The mere thought of ticks makes our skin crawl. These vile little creatures transmit diseases such as Lyme, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the rare-but-fatal Powassan virus, among others. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can range from swollen joints to meat allergies. About 50,000 cases of tick-borne illnesses are reported to the Centers for Disease…
Category: Tech Reviews
Reviews of new tech gadgets, software, and tools, with an emphasis on how they can be used for coding..
The Best Smart Plugs
Using a smart plug is the cheapest, easiest way to remotely control any electrical device in your home. Just plug one into an electrical outlet, and add a lamp, fan, or other on/off device. Then set it up with an app, and—boom—you’re making magic.We recommend the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) for inside…
Setting Up a TV at a Tailgate Is Easier Than
Although watching football on TV is generally considered an indoor sport, a tailgate party can also be a great place to tune in to your favorite team, combining the in-person fervor of the stadium with the hi-def details of a screen. While that may seem like an endeavor undertaken by only the most hardcore tailgaters,…
The Best Indoor Security Camera
Out of the box, the Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 is noticeably light. Some people may say it feels “cheap.” Well, it is: A $40 security camera that delivers 2K images, has so many storage options, and detects motion, people, pets, and even crying—whether you opt for a paid cloud storage plan or not—was, until now,…
The Best USB Audio Interface
If you’re a musician, a podcaster, or anyone else who needs to record high-quality audio to a computer, phone, or tablet, you need a USB audio interface that lets you connect any microphone or electric instrument.The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen offers the best combination of features, build quality, user-friendliness, and affordability for musicians. Beginning…
The Best Ways to Make (and Flavor) Popcorn
Nearly all home-popping methods fit into one of three categories: hot air (using a small appliance, such as an air popper), stove-top, or microwave. I say “nearly all” because technically you can get as creative as you want: Setting a kernel under a magnifying glass in the sun (video) could work, as could placing a…
The Best Double Strollers
Double strollers are often much more expensive than single models. But if a double stroller makes life with kids easier or allows you to go running or to take long walks without hiring a babysitter, it may be worth the investment.After spending 100-plus hours testing 17 double strollers—including recruiting four families to try the top…
The Best Ski Socks
Our pickThe best mix of versatility, support, and comfort in a narrower profile than the men’s sock.The same versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different sizes and widths.The Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion Over the Calf sock, which comes in both men’s and women’s models, is the most versatile sock for people who want…
The Best Projectors
Different projectors are designed for different uses, and they can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to well into the five-figure range. Choosing the right model for your needs can be a daunting task, and we’re here to help.Below is an overview of the top picks from our various projector guides. We have…
Why This Natori Underwear Is the Best I’ve Ever Worn
Until recently, my top drawer was stuffed with ill-fitting, outfit-spoiling underwear—and I know I’m not the only one with this problem.The woes that plague women’s underthings are so numerous, in fact, that a whole vocabulary has sprung up to describe them: muffin top, camel toe, whale tail, wedgie, and of course, visible panty line (aka…
ThirdLove’s 24/7 Is the Only Bra I Don’t Fling Across
In my frog-kissing quest to find the perfect match, I had sampled countless brands and styles. I knew I was wearing the right size, after subjecting myself to multiple manhandlings by imperious experts at bra fittings. But I had nearly given up hope.“Hey,” I thought, “maybe this just isn’t in the cards for me, much…
The Best Olive Oil You Can Buy at the Store
The Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil Rich Taste (about 36¢ per ounce) had one of the most pronounced grassy and peppery notes of any olive oil we tried. Multiple testers initially smelled petrol, but it gave way to more tropical fruit aromas, including guava, on subsequent whiffs. One of us thought it smelled strongly of…
The Best Hybrid Mattresses
But as with conventional foam and innerspring mattresses, there’s no single hybrid mattress that’s perfect for everyone. And chances are good you’ll have to try a range of beds to find one that’s “just right.”In this guide, we share what to expect as you shop for a hybrid mattress—and we offer three of our favorite…
The Best Gear for Your Road Trips
Our original trip, in 2016, included 60 hours of researching and testing gear to take on the open road. We packed all of our top contenders into a Honda Fit EX and headed out on a four-day jaunt to determine what’s nice to have, what’s great, and what’s absolutely essential for your next road trip.In…
The Best Personal Blender
Of the blenders we tested, the NutriBullet Pro did the best job of blending thick, spoonable smoothies. Our banana, berry, ginger, and spinach smoothie came out lump-free and with barely any fibers. We did have to stop and shake the blending jar to incorporate some wayward spinach leaves, but this was true of all the…
The Best Air Conditioner
The perfect air conditioner slides gracefully in and out of your window, cooling you quickly, efficiently, and silently.In other words, the perfect AC doesn’t exist.The closest thing we’ve found to that ideal is the Midea U MAW08V1QWT. We’ve been researching window ACs since 2012, and this Midea model is quieter and more energy-efficient than any…
The Best Memory Foam Mattresses You Can Buy Online
For a traditional coil mattress or for a mattress that combines springs and foam, we’ve reviewed the best innerspring mattresses and the best hybrid mattresses.If you’re on a tighter budget, check out our guide to the best cheap mattresses (under $500).Our pickCombining the best elements of memory-foam and spring mattresses, this has better cooling and…
The Best Innerspring Mattresses
Our pickA quilted cover, pocketed coils, and foamy top give this bed a pleasingly hefty hybrid feel. But there are no handles, so you’ll need help moving it up any stairs.The 13½-inch-thick WinkBed has been a consistent crowd-pleaser since we started testing it, in 2019. It’s a sturdy-feeling mattress for those who like a solid…
The Best Shower Caddy
Our pickThis shower caddy is easier than others to install and remove, has better stability, ample capacity, high-quality materials, and a durable design that’s backed by OXO’s guarantee.The OXO Aluminum 3-tier Shower Caddy is easier than others to hook over the shower arm, and it’s more stable thanks to a grippy rubberized hook and sturdy…
The Best Standing Desks
Want a productivity and energy boost? Push a button to raise the desk so you can move a little while working. Feel like leaning back in your chair for some deep focus time? Push another button to lower the desk.For years, the Uplift V2 Standing Desk has been our pick for the best standing desk…
The Best Cat Litter
Our pickThis cat litter forms sturdy clumps and contains odors, and it’s one of the more affordable options. But the bag is awkward to pour from, and clumps may stick to the bottom of the litter box.After six years of testing and sifting 23 cat litters, we’ve learned that every litter has trade-offs. But no…
The Best 4K Monitors
When people shop for a TV these days, a high-resolution, 4K screen is practically a given. But 4K computer monitors are still a luxury, unless you’re editing photos or videos professionally, or if you specifically want to watch 4K content.The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is our favorite 4K monitor because it’s a quality, color-accurate display that…
The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Keyboards
Our pickThe Logitech K380 is comfortable to type on, compact, and blessed with long battery life. Plus, it can pair with and switch between up to three Bluetooth devices.This version of the K380 has a macOS-specific layout, so the Fn, Control, Option, and Command keys are where Mac users expect. It’s otherwise identical to the…
The Best Woks
Woks are versatile and made to last, so shopping for one can be a once-in-a-lifetime task. To find the best options, we spoke with experts and then got to work sautéing, frying, and steaming. One clear winner stood out: the Sur La Table Professional Carbon Steel Wok. Thanks to its softly curved angles, it performs…
The Best Portable Mini Projector
Our pickThis compact projector offers good image brightness, above-average sound, and easy setup—for less money than similarly equipped competitors. It lacks a built-in battery, but you can run it off a USB-C power bank.The Pro version’s 1080p resolution produces a slightly cleaner, sharper image than the basic version—but that improvement may not be worth the…
The Best Dishwashers
Our pickWith its third rack and quiet performance, this reliable, efficient, and effective dishwasher is a great choice. But it doesn’t fully dry plastic.Of the models we tested, the Bosch 300 Series SHE53C85N delivers the strongest combination of cleaning performance, useful features, and value. We’ve been recommending the 300 Series since 2017. (The older model,…
The Best Android and iPhone Gimbal
If you love making videos with your phone but want a smoother, less bouncy, more professional look, a smartphone gimbal can elevate your content creation for not a lot of money. A gimbal is a mechanical stabilizer that, through a combination of sensors and electric motors, keeps your phone steady regardless of how you move…
The Best French Door Refrigerators
Our pickThis handsome, quiet refrigerator is spacious considering its smaller-than-average footprint. In our surveys, LG consistently ranks at the top for customer satisfaction.The well-rounded and good-looking LG LRFLC2706S offers the strongest marriage of capacity and design we’ve seen for the price (it’s usually around $2,000), from a company known for reliability.This model squeezes 26.5 cubic…
The Best Baby Monitors
Local-video monitors like the Eufy SpaceView require the camera and the display unit to remain in close proximity. If you want to be able to keep an eye on your child from afar, you need a Wi-Fi–enabled monitor, which links a camera’s feed to an app on your smartphone. Our favorite is the Nanit Pro…
The Worst Time to Buy an iPhone Is Right Now
Though Apple hasn’t yet announced a date for its anticipated fall event or even confirmed that a new iPhone is on the way, historical precedent and credible reports indicate that the iPhone 15 is due out in September. You should absolutely wait to buy a new phone—even if your current phone is on its last…
5 Cheap(ish) Things to Bring to a Vacation Rental
Airbnb hosts aren’t mind readers.Yes, most people who rent out their vacation homes on Airbnb or VRBO put a lot of thought into making their guests comfortable, and the listing sites they work with provide all kinds of support and documentation. (We at Wirecutter even have our own advice on how to equip a vacation…
The Best LCD/LED TV
The Hisense U8H Series is a prime example. This TV offers picture quality that’s equal in brightness and color vividness to that of TVs twice the price, as well as an intuitive Google TV streaming experience.The U8H is the best LCD/LED TV for buyers aiming to split the difference between entry-level and ultra-premium without sacrificing…
Uke Can Do It! How to Get Started With the
As one of the easiest stringed instruments to play, the ukulele is a great point of entry for anyone who wants to explore playing music. But, as with buying a sewing machine or a telescope or a pressure cooker, the next step after unboxing the item isn’t necessarily clear. A few key accessories can help…