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Whether you’re headed into the backcountry or just taking your dog on a nighttime walk, with a good headlamp you’ll never be caught in the dark. We’ve been testing headlamps since 2012, and after subjecting them to years of late-night hikes, evening runs, and stargazing sessions, we still think the Black Diamond Spot (the current version being the Spot 400 ) is the best headlamp. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/k6CprvH via IFTTT

For people who are anti-junk — pretty much everyone at Wirecutter — gag gifts can be a tricky proposition. They are undeniably fun, and they’re perfect for certain situations (white elephant or Secret Santa parties) and for certain people (your jokey uncle, curmudgeonly brother, or Michael Scott–like boss). Yet they can also be one-trick wonders with the staying power of an ice cream cone on a hot day. We checked our site, searched the vast internet, and asked our favorite funny friends for gag-gift ideas that your recipients might actually use or at least enjoy beyond the initial laugh. And they do exist. There are playful puzzles for the jigsaw-inclined, funny phones for those who love a sight gag, random planters for pop-culture pros, and, yes, good old-fashioned potty-humor gifts . If you’re looking for other funny, inexpensive, clever, or universal gifts, check out our guides to white elephant gifts , Secret Santa gifts , and the best gifts under $25 . ...

A digital photo frame lets you easily display images — including beautiful travel shots and family photos — anywhere you can find an outlet, and it allows you to add new ones from any location. Whether you’re giving a frame as a gift and plan to upload photos remotely or you just want a great frame for yourself, the Aura Carver is the best frame we’ve used. Its 10.1-inch display is sharp, bright, and vivid, and in our tests it was simple to set up. It has a good-looking, horizontally oriented design for landscape photos but can also fill the frame with side-by-side portraits. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/JugDxz4 via IFTTT

Meta’s new VR glasses, which will go on sale in 2027, are much smaller and lighter than the Meta Quest headset. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/k5aoiYt via IFTTT

My kids will tell you I ruined their lives. They’ll tell you it was useless torture. There were no silver linings. The whole thing — all of it — was a complete waste of time and energy. They’re wrong. Our monthlong digital detox was one of the best things we’ve ever done as a family. From my perspective, it was enriching, challenging, character-building, cup-filling, soul-nourishing, and lots of other adjectives adults use. It was truly one of the best ideas I’ve had in a long time, and I am so grateful that we did it as a family. (But if my kids call me an unc one more time, I’ll put them on dishwasher-loading duty for a month.) My family of four had phone habits that seemed problematically out of balance. Especially me — by being constantly connected, I was disconnected from actual, physical, tactile thing s. I would go to bed scrolling, sometimes for hours, then wake up in the morning and immediately pick up my phone again. I knew we needed a reset, and I knew ...

Parental controls allow adults to set limits on their child’s smartphone use, and they serve as “training wheels” to help kids and teens build healthy tech habits. After testing 14 parental-control options on both iOS and Android devices, using them to manage our kids’ daily screen time, we’re confident that Apple’s Screen Time is the best option for iOS households, while Google Family Link is best for Android households with kids under 13. Qustodio is the better choice for Android households with children 13 and older, or if you’re looking for additional features such as setting more than two screen-time schedules. If you want notifications and closer monitoring of your child’s iPhone, we also have additional options. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/Ea9xZsv via IFTTT

iPhones have never been more expensive. We looked at the financing and leasing options, and we have advice on how to navigate them. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/UG8PfET via IFTTT

It’s said you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Well, we’re doing it anyway — and it’s pretty reasonable. An indoor security camera lets you keep tabs on the things at home that matter most, whether that’s your kids, your pets, or your prized vinyl collection. We recommend the TP-Link Tapo C120 , a sub-$40 indoor/outdoor 2K camera that can reliably distinguish between a variety of motions and sounds. The Tapo C120 also offers more customization options than most indoor cameras — and unlike with many competing models, all of these features work whether you pay for a subscription or opt to use your own local storage on a microSD card at no extra charge. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/bq7pyIP via IFTTT

When you want to add a little more warmth but are seeking greater freedom of movement than a jacket allows, a vest is the perfect cozy addition. To find the best insulated vest to keep you warm on your most active days, we sent 24 adventurers with 35 vests to nine states and two countries. After all of those adventures, we’ve determined that the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest ( men’s and women’s ) is the best down vest both for technical performance and for everyday commuter or office use. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/PxqFJGb via IFTTT

Apple’s latest software update adds more comprehensive tools for parents to choose what their kids do and don’t see. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/lNphxcM via IFTTT

As more people become content creators — whether for gaming, podcasting, or music recording — the cheap microphones built into laptops no longer cut it. A USB microphone can dramatically improve the quality of the sounds you record, and it usually requires nothing more than a single connection to your computer. The Sennheiser Profile is the best all-purpose USB microphone because it sounds good, it’s solidly built, and it’s easy to use. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/6LErbFD via IFTTT

Some inventions have evolved so much that they no longer bear even a passing resemblance to the originals. As a preschooler, my daughter was given a smiley-faced Fisher-Price Retro Chatter Phone and immediately wondered aloud, “What kind of animal is she?” But almost 100 years after the eyelash curler was invented, it still looks very much like it did under its original patent . (In fact, this is your grandma’s eyelash curler.) And this is a testament to how well eyelash curlers actually work. A quick squeeze of the tool gently curls lashes, fanning them up and out and making eyes look bigger (whether you wear mascara or not). Since we first published this guide in 2014, our testers have clamped, pressed, and curled (and sometimes painfully pinched) their way through 25 contenders. While most of those options look very much alike and perform similarly, there are a few exceptional options that work well with the majority of eye shapes and lash types. We found two ...

The best cannabis vaporizer is the one you’ll prefer to reach for instead of smoking. So it should be easy to use both at home and while you’re out. And it should produce pleasing vapors that are true to the qualities of the cannabis you’re consuming. We’ve tested 25 portable vaporizers since 2016. We’re confident that the Planet of the Vapes Lobo will suit new and seasoned cannabis users alike. It provides an easy vaporizing experience from start to finish — consistently and evenly heating cannabis to produce smooth and tasty vapors — and is remarkably easy to clean. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/VpWJUTR via IFTTT

Growing up mostly as an indoor kid, I found playing board games at the kitchen table more enjoyable than sleeping outside in the soupy heat of Central Florida. Not until I reached adulthood and ultimately moved to Colorado did I appreciate the appeal of spending time with friends and loved ones outside of climate-controlled rooms. But even then, I didn’t want to leave my games behind. As Wirecutter’s resident games expert, I’ve naturally found ways to introduce my nerdy hobbies to my new outdoorsy friend group. Here are the games I recommend, whether you’re headed to the backcountry or a casual park picnic. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/UKCfYv7 via IFTTT

Here’s what Wirecutter parents do to make that dreaded pile of laundry more manageable, from mastering pretreating to doing a small, practical load each day. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/2bBWRc3 via IFTTT

For all the popularity of pod-shaped air fryers , we've always found that convection toaster ovens, which use the same technology, can cook a wider variety of foods more evenly, if a little more slowly. But now, more companies are offering the best of both worlds in “air fryer toaster ovens,” amped-up convection toaster ovens with extra-powerful fans that produce crispy results in a shorter time. After testing dozens of models, we’ve concluded that the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the only one that’s both an excellent air fryer and an excellent toaster oven — but it’s pricey. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/GaqxP0w via IFTTT

There’s a reason instant coffee gets such a bad rap: It usually tastes terrible. Although it’s probably not the ideal choice for your morning cup of joe, instant coffee can be a saving grace when access to fresh-brewed coffee isn’t an option. Now that more and more specialty coffee roasters are selling instant coffee, we’ve found it’s not always as bad as it used to be — in fact, we dare say it can be pretty good. In an effort to find the best instant coffee, we’ve tasted options from 19 popular brands. Considering that the bar is pretty low for instant coffee, we were surprised to find how much of a difference there was between each brand — some smelled and tasted pretty close to freshly brewed coffee, with subtle notes of chocolate or fruit, but others reeked of burnt rubber and tasted bitter, sour, or flat. Here are our favorites. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/TiYgHhK via IFTTT

A great wireless keyboard can reduce clutter on your desk and help you type faster and more comfortably — on your computer as well as on your tablet, your phone, or even your TV. After testing more than 100 wireless and Bluetooth keyboards over the years, we’ve found the Logitech Pop Icon Keys to be the best wireless keyboard because it’s enjoyable to type on, it’s versatile, and it has years-long battery life. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/KBLubHz via IFTTT

Adding a soundbar is the easiest, most affordable way to get a cinematic sound experience at home, and the enveloping, movie-theater-style sound of the Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro makes it our favorite all-purpose choice. We also have additional picks that suit different budgets and performance priorities. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/HVWGaYM via IFTTT

Even if you don’t regularly shower your mouse and keyboard with Dorito crumbs and lunch mishaps, they’ll eventually accumulate dust, skin particles, hair, and natural hand oils. But less than five minutes of attention each week can keep them feeling fresh. (And, please, don’t eat over your keyboard!) Mechanical keyboards need a little more TLC than other keyboards, because nasties can and will fall into the larger spaces between the keys. But a deeper clean every couple of months can keep a mechanical keyboard in top shape for years. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/29Fz6Yd via IFTTT

After considering dozens of colored-pencil sets and spending six hours testing 13 popular sets, including one marathon two-hour session with about 60 kids and parents, we have picks for first-time users, a larger set, a cheaper option for student classroom supplies, and a great sharpener. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/AQnDcMV via IFTTT

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/3fv7lkS via IFTTT

To most people, board games may not seem like an obvious medium for the spine-tingling dread or pulse-quickening shocks that the horror genre is so good at generating. But hidden among the shelves of your local game store are boxes filled with finely crafted scares and punishing puzzles that befuddle the mind, invoking the unease of encountering the unknown. And sometimes they also include adorable cats. If your knowledge of sinister board games begins and ends with Clue , allow us to be your guide to the spooky side of the gaming hobby. Abandon all hope, ye who roll dice here. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/faxg6Yz via IFTTT

Apple has officially launched a foldable iPhone, and to no one’s surprise, it’s the most expensive iPhone yet. Wirecutter was on the ground in Cupertino, California, to report on Apple’s annual product-launch event on September 9, where the company also announced a revamped iPhone 18 Pro, plus new Apple Watches and AirPods. It’s been an interesting year for Apple, one in which new CEO John Ternus took the helm from Tim Cook on September 1. The tech industry is also facing a shortage of components such as memory and storage, which are being funneled to AI data centers. That’s caused prices on many products to increase in recent months, including Apple’s latest iPhones. We’ll dive into longer reviews of Apple’s new gadgets after spending hands-on time with them, but until then, here are the big takeaways from the Apple event. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/OClKRHL via IFTTT

Cats are usually happy to share your bed, sofa, or computer keyboard, but they also like having spaces where no one else goes. And since cats love to sit up high, a good cat tree should provide an elevated perch where they can lord over their inferior human roommates. It should also have a secure spot that’s inaccessible to curious kids, dogs, or just affection-hungry adults (like me). After testing 17 cat trees, we landed on 11 stable, durable models that might fit in with your home’s decor. These trees range from simple, inexpensive models to elaborate, wildly priced ones. And they should all satisfy your cat’s desire to climb, scratch, lounge, and judge you from above. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/D0NlWtB via IFTTT

Every year, tech companies release new smartphones with appealing but nominal upgrades, enticing you to buy a shinier, fancier version of the thing you already own. But what if there’s nothing wrong with your current phone? If you properly care for it, you don’t need to replace it every year — or even every other year. Recent data shows that most people replace their phone every two to three years, and many carrier plans allow you to upgrade after two years, but that’s unnecessary. Extend the life of your phone, and you can cut down on electronic waste and save yourself a lot of money. If you want to get off the upgrade hamster wheel, here are six ways to make your phone last as long as possible. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/y1H95qi via IFTTT

I have more than 50,000 pictures stored in Google Photos — over 300 of them taken in the last month alone. These photos, which take up an eye-watering 44 GB of storage space, have accumulated over the past 20 years, and I’ve been lax about organizing them. It often takes me an embarrassingly long time to find the one I’m looking for. Want to see my adorable dog? Hang on a second. Have to send my editor a headshot? Gimme a few. That cool bird I saw at the park? Ask me tomorrow. Don’t be like me. There are ways to clear out the photos you don’t want, find the ones you do, and get your life (or at least your camera roll) together. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/VMtRo1r via IFTTT