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Showing posts from January, 2026

The Best Electric Toothbrush

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If you find an automated two-minute timer helpful or you need or prefer to brush with a powered assist, upgrading from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush may be worthwhile. After more than 120 total hours of researching the category, interviewing dental experts, considering nearly every model available, and testing 66 toothbrushes ourselves in hundreds of trials at the bathroom sink, we’ve found that the Oral-B Pro 1000 is the one to get. Although it has few fancy features compared with the other rechargeable brushes we’ve tested, it offers the most important things that experts recommend — a built-in two-minute timer and access to one of the most extensive lines of replacement brush heads available — at an affordable price. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/NtFlcOq via IFTTT

The Best Refrigerators

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Fridges have come far in just a century. Once literally big boxes filled with ice , refrigerators are now available with flat screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, wine drawers, and water pitchers that automatically refill themselves. (And, yes, they keep your food from spoiling, too.) No matter what kind of refrigerator you’re shopping for, freestanding models today come in myriad sizes, multiple styles, and a blizzard of budget options. To help you find the right fridge for you and your kitchen, we’ve assembled the best — from feature-laden French-door fridges to sleek side-by-side models and counter-depth options  to budget-friendly top-freezer and bottom-freezer models. We offer some buying advice , too. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/eoFBGxt via IFTTT

The Best Headphones

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The best headphones not only sound great but also do everything else you need, whether that means fitting in your pocket, blocking out noise on your subway commute, or remaining secure in your ears during workouts. We’ve tested thousands of headphones for a variety of uses and at a variety of prices. This article provides some shopping guidance, as well as an overview of all our top headphone and earbud picks, with links to the full guides. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/wclr6Zi via IFTTT

After a Mat, These Cork Blocks Are the Yoga Props Worth Investing In

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If you’ve ever attended a class at a yoga studio, you’ve probably seen yoga blocks. These rectangular props are intended to provide additional support and reach, making some poses more accessible to people with varying skill levels and physical abilities. Experts say that after a reliable mat , yoga blocks (ideally two, so you have one for each arm or leg or to stack, if desired) are the equipment most likely to elevate your practice. If you want to invest in a set for use at home, we’ve determined that the Manduka Cork Yoga Block is the one to get. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/Wz6wljL via IFTTT

Ask Wirecutter: My House Is Lit Like a Warehouse Basement. How Do I Make It More Serene?

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Welcome to Ask Wirecutter, where deputy editor Annemarie Conte helps you figure out how to make the most of your stuff in real life. If you have a shopping conundrum for our advice columnist, submit it using this form . Dear Wirecutter, My husband strongly opposes the use of LED bulbs in our house. Aside from the cold impersonal feeling of them as opposed to incandescent, they flicker imperceptibly. Is he right that the flickering is headache causing and will affect sleep? Is there a low energy alternative that won't do this? I don't want to feel like I have work lights at home. C.F. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/gWYehsu via IFTTT

The Best Dash Cam

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Life moves pretty quickly. If you don’t have a dash cam to record an incident, you could miss it. Accidents — even small ones — can be frightening and frustrating. Being blamed for a crash that’s not your fault can add a whole additional level of annoyance — or worse. That’s why a dash cam can be a critical aid if the unexpected happens. After researching hundreds of models, we’ve found that the best overall dash cam is the Viofo A229 Pro . It delivers clear and sharp 4K video, is easy to set up, has features like GPS and 24-hour parking monitoring, and comes in 1- , 2- , and 3-channel versions. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/kcSadL1 via IFTTT

The Best Drugstore Makeup and Manicure Products

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The mind-bending thing about the drugstore is that you can run in for your household’s least sexy supplies — diapers, cough syrup, a brace for tennis elbow — yet come out with the makings of a glamorous look. And these 20 elegant finds, from richly colored pencils to satiny highlighters to dazzling polishes, are just the fun, indulgent bargains to round out all those boring adulting items. To compile this list, the Wirecutter beauty team polled fellow staffers and drugstore devotees, revisited old standbys, and ducked into the aisles of CVS, Walgreens, Target, and mom-and-pop stores in small towns and big cities. With a starting list of more than 50 contenders, we dug into subreddits and cross-analyzed thousands of reviews. Then, the fun part: We swiped, sprayed, and smoothed to land on this list of 20 favorites. Each one is a gift not only to your wallet but also to your daily routine. For more affordable finds, check out our guide to the best drugstore skin saviors and hair heroes...

The Best 4K Blu-ray Player

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Physical media is struggling , having lost major ground to streaming media over the past several years. As a result, the market for 4K Blu-ray players has shrunk, and few new models have been introduced since 2021. But if you want to take full advantage of a higher-end 4K HDR TV or 4K projector , as well as a higher-end audio system , there’s still no better match than a good 4K Blu-ray player. We recommend the Panasonic DP-UB820 because it offers excellent video quality and a ton of useful features for the price. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/OM0YwPv via IFTTT

Shark’s New Facial Device Feels More Like Homework Than Self-Care

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If I had $200 to drop every month on getting the gunk sucked out of my pores with a hydrofacial, I would. Anytime I’ve shelled out for one, I’ve noticed smoother texture, clearer pores, and a dewy glow. So when I started hearing more and more chatter about the Shark FacialPro Glow over the past several months, it was hard to turn away. The device frequents my social media feeds and celebrity-facialist demos, and I’ve heard a growing chorus of claims that it’s an at-home alternative to pricey, tech-forward, in-person facials. Some of that enthusiasm is clearly sponsored, some of it less so. But the repetition raised a reasonable question: Could the FacialPro Glow actually deliver salon-style exfoliating, toning, and brightening at home? Shark creates fans, heaters, air purifiers, vacuums, and beauty tools — a combo that makes a strange kind of sense for this tool. So I was eager to get my face on it, though not without reservations. On paper, the FacialPro Glow sounds like an at-hom...

Need a New TV for Your Super Bowl Party? Several of Our Favorites Are On Sale.

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Recent reports put the average price of a Super Bowl LX ticket between $8,000 and $10,000. And that’s before travel, accommodation, and the other inevitable expenses that accompany that prized seat in an open-air stadium in early February. But for thousands less, you can be indoors, enjoying the toasty merits of climate control, the pleasure of company you've chosen (hopefully), the comfort of your own sofa, and SNACKS — so many delicious snacks — because you got a good deal on an upgraded TV for your very own Super Bowl gathering. In addition to ready short-term access to seven-layer dip, you’ll get to use that crisp new TV to watch all your favorite shows and sports year-round. We've sifted through all the pre-Super Bowl TV sales to weed out false advertising and fake discounts. Whether you want a beautiful OLED or a gigantic LCD, these deals on expert-vetted 4K TVs and accessories are nearly as good as your gameday nachos. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real Worl...

The Best Laptop Backpacks

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A backpack is our favorite way to carry and protect a laptop and other necessities on a commute. It’s more ergonomic than a tote or messenger bag, it holds more than a briefcase, and it looks more stylish than a rolling bag. Since 2015, we’ve tested more than 75 backpacks on buses, trains, cars, bikes, and planes. The following five are the best we’ve found: a tailored professional bag , a tough pack that fits a ton of tech , a sleek traveling companion , a stylish and budget-friendly option , and an ergonomic office-to-gym workhorse . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/Li8Jlt3 via IFTTT

My Favorite Slippers Are Also Super Packable

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It’s stretching the truth to say that I’ve been wearing my Bombas Gripper Slippers 24/7 since I received them as a gift a few years ago, but it’s not stretching the truth that much. For approximately three seasons of the year, my Bombas Gripper Slippers go with me everywhere: on a trip to North Carolina in February, to a seaside Danish cabin in March, to Cape Cod in September, to upstate New York in November, to Virginia in December. For those same nine months of the year, I also wear them all day as I work from home. I’m wearing them right now. I wear them more than any other single item in my wardrobe. It’s basically a green-eggs-and-ham situation. In a box, with a fox, here, there, anywhere: Gripper Slippers. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/rG3xP5T via IFTTT

Thinking About Buying a Really Big TV for the Super Bowl? Here’s What You Need to Know.

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Every year, events such as the Super Bowl sound a clarion call in the ears of the American people, planting the germ of an idea that blooms into a powerful — nay, irresistible — urge. The urge to buy a really, really big TV. Manufacturers and retailers know this, of course. The Super Bowl–related plummeting of TV prices kicks off in mid-January, hot on the heels of all the new TVs announced during the CES trade show at the beginning of the month. While these sales may be perfectly timed to help retailers clear out last year’s TVs and make room for new models, they also present an opportunity for shoppers to nab a humongous screen at a decent discount. I’m not here to tell you that you shouldn’t throw your money at a monstrously big TV. But there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you find yourself on the receiving end of an 8-foot-long, 230-pound cardboard carton. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/ltF9Qxv via IFTTT

The Best Boxed Chocolates

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Chocolate preferences are subjective, which is something to keep in mind when you’re giving chocolates as a gift. While one person may prefer classic, American-style confections , crammed with toffee or caramel, another may crave deep, dark ganaches or Wonka-worthy flavor bombs . The options out there can be staggering. Over the years, we’ve enlisted food experts and staffers to evaluate 40 brands of chocolate in taste tests. If you’re looking for a truly special box of luxurious chocolates to give someone, you can’t go wrong with the 16-piece Recchiuti Confections Black Box . We’ve found Recchiuti’s flavors, craftsmanship, and packaging to be nothing short of sophisticated—and, for the right occasion, maybe even a little seductive. Other outstanding options include flavor-forward samplers , chocolates that evoke composed desserts , single-origin truffles , a few vegan collections , and a nut-free assortment . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/a6XrhKT ...

The Best Pen

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If you’ve ever had a pen mysteriously wander away from your desk, and then you had to write with a poor substitute (the kind you might find at a bank or with some company’s phone number on it), you know how important it is to have a quality pen. The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot to get a pen that’s worthy of your signature. After researching 62 pens and writing zealously with 37 of them, we have recommendations for ballpoint, rollerball, and fineliner pens that are affordable and satisfying to write with. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/OaMBg95 via IFTTT

The Best Women’s Pants for the Office (and Beyond)

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When you think about office-appropriate women’s pants, you may picture formal, utilitarian, and uninspired workhorses that you grudgingly pull out on a Monday and gleefully shed on a Friday. These garments typically require the wearer to compromise both on comfort (goodbye, soft pants) and on personal style (hello, basic slacks), all in the service of professional polish and suitability. Yet it turns out that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort (elastic waistbands) or fashion-forwardness (daring details and dramatic cuts) to dress the part for your job. After searching far and wide — with help from colleagues of different shapes, sizes, and preferences — we collectively tested over 100 pairs of pants, and we landed on eight terrific options. Whether you need a closet full of polished corporate garb or you’d prefer versatile options that are less traditional yet still polished for occasional office time, we’ve got a pair worth promoting to your wardrobe. Our picks are well suited for...

The Best Bone-Conduction and Open-Ear Headphones

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“I just … don’t like things in my ear holes,” a friend recently confessed to me. We’d been talking through their headphone search and the frustrations they had with standard earbud designs, which rest inside the ear canal. It appears that my friend isn’t alone, given the huge increase in the number of bone-conduction and other open-ear headphones that have become available. These designs offer the lightweight freedom of earbuds without producing that full, clogged-up feeling in your ears. We tested dozens of these headphones to find recommendations in a variety of wearing styles and suitable for a variety of tasks. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/m7LoihI via IFTTT

The Best Kids Headphones

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At some point, most kids need access to headphones, whether it’s for school, travel, or simply to save an adult’s sanity. It can be tempting to give children a pair of hand-me-down grown-up headphones, but that isn’t the best option: Not only are the larger size and increased weight less comfortable for younger kids, but the unregulated loudness levels of most adult headphones can lead to permanent hearing damage. Instead, we recommend that you get a good pair of volume-limiting kids headphones, and we have several picks for different uses. Of course, volume-limiting headphones are merely one tool that can assist parents or caregivers in protecting a child’s hearing — they are not solutions by themselves. Several factors lead to noise-induced hearing loss, and reducing headphone volume is just one way you can protect a child’s hearing. But our picks, when used properly, should provide an added level of protection for kids’ ears, as well as peace of mind for you. Readers also lik...

How to Clean a Laptop

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Take a look at your laptop. Is it covered in dust? Small scraps of hair? Maybe a stray crumb rests inside an awkwardly placed molding. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/QRbwKjU via IFTTT

The 50 Best Gifts for Girlfriends (That Are Great for Anyone)

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Maybe she’s your life partner. Maybe she’s a brand-new love. Whatever the stage of your relationship, we have both affordable trinkets and fancy-schmancy gifts that will make your girlfriend feel special. For small, thoughtful tokens of affection, there are cloud-like socks and an adorably artsy bunny . And for bigger gestures, our favorite red-light therapy mask will wow any skin-care enthusiast, and a glass-beaded bag will impress all her friends. And if you want even more inspiration for the ladies in your life, check out our favorite birthday gifts for her , our top picks for moms , and the best gifts under $100 . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/TleqaGR via IFTTT

What the Heck Is Happening With Foreign-Made Drones in the US?

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If you’re thinking of buying a new drone this year, be aware there are major changes in the works that will affect what products are available in the US. Late last year, the Federal Communications Commission created a major obstacle for drone makers to sell their newest products here. The commission, which has to approve devices that use radio frequencies before they can be sold in the US, added all drones made overseas, as well as any American-made drones containing major foreign-made parts, to what is known as the “Covered List” — a group of companies or technologies that are prohibited from being approved by the FCC for “economic and national security” reasons. The ban doesn’t specify any particular drone maker, but it does cover companies based in China, such as DJI , which makes over 80% of all consumer drones detected as of late 2025, according to the drone-detection company Dedrone ; Autel , another company that makes one of our drone picks; Zero Zero Robotics , manufactur...

The Best Handheld Vacuum

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Handheld vacuums can go where bigger vacuums can’t, making it easy to ferret out crumbs between cushions, dirt from car seats, and fur from couches. Since 2013, we’ve looked at 180 hand vacuums and conducted hundreds of hours of research and testing. We’ve concluded that the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit is the best for most jobs. If you regularly contend with a lot of pet fur, consider the Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ HHVK515JP07 , and if you need a machine for occasional cleanups, try the inexpensive Black+Decker Dustbuster Blast HNVD220J00 . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/ITKs9rm via IFTTT

The Ultimate Guide to Winter Moisturizing

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Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platforms Winter is brutal on skin and most moisturizer advice online is either oversimplified, wildly inconsistent, or driven by marketing. So we brought in Jenn Sullivan, senior editor of Wirecutter’s beauty team, to explain what moisturizers actually do, and how to use them in a way that makes a real difference. Jenn breaks down the ingredients that matter, the mistakes that leave skin feeling drier, and why timing and consistency matter more than price tags or hype. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of how to choose a moisturizer—and how to make the one you already own work better for you. This episode covers: What moisturizer actually does. Jenn explains that moisturizers aren’t adding water into your skin so much as helping your skin hold onto the water it already has. Their main job is to support and protect the skin barrier, which ...