-shaped console is on sale for its Black Friday low of around $199 ($50 off) at Amazon. There are some other great deals still available you might have missed this week, too, including a sizable discount on the new Google Pixel Buds 2A and Genki’s Moonbase Charging Station, which looks straight out of Star Wars.
The Nex Playground easily connects to your TV and provides a clever interactive solution that encourages you and your family to move around. A built-in camera and AI software track your movements with precision, so you are the controller. The cube-shaped console comes with five games (Fruit Ninja, Starri, Party Fowl, Go Keeper, and Whack-a-Mole Deluxe), but there are a ton of others you can download; however, a three-month subscription ($49) or an annual Play Pass ($89) is required to enjoy the full catalog and seasonal drops.
Genki’s Moonbase features a sleek retro-futuristic design, and it’s currently down to an all-time low of $89.99 ($50 off) at Amazon. The power strip features three AC plugs (1,250W max power) and four USB-C ports that can deliver up to 240W of total power; a single USB-C port, meanwhile, can go up to 140W with the right cable, though one isn’t included with your purchase. The strip also features a non-removable, 1.5-meter braided cable, making it easy to reach the nearest outlet.
Each AC plug is spaced far enough apart to accommodate larger power adapters, but the main selling point here is a touch-sensitive button that lets you cycle through colors and toggle the charging station’s lights on and off. All in all, the Moonbase is a powerful power strip that looks cool and lets you charge up to seven devices simultaneously.
Google recently launched a holiday sale that runs through December 24th, with many items matching the pricing we saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One of the standout deals is the Pixel Buds 2A, which have returned to their all-time low of $99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store.
The Pixel Buds 2A are Google’s latest, most affordable pair of wireless earbuds, but they don’t skimp on features. They offer active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, along with excellent sound for the price. They also provide hands-free Gemini support, allowing you to quickly get directions, brainstorm ideas, and summarize messages. The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of listening time with ANC disabled and carry an IP54 rating, too, which isn’t great but should provide at least some protection against rain and sweat.
A few more deals to check out
- Apple’s M4-powered MacBook Air 13 is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy starting at $749 ($250 off), which is just a few dollars shy of its Black Friday low. However, if you purchase it at Best Buy, you’ll also get a free $25 gift card. The slim laptop offers an impressive combination of performance and battery life, with double the base RAM of its predecessor (16GB versus 8GB) and two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports. It’s still relatively limited with 256GB of base storage, but it remains one of the best laptops available, especially with the current discount. Read our review.
- Hoto’s new PixelDrive electric screwdriver is on sale for the first time at Amazon, where you can snag it for $59.99 ($20 off). The cordless PixelDrive is great for small- to medium-sized projects, whether you’re assembling electronics or putting together furniture. It features up to 6Nm of torque, along with a single multi-function button that allows you to change the screwdriver’s direction, switch to an 80RPM precision mode for delicate tasks, or boost up to 200RPM with one finger. It also has a built-in pixelated display, so you can quickly check the battery life and see which of the six torque levels you’re using.
- The Lego Super Mario Goombas’ Playground set is as adorable as it sounds, and it’s currently down to $8.99 ($6 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. The set comes in at a relatively light 171 pieces, which you can use to build three Goomba figurines, a tree trunk, and a seesaw. Each Goomba has its own evil (but cute) expression, and they can stack on top of each other to make a small Goomba tower. There’s even a lever on the back of the tree trunk that can make a Goomba pop out, so you can play a round of peekaboo before placing the set on a desk or bookshelf.
The best thing I bought this year: a portable mechanical keyboard
As a writer, I take the tools of my trade relatively seriously. I’m not crazy enough to drop $3,600 on a keyboard, but I also find typing on a MacBook for extended periods of time deeply unsatisfying — and distracting. So this spring, I started looking into distraction-free writing setups, which included an e-reader / writer and a mechanical keyboard.
I started with the Boox Palma 2 because its E Ink screen and limited connectivity could make it a solid distraction-free solution if paired with a good keyboard. After a lot of research, the keyboard I settled on was the NuPhy Air60 V2, with the company’s heaviest tactile Moss switches and the gorgeous NuFolio case in “nostalgic tan,” which is really more of a bold yellow.
Now, I am no connoisseur of mechanical keyboards, but I find the Air60 V2 to be delightful to type on. Its low-profile keys don’t have the same travel and feedback as my regular keyboard or my vintage IBM Model M, but it is still an enormous improvement over my MacBook’s scissor switch keyboard. The Moss switches offer decent-enough thock, but they’re not so loud that I would avoid using the keyboard in public. It might be a bit much for a quiet cafe, but I’ve sat and worked on articles and short stories while seated at a bar and definitely didn’t feel self-conscious about it.
The ability to pair it with three devices means I can move the NuPhy between my personal laptop, my work laptop, and the Boox with ease. It also comes with a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, but I’ve had little need for it.
I frequently bring the Air60 with me to get some writing done on quiet nights when I’m bartending. (Come see me at Flagship Brewery Tuesdays and Thursdays.) If I need to use my laptop, the Air60 is designed to fit perfectly over a MacBook keyboard while leaving easy access to the trackpad. But more often I’ll bring the Palma 2. The NuFolio acts as a stand as well as a keyboard cover, and the Palma’s flip case hangs perfectly over the top, creating a nice little self-contained writing setup that is ideal when I don’t want (or need) access to the internet.
I even turn to it at home sometimes. When I decided to start writing fiction again for the first time in nearly 20 years, I installed Obsidian on the Palma and, paired with the Air60, it became my go-to. As someone who frequently relies on timers to stay on task, I found the NuPhy and Palma a panacea for my attention struggles. Part of that is because I actually look forward to typing on the Air60. The feel, the sound, even the color scheme are all deeply satisfying in a way that no laptop keyboard could ever be.
It’s not a perfect solution. The 64-key layout is great for portability, but it can be a bit cramped — I make a few more errors typing on the Air60 than I do on a more generous keyboard. And its shallow angle can be a bit uncomfortable for extended periods of sitting at a desk. But it’s actually perfect with a standing desk (or a bar) or even while resting in your lap.
I wasn’t sure that the NuPhy was going to be a wise use of my limited funds when I bought it earlier this year (I was just over a year deep into unemployment and relying on diminishing freelance assignments). But nine months later, it’s become an indispensable part of my writing routine.
NuPhy Air60 V2
Where to Buy:
Sektori is psychedelic, tough as nails, and worth the pain
Sektori is an old-school twin-stick shooter. Created by a former developer at Returnal studio Housemarque, it puts you in the role of a little ship that blasts through swarms of enemies, and you have to weave through them to get upgrades to help you survive. Often, my runs end after less than a couple minutes, like a retro arcade game. But creator Kimmo Lahtinen brilliantly weaves modern ideas from roguelikes with pulsing visuals and music that make Sektori a mesmerizing experience.
A key part of what makes Sektori good is how it puts you into a flow state. "Sektori is a place, a form of being, a method of transformation," reads the descrip …
Here are the shipping deadlines to get your holiday gifts on time
Let’s face it, the same thing happens year after year. Things get busy with work, school, and life in general until you’re suddenly up against the clock as you race your gifts to your local post office, FedEx store, or UPS location. We’ve all been there, but we’d like to help as you plan your next move and begin sending out your holiday packages.
If you intend to send your gifts via traditional mail this year, we’ve compiled the domestic shipping deadlines for various carriers and major retailers, so you can plan ahead and ensure your packages arrive before the holidays. Hopefully, it will help you avoid some unwanted stress — well, assuming that’s even possible this time of year.
| Final day to ship | Ships via this service |
|---|---|
| December 19th | UPS 3 Day Select |
| December 22nd | UPS 2nd Day Air |
| December 23rd | UPS Next Day Air |
With UPS, you have until Tuesday, December 23rd, to ship via Next Day Air and have your package arrive by Wednesday, December 24th. Packages shipped via Next Day Air after the 23rd won’t arrive until after Christmas. Monday, December 22nd, is the last day to ship via 2nd Day Air if you want your package to arrive by December 24th. You can opt for UPS’s 3 Day Select option until Friday, December 19th, to have it arrive by the 22nd. If you plan to ship your packages before then, you should be fine opting for the standard pickup and delivery service.
See more details regarding UPS shipping deadlines here.
| Final day to ship | Ships via this service |
|---|---|
| December 20th | FedEx Express Saver |
| December 22nd | FedEx 2Day and 2Day AM |
| December 24th | FedEx SameDay |
FedEx says the cutoff for its SameDay delivery is Wednesday, December 24th, but it’s risky to ship packages that late, as even the slightest delay could result in them arriving after Christmas. However, if you ship it by Monday, December 22nd, you can choose either of the two-day shipping methods. And if you manage to get it to FedEx by Saturday, December 20th, you can go with the Express Saver option for a more reasonable shipping fee.
See more details regarding FedEx shipping deadlines here.
| Final day to ship | Ships via this service |
|---|---|
| December 17th | First-Class Mail |
| December 17th | USPS Ground Advantage |
| December 18th | Priority Mail |
| December 20th | Priority Mail Express |
Saturday, December 20th, is the final day to send packages (to arrive by Christmas Eve) via USPS Priority Mail Express, while the cutoff date for packages to be delivered before Christmas via standard Priority Mail is Thursday, December 18th. First-Class Mail packages and those you intend to send via USPS Ground Advantage, meanwhile, must be sent by Wednesday, December 17th, if you want them to arrive in time for Christmas.
See more details regarding USPS shipping deadlines here.
Amazon holiday shipping deadlines
- If you subscribe to Amazon Prime and live in an eligible ZIP code in the US, you can get Same-Day Delivery on certain items through December 24th. You’ll need to meet the “minimum threshold” of eligible items in your cart; however, the exact threshold varies by location (see here for more details). Same-Day Delivery costs up to $2.99 per order for Prime members whose orders fall under the threshold, or up to $12.99 for non-Prime customers.
- Prime members can get One-Day Delivery for eligible products through December 23rd with no minimum purchase amount or Two-Day Delivery through December 22nd.
- If you’re a Prime member in select US cities, you can take advantage of two-hour grocery delivery through December 24th.
Shipping times and prices may vary depending on the product type, size, and whether it’s shipping directly from Amazon or a third-party seller, so make sure to check the expected arrival date at checkout, then choose accordingly.
Best Buy holiday shipping deadlines
- If you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total subscriber, you can get free two-day shipping with no minimum order size. However, those without a premium subscription must meet the $35 order threshold (before taxes but after coupons), and only certain items are available for next-day and standard shipping.
- Free next-day delivery is available on select items through December 23rd if you order by 10:30AM local time.
- You can get free same-day delivery if you order your package on December 24th, as long as you place your order by 12PM local time.
- If you order online by 5PM local time on Christmas Eve, you’ll also be eligible for in-store pickup until 7PM.
Keep in mind that Best Buy’s shipment and arrival dates vary depending on the type of item you’re purchasing. Major appliances, for instance, may take longer to be delivered than smaller, more conventional electronics.
Walmart holiday shipping deadlines
- Walmart offers free standard shipping on orders of $35 sold directly from Walmart. You must place orders by 12:30PM local time on December 23rd to receive the package in time for Christmas, however. Next-day shipping is also available in some areas.
- Walmart also offers free next-day and two-day shipping to Walmart Plus subscribers with no order minimum. However, the arrival date of your package may vary depending on whether Walmart or a third-party seller is shipping your item.
- The retailer offers same-day pickup and delivery on orders placed by 12PM local time on December 24th.
- You can also have the package delivered to you in as little as one hour on Christmas Eve if you order by 5PM local time and pay a $10 Express Delivery fee.
Target holiday shipping deadlines
- Target stores will be open until midnight through December 23rd and 8PM local time on Christmas Eve, though it’s wise to get pickup orders and same-day shipping orders in by December 23rd to be on the safe side.
- Orders placed by 6PM local time on Christmas Eve are eligible for in-store pickup until 8PM.
- Those with a Target Circle card can receive free two-day shipping on many items from the retailer’s website, and same-day delivery on orders placed by 3PM local time on Christmas Eve. Next-day delivery is available in 35 cities, too, but the order cutoff time varies by location.
- Many (but not all) orders over $35 are eligible for free shipping, even if you don’t have a Target Circle card or Circle 360 membership. It’s determined by the item’s location and your ZIP code.
As with Walmart and Amazon, be aware that items shipped or sold by third-party retailers at Target may result in longer lead times. Product listings usually spell out your options for pickup, same-day delivery, and standard shipping — complete with estimated availability times — before you add them to your cart.
Update, December 13th: Updated shipping deadlines and other related information pertaining to the 2025 holiday season.
The Verge’s 2025 holiday gift guide
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. One minute you're trick-or-treating with your kids, and the next you're panic shopping in a Buc-ee's gift aisle. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right cheat sheet, you can keep the holiday spirit high and stress levels low.
Fortunately, we did some planning on your behalf. As much as we love playing with the latest gadgets and gizmos here at The Verge, we also love recommending them. That's why, after consulting with our expert team of writers and editors, we've compiled a medley of gift ideas that won't be regifted come this time next year - from noise-canceling earbuds and e-reade …
The best instant cameras you can buy right now
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, Leica, Canon, Kodak, and others.
All the models featured in our instant camera buying guide are enjoyable to use, but each offers a distinct 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 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.
The best instant camera for most people
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Where to Buy:
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 those new to photography and kids.
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.
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.
Best premium instant camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
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Where to Buy:
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, was a favorite of my former colleague Becca Farcase — 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. I tested the black camera, but Fujifilm also sells a brown version and limited edition models in silver and gold.
It’s easy to balk at its $216.95 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.
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.
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 isn’t particularly easy to navigate, either, 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.
The best instant camera for social occasions
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro
Score: 6
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Where to Buy:
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.
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 $170 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.
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 with fun app features, the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is a good choice.
The best instant camera for retro fans
Polaroid Flip
The Polaroid Flip is a great instant camera for retro fans that prints vintage-style photos and offers modern conveniences like USB-C. It also features a variety of creative modes via the companion app, making it a solid choice for artistic photography as well.
Score: 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Where to Buy:
Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 4.2 x 3.5-inch prints / Weight: 648 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes / Other features: Flip-up lid, scene analysis feature
If you’re looking for an instant camera that offers the most old-fashioned, instant-film experience, the Polaroid Flip is the camera for you. It resembles vintage instant cameras like the Polaroid 600 more than any other camera on our list, thanks to its classic, retro-inspired design and flip-up lid. Its square I-Type film prints and iconic white frame give photos an authentically vintage look, while modern touches like Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a beginner-friendly companion app add greater convenience and creative control.
Compared to the third-gen Polaroid Now Plus, my former retro pick, the Flip delivers clearer shots with fewer wasted photos, making the extra $50 worthwhile given that eight I-Type sheets are a spendy $16.99. The increased clarity can be attributed to several factors, including the Flip’s sonar autofocus and a four-lens hyperfocal system — which result in sharper, more focused images — along with its excellent flash. It’s the most powerful of any Polaroid camera, and while it can sometimes overexpose images, you can adjust exposure directly from the camera or app. The Scene Analysis feature also helps by warning if a shot is likely to be over- or underexposed, or if you’re too close to your subject. In my experience, the warnings didn’t always prevent overexposure, but they did leave me with shots that looked less blown than those from the Now Plus.
If there’s one thing the Polaroid Flip isn’t known for, it’s portability. Given it’s relatively heavy and awkwardly sized, it’s not the kind of instant camera you can easily slip into your purse or carry around. Additionally, it takes up to 15 minutes for prints to develop, and you must ensure they’re not exposed to light during this process. That’s quite an inconvenience if you’re out with friends, say, at the beach on a sunny day.
Low-light performance is another weak spot. Although it does a better job than the Now Plus, I still struggled to capture crisp indoor shots. Even in daylight, both contrast and color saturation levels are lower in comparison to Instax film. Admittedly, this gave my pictures a more dreamy, vintage look that felt artistic, and you can use the Polaroid Lab to slightly adjust the saturation and exposure settings. However, doing so is time-consuming.
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, the Polaroid Flip is the perfect camera for you.
The best instant camera for portability
Polaroid Go (second-gen)
Score: 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Where to Buy:
Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 2.6 x 2.1-inch prints / Weight: 239 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: No / Other features: Self-timer, selfie mirror, film counter
Whereas the Polaroid Flip is huge, the second-gen Polaroid Go is tiny. 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 — making it easily the most portable instant camera on our list. It also produces the smallest prints of all the instant cameras I tested, which could be nice if you’re trying to save some space and want something more compact than Instax Mini prints.
Weighing just over a pound, the latest 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 Flip 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.
At $89.99, the latest Polaroid Go is the most affordable Polaroid camera on the market, even with its recent $10 price increase. Its film also costs just a little more than Fujifilm’s Instax Mini shots (or about $19.99 for a 16-sheet pack). The camera also sports a small number of upgrades over the last-gen model despite retailing for less. The most significant is USB-C support, which allows for faster charging and prevents you from having to spend money on AA batteries.
Polaroid also claims the camera produces clearer stills than its predecessor, but truthfully, I didn’t see a significant difference from one generation to the next. The photos are a little brighter, but if anything, the original Polaroid Go produced warmer pictures that I thought were truer to life. Still, the photos are charming in the way only a Polaroid photo can be. Contrast and color saturation levels are still low but in a way that exudes the vintage, almost dreamy look of the photos taken with the Flip.
Unlike the Flip, however, the Go lacks creative modes and more advanced features, although it does offer a helpful self-timer and a larger selfie mirror. There’s also no Bluetooth support and, thus, no fancy app that will allow you to add extra effects. Instead, it’s just a simple point-and-shoot camera, just like the Instax Mini 12, which makes it a little easier to use. In addition, as mentioned, the prints are smaller than those of 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, 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 an easy-to-use camera that provides a more traditional instant film experience — one they can take advantage of just about anywhere for less than half the price of the Polaroid Flip.
Other instant cameras to consider
Instax Mini 41
In April, Fujifilm announced the $116.95 Instax Mini 41, the long-awaited follow-up to the Mini 40. The updated model retains the retro design found on the prior model but introduces parallax correction, a feature borrowed from the Instax Mini 12 to help users avoid off-center shots when taking close-ups.
It didn’t take long testing the Mini 41 for me to realize it’s simply the Mini 12 for adults. With its black-and-silver body and flatter, squarer edges, the Mini 41 looks sleeker and more stylish. The two cameras are nearly identical, aside from the design, with the same solid photo quality and feature set. Both battery-powered options turn on with a simple twist of the lens, and each comes equipped with a selfie mirror, a close-up mode, and a flash (which cannot be disabled).
There are a few subtle upgrades to the Mini 41, however. A textured grip in the front makes it easier to hold, and its shape makes shooting in landscape mode more comfortable. But those are small differences, and at their core, the cameras offer the same experience. Since the Instax Mini 12 retails for less, I ultimately believe it’s the better value; however, if a fashionable, mature look appeals to you, the Mini 41 is a great alternative, especially if you can find it on sale.
Instax Mini 99
If you’re looking for an advanced analog instant camera, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 99 is one to consider. At $234.95, Fujifilm’s latest instant camera is not as affordable as the Instax Mini 12 or the Mini 41, but it’s certainly a step up from the one-button point-and-click cameras given it has multiple brightness settings, focus zones, color effects, and even two shutter buttons for greater creative control. The camera even comes with a tripod socket and an aluminum extension column, as well as a Sports Mode designed to further reduce blur while capturing fast-moving subjects.
Thanks to the added level of customization, I was able to capture higher-quality photos that looked truer to life than those from the Instax Mini 12, Mini 41, and Mini Evo. Granted, the Mini 99 is an analog camera and not a hybrid like the Evo, meaning you shouldn’t buy it if you also want to print smartphone photos. The newer model is also less user-friendly than the Mini 12 and Mini 41, so I wouldn’t recommend it for young children. Still, for an advanced analog instant camera, it’s relatively easy to set up and use, rendering it as much fun for budding photographers as more experienced shooters.
Kodak Smile Plus
The Kodak Smile Plus is another hybrid instant camera that allows you to print smartphone photos. It’s smaller and less expensive than Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro 3 at $129.99, and it’s available in a variety of vibrant colors that should appeal to children. It also comes with a physical filter-changing lens and prints on Zinc paper, allowing you to use your photos as stickers.
However, it lacks a built-in display, so you can’t choose which images you want to print directly on the camera itself. This often results in more wasted shots, especially since image quality is so-so at best, even when compared to those of the Retro 3. Photos are nowhere near as clear as the Instax Mini 12’s, either, especially in areas that are either too bright or too dark.
That being said, the Smile Plus does offer a microSD card slot, so you can store and view photos elsewhere. It pairs with an app that’s similar to the Retro 3’s as well, and although the software is not as snappy or feature-rich, it still allows you to add a variety of filters and frames. Ultimately, I’d recommend the Retro 3 since it can often be found for less than $120, but the Smile Plus is a good, budget-friendly alternative.
Leica Sofort 2
From photo quality to the lever you pull to print photos, Leica’s Sofort 2 is a terrific camera that’s remarkably similar to the Instax Mini Evo. In all of my tests, the photos I took with both looked identical. The two hybrid cameras also print smartphone photos via Instax Mini film and offer 10 film and lens effects, along with a macro mode for those who want more creative control. The Sofort 2’s minimalistic look is stylish, too, even if it’s not as charming as the retro-inspired Evo.
The drawback to the Sofort 2 is that it’s twice the price of the Evo. It’s challenging to recommend at $399, as most people would likely consider the differences between the two cameras relatively minor. The user interface is easier to navigate on the Leica, though, and I appreciate the included lens cap and extended two-year warranty. I also appreciate that it allows you to print photos taken with other Leica cameras via the companion app — a nice perk for Leica fans. Nonetheless, I don’t think those perks are enough to justify spending nearly $200 more.
Instax Square SQ1
While it didn’t make the cut, the Instax Square SQ1 is also worth a brief mention. Like the Mini 12, the Square SQ1 produces good-quality shots, is easy to set up and use, and features 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 $159.95, 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 Flip 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 $199.95. Given it produces similarly good-quality photos, I’d recommend the Instax Square SQ1 or the more capable Instax Mini Evo for $50 more.
Instax Wide Evo Hybrid
Fujifilm’s Instax Wide Evo Hybrid is nearly identical to the Instax Mini Evo. You can use it to print photos directly from your smartphone, though the $409.95 camera also comes with a 15.67mm lens — the widest used on any Instax camera — for taking wide-format pictures.
Ultimately, I preferred the smaller, more travel-friendly Mini Evo, but if you’re into wide prints (and don’t mind spending twice as much), the Wide Evo Hybrid is rather fun. The photo quality is solid and on par with both the Instax Mini Evo and Instax Mini 12. The main difference is that the Wide Evo’s lens captures a broader field of view. It also offers a few additional lenses and film effects, giving users a bit more creative control. I especially liked the Degree Control feature, which lets you fine-tune the intensity of each lens effect applied to your image.
Plus, unlike the Wide 400, the Wide Evo Hybrid is a hybrid camera equipped with an LCD screen — a helpful feature that can reduce wasted shots. However, at $409.95, it costs significantly more than both the Mini Evo and the Wide 400. My other main complaint is that there’s a slight delay between pressing the shutter and the photo being taken — something I didn’t notice with the Mini Evo. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be frustrating when trying to capture fast-moving subjects, such as a dog or hyperactive toddler.
Instax Wide 400
If you’re into wide-format instant cameras but don’t want to spend $409.95 — or prefer a more traditional analog experience — the $175.95 Instax Wide 400 is a solid pick. The basic point-and-shoot produces similar photos to the Wide Evo, and in some ways, it’s easier to use, thanks to its stripped-down feature set. That simplicity, however, comes at the cost of customization, making it harder to capture the perfect shot. It also swaps an LCD display for a large viewfinder and is noticeably heavier than the Instax Mini Evo. Nonetheless, if you’re after wide prints at a more affordable price, it’s a worthwhile option.
What’s coming next
I’m currently having a lot of fun testing Fujifilm’s new Instax Mini LiPlay Plus. Like most of Fujifilm’s instant cameras, it’s extremely easy to use and produces relatively true-to-life photos. The $234.99 hybrid camera also features a 3-inch LCD screen on the back, along with a second, rear-facing wide-angle lens designed specifically for selfies. This dedicated selfie camera, combined with the LCD screen, results in some of the best — and most precise — selfies I’ve captured with an instant camera to date.
It has a few other standout features as well. The new layered photo mode lets you combine images from both cameras into a single shot. I’m still testing it, but so far it feels a bit gimmicky, essentially placing a selfie in front of a background image with no way to reposition or resize it, which limits its appeal. The camera can also record short audio clips, with a dedicated button near the screen that makes it easy to use. I haven’t yet had a chance to use that feature meaningfully, but I’ll share more thoughts once I’ve spent some more time with it.
Update, December 12th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability and mentioned my thoughts regarding the new Instax Mini LiPlus.
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