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Showing posts from May, 2025

The Best Slim Wallet

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As a cashless society inches ever closer, a slim wallet becomes all you need. A good one will also be comfortable in your pocket and bring you some pleasure—or maybe even a compliment—every time you take it out. We tested more than two dozen slim wallets to find our eight favorite leather and non-leather bifolds, synthetic or Tyvek bifolds, and leather  and non-leather card holders in a variety of styles. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/61SHxPM via IFTTT

The Best Toolbox

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If you think of a toolbox as a single metal box with a messy compartment and a removable tray, you’re missing out. The best toolboxes today are more durable, more organized, and much easier to work out of, making projects and repairs quicker and less frustrating. We’ve tested 28 toolboxes since 2015, and the Crescent CTB1750N 17″ Tradesman Closed Top Tool Bag is our pick. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/uLW3p7i via IFTTT

The Best NAS for Most Home Users

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If you’ve ever needed to back up your phone and your PC’s data, store and stream music and videos around your home, or offload business functions from your PCs, a network-attached storage (NAS) device might be worth buying. After testing six new network-attached storage (NAS) devices and comparing them against our previous picks, we found that the QNAP TS-264-8G is the best home NAS for most people. It is one of the fastest media servers we’ve tested, has forward-looking 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports found on new routers for speedy transfers, and comes with software that’s easy to use. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/5ZcUCOA via IFTTT

The Best Men’s White T-Shirts

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A white T-shirt is the ultimate blank canvas. Versatile and classic, it can blend in or stand out, depending on the outfit and the occasion. But there are thousands of white tees to choose from, so finding a favorite can feel anything but basic. In our search for flattering, comfortable, and well-made T-shirts worthy of becoming wardrobe staples, we sifted through heaps of contenders. And we enlisted the help of testers with different body types and style preferences. Three favorites rose to the top of the pile: a polished and versatile $25 tee that feels pricier than it is , a high-end, splurge-worthy shirt , and an ultra-affordable white T-shirt that comes in lots of sizes . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/xXOqshF via IFTTT

The Best Mop-Vacuum Combo Is the Bissell CrossWave

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Mop-vacuum combos, wet-dry vacuums—whatever you call them, we’ve found in our testing that these machines can wash the filthiest bare floors much faster than any other cleaning tools. It is possible that you might be better off with a different type of product. But if you think the sheer speed of a mop-vac combo is your best option, consider the plug-in version of the Bissell CrossWave first. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/iU3JgQ5 via IFTTT

The Best Pressure Washer

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Blasting years of mildew off a piece of patio furniture provides a level of satisfaction that is attainable only with a pressure washer. After more than 100 hours of research and years of testing and using pressure washers to clean cars, outdoor chairs, and more, we found that the best one for most homeowners is the Ryobi RY142500 Brushless 2500 PSI Pressure Washer . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/vTub8dX via IFTTT

The Best Sports Bras

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A sports bra won’t magically make you run faster, jump higher, lift heavier, or simply move about the world more comfortably. But it can help. A quality sports bra should halt excessive breast motion, via molded cups or compression (or a combination of both). Defying the laws of physics is no small task, but some of the options we’ve found should feel supportive enough to get you through any activity. Over the past seven years, we’ve compared 38 sports bras, recruiting more than two-dozen panelists (with band sizes 30 to 44 and cup sizes A to JJ). These panelists put the bras to the test in marathons, gentle yoga, and anywhere else you might wear a sports bra. Our picks in this guide are loosely based on cup sizes and styles: We recommend supportive sports bras for people with DD+ cups and larger band sizes , DD+ cups and smaller band sizes , D/DD cups , C/D cups , and A/B cups . Your choice will come down to personal preference: Someone who wears a B cup may want the support and e...

The Best Sandals

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Stylish sandals are a crucial part of any warm-weather wardrobe. But the wrong pair can easily spoil your fun in the sun (think blistered toes, broken straps, aching feet). We’ve scoured beaches, boardwalks, and beyond to find 10 terrific options. Whether you’re in search of easy and affordable styles, a supremely comfortable pair for active days, or elevated, splurge-worthy sandals, these are the shoes you’ll want to wear — wherever your feet may carry you this season. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/0zxFC41 via IFTTT

The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping

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When you’re in the wild, a good sleeping pad can transform hours of tossing and turning into a decent night’s sleep. After sleeping on more than 35 sleeping pads—carrying them on a total of eight car-camping and backpacking trips—we concluded that the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad is the best choice for car campers. And we found that the Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad is the most supportive pad for backpackers. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/EhrG1Mn via IFTTT

The Wirecutter Show Episode 42: Bug Repellents That Work

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Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platforms Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying–they spread dangerous diseases. In this episode, senior staff writer Doug Mahoney shares proven prevention tips and breaks down the differences between various effective repellents. He also explains why you should avoid certain “natural” repellents, like essential oils and citronella candles, and why bug zappers are bad for the environment. Products we recommend: Best DEET-based repellent: Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent Best picaridin-based repellent: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Best insecticide to spray on clothes and shoes: Sawyer Products Permethrin Fabric Treatment A service to mail in clothing to be treated with permethrin: Insect Shield Best spacial repellent: Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent A good repellent coil: Pic Mosquito Repelling Coils Festive spatial ...

The Best Sleeping Bag

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If you have a great sleeping bag—one that’s functional and comfortable—it’s much easier to get a good night’s sleep when you’re camping. After testing bags in California, Hawaii, and Colorado, we’ve concluded that the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is the best sleeping bag for car camping. The Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 and the Marmot Women’s Teton 15° Sleeping Bag are the best bags for backpacking. We also have recommendations for double bags and bags for side sleepers. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/4VahUed via IFTTT

The Best Qi Wireless Charger for iPhone and Android Phones

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If you’ve grown weary of cables—each day an ouroboros of perpetual plugging and unplugging—wireless chargers are a convenient way to juice up your phone (or other compatible device), even if they’re slower than wired chargers. The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe is the best wireless charger because it charges iPhones and Android phones faster than the competition. And, despite being one of the cheapest models we tested, it’s equipped with premium features, like MagSafe capabilities, a built-in stand, and a 6.6-foot USB-C power cable. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/AvcoUBR via IFTTT

The Best Wine Coolers and Fridges

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If you spend a lot of money on wine, buy more bottles than you can drink in a month, or want to age wines, a wine fridge is a worthy purchase. Proper storage will protect your bottles, so the wine will still taste deeply complex and aromatic—whenever you decide to drink it. We recommend the freestanding Wine Enthusiast Classic 80 Wine Cellar (which stores wine at one temperature) and the Wine Enthusiast Classic 70 Dual Zone Wine Cellar (which has two sections, for storing wine at different temperatures). For serious collectors, the freestanding EuroCave La Première S is an excellent basic model from a top company whose wine fridges are known for their durability. If you’re on a budget, but you still want the best, you can also look for a used model . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/eq0Wo7O via IFTTT

The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard

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If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your deck or patio, without having to slather your skin in bug repellent , get the Thermacell E65 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller . After spending 80 hours researching a category full of marketing hype and debunked methods (including popular options like citronella candles), we found that the E65 stands out by actually being effective . Its rechargeable 6½-hour battery lasts long enough to odorlessly keep a bedroom-size area mosquito-free for an entire evening — as long as there’s no breeze. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/dMTnE02 via IFTTT

The Best Carry-On Luggage

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Traveling well is not always easy. Keeping your suitcase with you when you fly not only protects your belongings from loss or damage, but may help you avoid extra fees as well. If you decide to do so, you need a good carry-on bag. Over the past 10 years, we’ve handled, tested, and traveled with 67 bags from more than 35 brands, and we remain convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of value and quality for most travelers. It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions and has premium touches you might expect from a $600 bag at about half the price. It’s a bag that you can rely on for life, even if it’s damaged by airlines —a rarity at any price. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/x5nb71N via IFTTT

I’m an Outfit Repeater. This Is My Favorite Shirt.

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In this edition of The Recommendation, we peek inside an outfit repeater's closet of staples. Plus: some very giftable style upgrades we love. I confess: I am an outfit repeater. With almost two closets’ worth of clothes in my apartment, I still find myself wearing the same things again and again. Outfit repeating, to me, is a way of trimming the fat: I really only have to worry about choosing from a few prized favorites. It turns packing for a trip into a seamless affair. It lets you revisit certain outfits and combinations like old friends. Top billing on that list of old friends? My cherished chambray shirt . For outfit repeaters, chambray is like a cheat code. Although it resembles denim, it’s more akin to the flat fabric of cotton dress shirts. So it’s a nice middle ground that works for countless occasions; I’ve found that you can wear it over and over without looking like you’re wearing the same thing twice. It’s the perfect long weekend or vacation shirt — no other ite...

The Best Hydration Packs for Day Hikers

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A hydration pack—that is, a backpack with a built-in water reservoir—makes it easier to stay hydrated on the trail. After eight years of testing, we still recommend the updated Osprey Skarab 18 (for people over 5-foot-8) and Osprey Skimmer 16 (for those under 5-foot-8). They’re well made, relatively inexpensive, and big enough to hold the gear and water we needed for a three-hour hike. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/5pRM9PA via IFTTT

The 68 Best Gifts Under $25

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In many cases, an inexpensive gift — not to be confused with a lame one — is the most appropriate one for the occasion. After all, you wouldn’t bring a tall, tiered wedding cake to a casual backyard barbeque or gift a Rolex for a kindergarten graduation. Affordable gifts are just right for sweet, thinking-of-you gestures, no-big-deal treats, and just-because surprises. Below are the best gifts we’ve found for $25 or less. (Note that although we confirmed these items met this threshold at the time of publication, prices can dance around a bit.) These budget delights include a handsome pair of socks honoring our National Parks , a whimsical glass with a little animal at its center , and a gilded nose-hair trimmer . If you have a slightly larger budget, check out our guides to the best gifts under $50 and the best gifts under $100 . Or if you have something just a little bit cheaper in mind, here are our favorite finds under $10 and some fantastic stocking stuffers . from Wirecutt...

How to Wash a Sleeping Bag

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Like all the other bedding that you sleep with—your pillow, comforter, and sheets—your sleeping bag needs to be cleaned regularly. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/lVE798U via IFTTT

The 36 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers

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Coffee drinkers are a diverse bunch—after all, about 75% of adults in the US drink the stuff, according to The Journal of Nutrition . There are cappuccino devotees, bean nerds who rave about washed-process varietals, and those who just want a cheap, fast caffeine hit. Whether your giftee is serious about their morning ritual or just serious about chugging it all day long, we’ve got top-tier recommendations, including a roasted-to-order coffee sampler and a coffee-table coffee book . But we also have some more-unorthodox ideas, including an actual live plant that grows beans and some standout cookies to accompany a good cup of joe. For even more gear, our kitchen team has tested all manner of coffee and espresso brewers, grinders, and even instant coffee . And if you’re looking for other food and drink gifts, check out these stellar gift baskets and these gifts for cocktail lovers . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/wJme4Oi via IFTTT

The 21 Best Style Upgrades for Dads

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Maybe you grew up thinking your dad was the coolest guy in the world, or maybe you found his dorky obliviousness to anything remotely stylish endearing. But whether your pops dresses like David Beckham or Jerry Seinfeld, the man needs something to wear, and we have plenty of suave picks for him. Dads with little aesthetic sense often appreciate a helping hand in the fashion department, and you can help them feel more confident with a classic British shooting jacket , a knit Italian silk tie , or the comfortably cool Birks sported by (hot) dad Jeremy Allen White on The Bear . For the men whose closets are more meticulously curated, you could hook them up with upgrades on basics, such as well-constructed sweats or nicely designed socks that pay homage to national parks. If you’re looking for more ways to treat him, we also have the best gifts for dads , great Father’s Day ideas , cheap Father’s Day steals , and last-minute Father’s Day finds . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the R...

The Best Smart Water-Leak Detector

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Water damage is the second leading cause of property damage, and about one in 60 insured homes files a claim due to water or freezing damage each year. Smart water-leak detectors are one way to discover a water-leak issue before it becomes a disaster. These puck-like devices can detect pooling water, trigger an alarm, and send you a smartphone notification. If you have an existing problem spot such as a drain that backs up or an aging water heater, or if you’re worried that your dishwasher or clothes washer will break down, a detector placed near the potential leak zone will ensure that you’re aware the moment something goes wrong and can take action. The YoLink Water Leak Sensor 4 is the best smart water-leak detector we tested, due to its quick response time, effective alarm, and easy setup. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/5XNSJWj via IFTTT

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses You Can Buy Online

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Waking up with aches and pains—particularly in your lower back, hips, or shoulders—is no way to start your day. If you want or need a pressure-relieving mattress that cradles you all night, you may be a good candidate for a memory-foam mattress. We’ve weeded through dozens of memory-foam mattress options to recommend three that will work for most people. For a traditional coil mattress or one that combines springs and foam, see our reviews of 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) . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/FowGXnL via IFTTT