Best sustainable gift		Lomi		SEE IT	Turn egg shells, banana peels, and apple cores into compost for the garden.
Best robovac		Narwal Freo X Ultra		SEE IT	You can control this mop and vacuum combo with Alexa or your phone.
Best cooking aid upgrade		Vitamix A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System		SEE IT	This blender and food processor combo can tackle tough veggies and fruit to make yummy soups and smoothies for the whole family.

Mother’s Day provides an excellent opportunity for you and your siblings or children to try and one-up each other in an effort to prove yourself as The Favorite. Yes, being supportive is not a competition, but you can’t be the one who gives Mom a gift that doesn’t suit. Thankfully, the PopSci staff has extensive experience in gift-giving of almost every variety. If you’ve spent years cultivating the perfect gift for mom—or grandmom, or the mother of your children—and have run out of ideas, we have recommendations to make her smile and you shine. Win-win! 

• Best coffee: Zend
• Best coffee maker for some on-the-go get-up-and-go: Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Best pastel pastime: Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle – Isabelle’s Aloha Edition
• Best for those with loud children: Vibes Ear Plugs
• Best wine upgrade: Ullo Open Wine Purifier
• Best cookbook: Eataly: Contemporary Italian Cooking
• Best dinnerware: Fortessa Nosse 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
• Best cooking aid upgrade: Vitamix A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System
• Best snacks: Spirit Almonds
• Best food prep set: Falcon Enamelware Prep Set
• Best for new moms: Birthdate Pendant
• Best shoes: Allbirds
• Best for working moms: Troubadour Ember bag
• Best for outdoorsy mom: Backpackers Pantry
• Best for impromptu picnics: Nomadix Festival Blanket
• Best for staying hydrated: OXO Strive XL Tumbler with Handle
• Best for athletic moms: Hydro Flask 24 Oz Insulated Shaker Bottle
• Best sustainable gift: Lomi
• Best for traveling: Monos Carry-On Pro
• Best to recreate the spa at home: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket
• Best splurge: Dyson AirWrap
• Best for those chillaxing: Liiton The Peaks Mountains Crystal Bourbon Whiskey Glasses Gift Set
• Best for those expecting: Proxies Tasting Set
• Best for music-loving moms: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best robovac: Narwal Freo X Ultra
• Best for working out: OMORPHO G-Vest+
• Best for sore muscles: Theragun Mini 2.0
• Best for support: Casper Backrest Pillow
• For grandmas: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame
• Best cozy: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket
• Best watch: Garmin vivoactive 5
• Best for crafting: Cricut Explore Air 2 Lilac Machine Bundle

Best coffee: Zend

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These coffee beans go way beyond that crummy old can of Folgers mom keeps on her counter. Zend coffees give a mom the option to enjoy the coffee on its own, or they can infuse them with one of three functional blends: Beauty, which supports hair, skin, and nail health; Recovery, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation; Serenity, which supports stress relief and balance. Mom deserves plenty of caffeine for everything and most definitely deserves to feel beautiful, healthy, and serene. We can’t think of a better gift if a single cup of coffee accomplishes both. Unless …

Best coffee maker for some on-the-go get-up-and-go: Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

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This machine—our best overall choice among Nespresso machines and a supremely easy espresso maker—is great for mom’s home, office, or home office: Just insert a Nespresso capsule, push a button, and watch it go. The Nespresso VertuoPlus offers options for single (1.35-ounce) espresso, double (2.7-ounce) espresso, or Americanos in 5-, 8-, or 14-ounce sizes. Any of these pours can be extracted from a single capsule. The removable water tank holds 40 ounces, and the used capsule container can store up to 12 pods before it needs emptying. This is a more hands-off option for somebody in need of a quick fix to fill their travel mug. The espresso drinks pour nicely with crema on top, though the VertuoPlus does not have a steam wand for milk, so mom will also need a frother. It does, however, come with a complimentary assortment of 12 capsules to get you started.

Best pastel pastime: Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle – Isabelle’s Aloha Edition

SEE IT

If you’re looking for a portable game system that’s kid-tested mother-approved, it’s the Nintendo Switch. Particularly the Nintendo Switch Lite. Particularly a Nintendo Switch Lite with a download code for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The signature characters in this social sim are charming, and the gameplay is perfectly paced for winding down, not riling up the kids. But then there’s the fact that the game, and this cozy handheld printed with a leaf motif, is just as appealing to adults looking for a mental getaway. Maybe you can’t get Mom a trip to an exotic island this year, but you can offer her the chance to create her own paradise and enjoy a peaceful existence, even if it’s just for a few hours here and there.

Best for loud children: Vibes Ear Plugs

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Let us be frank: babies are not quiet. Toddlers are cacophonous. Kids make a lot of noise. You only reach silent nirvana when they ship off to college. Before then, you’ll still need to hear in case they break something or start a fight with each other. By gifting a mom these reusable high-fidelity earplugs, you’ll give them a little peace without being completely unaware of what the kids are up to. 

Best wine upgrade: Ullo Open Wine Purifier

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Enjoying a bottle of wine is all fun and games until two glasses warrant a hangover the next day. Help prevent them with the Ullo Open Wine Purifier, which uses a selective filtration system to remove sulfites and reduce the histamines that can cause headaches and hangovers—all while preserving the wine’s flavors and aromas. A built-in aeration dial lets you choose the amount of air to incorporate, from off for light whites to full air for rich red varietals. Plus, it’s easy to transport and use: just place the device over your glass and pour. Don’t worry about mess, either—the Ullo’s lid can be used as a base to rest the filter on when not used, making it perfect at home and easy to take to book club. Think mom would prefer something she doesn’t even have to carry and clean? The Ullo Uno single-use wine-purifying wands are perfect for some quick aeration and filtration of wine by the glass.

Best cookbook: Eataly: Contemporary Italian Cooking

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“What should we eat for dinner?” is sometimes the hardest question to answer. Make the decision process 100 times easier with the Eataly: Contemporary Italian Cooking cookbook, which packs 300 recipes, including pasta with cavolo nero pesto and clams. With clear instructions and helpful tips, mom won’t want to ditch the entire recipe and just order takeout (although we’re not judging if they do).

Best dinnerware: Fortessa Nosse 16 Piece Dinnerware Set

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If your mom loves to host, Fortessa’s 16-piece dinnerware set will impress all her guests. Each piece is made from a twice-fired ceramic material that’s both dishwasher- and microwave-safe. The set includes four 10.8-inch dinner plates, four 8.8-inch salad plates, four six-inch bowls, and four 12.5-ounce mugs, and is available in three colors: deep blue, stone, and terracotta. We’re especially fond of the higher curved lip on the dinner and salad plates, which are both aesthetically pleasing and prevent foods and sauces from accidentally slipping off.

Best cooking aid upgrade: Vitamix A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System

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Kitchen gadgets shouldn’t make life more difficult, and Vitamix’s A3500 Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen System is a two-in-one tool that’ll cut down on mundane cooking tasks like chopping and pureeing. The blender is equipped with a powerful 2.2 horsepower motor, can crush ice into a smooth slushie consistency and demolish vegetables to make hearty, yummy soups. A 64-ounce cup means that mom can make enough servings for the whole family with enough for seconds for themselves. The blender has five distinct modes for common foods like smoothies and soups, plus a clean setting that’ll prevent food particles from remaining in the blades and bowl after it’s been used. A touchscreen on the blender’s base ensures there’s no chance of gunk accumulating around buttons. This system also comes with a food processing attachment with several blades for dicing and shredding.  We also think the Yummly—a wireless smart meat thermometer that’s app-controlled—is also a great choice if she already has a swaggy countertop appliance setup and is a fan of roasting, grilling, broiling, and more.

Best snacks: Spirit Almonds

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If there’s a mom-on-the-go in your life who can appreciate always having a snack packed, look no further than Spirit Almond. Each protein- and healthy fat-rich nut gets one of six Japanese-style flavorings: black garlic, curry, koji salt, miso, mustard, and seaweed. It comes in a handy single-serve pack to easily throw in a purse or bag (making it easy to snag one for yourself, since one gift box comes with three packs of each flavor). If they’re more of a sweet snack mom, consider the Sahale Snacks Glazed Nut Variety Pack, which adds dried fruit and expands the nut varieties to pistachios, cashews, and pecans. 

Best food prep set: Falcon Enamelware Prep Set

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Falcon’s Enamelware Prep Set is the type of gift your mom wouldn’t buy for herself, but would really enjoy if she loves cooking and baking. It’s comprised of five color-coordinated ceramic mixing bowls and a colander, all of which are dishwasher and freezer-safe. The bowls can even be used in an oven at temperatures up to 530 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the bowls fit neatly inside one another, which makes storing them simple, and their timeless style will look good in any kitchen.

Best for new moms: Birthdate Pendant

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Technically, these pendants are meant as a lovely wearable to show off the wearer’s astrology (if they’re into it). However, between the unique collection of stones for every day of the year and personal engraving, we think it makes for a great gift to celebrate a firstborn. Each stone tells the story of their birthday, including their birthstone. Talk about a personalized gift. 

Best shoes: Allbirds

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Moms are always on their feet, between running after grandkids or working off all the child-related stress at the gym. Between their lack of flashy logos and synthetic materials, Allbirds is a natural gift for moms: they’re stylish, comfortable, and come in plenty of styles: Need some business-professional flats? They have that. Need some running shoes? They have those, too. The company itself is dedicated to sustainability, so you can feel good gifting them.  

Best for working moms: Troubadour Ember bag

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Work backpacks don’t have to be boring. This leather-and-neoprene variety has a waterproof lining to keep things dry, a sturdy grip handle that won’t break on the go, and a trolley sleeve for use as a carry-on. The main compartment folds down once opened for easy access to essentials, and a separate laptop compartment can fit a 16-inch laptop. Plus, there are plenty of pockets for essentials, like keys, a phone, or an emergency pacifier. A five-year guarantee means a mom always gets quality in case something goes wrong in manufacturing. 

Best for outdoorsy mom: Backpackers Pantry

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Camp cooking can involve a lot of grilled cheese, reheated soups, and boxed mac and cheese. These aren’t bad meals, but sometimes that mom deserves something a little more five-star after a long day of hikes. Backpackers Pantry has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert covered with various dried and dehydrated foods. These meals aren’t wimpy, either—each averages around 15 grams of protein, which energizes you on your hike. We like to start our outdoor morning with the company’s Blueberry walnut oats and a cup of coffee. Once we get to basecamp, we sit down and enjoy some lasagna (it’s what Garfield would want), followed by the most important meal: dessert. Our choice? Dark chocolate cheesecake. 

If you want to give a mom the outdoor experience at home, we love the Solo Stove Mesa tabletop fire pit, which makes it safe and easy to roast some marshmallows on the balcony or porch.

Best for impromptu picnics: Nomadix Festival Blanket

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A large blanket is great if you find yourself at the park and need to find something to separate your bum from the cold, wet ground underneath you. The Nomadix festival blanket has a lush top and water-resistant base, meaning you’ll be comfortable sans soggy pants. It’s made with post-consumer recycled materials and comes with small loops at each corner to anchor with stakes (not included). No more floppy corners.

If sitting on the ground makes your back want to scream, consider gifting this Kelty Low-Love Seat Camping Chair. It sits about a foot off the ground, is lightweight, and manages to be perfectly stowable.

Best for staying hydrated: OXO Strive XL Tumbler with Handle

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Whether mom loves coffee, tea, or water, she’ll appreciate OXO’s Strive XL, a 32-ounce insulated tumbler that’ll keep her drinks hot or cold longer than a traditional mug. The BPA-free tumbler has a see-through lid, so she can keep an eye on how much of her drink is left, and it comes with a flexible straw, which makes drinking on the go easier. Once she’s done drinking, Mom will be able to pop this tumbler in the dishwasher to keep it clean. OXO offers the Strive XL Tumbler in five colors, so you can find one that matches her style.

Best for athletic moms: Hydro Flask 24 Oz Insulated Shaker Bottle

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Pre-workout. Greens. Protein (vegan or otherwise). Electrolytes. If your mom lifts weights, runs miles, crushes most yoga or pilates moves, or does a combination of activities, she’s probably using some sort of shaker bottle to combine some form of workout-enhancing powder with water for bigger gains. Unlike plastic shakers, which make fast messes, the Hydro Flask shaker has a leakproof flip-top lid that stops chocolate protein rain before it happens. It also keeps drinks cool for 24 hours, meaning Mom can enjoy her athletic liquids all day long.

Best sustainable gift: Lomi

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Mom’s coffee grounds, egg shells, and banana peels can live second lives as compost in the flower garden with this gift. Lomi makes composting easy: It’s odor-, pest-, and mess-free, and turns food waste into compost in less than four hours. It easily fits onto countertops and is discreet. With all that compost, your special someone’s rose garden—and kitchen—will be the envy of the neighborhood. 

Best for traveling: Monos Carry-On Pro

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Jet-setting moms will appreciate the gift of nice luggage that makes traveling a little less stressful. Our pick is the Monos Carry-On Pro, made for organization and easy access. It comes in eight standard colors and four limited-edition colors and includes an integrated TSA-approved lock for keeping belongings safe. An aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell prevents breaking from TSA agent rough-handling, and a built-in front compartment lets you store a laptop, passport, and other need-haves in one easy place. All-paid vacation not included.  

Best to recreate the spa at home: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket 

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If there’s something a mom rarely rues and can most likely use, it’s a trip to the spa. Instead of giving a gift card to a spa, why not bring the spa along with the Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket, which allows you to feel the heat without even needing to become vertical. It helps relieve stress and anxiety and can help treat chronic pain. It’s like a sleeping bag that makes mom feel like a Hot Pocket in a microwave. 

Best splurge: Dyson AirWrap

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The Dyson AirWrap is the hair styler to have—it dries, curls, and styles hair, combining at least four styling tools into one. We’ve gone hands-on with it before and love that it gives salon-quality, shampoo commercial blowouts at home. It comes with two barrel sizes (both with switches to change airflow direction), a soft smoothing brush, a firm smoothing brush, a round volumizing brush (our favorite attachment), and a blow-drying attachment. If the AirWrap is out of your budget, consider the Shark FlexStyle, which has a bendable arm and a diffuser attachment for curly hair. Protect strands beforehand with the K18 molecular repair oil, and help keep hair healthy when it’s shower time with the Kitsch Pre Wash Scalp Oil and K18 leave-in conditioner. For the in-between days, we recommend the Act+Acre Plant-Based Dry Shampoo, which uses rice and tapioca powders—along with fulvic acid—to keep tresses bouncy and fresh.

Best for those chillaxing: Liiton The Peaks Mountains Crystal Bourbon Whiskey Glasses Gift Set

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The average day can have lots of peaks and valleys, so an above-average way to unwind is with these crystal quick-chill mountain replica whiskey glasses for lifting spirits both emotional and intoxicating. Made of X1 Crystalline with the shapes of iconic summits within them (Denali, Mont Blanc, K2, and Mt. Fuji), these glasses can be stored in the freezer so that they will chill a drink in just 18 seconds, no ice to water down the beverage. Help Mom relax after a long day with a refreshing cocktail and a restorative mood.

Best for those expecting: Proxies Tasting Set

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If a pregnant person in your life wants to enjoy a fancy little beverage sans alcohol (we happen to have tons of recommendations), nothing looks better in a wine glass than Proxies. There are de-alcoholized wines on the market, but some may have traces of alcohol left after the process. Proxies, however, is boozeless from the start, made from wine grape varietals without the fermenting. The resulting product has a similar mouthfeel and taste to wine but without the “Am I hurting baby?” anxiety. They’re perfect to pair with pizza, fish, pickles, and any other pregnancy cravings. 

Best for music-loving moms: Sony WH-1000XM5

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If Mom has a killer vinyl collection and puts you on to some of the grooviest artists, you should give them a gift that says, “Thanks for giving me good taste.” We think the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent choice. They’re sleek and comfortable on the head, including some killer noise cancellation (perfect for tuning out nosy neighbors) and four beamforming microphones to be heard clearly on work calls. If they’re more of an earbud person, the easily pocketed Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have excellent sound and the most effective noise cancellation on the market. 

Best robovac: Narwal Freo X Ultra

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Messes happen, and if you’re not going to help clean them up, at least buy a robot that will. The Narwal Freo X Ultra is both a mop and a vacuum cleaner, and it’s pretty smart for a robot: It can sense the type of flooring it’s cleaning and adjust its power level accordingly. Sensors on the front and sides of the vacuum can detect objects as small as a centimeter and navigate around your room using LiDAR, mapping the space to clean more efficiently in the future. It’ll continually assess the cleanliness of an area before moving on to another one and will return to its base for charging and dirt removal. The vacuum’s base will automatically clean the Freo X Ultra’s mop pads, dry them, and apply additional detergent totally hands-free. Mom will appreciate someone finally helping out around here. 

Best for working out: OMORPHO G-Vest+

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Up any workout with this weighted vest from OMORPHO, which adds five pounds of resistance to level up burpees, sprints, and more. However, it doesn’t feel like a five-pound vest, thanks to even weight distribution. It’s a comfortable piece of workout gear that fits great (adjustable cables and straps help, too) and doesn’t limit your range of motion. Connecting the vest to the OMORPHO app gives you workouts that are quick but effective. If someone wants to outrun the other soccer team moms, gifting this vest is a great start. This leads us to our next pick …

Best for sore muscles: Theragun Mini 2.0

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For soothing sore muscles after working out—or anytime, really, especially for someone actually outrunning the other soccer team moms—we recommend the Theragun Mini 2.0, which is small enough to throw into a gym bag or hide in a drawer away from small hands. It comes with three attachments, but we love the thumb attachment, which is great for lower backs and pinpoint therapy. My back hurts, I don’t even have children, and even I could benefit from a percussion massager—we’re sure your mom will get a lot of use from the Theragun.

Best for support: Casper Backrest Pillow

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Whether a mom-to-be or a mom who just wishes to be by herself for a little while, anyone with a child on the horizon or in the house has a lot on their shoulders, which takes a toll on the back. Support the need for support by buying her a pillow that props up the woman who does the same for you. Then, leave her alone with a book or movie and the Casper Backrest Pillow, which has an ergonomic teardrop shape that cradles her entire spine and provides extra lumbar support (though you can flip it for just her head and shoulders if she needs a nap).

For grandmas: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame

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Although it’s perfect for any and every generation of moms, we think grandmas especially will love the Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame. Grandmas love showing people pictures of their extended family (including granddogs), and this WiFi-connected cloud-fed frame makes it easy to update those photos from anywhere. Add photos and videos to the Aura app, and they’ll show up on your loved one’s frame as long as it’s connected to a network—there’s no work they need to do to get the photos up after the initial connection. You don’t need to worry about storage, either—it’s unlimited. And, you don’t need to worry about photo orientation since the Aura automatically rotates and resizes based on whether it’s placed landscape or portrait. PopSci’s managing editor sent one to his mother for their birthday—take their word for it: “What I have enjoyed the most … is the burst of joy every time I see a photo of a loved one or a picture a loved one has shared with me!” You can get an Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame for the entire family, or you can check out some other digital picture frames we recommend. 

Best cozy: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket

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If you know someone that hogs the blanket, or someone tall who deserves to have their feet covered when sleeping at night, the Big Blanket—providing 100 square feet of blanket—was made for them. This extra-large, giant soft blanket gives whoever is in the nap trap plenty of real estate to turn into a blanket cocoon, with room for you. We’re not kidding. It’s huge and soft—just like mom’s heart.

Best watch: Garmin vivoactive 5

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We’re all about the metrics at PopSci, so we love Garmin smartwatches. And one of the things we love about Garmin’s watches is there is one for everyone, whether you are a multisport athlete or just someone who wants a little insight into their everyday fitness. The Garmin vivoactive 5 is just as smart as it is beautiful—it has a 1.2-inch AMOLED watch face with built-in apps, including GPS, yoga, running, swimming, and more. Mom gets 11 days of battery life, and Gamin Pay lets them pay for a post-jog coffee without having to bring their wallet with them. They don’t even need to bring their phone, thanks to the ability to download music onto the watch. People won’t even know it’s a sports watch until Mom turns and says, “Thanks, it’s a smartwatch!” when they get a compliment on it. Looking for a model for a smaller wrist, with a more fashion-centric style? Check out the Lily 2, just one of many Garmin smartwatches on sale for the holiday.

Best for crafting: Cricut Explore Air 2 Lilac Machine Bundle

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If mom is crafty and doesn’t already own a Cricut, change that with this bundle gift that combines an Explore Air 2 machine with everything they need to get started on making their own bespoke goods for family, friends, and themselves. Heck, they could even start a small business! Built-in Bluetooth allows for wireless cutting, writing, and scoring, and the included spatula, weeder, scraper, scissors, and tweezers make it easy to lift and transfer your designs onto cups, mugs, sunglasses, and more. And if they already have a crafty corner, consider a Cricut Bright 360 lamp to help them capture and cherish all the details of their hard work customizing.

The post Last-minute gifts for Mom to make up for all the times you didn’t say ‘Thank you’ appeared first on Popular Science.

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If your cat is a hungry little guy who will eat whatever you put in front of them, you know the importance of portion control. Sure, chonky cats are cute, but obese cats are three times more likely to pass compared to lean cats. Going to the vet is expensive, so an automatic pet feeder is a worthwhile investment in your cat’s life and the length of your budget. This PETLIBRO feeder deal is part of Amazon’s Pet Day Deals—happening today and tomorrow online.

PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder $54.98 (Was $89.99)

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This automatic pet feeder allows you to schedule up to 60 meals a day and 50 portions per meal. If your kitty deserves a little snack you can also hit the manual feeding button to give them their much-deserved extra portion. A rotor, secure twist-lock lid, desiccant bag, and sealing strip all ensure freshness and crunchy bites all the time. You can also record a 10-second message and play it while you’re away to calm your pet. And, built-in infrared detection suspends feeder operations to keep your cat safe and your feeder in great condition.

More automatic feeder and fountain deals:

• PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain $54.99 (Was $69.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Alexa $74.99 (Was $89.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder, Multiple Pet Use $79.88 (Was $99.99)
• PETLIBRO App Monitoring Cat Water Fountain with Wireless Pump $67.99 (Was $79.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera $105.99 (Was $139.99)
• PETLIBRO Vacuum-Sealed Automatic Cat Feeders $109.99 (Was $199.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera for Two Cats $115.99 (Was $179.99)
• PETLIBRO 3L RFID Automatic Cat Feeder $127.49 (Was $149.99)

The post Control your hungry kitty’s portions with up to 40% off PETLIBRO automatic cat feeders at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apple’s MacBook Air line set the standard for thin, powerful laptops from its release in 2008. The company’s proprietary silicon—a chip switch made in 2020—ushered in a speedy, powerful age of laptops eating gigantic .MOV files for breakfast. Unsurprisingly, the combination of the two is great. You, too, can get in on this form-meets-fast fun with $100 off select MacBook Air models, most of which include Apple’s M3 chip.

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip $999 (Was $1,099)

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You could say the latest MacBook Air is a “skinny legend.” It’s flat like the MacBook Pro line but clocks in at 2.7 pounds and .44 inches tall. (OK, short king!) First introduced in March 2024, the MacBook Air M3 upgrades are specific but useful. It now has Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, better external monitor support, and better performance compared to the previous iteration. You could call that a slay. From college students to Apple stans, the MacBook Air M3 is one of the best laptops to purchase at this moment.

If you’re more of a “buy a previous generation to save more money” person, you’re in luck: the 2022 MacBook Air M2 is on sale for $849, down from its OG $999 pricing.

More 🔥 Apple deals at Amazon:

• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop with M3 Pro chip, 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU $1,799 (Was $1,999)
• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Pro chip with 12‑core CPU, 18‑core GPU $2,349 (Was $2,499)
• Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip, 8GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD $1,199 (Was $1,299)
• Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip, 8GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD $1,389 (was $1,499)
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] $759 (Was $799)
• Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] $299 (Was $399)
• Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] $329 (Was $429)
• Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 41mm] Smartwatch with Gold Stainless Steel Case with Gold Milanese Loop $649.99 (Was $749)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] $189 (Was $249)

The post Get Apple’s latest, fastest MacBook Air for $100 off at Amazon—but not for long appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Gerber Gear Fire Starter		SEE IT	With added features that can keep you prepared while you’re in the wilderness.
Best for fire pits		GreenSpark Firestarters		SEE IT	If you’re not outdoors, use this fire starter as tinder.
Best budget		ust Sparkie Fire Starter		SEE IT	A cheap innovation that’s also nifty.

You can try holding a lighter to a log and waiting, but a fire starter will make your life much simpler. To build a blaze, you need to start small, then add your larger pieces of wood until you have a large fire. The problem is getting that first spark isn’t easy if you’re working in windy or wet conditions. Matches and lighters are no match for these particular elements. Fire starters, however, make fire building infinitely less frustrating. The best fire starters are portable, easy to use, and handy in all sorts of environmental conditions.

• Best overall: Gerber Gear Fire Starter
• Best ferro rod: Wolf and Grizzly Fire Set
• Best for fire pits: GreenSpark Firestarters
• Best for camping: Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL
• Expert pick: überleben Zünden Fire Starter
• Best budget: ust Sparkie Fire Starter

How we chose the best fire starters

A fire starter can refer to the strikers and rods used to start a fire or the small, flammable objects you can light to encourage your kindling and such to catch flames. We decided to focus on the strikers and rods, with one exception. Our focus is based on “what came first: chicken or the egg” logic: Without a striker and rod fire starter, you cannot use the “small, flammable object” fire starter, especially out in the woods. Additionally, anything can be a “small, flammable object” fire starter technically, from pork rinds and Doritos to a cotton ball. To find the best firestarters, we looked at reviews, recommendations, and conducted heavy research to separate the ones that sparked our interest from those that were a little dim. I’m also a proud former Girl Scout and pride myself on my fire-starting and building abilities.

The best fire starters: Reviews & Recommendations

A fire starter is a handy camping gadget that can do double duty when you’re at home. And, if you have a backyard fire pit, you don’t have to worry about finding a lighter that you can use safely. One of our picks should get your fire going.

Best overall: Gerber Gear Fire Starter

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Ferro rod, steel striker, nylon cord, plastic
• Waterproof?: Yes, IPX4
• Lifespan: N/A
• Size: 8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Price: $25

Pros

• Bonus features
• Portable
• Easy-to-use

Cons

• Lanyard could be better

Maximize your backpack storage with this fire starter—the cargo shorts of camping gear. The ferro rod is compact, and an included handle gives you a great grip. Plus, the material itself is easy to work with. The included steel striker has directions right on it, so you’ll never forget how to use it. Bonus features like built-in storage for tinder and a 100-decibel emergency whistle make this choice stand out from the pack. If you’re thinking, “What about using the lanyard as tinder in case?” you’ll be out of luck. It’s not recommended for that, although some fire starters do have that feature. All in all, it’s a well-designed fire starter we feel comfortable stowing in our glovebox or side pocket. You can also buy it directly from Gerber.

Best ferro rod: Wolf and Grizzly Fire Set

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Specs

• Material: Ferrocerium, steel, nylon, jute
• Waterproof?: N/A
• Lifespan: Around 20,000
• Size: 3.94 x 0.43 x 0.45 inches
• Price: $23

Pros

• Paracord can be used as tinder
• Packable
• Steel striker can be sharpened for continued use

Cons

• Some reviews say it’s best for experienced outdoorspeople

If you’re looking for a long-lasting fire starter, consider this simple Wolf and Grizzly fire set your dream come true. Its curved steel striker can nestle against the ferro rod to create a compact profile, meaning you don’t have to worry about bulk. If you’re out of tinder, you can use a knife or the striker to access the jute inside the parachord lanyard. Its 20,000-strike lifespan means you’ll pass it on before reaching its expiration date. And, you can resharpen its steel striker like you do with a multitool, meaning it’s less likely to need replacing. Some reviews say it’s best for outdoorsy folk, but others disagree, blaming it on user error. Regardless, you’ll be glad to have this ferro rod with you while camping.

Best for fire pits: GreenSpark Firestarters

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Wood wool, palm wax
• Waterproof?: Yes
• Lifespan: 8-10 minutes in fire
• Size: 1-inch
• Price: $22

Pros

• Compact
• Can use in multiple settings
• Eco-friendly materials

Cons

• Must be dry to light

Here is that exception we were talking about earlier. Based on what you’re lighting, it might feel more comfortable just to use a match or lighter to ignite a fireplace. All those sparks flying create a safety hazard; you don’t want to set off your smoke alarm when you don’t have to. Instead, you’ll need a fire starter that acts as tinder to help your larger pieces of wood catch fire. This eco-friendly fire starter is made from salvaged pine trees and technically never expire. They’re waterproof, but you must ensure they’re dry before lighting. If they do come into contact with water, they take around 10 minutes to be usable. You can also use them in wood stoves, grills, fire pits, and more.

Best for camping: Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL

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Specs

• Material: anodized aluminum body, ferrocerium rod, tungsten carbide striker
• Waterproof?: Works when wet
• Lifespan: 3,000 strikes
• Size: ‎3.65 x 0.43 x 0.43 inches
• Price: $32

Pros

• Flammable lanyard
• Small enough to put on keychain
• Very compact

Cons

• Might be too small for large hands

Packing light is no problem with the Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL. This extra small fire starter creates a shower of sparks that supercedes its size. Its included striker screws on, meaning you won’t have to take apart your meticulously packed backpack looking for a single part. It’s also .5 ounces, meaning you can use that extra weight to bring a thicker sleeping pad. The ferro rod is replaceable, and you can use the included lanyard as tinder in emergencies. You can even use it when wet. Whether in your pack or emergency kit, the Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL will perform in all kinds of conditions. If you have large hands, it may be a little cumbersome to use.

Expert pick: überleben Zünden Fire Starter

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Specs

• Material: Natural wood, ferrocenium
• Waterproof?: Works when wet
• Lifespan: 12,000-15,000 depending on length
• Size: ‎4.8 x 0.66 x 0.95 inches or ‎7.24 x 2.32 x 1.06 inches
• Price: $16

Pros

• Comes in different lengths
• Reliable and durable
• Works when wet

Cons

• Reviews note rod separating from the handle

“Last year, a Canadian friend recommended the überleben range of ferro rods and firestarters to me, and they have been worth every penny,” says Richard Prideaux, lead instructor for Original Outdoors, a UK-based outdoor skills training provider. “I carry an überleben Zünden with me on courses and trips where lighting a fire with natural materials is either likely or maybe necessary. They produce a good shower of sparks and have a good length/diameter ratio, and it hasn’t let me down yet.”

This ferro rod also comes in different thicknesses, which helps if you’re green behind the ears when it comes to using a ferro rod and striker.

“A beginner should look for reliability and ease of use in a fire starter,” he says. “If you are going to go somewhere that lighting a fire will become a safety issue then you should be focusing on equipment that will give you that fire reliably and repeatedly in a short space of time. A wider ferro rod will often give a better shower of sparks and be easier to use, but there will be a weight penalty, and some users may find it awkward to hold. A dedicated striker attachment is good to have as it means you can use the ferro rod without requiring additional equipment.”

Best budget: ust Sparkie Fire Starter

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Flint, plastic
• Waterproof?: Works in wet conditions
• Lifespan: More than 100 strikes
• Size: 6 x 5 x 2 inches
• Price: $11

Pros

• Works in adverse weather conditions
• Can use one-handed
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not the most long-lasting fire starter

Lighting a fire doesn’t get much easier or cheaper than this, folks. You can operate the ust Sparkie with one hand. Simply press a button to expose the flint bar and press down toward your tinder. Bam! That’s it! All for around $10! However, it only lasts for around 100 sparks. If you have some extra change to spend and love the Sparkie concept—or you’re a more experienced camper—consider upgrading to the BlastMatch, its beefier older sibling, which lasts for 4,000 strikes. This is a flint-based fire starter, so you also won’t get as much longevity compared to a ferro rod.

What to consider when buying the best fire starters

Fire starters are not a one-size-fits-all object. They have a common goal of helping tinder catch aflame, but you might be better off with one over another based on features. Some are better for casual, indoor use, while others are more ruff and rugged. Here’s how to separate the duds and phonies from the fabulous fire starters:

Types of fire starters

There are three main types of fire starters: Flint and steel, Ferrocerium rods (ferro rods), and magnesium bars.

The flint and steel combo is the tryest and true-est of all the fire starter options. The “flint” can be any hard, sedimentary rock like quartz and chert. The steel striker is heat-treated. You can even use any metal that has a high amount of carbon in it, like old rake teeth and garage door springs. When the striker comes in contact with the flint, tiny particles released from the metal oxidize and ignite when exposed to oxygen. Sparks from flint and steel can be dull, but this fire starter is the easiest to find. You’ll get the best results if you use it with char cloth.

Ferrocerium rods, or ferro rods, produce incredibly hot sparks and make quick work of lighting dry tinder. If you don’t have a striker on hand, you can use the back of a knife. Ferro rods are less uniform compared to flint and steel. They’re made with different metals—particularly cerium, lanthanum, and iron—and the percent of each affects its performance. A softer ferro rod doesn’t have a long shelf life, but it’s easier to use and produces more sparks. When using a ferro rod, any dry, highly flammable material, like birch bark, cotton, and tiny sticks, makes for excellent tinder.

Magnesium bars come with a ferro rod attached to the top. You shave off parts of the magnesium bar onto the nearby tinder pile, which will ignite when it comes into contact with a spark from the ferro rod. It takes a large amount of magnesium to create a flame that lasts long enough to light nearby tinder, so we recommend just sticking with a ferro rod. Outdoor skills trainer Richard Prideaux says he uses a ferro rod over flint and steel in “99.5 percent of situations.”

“A ferro rod is easier to use, lighter, smaller, and produces a more consistent shower of sparks at a higher temperature,” he says.

Activity

If you’re car camping, van lifing, or just hanging out in a camper or RV, you can get away with a heavier fire starter, since pack weight isn’t a concern. However, backpackers will want to choose something light, like the Exacto nanoStriker. Extra ounces add up to pounds, which is more weight to bear on the hike. This is important, especially if your hike is over days, not hours.

If you’re looking for something to help light your fireplace or grill, the world is your smoked oyster. Like the car camping/RV/camper camp, you can simply bring out what you want to use. You can also use a utility lighter—something those camping, unfortunately, don’t have the luxury to bring along.

Ease of use

As Prideaux mentioned in our expert pick, user-friendliness is important. Some fire starters, like the ust Sparkie, only need a downward push to create sparks. Flint and steel and ferro rods require a bit more finesse, although the former is more difficult to use than the latter. If you’re a beginner, consider a wide ferro rod, the Sparkie, or even an electric lighter. If you’re well-versed in the language of the outdoors, you can forage for your own flint … or you can just buy one that’s more technical (e.g., a compact fire starter built for backpacking).

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best fire starters

• Best overall: Gerber Gear Fire Starter
• Best ferro rod: Wolf and Grizzly Fire Set
• Best for fire pits: GreenSpark Firestarters
• Best for camping: Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL
• Expert pick: überleben Zünden Fire Starter
• Best budget: ust Sparkie Fire Starter

A fire starter isn’t a one-trick pony. You can use it on camping trips, in your own backyard, and even in your own home if your butane lighter is nowhere to be found. Plus, they can be a perfect addition to your emergency kit. They’re built to last and are generally inexpensive. Don’t wait until the moment you need one to click “add to cart.”

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best fire starters for camping and fire pits, according to experts appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Memorial Day is officially less than a month away, meaning it’s finally time to turn your current pool from “green, leafy, dead animal stew” to “clear, chloric, and classy.” I know you don’t want to interact with the sludge shellacking the entirety of your pool. Thanks to this Aiper pool vacuum deal at Amazon, you don’t have to.

Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum $598.75 (Was $899.99)

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This rechargeable and cordless pool vacuum has four motors and a gyroscope. The internal gyroscope provides smart navigation that allows the Seagull Pro to map the floor and walls of a pool. The powerful motors offer 130GPM (gallons per minute) of suction while bottom brushes sweep out leaves, dirt, and other debris. It cleans up to 3,200 square feet in the three hours of battery power it gets from each charge. All that together equals a robot that makes cleaning your pool a hands-off experience.

If you’re looking for a cheaper robotic pool cleaner, our budget pick, the Aiper Seagull SE, is 20 percent off. Also, you can get an additional $40 coupon with one easy click. Combined, you save almost $100 on an already price-friendly pool vacuum.

Here are more cool pool deals, just in time for summer:

• (2024 New) Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner $559.89 (Was $699.99)
• (2024 Upgraded) Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools $578.79 (Was $699.99)
• Aiper Scuba SE Robotic Pool Cleaner $119.98 with $80 coupon (Was $199.98)
• Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner $159 (Was $299.99)
• Aiper Seagull 1000 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner $274.16 (Was $349.99)
• Polaris NEO Robotic Pool Cleaner $685 (Was $772.83)
• Clorox Pool & Spa XtraBlue 3” Swimming Pool Chlorinating Tablets $39.99 (Was $69.99)

The post Start your Memorial Day prep with up to 33% off Aiper pool vacuums at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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I am currently obsessed with all things mini right now. Look at this video of someone mopping their very tiny kitchen with a tiny heavy-duty mop. And here’s a miniature plant room complete with real wood floors, something I will never have in my own lifetime. Don’t even get me started on Mini Brands reveal videos and my personal favorite, Poppin Cookin’ “meals.” Not everything teensy tiny happens to be usable, however. That’s not the case with this Craftsman mini chainsaw, which is perfect for trimming smaller trees and shrubs. Why bring out the unwieldy big guy when you can get the job done with something lighter and less cumbersome?

CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Chainsaw, 10 inch, Battery and Charger Included $119.99 (Was $169)

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This cordless chainsaw has a V20* MAX 2.0AH lithium-ion battery, so you don’t have to worry about it crapping out when in the middle of a cut. Although we joke about it being a mini chainsaw, dainty it is not: its 10-inch bar and chain can cut material that’s eight inches thick. An auto-oiling feature allows for continuous lubrication, and bolt lock chain tensioning gives you consistent bar clamping. You can also use the integrated hook to hang it directly on a VERSATRACK wall organization system (sold separately). Sure, it won’t take down a Redwood, but it can slice through a cursed Bradford Pear like butter.

More Craftsman garden and lawn power tool deals:

• CRAFTSMAN V20 WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Edger, Cordless $82.98 (Was $119)
• CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Edger Lawn Tool, Cordless Lawn Edger with Battery & Charger Included $129 (Was $159)
• CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Cordless Electric Pruner, Battery & Charger Included $99 (Was $149)
• CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 20 inch, Battery and Charger Included $99 (Was $139)
• CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX* Axial Leaf Blower Kit $82.98 (Was $139)

The post Tackle tiny trees with 30% off this mini Craftsman chainsaw at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Blender		SEE IT	Create a smoothie for one or for all with this powerful blender.
Best for making smoothies		NutriBullet NB9-1301K Pro		SEE IT	A large cup means more room for fruits and veggies.
Best budget		Ninja QB3001SS Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender		SEE IT	You don’t have to spend $100-plus on a great personal blender, which this cheap-but-mighty option from Ninja proves.

A personal blender is perfect if you’re making smoothies, soups, and even frozen cocktails for one. They pack many of the same features as full-sized blenders in a pint-sized package that’s perfect if you’re low on counter space. As an apartment dweller who has lived in college crustzones, old buildings with no dishwashers, and slightly more suitable places, a personal blender has saved me plenty of time, space, and money. I don’t make so much smoothie that some goes to waste because I forget about it in my fridge. Plus, in my experience, personal blenders are easier to clean than their full-sized counterparts. More often than not, you can just throw in some soap and water, re-run the blender, rinse, and use it again the next day … or for your next meal. The best personal blenders fit neatly onto countertops and in cabinets without skimping on power.

• Best overall: Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Blender
• Best design: Our Place Splendor Blender
• Best portable: Cuisinart RPB-100 EvolutionX Cordless Rechargeable Compact Blender
• Best for smoothies: NutriBullet NB9-1301K Pro
• Best budget: Ninja QB3001SS Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender

How we chose the best personal blenders

This isn’t our first time at the blender rodeo. We’ve taken a spin through the best blenders and know what makes a certain blender a cut above the rest. We made sure each personal blender had at least 700 watts of power, with a focus on anything around 900 watts. In our experience, anything in the 700-900W range is capable of crushing ice and smoothing even the most freezer-burned bananas. We conducted our own testing—I’ve consumed a lot of liquid foods in the process of researching and writing this story—and made sure also to consult the reviews to get a full picture of the personal blenders’ power.

The best personal blenders: Reviews & Recommendations

Blending something into a slurpable slop is a great way to consume more fruits and vegetables, and a personal blender is an easy conduit to make it happen. One of our choices should help you treat your body more like a temple and less like a garbage disposal.

Best overall: Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Blender

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 17 x 6 x 8 inches
• Capacity: 16-ounce personal cup; 72-ounce blender
• Wattage: 1,110 watts

Pros

• Powerful
• Two kinds of blenders in one
• Doesn’t take up much space on counter

Cons

• Blades can miss small grains like chia and flax seeds

I am a creature of habit, and my morning breakfast has been the same for about a year. I’m a person who doesn’t love a huge meal first thing in the morning, so I tend to gravitate toward a protein-rich, fruit-forward smoothie. I’m not a gatekeeper, so my recipe is 1/2 of a frozen banana (a whole one if you want a creamier texture); Aldi brand Cherry Berry mix to my heart’s content (the best frozen fruit blend, in my opinion); a big spoonful of full-fat Greek yogurt for that magical protein (or a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder); and enough orange juice to get it smooth, but not liquidy, which is usually to the max fill line. That morning breakfast smoothie gets made in this Ninja BL660 Professional compact blender, which isn’t showing any signs of slowing down after a year of daily use.

It has a 1,100-watt motor, which is more than enough to demolish fruit chunks. My frozen bananas get frozen because of my freezer, which makes things frosty at even the lowest setting, and I’ve never had a chunky smoothie in my time making them with this blender. It comes with two personal 16-ounce blender cups and a full-sized 72-ounce blender attachment for larger meals. The cups are made of tough BPA-free plastic and are dishwasher-friendly. There are four speed settings—three presets and a pulse button—along with a separate speed button for the single-serve cups.

I would take this blender with me on an island if I had to. However, there are moments when the chia seeds in my smoothie aren’t as pulverized as I’d like them to be. The same goes for larger flax seeds. It’s not a major problem for me, but the grainy texture sometimes gives me the ick, which makes me … not finish the smoothie. I know I’m not alone in getting grossed out by that kind of texture.

If you’re also looking for something with a food processor attachment on top of personal blending cups and blender, Ninja has a blender with all three that’s similar to the BL660.

Best design: Our Place Splendor Blender

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.1 x 8.5 inches
• Capacity: 750 mL for personal blender
• Wattage: 1,000 watts

Pros

• Stylish
• Incredible blend capabilities
• Easy to use

Cons

• Quality control and user experience issues

If you’d rather have a blender meant to be shown off rather than hidden in a cabinet, the Our Place Splendor Blender is the most stylish blender we found. It comes in colorways that match Our Place’s other products, like its Wonder Oven (which we included in our smart oven roundup) and the famous Always Pan.

The Splendor Blender isn’t just a pretty face. It packs 1,000 watts of power that demolished even the smallest of chia seeds in less than a minute. Although it only has two settings—pulse and blend—the “blend” option ramps up speed over the course of 45 seconds. The max fill line is 16 ounces, but there is some extra wiggle room between the fill line and the blender base, so it’s more forgiving than other personal blender systems. I was reaching for this blender over the Ninja BL660 for a period of time, based on its ease of use and ultra-smooth blending abilities.

Go deep into the reviews of the Always pen, and you’ll see complaints about the pan’s value, with customers saying it doesn’t perform the way a $145 pan should. Sadly, the Splendor Blender faces similar issues. Although I was deeply impressed with the Splendor Blender’s blending abilities, there are some quality control and user experience issues. The blade itself stuck after one month of use. This prevented me from using the blender since the blade couldn’t turn and, thus, couldn’t lock. In the process of attempting to lock the blender, the thin blender handle started to break. Additionally, the blade base got stuck in the blender cup and nothing—no hot-to-cold water switch, no amount of manpower, no internet hack—got it unstuck. The blender’s light blinks when not in use, which is annoying. You have to unplug the blender to stop this issue. There is a one-year warranty and a 100-day return window if you’re not happy with your purchase, and Our Place rectified my situation with a new unit. When the Splendor Blender works, it’s incredible; when it doesn’t, it’s disappointing. I have hope, however, that a Splendor Blender 2.0 would alleviate these pain points for an even better blending—and user—experience.

Best portable: Cuisinart RPB-100 EvolutionX Cordless Rechargeable Compact Blender

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Specs

• Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.9 x 11.69 inches
• Capacity: 16 ounces
• Wattage: N/A

Pros

• Portable
• Easy to use
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• Not the most powerful choice on this list

This blender nabbed the top spot in our best portable blenders roundup, and it made the cut here for its cup capacity and battery power. Like others on this list, it has a 16-ounce blending cup. And, like the top-spot Ninja, you can make a smoothie with a single touch. Simply screw the blender base onto the cup, flip it over, blend, and then turn the base over and replace it with the included flip-top travel lid.

The RPB-100 can run for up to 20 minutes per charge, meaning you can make multiple smoothies per day. It takes about two hours to recharge the blender fully—I recommend charging it between meals or when you’re not home. It’s also dishwasher-safe. Use that time spent hand-washing a blender cup on …making another smoothie or more sauce.

Best for smoothies: NutriBullet NB9-1301K Pro

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Specs

• Dimensions: 7.72 x 12.01 x 15.94 inches
• Capacity: 32 ounces
• Wattage: 900 watts

Pros

• Large personal cup capacity
• Lots of included accessories
• Thorough blending

Cons

• Extractor blade base wide and can be hard to open

Many sleepness nights of my childhood were spent watching Magic Bullet infomercials and being mesmerized by the ingredients turning into other food. When I struck it out on my own, I sought out a NutriBullet—Magic Bullet’s larger and more powerful sibling—after using a roommate’s for years. If you’re just looking to make smoothies for one and don’t need multiple speed settings, the NutriBullet NB9-1301K Pro is an astonishing choice. The blade’s shape blends everything—even small seeds—but its low profile allows you to stuff up the included cup without overflow. 900 watts is more than enough power to blend ice, frozen fruit, and the toughest of kale, and its 32-ounce cup is one of the largest on this list. The blender also comes with tons of accessories, like to-go lids, lip rings, lip rings with handles, and a recipe book. Talk about stretching your dollar.

The NutriBullet extractor blade is a little wide, and if you have small hands like mine, you might have a hard time re-opening the cup if you screw it on too tight. You can find third-party lid wrenches on the internet, but they might not be compatible with this particular model. However, you can use the power of expansion and contraction to open it.

Best budget: Ninja QB3001SS Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.3 x 13 inches
• Capacity: 16 ounces
• Wattage: 700 watts

Pros

• Compact
• Great form factor
• Easy to use

Cons

• Not the most powerful on this list

The Ninja Fit blender is similar in concept to the NutriBullet—one setting, push to blend—at a fraction of the price. It uses a blade similar to our best overall pick, so we consider it the best of both worlds when it comes to form factor and ease of use. It clocks in at 700 watts, the lowest wattage on our list. You’ll have to run it a bit longer to get the same smoothness, but hey—think of all the money you saved in the process. However, compared to other value personal blenders—which clock in at 250-300 watts—you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

This kit comes with two single-serve cups, two travel lids, a base, and an extraction blade, which isn’t bad for the almost $70 price. Other companies would charge you that amount for one lid and cup. I love that the travel lids come with a piece that snaps over the sip opening. It’s one thing to have a travel lid, but it’s another to have one that won’t leak if it falls over or you drive over a bump.

What to consider when buying the best personal blenders

Getting a smooth blend for sauces, soups, and smoothies is of utmost importance when it comes to a personal blender. “Blend” is in the name! Here’s what you should look for so your foods are to your liking.

Power, wattage, and speed

Personal blenders come in all combinations of wattages and speeds. Typically, personal blenders start at 250 watts and go up to 1,500 watts. The higher the watts, the more powerful the blender, and, in turn, the easier it will be to cut through ice and frozen fruits and veggies.

Speeds refer to the revolutions per minute (RPMs) of the blade. Although most companies don’t list the specific RPMs for each speed setting, it’s safe to assume that the higher the speed, the higher the RPMs, and the finer the food. Higher speeds lead to smooth liquids, while low speeds are better for chunky salsas and purees.

Container material and design

There is such a thing as a glass blender cup—take this Black and Decker blender, for example. When it comes to personal blenders, we recommend sticking with plastic. Personal blender blades rest closer to the cup than regular-sized blenders. I, a raging hypochondriac, would rather deal with the threat of microplastics (everything on this list is BPA-free, for what it’s worth) than little shards of glass. Plastic is also less prone to breaking, although it can get discolored and hold odors. Most companies sell replacement cups on their site in case this happens.

Grooves and indentations direct the food, meaning food won’t stick to the sides of the blender. Wide openings make it easier to add ingredients, but a wider cup doesn’t mean it can carry more volume. The Our Place Splendor Blender has a wider circumference than the Ninja BL660, but both fill lines stop at 16 ounces to prevent overflow.

Many companies will say that their blender has a “self-cleaning” design. Technically, all cup-style blenders are self-cleaning. Simply add some dish soap to the cup, fill with water, run, rinse, and bam: Clean blender. You should still run it in the dishwasher so it doesn’t grow and create a new creature (which is another mouth you’ll have to feed).

Blades

Personal blender blades come in a wing, star, X-shape, or combination of any of the three. More blades mean more contact with food, which ensures for a finer, smoother blend. Blade style affects performance: X-style blades are great for cutting, and wing-style blades are perfect for crushing ice. Some companies sell separate blades for specific purposes. For example, NutriBullet sells a lid designed for milling grain.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best personal blenders

• Best overall: Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Blender
• Best design: Our Place Splendor Blender
• Best portable: Cuisinart RPB-100 EvolutionX Cordless Rechargeable Compact Blender
• Best for smoothies: NutriBullet NB9-1301K Pro
• Best budget: Ninja QB3001SS Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender

If you’re cooking for one and don’t want a full-sized blender taking up precious counter space, a personal blender is your best bet. You can make a one-size portion every time, meaning you stop food waste in the process. I’ve had plenty of homemade sauces go to waste because I made too much of it in a full-size blender and let the rest rot in the freezer. Personal blenders are easier to store and clean, with removable bases and dishwasher-safe cups. Some personal blenders even come with full-size blender cups if you’re cooking for a party. Regardless of where you’re at in life, a personal blender can keep you fueled at every step of the way.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post Chopping it up with the best personal blenders for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

4/20 is an unofficial holiday celebrating cannabis. You won’t find it on a calendar like you would Earth Day or National Park Week (celebrations of a different kind of green that happen around the same time). But you will find people at your local parks sitting in a circle playing ’70s hazy rock. Are the sunglasses they’re wearing shielding their eyes from the sun, or are they meant to hide bloodshot, glassy eyes? We may never know, but also, who cares?!? Whatever helps you commune with nature, responsibly, is your business. And our business is sharing some great news: If you’re looking for some cannabis accessories to celebrate 4/20, many of our favorite brands are offering 20% off their entire site right now.

PAX Plus Vaporizer $160 (Was $200)

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By far, this is our favorite vaporizer on the market and is essential to have in your stoner arsenal. Smoking from a joint, waterpipe, or bowl is not great for your lungs. Vaporizers, however, use the magic of conduction to release the THC in the flower, giving you fast results without hacking up a lung. You can use the Pax Plus with concentrates or flower, and it comes with raised and flat mouthpieces, a maintenance kit, half-pack oven lid, concentrate adaptor, and a multi-tool for packing and removing material. It’s an investment, but you definitely get your money’s worth out of it.

More 4/20 cannabis vape and accessory deals:

• Higher Standards: 20% off sitewide
• Omura: 20% off sitewide
• Session Goods: Up to 50% off
• Marley Natural: 20% off sitewide
• Honest Smokeware: 20% off sitewide
• Storz & Bickel: Up to 40% off
• Snugbox: 25% off every with code 420SALE
• Vessel: 30% off sitewide

The post Our favorite cannabis vape and accessory brands are offering 20% off sitewide for 4/20 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best grinder		Santa Cruz Shredder		SEE IT	This aircraft-grade aluminum grinder granulates the stickiest of the icky.
Best infuser system		Levo C		SEE IT	Create cannabis-rich oils for homemade edibles in an easy and low-key process.
Best handheld vaporizer		Pax Plus		SEE IT	An intuitive ingestion device that’s discreet and direct.

So you want to smoke weed—either for medicinal or recreational purposes—and you’re looking for a place to start. Sure, you could walk into that headshop down the street, but they most definitely sell counterfeit Puff Bars, and you feel a little claustrophobic surrounded by all that expensive glass. Plus, the college kid behind the counter is a little bit too close in age to your own kid. Thankfully, we at Popular Science share how science shows up in our everyday life, and cannabis and its extracts are quite scientific. Consider this an essentials list of what you’ll want to keep on hand for your next sesh, or what to buy to get started. Move over bar cart, cannabis cabinet has entered the chat!

Remember that every state has different laws regarding cannabis use, so check them out before using. Once you can hit “Add To Cart” with confidence, we’ve cultivated Spotify playlist for both sativa and indica strains to help make sure every hit is a hit.

• Best rolling tray: Santa Cruz Shredder Hemp Rolling Tray with Spout
• Best rolling papers: Blazy Susan Rolling Papers
• Best cones: Edie Parker Crush Cones in Excite Mint
• Best handheld vaporizer: PAX Plus
• Best for concentrates: Puffco Peak Pro
• Best splurge: Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid
• Best waterpipe: Session Goods Bong
• Best pipe: Laundry Day Tanjun pipe
• Best hemp wick: Twisted Bee 100% Organic Hemp Wick
• Best lighter: Clipper Lighter
• Best joint holder: The Clinger
• Best grinder: Santa Cruz Shredder
• Best cleaner: Grand Master Smoke
• Best 510 battery: Ooze Twist Slim Pen 2.0
• Best infuser system: Levo C

Best rolling tray: Santa Cruz Shredder Hemp Rolling Tray with Spout

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Learning how to roll a joint is a journey all its own, but procuring a solid rolling tray is an essential first step. You can use it as a surface to stuff your cones and pack handheld vaporizers or bowls without getting cannabis everywhere, thanks to high curved edges that prevent mess. A spout makes it easy to put any leftover ground cannabis back into your grinder or storage container. We like this one from Santa Cruz Shredder that has both, and is made of biodegradable hemp. If you’re looking for rolling tray that doubles as decor, we love this glass Keith Haring rolling tray from Higher Standards that could pass as a catch-all plate in your foyer. 

Best rolling papers: Blazy Susan Rolling Papers

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The Blazy Susan rolling papers are fun to look at, thanks to their bright pink hue, but they’re also some of the best rolling papers on the market. They’re vegan, non-GMO, and made from high-quality wood pulp. They also burn slowly and evenly, which prevents canoeing. We recommend starting with 1 ¼-inch papers if you’re new to rolling (and we won’t judge you if you pick up some pre-rolled cones, in case of difficulties or time constraints). And if you are inviting like-minded friends over for a social smoke, grab one of the company’s namesake spinning rolling trays (available in colorful plastic and limited edition woods), with its specialized inserts and cuts for every manner of supplies, accessories, and end products.

Best cones: Edie Parker Crush Cones in Excite Mint

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These aren’t your average cones. These cones from Edie Parker come in a variety of flavors, including peach, grape, strawberry, and banana. We’re personally huge fans of the mint flavor for a cool fresh taste while taking a hit. Simply pack your ground cannabis into the cone, ignite, find the flavor pearl in the filter tip, crush, and inhale. They also are great to pull out and pass around at a party. Of course, if you don’t need a fun flavor with your joint, we love Blazy Susan’s cones. We’re fans of the Shorty size, which makes for a perfect joint for yourself when you’re seshing alone. 

Best handheld vaporizer: PAX Plus

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There are many benefits to vaporizing cannabis compared to igniting it. Vaporizers use convection, conduction, and sometimes even both to heat your weed to release those sweet terpenes and cannabinoids. The result is better for your lungs and provides a more consistent flavor and aroma. It’s also less stinky than other means of ingestion. You can use the already vaped bud (ABV) in edibles since the vaporizing process decarboxylates, or decarbs, the cannabis. The PAX Mini is our favorite handheld vaporizer and one of the easiest to use (and it’s often on sale around a certain time in April). Simply click the top once, wait until the purple light turns green, and inhale. You won’t have to worry about temperature either—the PAX Mini will cool down when not in use and heat up when it’s picked back up. Concentrates might not be your jam (yet!), but the PAX Plus comes with a concentrate chamber to enjoy the wax, shatter, or budder of your choice. Speaking of …

Best for concentrates: Puffco Peak Pro

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Dabbing is cool because it involves torches and fire, but it’s also dangerous for just that reason. The Puffco Peak Pro solves that by ditching the fire, making for a more approachable and beginner-friendly device. The instruction manual is easy to read and follow—you don’t have to be a dabbing expert to use the Peak Pro. It’s also Bluetooth-app enabled for customized temperature and color settings. If you’re looking for something more handheld that’s less expensive, the company’s Proxy Travel Pipe is for you. Its silicone body is shatterproof and comes with a pocket for tools, like a loading tool or a cotton swab for cleaning. 

Best splurge: Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid

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The Rolls Royce of tabletop vaporizers, the Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid is absolutely worth its almost $700 price tag, thanks to its high-quality materials and workmanship that gives you a long service life. The Volcano Classic is cheaper (and just as good), but the temperature dial doesn’t list the actual temperature. The Hybrid changes that, letting you know exactly when it’s warm enough for use. You can choose to ingest via the included Tube Kit (which is a hookah-type hose) or the classic Valve Balloon. If you have an Android phone, you can control the Volcano Hybrid with your phone using the S&B app. We personally only bring out the Volcano Hybrid on special occasions, and it definitely makes for a conversation starter among stoners. 

Best waterpipe: Session Goods Bong

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Waterpipes are usually … kind of ugly. Not the Session Goods Bong, which is modern, durable, and easy to clean. The included cleaning caps and mouth cover prevent spills when you’re cleaning—just fill it with some isopropyl alcohol and a little salt, shake, and you’re all good. The bong itself is made of sturdy borosilicate glass, and a silicon foot cover hides your nasty bong water, acts as a water line, and protects your piece. Two included bowls—small and large—let you choose how much you want to consume. Plus, nine colors will help you coordinate your bong with your living room color story. And who doesn’t love color coordination?

Best pipe: Laundry Day Tanjun pipe

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Pipes are a great introductory tool for beginners but aren’t always the prettiest. Laundry Day’s Tanjun—and the company’s other collection of smokeware—is meant to be displayed on your coffee table and ogled when passed among friends. It has all the pipe basics—bowl, carb, mouthpiece—and is made of borosilicate glass for toughness. Use the pipe as an incense holder when it’s not in use. 

Best hemp wick: Twisted Bee 100% Organic Hemp Wick

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It’s fine to light a bowl with a lighter, but sometimes you don’t want to breathe in the butane it emits. The smoke is much hotter when using a lighter and burns off more cannabinoids and terpenes. Hemp wicks solve this problem by being a flame conduit, which creates a cleaner flavor and a more flavorful hit. This one from Twisted Bee uses organic hemp with a natural beeswax coating that doesn’t interfere with your flower’s flavor. You can even use it for crafting. Since you get 200 feet of it, you won’t have to worry about running out. 

Best lighter: Clipper Lighter

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Sure, everyone is familiar with the BIC lighter for ignition needs. Step up to a Clipper, which is windproof, water-resistant, and refillable, making it more friendly to the Earth compared to its lighter brethren. You can also replace the flint, and there’s a poking tool for packing down hand-rolled cigarettes. Plus, the Clipper wheel is easier to strike compared to BIC lighters.  

Best joint holder: The Clinger

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I personally have dug into my ludicrously capacious bag, the eyes of the group on me, searching for a lighter that is evading my clutches. It’s a humbling experience—one that you don’t have to go through with The Clinger, which is smell-proof, crush-proof, holds a king-sized joint, and hugs your lighter like it’s their friend. It can hold a BIC or a Clipper lighter and fits easily in your pocket. You won’t have to worry about digging for a lighter or accidentally smashing a joint ever again.

Best grinder: Santa Cruz Shredder

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This grinder is made of solid aircraft-grade aluminum and has a scratch-free finish for long-lasting use. Thirty-two diamond-shaped sharp teeth pulverize even the stickiest cannabis to make a fluffy and even grind. We recommend a three-piece grinder that separates the flower from the kief, the potent trichomes that have broken away and separated from the flower. You can use those the add a little zhuzh to your joints and bowls. A magnetic lock system protects your cannabis from moisture and spillage, meaning you can take it to and fro without any worries. It’s a pricey grinder, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Best cleaner: Grand Master Smoke

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You can use isopropyl alcohol and a little salt to clean your pieces. However, we’re also fond of Grand Master Smoke. This cleaner has taken the crustiest bongs and turned them as good as new. Simply pour the liquid into a large container or leakproof bag, add your piece, wait 1-3 hours (try soaking overnight for heavily used pieces), drain out the excess liquid from the piece, rinse with warm water, and you’re done! It also helps deodorize your pieces so they aren’t so stinky. And no one wants to hit from a stinky bong!

Best 510 battery: Ooze Twist Slim Pen 2.0

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I’ve certainly used 510 batteries that work but aren’t made of quality materials. And who keeps track of that proprietary charger that they all come with? The Ooze Slim Pen can be charged using this proprietary charger, but you can also use a micro USB cable. (Which you probably have a million of around your house.) You can draw the pen in two ways: by pressing the button down and inhaling, or just by inhaling, thanks to auto draw. It shuts off after 12 minutes of inactivity, saving you battery in the long run. And you can adjust the voltage for a customized experience

Best infuser system: Levo C

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One of the knocks against making homemade edibles—beyond the ever-growing number of high-quality premade options—is infusing oil or butter with your flower, which can be a smelly operation. Levo’s C is a countertop appliance that makes the process easy. All you need to do is fill its herb pod with bud (up to one ounce) and the glass basin with oil or butter (up to one liter). Once your ingredients are set, you place the glass basin onto the Levo C’s heating pad, select a time and temperature, and wait for the infusion to complete. Making infused oil or butter using this method won’t be quicker than a traditional method, but the results will be more consistent since the temperature will be regulated. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about standing around and stirring the flower constantly to ensure a proper result.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cannabis essentials for 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Warmer weather means frolicking in the great outdoors and soaking up all the sun-derived serotonin. However, all-day high jinks can leave your phone juiceless, between using your favorite GPS apps to find the perfect picnic spot and streaming your favorite hangout album on your portable Bluetooth speaker. Don’t even get us started on warmer temperatures draining your phone battery! Thankfully, Anker’s charging accessories are on sale at Amazon, meaning you can have enough power to get home after your adventure.

Anker Prime Power Bank $109.99 with coupon (Was $129.99)

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Charge your laptop, phone, portable speaker, and more with this powerful portable charger that packs 20,000mAh of extra juice. That equates to charging a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 percent in 40 minutes. A smart digital display helps you keep tabs on your remaining charge, input, and output. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, so you’ll have to find a USB-C to Lightning cable if you still live that previous-gen iPhone life.

Here are more Anker deals to keep you charged all day long:

• Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) with 100W Charging Base $164.49 (Was $234.99)
• Anker 552 [USB]-[C] [Hub] (9-in-1) with 100W Power Delivery $29.99 (Was $69.99)
• Anker 7-in-1 65W USB-C Power Strip and Charging Station $45.99 (Was $65.99)
• Anker 727 Charging Station (GaNPrime 100W) $65.95 (Was $99.99)
• MacBook Pro Charger, Anker 100W Fast Charger $29.99 (Was $45.99)
• Anker Power Bank USB C Charger Block $29.99 (Was $39.99)
• Anker Nano Portable Charger for iPhone $17.99 (Was $25.99)

The post Stay powered on your adventures with up to 57% off Anker charging accessories appeared first on Popular Science.

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The PlayStation 5 is one of our favorite consoles here at the PopSci Goods testing lab. We love our respective PS5s for their beefy hardware, backward compatibility, and stunning exclusives. Although it’s been four years since the PS5’s debuted, it feels shorter, thanks to mass shortages that made the console almost impossible to get early in its release. Now, however, that shortage is over, according to the company. If you’ve waited for one, consider this the perfect time: You can get a PlayStation 5 console with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for just $449 at Amazon.

PlayStation 5 Console – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle (slim) $449 (Was $559.99)

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The PlayStation 5 is sleek and futuristic, inside and out. Its wedge-shaped chassis fits in all sorts of placements, both horizontal and vertical, and demands to be shown off. Mine personally blends in seamlessly on its side with my modern-style TV stand. Inside, you get a custom CPU, GPU, and 1 TB SSD for lightning speed—I’ve only had to wait a few minutes for a game to update or download, even with my normie basic Wi-Fi.

The controller’s haptic feedback that uses pinpointed vibrations to mimic on-screen action is extremely impressive. Additionally, the adaptive triggers and actuation points add a luxe user experience—even flipping through the radial menus of Baldur’s Gate 3 feels weighty, like your actions truly matter. Plus, it’s fun to see your spells and conditions light the controller up in purple, red, and poisonous lime green. Backward compatibility means you can enjoy old games you’ve purchased via the PlayStation platform on this newer console. I’ve only recently come into my gamer girl status, and I’m glad I can explore the complete dork canon without having to wait for a remastered version for the PS5. You’re itching to use that tax refund for something, right?

The post Swing over to Amazon for 20% off a PlayStation 5 console appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo		SEE IT	This modem-router combination takes the guesswork out of Spectrum compatibilty.
Best cyber secure		Gryphon AC3000		SEE IT	Hackers are no match for this protective router.
Best budget		TP-Link AC1750		SEE IT	Lots of expensive features are packed into this budget-friendly router.

If you work from home—and you’re a Charter Communications customer—you know there’s a huge difference between a bad router and a router that’s compatible with Spectrum internet. A bad router means long wait times talking to customer service, annoyingly slow load speeds, and a pixelated presence on work video calls. Choosing the best router for work, play, and just surfing the web makes life easier—and reduces the amount of low to no bandwidth-induced headaches you might get. 

• Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo
• Best for gaming: ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router
• Best for streaming: Linksys – Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router
• Best mesh: NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
• Best cyber secure: Gryphon AC3000
• Best budget: TP-Link AC1750

How we chose the best routers for Spectrum

We know how important a strong Wi-Fi connection is to effortless, lag-free performance on the best gaming laptops and streaming high-quality lossless audio. I personally have made the mistake of not doing my research before buying a router—would not recommend spending a few days Wi-Fi-less and with my own thoughts. To prevent you from facing a similar situation, we looked to personal testing, peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions to find the best Spectrum routers.

The best routers for Spectrum: Reviews & Recommendations

The best routers for Spectrum can handle everything, whether it’s a day full of video meetings, nights scrolling TikTok, intense gaming sessions, or streaming lengthy explainer videos on YouTube. These are our top picks.

Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo

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Why it made the cut: You don’t have to worry about purchasing a separate modem with this trusted combination device.

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 1,900 Mbps
• Coverage: 1,800 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: Up to 400 Mbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: Four 1-gigabit Ethernet ports; one USB 2.0 port

Pros

• Easy installation
• Independent channels for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz
• Warrants fast, reliable internet. 

Cons 

• Slow return on investment
• No support for Wi-Fi 6

The Netgear Nighthawk proves that two is better than one: This router also features a built-in modem, meaning you don’t have to shop for a Spectrum-compatible modem. This router covers 1,800 square feet for up to 30 devices and is compatible with Spectrum speed plans up to 400 Mbps. It includes separate networks for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands, meaning you can organize your devices based on band level. You can plug in gaming consoles and computers to Ethernet thanks to four one-gigabit Ethernet ports, and can share storage with a connected device using the USB port. The router supports Wi-Fi 4 and 5 but does not support Wi-Fi 6. It features a WPA2-PSK security protocol, which is secure enough to protect your home without an enterprise authentication server—simply provide an 8- to 62-character-long passphrase to encrypt your network. However, it will take some time to see a return on your investment with the Nighthawk. Multiple reviews note that owners’ internet speed and performance were improved after setup, making the purchase worth it. Find more options for the best Netgear routers here.

Best for gaming: ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router

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Why it made the cut: Reduced lag and latency are a tap away thanks to the router’s game mode and support for Wi-Fi 6. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 5700 Mbps
• Coverage: 2,500 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: two 3.2 USB ports; one 2.5 G WAN/LAN port; one WAN port; four Ethernet ports

Pros

• Fiber internet compatible
• Easy installation
• Plenty of LAN ports for devices if need be

Cons 

• Upright design can hinder placement 

We are no strangers to the ASUS AX5700—we’ve previously named it the best all-purpose gaming router. And it is compatible with Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan, which can handle up to 1 Gpbs, making it a perfect addition to this list. It’s Wi-Fi 6 compatible and includes MU-MIMO functionality for increased speed and security. Download the ASUS Router app to turn on the mobile game mode, which reduces lag and latency for back-to-back Victory Royales. AiMesh support allows you to bring seamless, interruption-free coverage to your home—and, considering the price of mesh routers, that makes this one a steal. Hackers will be KO’d thanks to free lifetime access to ASUS AiProtection Pro, which includes WPA3 protection—the latest Wi-Fi security protocol—powered by Trend Micro, a cyber security software company. However, you can only set the router vertically, which could pose a problem if you need a horizontal router. 

Best for streaming: Linksys – Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router

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Why it made the cut: Between the wide coverage range, support for more than 30-plus devices, and splittable price, this router means the only thing your roommates will lag on is doing their dishes. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 5.4 Gbps
• Coverage: 2,800 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 4 Ethernet ports; 1 internet port; 1 USB port

Pros

• Easy setup
• Separate guest access
• Easy device connection thanks to a WPS button

Cons 

• Reviews note trouble connecting the router to the Linksys app

We’ve all had the problem of the internet slowing because it’s slogged down by everyone’s respective phone, laptop, and gaming system streaming at once. This problem is exacerbated if your roommates like Internet-of-Things smart devices that connect to the network. Expect the slog to stop with this dual-band router, which can connect to more than 30 devices. Additionally, this router is Wi-Fi 6 compatible, meaning it’s fast and futureproof. This router includes four Ethernet ports, one internet port to connect the router to the modem, and one USB port. Also, the router can create a guest access network so your roommates’ siblings or frequent callers don’t cause security problems or snag too much bandwidth when they add their binge-watching to what’s pulling down all the data. A WPS button makes device connection easy, and you can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer browser for quick set-up. The second biggest problem with this router is deciding who will take it at the end of the lease. The largest problem is connecting it to the Linksys app.

Best mesh: NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System

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Why it made the cut: Up to 5,000 square feet of coverage and an included satellite extender means you can take meetings almost everywhere in your home without lag.

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 4.2 Gbps
• Coverage: 5,000 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 1 Ethernet WAN port; 3 Ethernet ports; 2 Ethernet ports on satellite extender

Pros

• No dead zones
• Wide coverage area
• Tri-band Wi-Fi

Cons 

• Must pay Netgear to service software issues
• Expensive
• App capabilities are only free for 30 days

We’ve all experienced the pain of being laggy and pixelated on a video call, either from weak signals or dead spots in the home. Say goodbye to all that with the Netgear Orbi, which covers 5,000 square feet and includes a satellite extender for more reach. This router, our pick for working from home, can support up to 40 devices and has a crazy-fast data transfer rate of 4.2 Gbps, plus support for Wi-Fi 6 for futureproofing. Unlike other routers, this one supports a tri-band frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band for connecting your devices, and a separate 5 GHz band so the router and included satellite can communicate with each other. Netgear Armor Antivirus and data theft protection powered by Bitdefender means business secrets will stay secret. However, there is a catch: this capability, along with others in the Orbi app like parental controls, are only free for 30 days. Afterward, you’ll need a subscription. And you’ll have to pay Netgear for software troubleshooting—that can be a lot of money to spend after purchasing an already-expensive router.

Best cyber secure: Gryphon AC3000

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Why it made the cut: This router does not use a web browser for configuration, making it less likely that a hacker will jack your info. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 3 Gbps 
• Coverage: 3,000 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 1 WAN port; 3 Ethernet ports with backhaul capabilities

Pros

• Easy installation with Gryphon app
• Free intrusion detection in the first year
• Responsive support team

Cons 

• No advanced customization options

You won’t need to worry about hackers and internet thieves with the Gryphon AC3000, which offers advanced security thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 functionality, vulnerability scans, and app configuration that prevents hackers from accessing your network via the web. It also secures connected devices and sends alerts when it detects vulnerabilities, weak passwords, or infected devices. The router has fantastic basic security and you also get one year of intrusion detection for free with purchase. Afterward, it’s $89 per year. It covers 3,000 square feet—an average 2-3 bedroom home—at lightning-fast speeds thanks to its 3 Gbps data transfer rate. If you purchase multiple Gryphon routers, you can create a mesh network for even stronger, wider coverage. The Gryphon Connect app includes robust parental controls, including content filtering, screen time, and usage monitoring. Its user interface is incredibly streamlined and simple. However, reviews note that there could be more advanced customization options, like more device categories and fields for categories that should be blocked.

Best budget: TP-Link AC1750

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Why it made the cut: The TP-Link AC1750 features high-end capabilities at a fraction of the cost. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 1750 Mbps
• Coverage: 2,500 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 400 Mbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 1 USB port; 1 WAN port; 4 Ethernet ports

Pros

• VPN Server
• Alexa compatibility
• Bandwidth prioritization (QoS)

Cons 

• Not compatible with Wi-Fi 6

The TP-Link AC1750 tops Amazon’s list of computer routers for a reason: it includes a VPN server, bandwidth prioritization, parental controls, Alexa compatibility, and can connect up to 50 devices—all for under $100. A 2,500-square-foot range means you can take video calls outside and bandwidth prioritization allows you to assign devices to either of the dual bands to prevent congestion and slow internet speeds. Connect it to Alexa to turn the guest Wi-Fi on or off using your voice, or use the TP-Link Tether app to set up and manage your network. WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption keeps the entire family protected from hackers, and parental controls protect your kids from looking up mature content on the internet. The only downside of this router? It’s not Wi-Fi 6 compatible, which means it could become obsolete as new Wi-Fi protocols come out.

What to consider when buying the best routers for Spectrum

Routers are not one-size-fits-all. Here is what you need to know when shopping for the best routers for Spectrum:

Modem vs. router

A modem connects you to a wide area network, or WAN—the internet that Spectrum provides. A router connects your devices to a local area network, or LAN—your own little piece of the internet that Spectrum provides. You can’t connect to a router without a modem. Spectrum customers are required to use an authorized modem, and the company provides a preconfigured Wi-Fi router for a monthly fee. However, that adds up, and purchasing your own can save money in the long run. If you buy your own router, you don’t have to give it back if you cancel your service—you can use it with your new internet provider.

Compatibility with Spectrum

Make sure that the router your purchase is compatible with Spectrum. Otherwise, you’ll have to return it. You can find a list of Spectrum-compliant routers on the company’s site. Although buying the correct modem is more important, it never hurts to double-check. Also, the router can only run as fast as your internet plan provides. For example, if you have a router that can only reach speeds of 300 Mbps and have an internet plan for 200 Mbps, you’ll only max out at 200 Mbps.

Wireless protocol

The wireless protocol, or Wi-Fi standard, determines your router’s throughput and range. You can determine the protocol by finding the number 802.11 and a certain letter combination:

• 11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Wi-Fi 6 is the newest standard and delivers speeds up to 10 Gbps. However, not all devices and internet connections support Wi-Fi 6. You may not need to upgrade just yet, but switching to Wi-Fi 6 will help futureproof your internet connection. This standard is the fastest.  
• 11ac (Wi-Fi 5): This standard appears on most routers, and supports speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. 
• 11n (Wi-Fi 4): This standard supports speeds up to 600 Mbps and was the first to allow both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This standard, compared to Wi-Fi 5 and 6, is the slowest. 

Range and signal strength

Wi-Fi range is determined by the kind of router you’re using, the wireless protocol the router follows, and the space you’re in. Wi-Fi signals have a harder time permeating through concrete, compared to wood, stucco, and other building materials. For example, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi routers can reach up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors and should be used if you’re looking for long-distance Wi-Fi. Routers running on 5 GHz bands can reach around one-third of these distances since it uses narrower wavelengths—because of this, you should choose a 5 GHz router for speed but only if your devices can be located nearer to your internet access point. Newer routers operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to reach greater distances and achieve maximum throughput for devices in closer proximity.

Budget

The best routers range from $50 up to $500. The best Wi-Fi extenders can help with spotty internet, but Consumer Reports recommends using a mesh router system that relies on multiple systems to spread strong Wi-Fi signals. However, a mesh router system can be pricey. On the flip side, Wi-Fi extenders are cheaper and can be a perfect solution if you’re looking for more reliable coverage in certain areas of your home. However, poor placement of your extender won’t help your Wi-Fi woes and can cause more connectivity problems if your Wi-Fi extender creates a separate network that your device has to switch between.

Extra features

Many newer routers are compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, have parental controls, and provide separate networks for guests. Built-in VPNs and routers with multi-user, multiple-input, and multiple-output technology—also known as MU-MIMO—can help with security and network speed, respectively. However, if you would not benefit from the bells and whistles—and the added costs associated with them—then there’s no shame in going for a basic router.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best routers for Spectrum

• Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo
• Best for gaming: ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router
• Best for streaming: Linksys – Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router
• Best mesh: NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
• Best cyber secure: Gryphon AC3000
• Best budget: TP-Link AC1750

Whether you decide on a router that helps you jumpstart your streaming career, keeps your new battlestation in sync with the rest of the squad, or feeds your OLED TV buttery-smooth 4K video, the best routers for Spectrum will be suited to your lifestyle and internet needs. It doesn’t matter if you go ham-handed on the features or keep it simple—the best routers will get you streaming, web surfing, online gaming, and working with ease.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best routers for Spectrum of 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Sockwell Firm Compression Socks		SEE IT	These all-around winners provide strong compression and reliable support for people who stand all day and look good to boot.
Best ankle-length		Comrad Ankle Compression Socks		SEE IT	These ankle socks provide 15-20 mmHg compression to gently boost circulation and support the foot.
Best budget		ACTINPUT Compression socks for Men & Women		SEE IT	Light compression you can buy in bulk.

Compression socks, also known as compression stockings or support stockings, gently squeeze and apply pressure to the legs to improve circulation while preventing and reducing swelling. These socks are a common part of post-injury or surgery recovery, but they’ve gained popularity among long-distance travelers and athletes for their recovery benefits, too. Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from an injury, or in an occupation that keeps you on your feet all day, pressure socks encourage blood flow and help you stay comfortable. However, compression socks come in different pressures, lengths, and sizes that determine how well they’ll work for your particular issues. We’ve rounded up some of the best compression socks for swelling, athletics, and general use to get your feet back in working order. 

• Best overall: Sockwell Firm Compression Socks
• Best for men: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
• Best for women: Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Socks
• Best for running: 2XU Vector Cushion
• Best design: VIM & VIGR Cotton Graduated Compression Socks
• Best ankle-length: Comrad Ankle Compression Socks
• Best toeless: SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Socks
• Best budget: ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women

How we chose the best compression socks

Pressure socks should not cause pain or uncomfortably pinch the skin. A sock that causes numbness, tingling, or discoloration is too tight. To inform our judging and avoid these shortcomings, we conducted user testing with feet of all sizes, conducted extensive research, and reviewed critical reviews.

The best compression socks: Reviews & Recommendations

We picked a range of socks for various needs, from socks that help runners with performance and recovery time to those that alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis, arch and heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis. Any one of these picks should get your blood pumping and your feet jumpin’.

Best overall: Sockwell Firm Compression Socks

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Why they made the cut: Sockwell’s Firm Compression Socks provide plenty of support while you’re on the job and still look stylish. 

Specs

• Materials: Merino wool, rayon, nylon, Spandex
• Compression: 20-30 mmHG
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Designed with graduated compression to reduce swelling
• Comes with arch support and cushioned sole
• Provides moisture-wicking and odor-control

Cons

• Not designed for athletic performance

If you’re looking for a compression sock you can wear all day, Sockwell’s Firm Compression Socks provide plenty of support while not looking like medical socks. Created to improve circulation in the legs of people who sit or stand all day, these socks are designed with graduated compression that minimizes swelling and cuts down on fatigue. They also wick away moisture and provide odor control thanks to the power of merino wool, and come in a range of colors from black to putty.

Best for men: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

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Why they made the cut: These compression socks provide moderate pressure and come in a range of fun designs that will look great when working out.

Specs

• Materials: Lycra
• Compression: 20-30 mmHG
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Great for extreme races
• Ankle cuff stays put
• Range of colors and designs

Cons

• Not particularly suited for the cold

The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks provide 20-30 mmHg of pressure, which is adequate for running and other sports, as well as post-workout recovery. Their graduated pressure provides higher pressure through the feet and ankles and gradually decreases toward the top of the calf. These socks come in three sizes and include “stay put” cuffs to keep the sock in place. They also come in 12 colors.

Best for women: Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Compression Socks

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Why they made the cut: These socks are designed to promote blood flow, discourage blood clots after surgery, and are also great for people working on their feet all day. 

Specs

• Materials: Nylon, polyester, copper fiber
• Compression: 20-30 mmHG
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Encourages blood flow and circulation
• Moisture-wicking and breathable fabric that eliminates odor

Cons 

• Striking design may not work with professional outfits

The Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Socks are the best compression socks for women and fit shoe sizes 6 to 15.5. They feature graduated compression between 20-30 mmHg, enough for daily wear, athletics, or recovery. A copper-infused fabric helps prevent odors and wicks moisture for more comfortable wear.

Best for running: 2XU Vector Cushion

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Why they made the cut: These athletic compression socks are specifically designed to improve runners’ performance with decreased recovery time and streamlined comfort. 

Specs

• Materials: Nylon, Lycra
• Compression: 15-20 mmHG at base of foot (20-30 mmHG at ankle) 
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Support feet and legs
• Cushioning provides plantar fascia and arch support
• Lock-in technology reduces blistering

Cons

• Expensive

Runners, if you’re looking for compression socks to enhance performance without looking stodgy, the 2XU Vector Cushion Socks are a solid option. Designed with graduated compression, these socks for running increase circulation in your feet and legs to get more blood to your muscles. They come with arch and plantar fascia cushioning to absorb shocks and with technology that helps reduce blistering. That said, they’re an expensive pair of socks. 

Best design: VIM & VIGR Cotton Graduated Compression Socks

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Why they made the cut: If boring socks aren’t your jam, the fun patterns and colors of VIM & VIGR’s compression socks will fit right in with the rest of your color rainbow collection.

Specs 

• Materials: Cotton, nylon, spandex
• Compression: 15-20 mmHg 
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Lots of sizes and colors available
• Ideal for all-day wear
• Cotton gives socks breathability

Cons

• Expensive

Socks are one of the ways we can show our personality without dressing too loud. It’s also titillating to have your own little fun secret hidden by the hem of your pants, only shown once you sit down. VIM & VIGR combines the whimsy of fun patterns like foxes, stripes, butterflies, and parasols with the practicality of compression. Its light compression—15-20 mmHg of it, to be exact—is perfect for traveling, exercising, sitting, standing, walking, and more. They’re soft, stretchy, and easy to put on. They’re also, at $38 per pair, expensive for this type of product.

Best ankle-length: Comrad Ankle Compression Socks

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Why they made the cut: These ankle socks are designed with light compression and provide 360 degrees of support that cradle feet and aid recovery.

Specs

• Materials: Nylon, Spandex
• Compression: 15-20 mmHg 
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Designed with targeted compression zones
• Moisture wicking 
• Comfortable

Cons

• Pill in the wash after a few wears

The Comrad ankle compression socks feature light, 15-20 mmHg compression in a side-specific design. Compression provides progressive pressure throughout the foot and ankle. They’re made of a moisture-wicking fabric that improves breathability for more comfortable wear, and feature extra toe and heel padding. That said, they’re not the best for cold weather, so you may also want to check out some heated socks. They feel just like a regular pair of socks, which is a plus for comfort. As you can see in the photo, the sock’s fabric pills after a few washes. It doesn’t affect their effectiveness, however.

Best toeless: SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks

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Why they made the cut: These compression socks are designed to relieve pain and are created specifically for people with foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, arch and heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis.

Specs 

• Materials: Nylon, Spandex
• Compression: 15-20 mmHg 
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Provides arch support
• Moisture wicking 
• Comfortable

Cons

• Not designed for cold weather

SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks feature compression and ribbing designed to follow the foot arch. The ribbing through the arch mimics the natural movement of the foot’s ligaments to provide better support. A thin heel lets you fit it under your regular socks without changing the fit of your shoes. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps the SB SOX cool even under another pair of socks. They come in four sizes and nine colors.

Best budget: ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women

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Why they made the cut: If you’re looking for light compression, this eight-pack of socks provides great value for everyday use for people who stand all day.

Specs 

• Materials: Nylon, polyester, elastane
• Compression: 15-20 mmHg 
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Comes in an eight-pack
• Moisture wicking 
• Good value

Cons

• Not designed for foot ailments

The ACTINPUT Socks for Men and Women are made with 15-20 mmHG compression and come in eight-packs. These knee-high compression socks provide uniform pressure from toe to knee in two sizes. You get many options, from a pack of all black to nude, white, gray, and colorful patterned designs.

What to consider when buying the best compression socks

Let’s start with the most basic question—what are compression socks used for? Compression socks apply gentle pressure to the tissues beneath the skin of the legs. That extra pressure prevents fluid leakage and promotes fluid absorption. That generally means less swelling and further swelling prevention. 

Pressure socks support vein and capillary walls, boosting weakening veins and valves. Even if your veins are perfectly healthy, blood can pool in your legs after long periods of sitting or time on your feet. Consequently, people who work while standing, walk all day, and travel for several hours at a time find relief from swelling with the added pressure of compression socks. 

These socks come in different types and designs. For example, gradient or graduated compression socks apply higher pressure toward the toes, feet, and ankles, with less pressure through the calf. Ankle compression socks only apply pressure to the foot and ankle. Toeless designs make it easier to wear with regular socks for greater cushioning and comfort. 

Pressure levels

Compression socks also come in different pressure levels, with socks available to the average consumer having light to medium compression. Pressure is measured in millimeters of Mercury (mmHg). People with certain health issues may require a specific sock pressure level recommended by a doctor, while others can just choose a comfortable level from the following:

• 15-20 mmHg (light compression): Daily wear, general sports, and travel.
• 20-30 mmHg (medium compression): Daily wear (especially for varicose veins and swelling), mild symptoms of discomfort, sports recovery.
• 30-40 mmHg (strong compression): Often recommended for blood clot prevention, medical recovery, or post-surgery.

Alleviating ankle swelling

Pregnancy, poor circulation, temperature fluctuations, and fatigue are only a few of the reasons your feet and ankles may swell. Capillaries, the very small blood vessels, help carry blood to the arteries and veins and back again. Their thin walls are easily damaged, leading to fluid buildup and poor circulation. 

Pressure socks gently squeeze the legs, helping fluids reabsorb and blood flow more easily. These pressure socks also decrease the diameter of veins, increasing the velocity of blood flow and its volume. In short, they keep the blood moving and fluid from pooling. If swelling plagues you during and after a long airplane, car ride, or a long shift on the job, these socks may help. 

Potential improved running performance

Here’s the deal: The jury is still out on the benefits of compression socks for running performance. Some studies have found a correlation between pressure socks and improved running performance and muscle fatigue, while others have found no difference. 

It comes down to what you need and want the compression socks to do. If you have swelling when you run, which is pretty normal, pressure socks can definitely reduce fluid buildup in your feet and legs. That may or may not benefit your running time and recovery. Runners who travel long distances to get to their events, such as marathons or triathlons,  may also reap the benefits of compression socks because they can reduce swelling due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

However, a fairly universal finding is that if the wearer believes the socks help, they report less fatigue, better circulation, and quicker recovery. The mental “race” can be just as difficult for runners as the actual race. If the socks work for you and help with recovery, you may want to consider a purchase. 

Style of sock

Something that goes to your knees or beyond is too much sock for the occasion. In other cases, you may only need compression and extra support in the arch, heel, or low ankle. Ankle socks may offer a solution to any of the aforementioned issues. 

These socks sometimes rise above the ankle bone, but many stay below this visible landmark. They have similar pressure levels as taller socks. Some of these designs feature targeted pressure through the arches or heels to relieve plantar fasciitis or support foot injuries. These socks also cover less surface area, making them a cooler option when temperatures rise.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best compression socks

• Best overall: Sockwell Firm Compression Socks
• Best for men: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
• Best for women: Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Socks
• Best for running: 2XU Vector Cushion
• Best design: VIM & VIGR Cotton Graduated Compression Socks
• Best ankle-length: Comrad Ankle Compression Socks
• Best toeless: SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Socks
• Best budget: ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women

Keeping your tootsies happy can help you stay on the move when your feet start to get tired. The best compression socks allow your blood to flow and reduce swelling without pinching or cutting off circulation. They also make great gifts. You may need a sock without toes or an ankle compression sock to support your arch. If you have a medical condition that requires a compression sock, talk to your doctor to determine the right pressure and sock style. These socks can express your personality with bright colors and patterns or blend in with your natural skin tone. If you need a pair, there’s a design out there that will work for you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best compression socks of 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The weather is (finally) warming up, and, if you’re on the East Coast, drying out after an entire weeks-worth of rain. That’s perfect if you’ve tried to get perfectly pruned lawns only to be thwarted by precipitation. If your plans for neighborhood glory require better equipment, consider hitting Amazon for these fresh deals from Greenworks.

Greenworks 80V 21” Brushless Cordless Electric Lawn Mower + Axial Leaf Blower $552.49 (Was $833.99)

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This combo kit comes with a four-year warranty and long runtimes on both the push mower and leaf blower. The cordless mower can be used to mulch, bag excess grass in the rear, or spit the clippings out on the side. The blower is powerful and can even assist in cleaning up leftover grass and leaves. You won’t want to miss this deal if you’re trying to upgrade your personal landscaping equipment.

More Greenworks tool deals:

• Greenworks 40V Cordless Brushless Axial Leaf Blower $223.99 (Was $279.99)
• Greenworks 80V 18″ Brushless Cordless Chainsaw $279.99 (Was $349.99)
• Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower $382.46 (Was $449.95)
• Greenworks 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery $119 (Was $159.99)
• Greenworks 40V 8″ Polesaw + Pole Hedge $175.99 (Was $219.99)
• Greenworks 2 x 24V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower + Blower + 12″ String Trimmer $486.99 (Was $609.99)
• Greenworks 40V 8″ Pole Saw, 2.0Ah Battery (Gen 1) $168.52 (Was $229)
• Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Brushless String Trimmer + Leaf Blower Combo $299.99 (Was $399)
• Greenworks 40V (3 Gallon) Cordless Wet / Dry Shop Vacuum + Accessories, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $159.99 (Was $199.99)
• Greenworks 24V 6″ Brushless Mini Chainsaw $135.99 (Was $159.99)

The post Get the greenest grass in the neighborhood with Greenworks outdoor power equipment deals at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for men		Native Deodorant		SEE IT	This pick is also formulated without parabens and comes in scents like coconut vanilla and cucumber mint.
Best for sensitive skin		Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin		SEE IT	Formulated for sensitive skin, this eco-friendly pick is made with dead sea salt and earth wax and comes in plant-based packaging.
Best overall		Humble All-Natural Deodorant		SEE IT	This pick is made with just four all-natural ingredients.

Aluminum-free deodorants are great if you experience underarm irritation and want to find an alternative that doesn’t leave you stinky. If you have sensitive skin, most antiperspirants probably leave you with itchy, red armpits. You’ve probably tried countless options, only to end up smelling like horse poop with a hint of Febreeze. And all that testing has made you feel like a soggy science experiment. “Should I just embrace the stink and my damp pits?” you ask yourself after yet another disappointing deodorant trial. The answer is no; do not be the person who doesn’t wear deodorant to a concert. Thankfully, you can smell and feel good with aluminum-free deodorant and can mosh relatively worry-free. And if you’re skipping aluminum because you’re worried about getting cancer, good news: There’s very little science, if any at all, to back that fear up. As we say, you do you, but we want to make sure you’re not falling for health misinformation. With that said, the best aluminum-free deodorants manage body odor with gentle ingredients.

• Best overall: Humble All-Natural Deodorant 
• Best for men: Native Deodorant
• Best for women: Toms’ of Maine Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant
• Best for sensitive skin: Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
• Best all-natural: Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant
• Best for body: Lume Whole Body Deodorant-Invisible Cream Tube and Solid Stick
• Best budget: ARM & HAMMER Essentials Deodorant

How we chose the best aluminum-free deodorants

To narrow down our choices, we looked at reviews, recommendations, and conducted heavy research. There’s lots of misinformation regarding aluminum deodorant, armpits, and making the switch to aluminum-free deodorant. Also, it’s a bad look for a place with “science” in its name to peddle myths proliferated by a granola mom/lifestyle influencer/man offering expensive personal coaching.

The best aluminum-free deodorants: Reviews & Recommendations

You don’t need to live that aluminum deodorant lifestyle to be hygienic. One of our choices should leave you smelling fresh as a daisy … or at least not like a piece of garlic wrapped in Limburger cheese.

Best overall: Humble All-Natural Deodorant 

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Specs

• Form: Stick
• Net weight: 2.5 ounces
• Ingredients: MCT oil, cornstarch, baking soda, beeswax

Pros

• Simple ingredients
• Cruelty-free
• Truly unscented

Cons

• Baking soda could irritate underarms

Humble All-Natural Deodorant features four fairly common ingredients: fractionated coconut oil, corn starch, baking soda, and beeswax. That’s it. It’s not fancy. However, for many people, it’s effective. Humble comes in a few different scents, with the scented varieties having essential oils for added fragrance. They also make a baking soda-free version if baking soda makes your underarms itch.

Best for men: Native Deodorant

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Specs

• Form: Stick
• Net weight: 2.65 ounces
• Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, probiotics, tapioca starch

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Not tested on animals
• Great performance

Cons

• Contains baking soda

Native Deodorant leaves out aluminum and a lot more, like parabens and animal testing. The list of ingredients also includes nourishment for the skin in the form of coconut oil and shea butter. This formula comes in several scents, including lavender rose, coconut vanilla, cucumber mint, and unscented. 

Best for women: Toms’ of Maine Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant

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Specs

• Form:
• Net weight:
• Ingredients: Propylene glycol, water, sodium stearate, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice, glyceryl laurate, fragrance, Humulus lupulus (Hops) extract, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, ascorbic acid, Cymbopogon flexuosus oil

Pros

• Not tested on animals
• No baking soda
• Paraben-free

Cons

• No 24-hour effectiveness

Toms’ of Maine Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant has a fairly short ingredient list. However, the list of ingredients it doesn’t have includes aluminum, silicone, microbeads, mineral oil, parabens, and many other things you may be trying to eliminate from your life. It also skips artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives but still stops odor.

Best for sensitive skin: Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

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Specs

• Form: Stick
• Net weight: 2.5 ounces
• Ingredients: Coconut oil, tapioca starch, earth wax, dead sea salt, castor oil, antioxidant salt, lime essential oil, bergamot essential oil, vanilla extract

Pros

• Baking soda-free
• Natural ingredients
• Great for sensitive skin

Cons

• Expensive

Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin Is formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on skin. They list the scientific name for their ingredients next to the common name, so you know what you’re using. The list includes everything from common favorites like coconut oil and dead sea salt to earth wax and fermented castor oil. This particular company is also gentle on the planet with plant-based packaging and recyclable materials. We particularly love that it’s baking soda-free and uses tapioca starch to keep wetness at bay. It’s so fancy that you could probably get away with gifting it to someone else, no shade attached.

Best all-natural: Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant

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Specs

• Form: Stick
• Net weight: 3.25 ounces
• Ingredients: Maranta Arundinacea (arrowroot) Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fractionated coconut oil), Euphorbia Cerifera (candelilla) Wax, Natural Fragrance, Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Seed Oil, Magnesium Hydroxide, Carbo Activatus (activated charcoal), Tocopherol (vitamin E; sunflower-derived)

Pros

• No artificial fragrance
• Need only 1-2 swipes
• Non-greasy and non-sticky

Cons

• Contains baking soda

Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant is formulated with an ingredient that’s showing up in many cosmetic and personal hygiene products: charcoal. Scientific evidence lags behind many of the claims around activated charcoal, but charcoal can neutralize odors. This formula contains a blend of charcoal and magnesium to keep odor under control. It’s natural enough that it’s received the EcoCert Certification, a European organization that certifies organic products. 

Best for body: Lume Whole Body Deodorant-Invisible Cream Tube and Solid Stick

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Specs

• Form: Stick and topical
• Net weight: 3 ounces for bottle; 2.6 ounces for stick
• Ingredients: Water, Mandelic Acid, arrowroot powder, Tapioca Starch, Isoamyl Laurate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Floral Pyranol, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sandalrome, Stearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Pentylene Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Pros

• Bundle deal
• Works everywhere
• Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

• Expensive

Like the packaging says, this deodorant covers all areas of your body—even those that remain unseen (wink). We also love that it’s also baking soda-free for those with sensitive skin. It also has mandelic acid, an exfoliant that scrubs away dead skin cells and lowers the pH of your armpit, which prevents bacteria from forming in the first place. We also love that it has not one but two sweat-wicking ingredients (arrowroot powder and tapioca starch). It also contains panthenol, which moisturizes skin and prevents water loss, and allantoin, which helps heal the skin, prevent itchiness, and improve overall skin texture.

Best budget: ARM & HAMMER Essentials Deodorant

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Specs

• Form: Stick
• Net weight: 2.5 ounces
• Ingredients: Propylene glycol, Purified water, Sodium stearate, Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Coriandrum sativum (coriander) fruit oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, Lavandula hybrida (lavandin) oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octenidine HCl, Tetrasodium EDTA, Allantoin

Pros

• Cheap
• Wide stick for large areas of coverage
• Contains skin-friendly allantoin

Cons

• Contains baking soda

This cheap deodorant contains no parabens or phthalates and comes in five herbaceous scents like Juniper Berry and Orange Citrus. Its wide stick also provides extra coverage. We’re also impressed that allantoin is an ingredient, considering the price. I only see this ingredient in higher-end products, like the Sofie Pavitt Clean Clean cleanser, so it’s refreshing to see it in a product that lines grocery store shelves.

What to consider when buying the best aluminum-free deodorants

The best aluminum-free deodorants effectively control odors. However, it’s important to remember that there’s a difference between antiperspirants and deodorants, though people often use the terms interchangeably. Antiperspirants are made with aluminum because it blocks sweat glands from producing sweat. Deodorants, meanwhile, reduce odor and don’t generally contain aluminum unless they’re antiperspirant-deodorants. 

The second thing to consider is how aluminum works when it is present in an antiperspirant. The aluminum salt in antiperspirants melts into the pores, clogging them to reduce overall perspiration. Scientists know that substances can enter the body through the skin, a process called transdermal absorption. And high aluminum levels have been linked to memory issues, cancer, dementia, and renal failure. 

However, the aluminum in cosmetic products and antiperspirant deodorants has not been linked to high aluminum levels. As recently as 2021, a study found that breastfeeding mothers did not have higher aluminum levels in their breast milk, for example. Scientists haven’t conclusively determined that aluminum in antiperspirants contributes to aluminum buildup in the human body, nor have they definitely found that it does not. We just don’t know. We will say this: the rumor that aluminum in antiperspirants can cause breast cancer originated from an email chain in the ’90s. Here’s the real information you need to know when buying:

Gendered deodorants

Aluminum-free deodorants don’t typically have different formulas for men and women, though some are marketed to a specific gender. Instead, it’s about finding a formula that works for you and has a smell that you like. Thankfully, these products come in a wide array of scents, such as tea tree, lavender, rose, mint, and sage.

Many aluminum-free deodorants are free of other potentially questionable substances, such as paraben and phthalates. Like aluminum, there’s no conclusive evidence that parabens and phthalates are harmful in the doses used in cosmetics. The FDA has determined that both types of chemicals are safe for regular use. However, cosmetic doses are closely monitored and regularly tested to ensure growing levels in our daily products don’t pose a problem.

Clothing stains and aluminum-free deodorants

Deodorants are notorious for leaving white marks on the inside, and sometimes the outside, of your clothes. Then there are the lovely yellow stains we all love. The good news if you’re jumping on the aluminum-free train is that aluminum reacts with perspiration and is the source of many of the yellow stains. That means aluminum-free products are less likely to stain your clothes. 

Staining on white clothing is another matter and usually stems from odor-reducing ingredients. An aluminum-free deodorant might prove helpful here because it’s more likely to have natural ingredients, which are typically easier to wash out of your clothes.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin easily reacts to chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. A reaction may cause itching, redness, or an unsightly rash. For example, a rash down the back of your arm or in the armpit is a pretty good indication that your skin is reacting to your deodorant. And perspiration can further irritate the skin. 

Aluminum-free deodorants come in formulas made especially for the most sensitive skin. They are already free of aluminum, but these formulas are often free of other common irritants, such as dyes and artificial fragrances. Instead, they feature natural options or a reduced number of ingredients to keep things simple. 

Ingredients 

The lists on the back of some antiperspirant deodorants can sound like a foreign language. A formula composed of natural ingredients skips chemicals and uses familiar ingredients. Keep in mind that natural ingredients may include naturally derived ingredients, too. That doesn’t mean these ingredients are harmful. It means they’ve gone through some processing before getting added to the deodorant. In many cases, they’re easier on your body (and clothes) than the synthetic substitute used in regular deodorants.

Budget

Many of the ingredients we use in everyday products are there because they’re effective and inexpensive to produce. Aluminum substitutes cost more. These deodorants can run up to $3 or more per ounce. However, less expensive options are out there. They typically have common, easily accessible ingredients, though the list of ingredients may be small. Some may have a few essential oils to add fragrance. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best aluminum-free deodorants

• Best overall: Humble All-Natural Deodorant 
• Best for men: Native Deodorant
• Best for women: Toms’ of Maine Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant
• Best for sensitive skin: Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
• Best all-natural: Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant
• Best for body: Lume Whole Body Deodorant-Invisible Cream Tube and Solid Stick
• Best budget: ARM & HAMMER Essentials Deodorant

Applying antiperspirant or deodorant is likely a daily practice. Plus, throwing on some deodorant can save you when you need to smell fresher fast. The best aluminum-free deodorant manages odors and keeps you comfortable all day. After all, you deserve a deodorant that leaves you smelling fresh and clean.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best aluminum-free deodorants in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe		SEE IT	A modular option that’s easy to install and customize.
Best for walk-ins		ClosetMaid ShelfTrack		SEE IT	With shelves that can hold up to 60 lbs., this option is sturdy.
Best budget		Simple Houseware 5 Shelves Hanging Closet Organizer		SEE IT	Closet organization can be yours for just $12.

Closet organizers come in all different shapes and sizes for all kinds of different closets. What works for a walk-in won’t be right for a nursery, and vice versa. The key to picking the best closet organizer and corresponding organizational accessories is to consider what you need space for (shoes? Linens? Dress shirts?), how much you want to spend, and what kind of changes you’re willing to make (e.g., are you ready to invest in an entire closet organization system, or are you just looking for some hangers to help streamline the bulk?). From bathroom closet organization ideas to stackable shoe storage, find the best organization closet organizers for you! The best closet organizers help your spaces get a whole lot neater.

• Best overall: Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe
• Best for walk-ins: ClosetMaid ShelfTrack
• Best for small closets: DOIOWN S-Type Stainless Steel Clothes Pants Hangers
• Best drawer organizers: Simple Houseware Closet Underwear Organizer
• Best for babies: GRANNY SAYS 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
• Best for shoes: Simple Houseware 3-Tier Shoe Rack
• Best for purses: SPACEKEEPER Adjustable Shelf Divider for Closet
• Best budget: Simple Houseware 5 Shelves Hanging Closet Organizer

How we chose the best closet organizers

Properly storing and organizing your clothes can prevent random stains and holes. It also makes your life easier (no more sniffing around for clean jeans) and keeps things nice and tidy. We looked at reviews, recommendations, and did heavy research to narrow down our picks.

The best closet organizers: Reviews & Recommendations

One little closet change—be it layered hangers, bins, hanging shelves, or drawers—can clear out your space’s physical clutter, which in turn can clear out your mind’s clutter and bring on a sense of calm. Now, let’s find the best closet organizer for you.

Best overall: Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 96 x 12.85 x 72 inches
• Material: Aluminum
• Mount type: Wall mount

Pros

• Modular
• Quick install
• Expandable shelves

Cons

• Hard to obtain additional parts outside of kit

All the mounting hardware you need to put this closet organizer system together comes included. Telescoping rods and the ability to add accessories to the set mean you have numerous configuration options to create the perfect custom space for your 4- to 8-foot closet.

Best for walks-ins: ClosetMaid ShelfTrack

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 36 x 13 x 78 inches
• Material: Alloy steel
• Mount type: Wall mount

Pros

• Sturdy
• Easy to install
• Expandable

Cons

• Some cutting may be required

This walk-in closet organizer retracts to 5 feet wide and expands up to 8 feet. Some cutting may be required for installation, but all hardware and an installation template are included. Each shelf can hold up to 60 pounds, so this is a sturdy pick.

Best for small closets: DOIOWN S-Type Stainless Steel Clothes Pants Hangers

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 13.39 x 14.17 inches
• Material: Stainless steel
• Mount type: Hanger

Pros

• Can put multiple items on one hanger
• Multi-purpose
• Small change that makes a big difference

Cons

• Slippery clothing can slide off
• Too much weight can warp hanger

This small closet organizer is durable and rust-resistant. It has transparent rubber edges to prevent clothes from falling to the floor. The unique S-shape lets you see every item on the hanger so you can pull out just what you need. It also doubles as a drying rack for your hang-dry-only items.

Best drawer organizer: Simple Houseware Closet Underwear Organizer

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Specs

• Dimensions: 6 x 3.5 x 12 inches
• Material: Polyester
• Mount type: N/A

Pros

• Functional
• Sturdy
• Flexible

Cons

• Larger bras don’t fit

In addition to underthings, closet drawers are a good bet for anything delicate you don’t want to stretch by putting it on a hanger (e.g., sweaters). Some people with bras larger than a C-cup have reported that their bras don’t fit perfectly in these closet drawer organizers, but if you’re flexible about what you can store here, it’s a good, very affordable bet.

Best for babies: GRANNY SAYS 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 29 x 12 x 12 inches
• Material: Polyester
• Mount type: Hanger

Pros

• Sturdy
• Roomy
• Easy to use

Cons

• Fabric can rip if organizer becomes overstuffed

Soft hanging shelves in this baby closet organizer let you store all sorts of stuff—whether from a closet rod or freestanding clothing rack—and lightweight material means it collapses down to nothing, perfect for taking with you when you travel. The grab-and-go design of this hanging closet organizer makes it particularly easy to reach a new outfit when the little one has made an oopsie.

Best for shoes: Simple Houseware 3-Tier Shoe Rack

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.2 x 26.8 x 20.9
• Material: Metal, polyester
• Mount type: N/A

Pros

• Moveable shelves
• Semi-modular
• Sturdy

Cons

• Not the most stylish option

This shoe rack can hold 16 pairs of shoes and even comes in multiple tier sizes in case your shoe collection grows over the years. It’s not stylish, but it will be in your closet anyway. If you’re looking for an #aesthetic option, consider this classy rack that has a wooden top and adjustable metal shelves.

Best for purses: SPACEKEEPER Adjustable Shelf Divider for Closet

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 26.2 x 9.52 x 6.88 inches
• Material: Plastic
• Mount type: N/A

Pros

• Not just for closets
• Can separate base or put it together
• Quick to assemble

Cons

• Could be sturdier
• Need more than one set if you have a collection of bags

Properly storing your purses can keep them in tip-top shape and looking brand new for years and years. This plastic option keeps your handbags upright and doesn’t put any strain on the handles. Plus, you can adjust the divider width to accommodate larger purses.

Best budget: Simple Houseware 5 Shelves Hanging Closet Organizer

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 45 inches
• Material: Polyester
• Mount type: Hanger

Pros

• Side pockets
• Fits closets of all sizes
• Lots of color options

Cons

• Will break if too much weight put into organizer

If you’re just looking to add a little bit of room (especially if, say, you own a handful of T-shirts that always end up on the floor no matter how many times you put them away), a simple hanging closet organizer is perfect. It’s unobtrusive but essential.

What to consider when buying the best closet organizers

Ask yourself: How’s my current organizational wardrobe system working for me? For some of us, that system consists of one pile of clothes in the corner of the bedroom for clean socks, another in the bathroom for used towels, and many other smaller piles strewn about everywhere else (what’s in them? Nobody knows!). In these piles are different pieces of clothing—some clean, some not—and the best part is, whenever we find what we’re looking for, it is sure to be completely wrinkled.

It’s hard to imagine that there could be a better way, much less many better ways, but there are! Organization doesn’t come naturally to everyone; some of us are just prone to messiness. Adding organizational components to your closet will give you the incentive and tools to keep things tidy, even if you don’t feel a natural instinct to only hang onto items that spark joy.

Closet organization systems

Unlike a la carte closet additions, full closet organization systems do all the thinking for you and offer loads of variety. You get rods, you get shelves, you get drawers—and many are customizable, so if you need, say, more shelves than drawers, you can have that.

You don’t even necessarily need a ton of space to install a closet system, as many models are adjustable (meaning even if you move, you can take your hard-earned organizational system with you and just adapt it).

Size

Organization can happen in even the littlest places—the key is to figure out how to make the most of every single inch you have. That may mean sacrificing the ease of a furniture-like system and instead opting for individual small closet organization accessories that allow you to add space without adding bulk or making your closet claustrophobic.

Hooks, built-in wall shelves, and even special hangers should all be in your organizational arsenal when you’re dealing with a lot of stuff in a little room.

Type of closet

If you have a walk-in, a) we are jealous, and b) congratulations! On the downside, figuring out how to maximize your space when adding an organizational element can be overwhelming. On the upside, you have options and can incorporate lots of different elements—hooks, tie racks, accessory drawers—to make your closet uniquely yours.

If you’re indecisive or have trouble conceptualizing different layouts, get a second opinion from an expert before you invest in a walk-in closet organizer.

Drawers vs. hangers

If you need a place for your undies, socks, and other soft, compact items, say no more: You need a closet drawer organizer! You can place drawers on any existing shelves or sills, or just put them on the floor, a chair, or a table.

Because closet drawers are soft, they’re forgiving, which means you can probably shove more in there than you’re meant to if you’re running low on room.

Options for children

Nappies, onesies, booties, and all other soft, adorable things for a baby deserve a place of their own. A hanging component—as opposed to a dresser or other hard piece of furniture—is a good option if you want to store your kiddo’s stuff in the closet.

The best part is that you can move a baby closet organizer from room to room. So if the baby is co-sleeping with you one night and back in her crib the next, you can just move the hanging shelves with her and keep all the essentials close by. You can also use these shelves in laundry rooms for sorting laundry.

Budget

Unless you’re investing in a complex organizational system, most closet components are relatively affordable. Think of it this way: All you’re paying for is a contraption that gives order to space you already have, so many options are truly cheap.

Especially if all you need is a little added vertical space, like with hanging shelves that hook onto a closet rod or with layered hangers, you can easily get what you need for under 10 bucks. This is the best closet organizer we’ve found in that price range.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best closet organizers

• Best overall: Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe
• Best for walk-ins: ClosetMaid ShelfTrack
• Best for small closets: DOIOWN S-Type Stainless Steel Clothes Pants Hangers
• Best drawer organizers: Simple Houseware Closet Underwear Organizer
• Best for babies: GRANNY SAYS 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
• Best for shoes: Simple Houseware 3-Tier Shoe Rack
• Best for purses: SPACEKEEPER Adjustable Shelf Divider for Closet
• Best budget: Simple Houseware 5 Shelves Hanging Closet Organizer

From linen closet organization to shoe closet organizer options, there are lots of ways to declutter your closet. Whether you want to take a big step toward organizing your closet with an intricate system or just add a few organizational elements, a happier, less cluttered tomorrow is on deck once you invest in the best closet organizer for you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best closet organizers for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Vacuuming is one of my least favorite chores. I knock over a few things when reaching for it in the hall closet, only to pull it out and realize that it doesn’t have enough battery to run. Do I remember to vacuum after putting it on a charger? No! Although a robot vacuum does get your floors squeaky clean, they do an excellent job of sucking up crumbs, pet hair, and dust bunnies that accumulate day after day. That small maintenance during the week makes a big difference when doing a weekly deep clean. Shark is offering both its vacuums and robovacs on sale at Amazon for up to 44% off, meaning you can upgrade your entire setup.

Shark AI Robot Vacuum & Mop $269.99 (Was $479.99)

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This robovac from Shark vacuums and mops at the same time—talk about killing two birds with one stone. LIDAR tech accurately maps your home, and AI laser navigation makes sure all floor space is clean without running into a corner and crying for help. You can control it via app or voice, thanks to compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Powerful suction and sonic mopping clean pet- or kid-related messes so well you’ll forget they even happened.

More Shark vacuum and robovac deals:

• Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum $329.99 (Was $549.99)
• Shark AV752 ION Robot Vacuum $179.99 (Was $229.99)
• Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum with NeverStuck Technology $399.99 (Was $549.99)
• Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner $59.99 (Was $89.99)
• Shark IZ363HT Anti-Allergen Pet Power Cordless Stick Vacuum $249.99 (Was $349.99)
• Shark CH963AMZ 2-in-1 Pet Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum $99.99 (Was $149.99)

The post These Shark vacuums and robovacs are up to 44% off at Amazon—but not for long appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

March Madness is coming to a close, with the men’s tourney tip-off on April 8 and the women’s championship the day before. Maybe your television was a causality in an upset or kicked the bucket at the perfect time. However, not everyone has new TV money or wants to leave their house to watch the game. You can get stunning 4K Hisense TVs for far less than their competitors at Amazon, coming to your house just in time for the final 2024 March Madness games.

Hisense 75-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $629.99 (Was $1,149.99)

SEE IT

Hisense makes our favorite television for watching sports, the 65-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV. Its almost $1,000 price tag is a steal compared to other models, but $1,000 is still $1,000. The Class U6HF also sports QLED tech and is Alexa-compatible, but comes at a much cheaper price tag. Support for Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+ lends stunning clarity to movies and television after the March Madness trophy is awarded to the winning team.

More March Madness cheap television deals:

• Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $299.99 (Was $499.99)
• Hisense 65-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $549.99 (Was $749.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 40″ 2-Series HD smart TV $178.99 (Was $249.99)
• INSIGNIA 42-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• INSIGNIA 65-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote $329.99 (Was $449.99)
• LG QNED80 Series 75-Inch Class QNED Mini LED Smart TV $1,096.99 (Was $1,496.99)
• LG 75-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV $796.99 (Was $899.99)
• Toshiba 50-inch Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote $249.99 (Was $319.99)

The post Save up to 45% on a Hisense 4K TV at Amazon before March Madness ends appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool		SEE IT	Leave the toolbox at home with this tiny tool that’s packed with practicality.
Best fire starter		überleben Zünden Fire Starter		SEE IT	Light a fire in the rain with a trusty ferro rod.
Best budget		Coghlan's 1985 Carabiner Compass		SEE IT	Clip it onto your backpack or belt loop.

You have your tent and sleeping bag packed—now all you need are some camping gadgets to ensure you’ll be extra prepared. Not every piece of gear needs to be state-of-the-art, and some of the most basic essentials are often the coolest. (Who hasn’t been wowed when using flint to light a fire?) Sometimes, your favorite items on the packing list are the ones on there that simply make your life easier, from compasses to help you navigate to a solar generator to power your laptop to edit drone footage. Never be left in the dark—literally—with the best camping gadgets.

• Best overall: Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife Set
• Best flashlight: Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight
• Best power bank: UGREEN 145W Power Bank
• Best solar generator: Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro
• Best Bluetooth speaker: House of Marley Get Together 2
• Best appliance: COMFEE Portable Dishwasher
• Best mosquito repellent: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent E-Series
• Best smartwatch: Garmin Instinct 2
• Best hammock: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
• Best multi-tool: Leatherman Super Tool 300
• Best trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 Trekking Poles
• Best satellite communicator: Garmin inReach Messenger
• Best tent: NEMO Aurora Tent
• Best sleeping bag: Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy 45F/7C Synthetic Mummy Sleeping Bag
• Best hiking backpack: Osprey Talon 36L Men’s Hiking Backpack with Hipbelt
• Best hiking boots: Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot
• Best insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle
• Best water bladder: Platypus Hoser Ultralight Taste-Free Water Reservoir/Hydration Bladder, 3-Liter
• Best water filter: LifeStraw Peak Solo
• Best fire starter: überleben Zünden Fire Starter
• Best headlamp: BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro
• Best budget: Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass

How we chose the best camping gadgets

We decided to limit our choices mostly to techy camping items—that’s what “gadgets” implies, even if it’s just using simple mechanics like striking metal to flint. We also considered various items for all kinds of trips, including proper backpacking, casual RV-ing, and even van-life, as long as they involved the outdoors. After all, what you pack for the backcountry is far different than what you might for air or train travel. Finally, we looked at reviews and recommendations and tested items ourselves to create our list.

The best camping gadgets: Reviews & Recommendations

The best camping gadgets can completely change your trip and make your time roughing it a little less rough. At least one of our choices should be a welcome addition to the packing list.

Best overall: Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife Set

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.25 x 1 x 4.25 inches

Pros

• Portable
• 15 tools in one
• Slim design

Cons

• A little stiff when opening, but it gets better over time

Leave the unwieldy toolbox at home with this stainless steel multi-tool, which is great for camping, fishing, hunting, and even everyday life. Don’t let its 4.25-inch closed length fool you—it packs 15 tools in its slim design, including a file, ruler, pliers, a wire stripper, a pocket knife, a cross driver, an awl, two different sizes of flathead driver, scissors, a bottle opener, and a can opener. It locks when not in use, and a pocket clip means it won’t budge. Broken gear and cracking open a cold one are inevitable on a camping trip—a multi-tool makes both an easy fix, and this one will surely last for many adventures.

Best flashlight: Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 6.2 ounces
• Dimensions: 6.22 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches

Pros

• Zoomable
• IPX5 durability rating
• 900 lumen light

Cons

• Doesn’t indicate how much charge is left

What could be more important on a camping trip than a flashlight? Anker’s LC90 can create a 900 lumen light beam, and allows you to switch between five different modes to widen or concentrate the light with the click of a button. One of this flashlight’s distinguishing features is its rechargeable battery, which can last up to six hours at medium brightness. Anker includes a MicroUSB cable with the flashlight, so all you need to provide is a power source. One of the unforgiving aspects of camping is the weather, and the LC90 has an IPX5 durability rating, which means it can be used in the rain without being damaged. Similarly, the flashlight can be used in temperatures as low as 14 degrees so that you can keep it in your car during the winter in case of an emergency. We understand that many people have started using their phone’s LED instead of a flashlight, and while that’s better than nothing, a stronger, dedicated flashlight is a better light source that won’t run your smartphone’s battery down.

Best power bank: UGREEN 145W Power Bank

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.18 x 1.05 inches

Pros

• Supports fast charging
• Can charge three devices at once
• High capacity

Cons

• Expensive

If you’re going for a short camping trip, a power bank is all you’ll need to keep your gadgets topped up for a few days. Yes, the point of camping is to unplug for a little while and experience nature, but keeping a charged phone in case of emergencies, recharging your flashlight, or powering a Bluetooth speaker are all sensible uses. We like UGREEN’s power bank because of its high capacity, ultra-fast maximum charging speed, and LCD screen, which displays how much of its battery is depleted. UGREEN says its battery can fully recharge an iPhone 14 over five times. Thanks to its pair of USB-C ports and one USB-A port, you can use the power bank to charge up to three devices. Additionally, these features make UGREEN’s 145W Power Bank useful for charging your laptop and other gadgets while traveling anywhere (especially internationally), not just camping.

Best solar generator: Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro

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Specs

• Weight: 51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.6 x 12.1 inches

Pros

• Solar charging
• Great capacity
• Can power small appliances

Cons

• Heavy

Anyone going on a week-long camping trip should think long and hard about picking up a solar generator. Jackery’s Solar Generator 2000 topped out in this category thanks to its outstanding capacity, port selection, durability, and ability to simultaneously work with six 200W solar panels. Jackery outfitted its generator with three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a DC jack. The Solar Generator 2000 holds enough juice to fully recharge a smartphone several times over or run small appliances while you’re out exploring nature.

An LCD panel on the front of the Solar Generator 2000 offers immediate access to its battery level, how much power is drawn from connected devices, and how much energy is absorbed via an outlet or solar panel. Speaking of, we’re recommending a bundle that includes both the Solar Generator 2000 and a single solar panel to ensure you can use this eco-friendly (and helpful in a pinch) feature. Even better, the bundle is often substantially cheaper, thanks to regular Amazon coupon that deduct hundreds. This is a worthwhile investment if you’re a serious camper who wants to spend weeks living the van and tent life. After all, who doesn’t want a portable power station to ensure their portable party speaker is ready to help make every campsite cozy.

Best Bluetooth speaker: House of Marley Get Together 2

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Specs

• Weight: 6.65 pounds
• Dimensions: 17.99 x 8.27 x 15.75 inches

Pros

• IP65 durability rating
• Made of eco-friendly materials
• 20-hour battery life
• Connection for a strap

Cons

• Not a camp necessity

If you’re the type of camper who wants to severely limit their screen time outdoors, a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker can offer great entertainment. Simply create a playlist on your phone, connect it to the speaker, hit play, and put your device screen-side down on a table or in a bag. We like House of Marley’s Get Together 2 because of its 20-hour battery life, IP65 durability rating (a little rain won’t ruin your camping trip or speaker), and the company’s use of eco-friendly materials.

Bringing hunks of plastic into nature can feel a little embarrassing, but the Get Together 2 is made out of bamboo, recycled silicone, aluminum, and stainless steel; even the packaging this speaker comes in is 100 percent recyclable. In addition to playing music, this speaker’s USB-C port can charge smaller devices like smartphones, which means it can be used as a power bank in emergencies.

Best appliance: COMFEE Portable Dishwasher

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Specs

• Weight: 36.6 lbs.
• Dimensions: 17.13 x 16.5 x 17.24 inches

Pros

• Can accommodate lots of items

Cons

• Needs an outlet to work

COMFEE’s portable countertop dishwasher is an incredible luxury for RV campers, but it’s worth the indulgence for its time savings. The cube-shaped dishwasher weighs 36.6 and is roughly 17 inches tall, wide, and deep. It can accommodate up to 30 items, plates up to 9.5 inches around, and is compatible with any pods or detergents. You must hook it up to an outlet, but the dishwasher doesn’t need to be connected to a main water line to operate.

Instead, you can pour water into its 5-liter tank through a hole in the top. Once the tank is filled, select one of six cleaning modes and let the dishwasher handle the rest. There’s even a drying feature to avoid encouraging the growth of mold. If you don’t have a dishwasher at home, COMFEE’s portable model is an even easier recommendation because you can use it all year long.

Best mosquito repellent: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent E-Series

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Specs

• Weight: 12 ounces
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.25 inches

Pros

• Small
• Rechargeable
• Odorless and silent

Cons

• Not best for hikes

Forget sprays and bracelets; if you want to keep your camping area bug-free, Thermacell’s repellent is the best solution. The soda can-sized device runs on a rechargeable battery and works just like a scent diffuser. A cartridge full of liquid insect repellent fits into a chamber inside the device, which automatically sprays at regular intervals. The repellent is odorless, and the device is virtually silent so that it won’t disturb gatherings—especially mealtimes. Thermacell says this device can run up to 5.5 hours per charge, creating a 20-foot barrier to prevent bugs from creeping in. No system is perfect, but this is one of the best insect repellants if you want relief from most bugs on your next camping trip.

Best smartwatch: Garmin Instinct 2

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Specs

• Weight: 1.9 ounces
• Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.77 x 0.57 inches

Pros

• Ridiculous battery life
• Available in two sizes
• Robust fitness tracking and health features

Cons

• Black and white display
• Detailed maps and graphs don’t show up well

Garmin smartwatches have incredible battery life and are made for all sorts of outdoor activities. Although it doesn’t have some of the detail and color of some hiking watches, it’s perfect for those with tiny wrists and is easily visible in sunlight. It’s choked full of sensors, like heart rate, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, thermometer, pulse ox monitor, compass, and GPS modes. You can even get training details, statuses, and suggestions to improve your fitness. It’s even compatible with Garmin Pay, so you can pay for a beer after a long day outdoors. Want to know more? Check out our full review.

Best hammock: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock

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Specs

• Weight: 24 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 9 feet for single person; 6.5 x 10 feet for two people

Pros

• High weight limit
• Lightweight
• High-quality at a low price

Cons

• Included straps could be better

You can’t be sad in a hammock. Although it’s not scientifically proven, I personally have never been sad in a hammock. This one from Wise Owl Outfitters is lightweight and comes with everything you need to set up your hammock: two carabiners, straps to tie around the tree, and the hammock itself. When you’re done, simply stuff the hammock back into its pouch and roll up the straps. Although I haven’t had a problem with the hammock itself, I opted for these ENO Atlas XL Suspension System treep straps since the ones included don’t exactly scream support and safety. Other hammocks retail for $70-plus dollars. I’ve had this Wise Owl hammock for years, and it’s still holding up with no signs of breaking. It’s also our best budget pick for the best hammocks.

Best multi-tool: Leatherman Super Tool 300

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Specs

• Weight: 272.15 grams
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.9 x 1.57 inches

Pros

• Durable
• Well-equiped
• Comfortable

Cons

• Smaller tools more difficult to access

Leatherman’s Super Tool 300 has supported us through tightening screws on drawer handles, cutting fishing lines and small branches, and taking quick measurements. It fits neatly into your front pocket, and its weight is comforting. In total, it packs 19 tools into its compact body. Unfolding it reveals a pair of pliers, with the rest of the tools tucked neatly under both sides of the handle. Bigger tools, like the serrated knives and file, were easy to pull out. Smaller ones, like the screwdriver, required more effort thanks to smaller hooks that are harder to finagle with our own fat fingers. They worked like a charm once out. Get one to carry with you, and even snag another to keep in the car. Here are more of our favorite multi-tools.

Best trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 Trekking Poles

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Specs

• Weight: 1 gram
• Dimensions: Up to 54 inches long

Pros

• Packable
• Comfortable handles
• Versatile
• Lightweight

Cons

• Non-interchangeable tips

Trekking poles are great if you’re looking to walk on uneven ground with more ease and control. This pair from Black Diamond folds in three sections for compact packing and weighs only a gram. A comfortable webbing strap keeps the poles attached to your person, and a Dual FlickLock keeps your poles at the height you set them to with no slippage. Although the tips aren’t interchangeable, these poles are a great starter option for those who are just getting into hiking or perfect for an adventurer shopping on a budget.

Best satellite communicator: Garmin inReach Messenger

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Specs

• Weight: 1 gram
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.5 x .9 inches

Pros

• Portable
• Fast access to SOS
• Lots of battery power
• Can use with your phone for faster typing

Cons

• Expensive

This 2022 Best of What’s New winner changed the game when it came to satellite communicators and connectivity. Other satellite communicators and phones are made for emergencies only. This one can be used for just that, but we love its ability to keep you constantly connected when you’re away from cell towers and phone reception. It lets you send two-way text messages and is compatible with other Garmin devices. It’s water-rated to IPX7, making it tougher than the next incline you’re hitting on your hike. Plus, 24/7 access to the Garmin Response Center gives you peace of mind, and it can even charge your phone when you need just enough juice to send a quick message home.

Best tent: NEMO Aurora Tent

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Specs

• Weight: 5 pounds
• Dimensions: 88 x 52 x 44 inches

Pros

• Washable
• Holds up in rain
• Durable fabric

Cons

• Better for warmer expeditions

Tents are some of the most important pieces of camping gear you can carry with you. Weighing just under 5 pounds, the NEMO Aurora offers ample space for changing clothes or packing up gear. Two vestibules provide extra coverage for boots and backpacks, and color-coded poles make pitching it simple. This tent also has thoughtful touches, like pockets made with light-diffusing fabric and a stuff sack that makes it easy to split up the tent load between two people. This tent is best for spring hikes and summer jaunts, however.

Best sleeping bag: Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy 45F/7C Synthetic Mummy Sleeping Bag

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Specs

• Weight: 1.44 pounds
• Dimensions: 80 x 31 inches

Pros

• Made of recycled nylon
• Waterproof
• eraLoft insulation dries quickly

Cons

• Best for warmer temperatures

This super lightweight mummy sleeping bag is the key to staying cool and comfortable at night. The exterior boasts a water-repellant coating and the fill dries quickly, so if you’re caught in an unexpected summer shower, you aren’t doomed to hours of sogginess. It comes in three different sizes, so choose according to your height. Included loops allow you to pair the bag with a sleeping pad for ultimate outdoor comfort.

Best hiking backpack: Osprey Talon 36L Men’s Hiking Backpack with Hipbelt

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Specs

• Weight: 2.76 pounces
• Dimensions: 25.98 x 11.42 x 9.06 inches

Pros

• Lots of pockets
• Durable
• Spacious

Cons

• Need to make sure pack fits your frame before buying

Osprey makes some of our favorite travel backpacks, and they make a pretty mean hiking backpack. It’s designed with recycled high-tenacity nylon, making it sustainable and strong. A injection-molded, die-cut foam AirScape backpanel, BioStretch harness, and continuous-wrap hipbelt keep you comfortable while traversing technical terrain. We love its versatility—you’d be pressed to find yourself leaning toward other bags with the Osprey Talon. However, make sure you know what size pack to buy based on body measurements.

Best hiking boots: Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot

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Specs

• Weight: 31 ounces
• Dimensions: Sizes 7-14 in regular and wide widths

Pros

• Durable
• Cushioned midsole
• Vibram outsole

Cons

• Runs small
• Not waterproof

The Merrell Moab has been *the* hikers’ boot of choice for 25 million hikers for over a decade. It has a supportive insole, cushioned midsole, and grippy Vibram TC5+ outsole, making it handle the regular outdoors, along with more extreme activities like mountain biking and snow and water sports. The shoe is made out of partially recycled fabrics, and the company plans to include recycled, organic, or renewable material in everything it makes by 2025.

Best insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle

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Specs

• Weight: 2.5 pounds filled
• Dimensions: 12.2 x 3.5 inches

Pros

• Lots of color options
• Great insulation
• Stays lightweight when filled

Cons

• Can dent easily

This bottle edges out the Yeti Rambler for best insulated water bottle thanks to its lightweight profile and easy-to-carry sport handle. The Hydro Flask sport lid comes apart completely and is dishwasher-safe. It has a wide mouth to make it easy to clean and fill. I reach for this water bottle the most when I’m leaving the house, hitting the trail, or sitting on the couch and watching TV. It’s also a great water bottle for the gym. However, it dents easily. If that’s a problem for you, consider investing in a bottle boot.

Best water bladder: Platypus Hoser Ultralight Taste-Free Water Reservoir/Hydration Bladder, 3-Liter

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Specs

• Weight: 3.8 ounces
• Dimensions: 7 x 16.5 inches

Pros

• Doesn’t leave an aftertaste
• Durable
• Doesn’t leak

Cons

• Folding will decrease longevity

You can never have too much water with you when you’re hiking. It has a high-flow rate for certified water chuggers, and a self-sealing HyFLO bite valve makes hydrating easy. A hang/carry loop lets you secure the bladder in your pack or elsewhere. It’s BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free, so you don’t have to worry about microplastics making their way into your system. It comes in smaller sizes, but we love the 3-liter option. It’s better to have too much water than too little. Use it in conjunction with our next inclusion for potable water anywhere your feet take you. Just make sure to keep your hydration pack properly cleaned.

Best water filter: LifeStraw Peak Solo

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Specs

• Weight: 1.7 ounces
• Dimensions: 3.95 x 1.6 x 6.7 inches

Pros

• Helps keep you hydrated safely
• Clips easily to pack or belt
• Can be fitted to a standard water bottle

Cons

• Can only filter up to 2,000 liters of drinking water

Lifestaw’s smallest filter is also its most versatile and easiest to use, thanks to 28mm threading. That means you can attach the filter to a standard water bottle and drink through it like a straw. Or, you can use it as a squeeze filter to filter water into a different container. Using the Peak Solo, you can fill a 1L bottle in 20 seconds—that means more time hiking and less time corraling everyone’s water bottle to fill. If you don’t want to throw it in your backpack or glove compartment, it comes with a loop to attach a carabiner to clip to a keychain or pack. Our favorite feature is its effectiveness: it protects against It offers protection against 99.999999 percent of bacteria (including E.coli and Salmonella), 99.999 percent of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), and 99.999 percent of microplastics. It also meets the US EPA and NSF P231 drinking water standards for removing bacteria and parasites. Read more of what we have to say about it.

Best firestarter: überleben Zünden Fire Starter

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Specs

• Weight: 3 ounces
• Dimensions: ‎4.6 x 0.9 x 0.7 inches

Pros

• Feels great in the hand
• Multiple thickness options
• Creates lots of sparks

Cons

• Less durable than flint-and-steel

Learning how to build and start a fire is one of the first things you should do if you want to go camping. This firestarter from überleben is made from ferrocerium and hardwood. Ferrocerium produces more sparks than flint and steel, making it easier to start a fire, and the hardwood handle gives you a natural textured grip as you strike it. It comes with a paracord lanyard and a six-function multitool that you can use as a tinder scraper or straight edge striker. It comes in three different thickness options: The Trad at 5/16-inch(12,000 strikes), The Pro at 3/8-inch (15,000 strikes), and the Fatty at 1/2-inch (20,000 strikes). Although flint-and-steel is more durable, a ferro rod is better in rainy or windy conditions since it creates more sparks at a higher temperature.

Don’t just take our word for it. Experts love it, too. “Last year, a Canadian friend recommended the überleben range of ferro rods and firestarters to me, and they have been worth every penny,” says Richard Prideaux, lead instructor for Original Outdoors, a UK-based outdoor skills training provider. “I carry an überleben Zünden with me on courses and trips where lighting a fire with natural materials is either likely or maybe necessary. They produce a good shower of sparks and have a good length/diameter ratio, and it hasn’t let me down yet.” Check out more of our favorite fire starters.

Best headlamp: BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro

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Specs

• Weight: 150 grams
• Dimensions: 2.05 x 1.97 x 8.27 inches

Pros

• IPX4-rated
• Bright
• Rechargeable

Cons

• Is a little hard to navigate if you haven’t used a BioLite headlamp before

If you want to keep your hands free, this lightweight headlamp from BioLite is one of the best investments you can make when starting your camping journey. It’s also a hearty upgrade if your current battery-powered headlamp has seen better days. The lamp delivers 800 lumens for 150 hours on low; seven hours on high; and eight hours on reserve. A Run Forever cord lets you connect a power bank for even more runtime. A moisture-wicking headband keeps you dry and cool, and integrated electronics prevent slipping and bouncing. A push on the back gives you 30 seconds of max brightness, and Constant mode gives you full illumination sans auto-dimming. There’s a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never used a BioLite headlamp, but it’s one of the best on the market once you get over it.

Best budget: Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass

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Specs

• Weight: .6 ounces
• Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches

Pros

• Clips to belt or backpack
• Body made of metal
• Luminous directional markers

Cons

• Doesn’t work if tilted more than eight degrees

A compass is one of the most important yet simple camping gadgets. Compasses determine direction thanks to a suspended, magnetized needle’s alignment to Earth’s magnetic field, with the north end spinning toward the planet’s north pole (which is near, but not always exactly in line with, its most northern geographic point). Magnets! They’re cool! Anyway, we love this simple and cheap compass for its durable aluminum construction and luminous directional marks to navigate in low light. Throw it on your pack or attach it to your belt loop to help determine where you’re going. It’s a tool you’ll most likely always bring with you on a trip, and you can’t beat its size and price.

What to consider when buying the best camping gadgets

Camping is all about being the perfect combination of prepared but not overpacked. Here’s what you should consider when prepping for your next trip:

What kind of camping are you doing?

If you’re hiking and tent camping and plan to set up camp at different spots, you may not be able to bring heavy, wieldy items, since you can only bring what you can fit in your pack. This means you should prioritize smaller items, like compasses, flint, and a multi-tool. However, if you’re staying in one place and can stow things in a car or camper, you can bring bigger items like a solar generator or Bluetooth speaker, since you’ll be able to stow larger items in your car or tent while you go out on your fun outdoor adventures.

Experience level

Is this your first time camping? Or are you an experienced camper? You may need to invest in small essentials like water filters, fire starters, and a multitool if you’re new to camping, and keep it easy—no wild hikes for you. If this isn’t your first time at the camping rodeo, you can get a bit more adventurous and make some upgrades to your packing list, like a portable generator to power an extended trip.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best camping gadgets

• Best overall: Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife Set
• Best flashlight: Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight
• Best power bank: UGREEN 145W Power Bank
• Best solar generator: Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro
• Best Bluetooth speaker: House of Marley Get Together 2
• Best appliance: COMFEE Portable Dishwasher
• Best mosquito repellent: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent E-Series
• Best smartwatch: Garmin Instinct 2
• Best hammock: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
• Best multi-tool: Leatherman Super Tool 300
• Best trekking poles: Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 Trekking Poles
• Best satellite communicator: Garmin inReach Messenger
• Best tent: NEMO Aurora Tent
• Best sleeping bag: Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy 45F/7C Synthetic Mummy Sleeping Bag
• Best hiking backpack: Osprey Talon 36L Men’s Hiking Backpack with Hipbelt
• Best hiking boots: Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot
• Best insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle
• Best water bladder: Platypus Hoser Ultralight Taste-Free Water Reservoir/Hydration Bladder, 3-Liter
• Best water filter: LifeStraw Peak Solo
• Best fire starter: überleben Zünden Fire Starter
• Best headlamp: BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro
• Best budget: Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass

Roughing it doesn’t have to be rough with a few extra items in your pack, the car, or the RV. Some are better suited for tent camping, and others are great for a stay in a cabin. Regardless, there are some items you simply can’t leave behind when abandoning all creature comforts for a weekend. Answer the call of the wild—and walk in the woods with a little more pep in your step—with the best camping gadgets.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best camping gadgets in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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The weather is warming up and it’s the perfect time to take a springtime hike over the weekend. Maybe you even want to take a weekend camping trip. A solar generator helps power your cameras, laptops, and phones, and EcoFlow makes some of our favorite ones. We love the fast charging power on the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max, and you could power your entire house using the EcoFlow Delta Pro. You can snag this EcoFlow solar generator and bundle deal for a whopping 45% off—that’s $750 in savings.

ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA2 with 220W Solar Panel $899 (Was $1,649)

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This generator puts out 1800 watts of power and 15 outlets, meaning you can power practically anything. You don’t need an outlet to charge it—you can simply use the included solar panel, which is worth $379 alone. It has a lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4, more commonly known as LFP) battery, which gives the generator a longer life span, reduced maintenance, better safety features, and improved charge efficiency, meaning you’ll have it for plenty of power outages and camping trips. Heads-up, they ship separately, so don’t freak out if they don’t arrive at the same time.

More solar generator deals at Amazon:

• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 Pro $429 (Was $599)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Max 2000 $1998 (Was $2,699)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 $399 with current sale price plus $100 off coupon (Was $529.99)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 $229 (Was $279)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 2000 Plus $1,999 with $200 off coupon (Was $2,199)
• Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station $629 (Was $999)
• Anker Powerhouse 90, 87.6Wh Portable Charger $129.99 (Was $199.99)
• Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station with 200W Solar Panel $899 (Was $1,548)
• Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station $1,399 (Was $1,999)
• BLUETTI Solar Generator EB3A with PV200 Solar Panel Included $569 (Was $799)
• BLUETTI Solar Panel PV120 $209 (Was $299)

The post Save almost 50% on this ECOFLOW solar generator bundle at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for large rooms		Mila Smart Air Purifier		SEE IT	This all-purpose smart air purifier adapts to room size and comes with a carbon monoxide detector and sleep and white noise modes.
Best for smoke		Alen BreatheSmart 75i		SEE IT	This model detects smoke particles and kicks into automatic overdrive to mitigate it.
Best for allergies		InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier		SEE IT	Certified to keep you safe from pollen and not contribute to dangerous levels of ozone gas.

Air purifiers suck in pollen, dust, smoke, other allergens, and even viruses—pummeling them and then circulating clean, filtered air. It sounds simple enough, but not all purifiers are created equal, and there isn’t one that’s right for every person. Your particular environment and the size of your home are huge factors in choosing the best option for you. Is allergy season wreaking havoc on your sinuses? Do you live in a smoggy city? Has wildfire smoke been wafting through, blanketing everything in an unnatural haze? In short, even the finest filters aren’t guaranteed to fix all that ails you and your home. But if you’re wondering whether air purifiers are really worth it … we think so. They can help distribute cleaner air, and that’s always a good thing, considering the link between air quality and health. So, read on as we clear the air on what we think are the best air purifiers.

• Best overall: Dyson PH04 Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
• Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier
• Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom
• Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
• Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier
• Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
• Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
• Best for smoke: Alen BreathSmart 75i Purifier  
• Best for mold: PuroAir 400 HEPA 14 Air Purifier
• Best for pets: LEVOIT Core P350 Air Air Purifier
• Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

How we chose the best air purifiers

As pet owners and parents, we’ve experienced our fair share of smells and toxins—and that’s just from inside the house. And whether allergy or wildfire season is upon us, there’s always something environmental to consider. With all this in mind, we compiled peer recommendations, critical reviews, online research, user impressions, and plentiful personal testing to create this list of the best air purifiers. We also examined what each air purifier claims to eliminate from the air, its HEPA square footage, and the filters’ MERV (minimum efficiency reporting values) rating ratings.

The best air purifiers: Reviews & Recommendations

Pollen, pet dander, smells, smoke, germs, and other airborne goblins are no match for the best air purifiers. This list includes quiet air purifiers, ones that double as humidifiers, and even ones that claim they can help with a majority of airborne pathogens.

Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde

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Why it made the cut: This three-in-one smart device automatically adapts to changes in air quality and humidity.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 400 square feet
• Dimensions: 36.66 x 11.02 x 12.23 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 59.8 dB

Pros

• Connectivity with Siri and Alexa
• Three products in one
• Air quality reporting

Cons

• Expensive

Between its TikTok- and Insta-famous Airwrap multistyler to its line of powerful vacuums, Dyson has made a name for itself in sucking—which we don’t mean negatively. The Dyson PH04 Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde proves yet again that Sir James Dyson really knows what he’s doing when it comes to pushing air out and in. This air purifier uses an intelligent sensing system and Air Multiplier technology to purify, humidify, and cool the air. You don’t even need to touch the stylish, distinctive unit—it automatically senses and reacts to changes in air quality and humidity (we’ve watched one enthusiastically spring to life time and time again after a particularly aggressive sauté session in the kitchen). It even features a solid-state sensor to detect and destroy formaldehyde emitted by household items—a boon if you’re in a newly renovated/refurbished space, as fresh carpet and new mattresses are emitting odd things.

You don’t have to worry about airborne baddies getting re-released into the air since the entire purifier-humidifier is fully sealed to the HEPA H13 standard. If you love numbers, neat tech, and data, this machine will tickle your brain when it reports your air quality in real-time on the LCD screen and DysonLink app (which you can use to tweak/schedule usage). The filters are low-maintenance and easy to replace, and the machine features a deep-clean cycle to get rid of mineral build-up and bacteria that may be lurking in the water system. Although it’s almost $1,000, you’re getting three devices for the cost of one. Talk about smart.

Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier

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Why it made the cut: This mold- and carbon monoxide-detecting air purifier comes in different filter configurations for custom air purification.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 1,000 square feet 
• Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 15 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 62 dB but lowers to 24 dB while in room

Pros

• Stylist
• Small
• Carbon monoxide, mold detection, and white noise machine built-in

Cons

• Reviews note excessive air quality notifications

This classy, app-controllable large room air purifier adapts to the size of whatever room it’s placed in. It also looks great in any room it’s placed in. The filter has 45 square feet of HEPA, and with 447 CADR, it’s effective in rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Additional features include a sleep mode and white noise so that it won’t interfere with your sleeping habits. The device also features a carbon monoxide detector. It will monitor your room’s humidity and let you know if it detects any mold. If you’re not a fan of notifications, disable them if you go with the Mila—reviewers note that the Mila app sends lots of alerts.

Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom

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Why it made the cut: Take this lightweight, compact air purifier from room to room to experience dual-filter, three-stage filtration in your entire home.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 161 square feet
• Dimensions: 6.69 x 6.69 x 10.43 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 52 dB

Pros

• Aromatherapy
• Dual-filter, three-stage filtration
• Specifically targets hay fever

Cons

• Not for large homes

The Levoit promises to help relieve allergies, congestion, and sneezing and is our pick for the best small air purifier. Although we can’t vouch for the unit’s specific efficacy against rhinitis, we can vouch for the fact that it has three filters (one more than most other units): HEPA for dust, pollen, and dander; carbon for odors; and polyester for lint and hair. One fun additional feature is that this one has an aromatherapy option if you’d like a little lavender to help lull you to sleep at night.

Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max

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Why it made the cut: Particles down to .1 microns are no match for this quiet-but-powerful air purifier.

Specs

• Recommended room size: Up to 929 square feet
• Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
• App connectivity: Yes
• Max decibels (dB): 50 dB

Pros

• Removes particles down to .1 micron
• Stylish
• App connectivity

Cons

• Reviews note occasional problems with auto-sensing

Blueair makes svelte cylinders with Scandinavian style packed with highly effective electrostatic and mechanical filtration. The Blue Pure 311i Max is HEPASilent but deadly … against microbes in the air. This stylish, small air purifier features five fan speeds and a one-touch auto mode with a fine particles (PM 2.5) sensor to monitor concentration and adjust speed according. This air purifier can clean a 387-square-foot room in 12.5 minutes and a 929-square-foot space in 30 minutes (there are both larger and smaller models, so something for every home). And, it snags all those particles (99.97% of them down to 0.1 micron) all nearly undetected, clocking in at 23 dB on low/night mode—louder than a quiet natural area with no wind but softer than a whisper. And it never runs above 50dB, which makes it QuietMark certified and perfect for a bedroom, TV room, any room … plus it’s only 8 pounds, so it’s easy to move around while you decide between your study and your yoga studio (or realize it’s easiest to buy two).

Is it working? We barely hear it. But we also don’t hear ourselves sneezing and wheezing and complaining about our watery eyes, so we’re going with yes. If we need more confirmation, we can look at a five-color LED that changes according to Air Quality Index (AQI), or we can reference an app that gives insight into indoor vs. outdoor pollution and lets you control mode, tweak LED Brightness, set a schedule, and more (assuming the 311i Max and your phone are connected to WiFi). And if we don’t want it to be working, Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility let us turn it off with voice commands if our phone isn’t convenient (hooray smart-home devices). While some reviews note that the auto-sensing feature is not as accurate as they hoped, we’ve observed the Blue Pure 311i Max react firsthand thanks to a low smoke-point cooking oil incident or two. It was lively even from across a loft apartment—and helped with the post-coming odors. And the washable pre-filter fabric cover (shown above in “Stockholm Fog” color, quietly complementing some audio-video gear) meshed effortlessly with the decor to boot.

Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier

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Why it made the cut: Stylish-meets-powerful with this True HEPA air purifier that features four levels of filtration.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 330 square feet
• Dimensions: 10.5 × 32.7 × 10.7 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 52 dB

Pros

• Real-time air sensing
• Washable pre-filter
• Air quality indicator

Cons

• Noisier compared to other air purifiers

Multiple fan speeds, a timer, an air-quality assessor, and a filter-replacement indicator light make this the best HEPA air purifier—not just quiet and effective, but user-friendly. At just under $200, it’s neither cheap nor exorbitant for an air purifier, and it’s also aesthetically pleasing. Reviewers note that this air purifier is noisier than most.

Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier

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Why it made the cut: This quiet air purifier uses CARB-compliant UVC light and titanium dioxide to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 153 square feet
• Dimensions: 10.25 x 6.75 x 21.5 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 61.2 dB

Pros

• Quiet
• Reduces odors
• Pre-filter traps allergens

Cons

• UV light can be bad for the environment

UVC light (the most destructive of all the UVs) in an air purifier works as a UVGI—ultraviolet germicidal irradiation—disinfection method by attacking the DNA of cells floating through the air, like mold spores, viruses, and bacteria. (This means, like all other filters, it cannot do anything for particles that have settled into fabric). An activated charcoal filter reduces odors. The 22-inch purifier filters air four times per hour at maximum speed in rooms up to 153 square feet. The four fan speeds, whisper-quiet operation, and CARB compliance make this air purifier an especially good pick for allergy sufferers. California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliance means you can rest easy about its environmental footprint.

Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier

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Why it made the cut: CARB compliance plus four levels of air purification equals an exorcism for your sneezes.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 319 square feet
• Dimensions: 12.34 x 6.25 x 17.75 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 55 dB

Pros

• Four fan speeds
• Quiet
• CARB compliant

Cons

• No auto-sensing

The four fan speeds, whisper-quiet operation, and CARB compliance make this air purifier an especially good pick for allergy sufferers. The California Air Resources Board requires purifiers to produce .050 parts per million of ozone or less, so any device with this certification won’t contribute to unsafe gas levels.

Best for smoke: Alen BreatheSmart 75i

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Why it made the cut: Detailed air quality indicators, a B7-Pure filter, and a CADR of 347 mean that this air purifier will stop smoke in its tracks.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 1300 square feet
• Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 27 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 51 dB

Pros

• 8 colorways
• Quickly cleans large rooms
• Auto-adjusts based on air quality
• Relatively quiet at high speeds
• Can swap out panel colors to match decor

Cons

• Expensive
• Little warranty
• Heavy

This is an easy pick for the best air purifier for smoke, thanks to its CADR of 347 (out of 450). Thanks to automatic air-quality detection, the unit will kick up to turbo when any type of smoke is present. When no irritants are present, the device goes into energy-saving mode. Five air quality colors give you a more detailed visual indicator of air quality—other air purifiers only include three color indicators. It’s also the “best design” pick in our best air purifiers for smoke buying guide, which you should check out if you want to smash smog and fog (and nicotine-addicted neighbors) specifically.

Best for mold: PuroAir 400 HEPA 14 Air Purifier

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Why it made the cut: Put your mold worries to be with this hospital-grade air purifier.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 2145 square feet
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 10.6 x 12.5
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): Not listed

Pros

• HEPA 14 filter
• Easy-to-read air quality monitor
• Lots of trustworthy certifications

Cons

• No app connectivity
• A little noisy compared to other air purifiers

If you’re looking to exterminate mold spores that can make you cough, the PuroAir 400 Air Purifier can do just that, thanks to its HEPA 14 air purifier, which is practically hospital-grade. It’s CARB-compliant, and has ETL, ISO, UL, and Energy Star certifications. This all just means it’s safe to use and energy-efficient. A smart sensor works for you, adjusting power when polluted air is detected.

Our only complaint? It’s a little loud on the lowest setting. I personally moved mine to the kitchen since its gentle whoosh was too distracting in my home office. If you’re looking for something quieter, consider our best overall air purifier for mold, the PuroAir 240 HEPA 14 Air Purifier. It has the same HEPA 14 filter found in the 400 but is whisper-quiet.

Best for pets: LEVOIT Core P350 Air Air Purifier

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Why it made the cut: Eliminate “dog smell” from your space without sacrificing features, design, quality, and price.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 218 square feet
• Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 24 dB

Pros

• Quiet and compact
• Pet Lock prevents pet and child interference
• Lots of settings and controls

Cons

• No app connectivity

Our pets are often considered family. And just like regular children, four-legged kin can stinky, get hair everywhere, and mess with electronics. Thankfully, the Core P350 is an air purifier made with pet ownership in mind. has a three-in-one filtration system and Pet-Lock to stop hands/paws from meddling with the settings. It’s powerful enough to purify a 219-square-foot room in 12 minutes, but only produces 24 decibels of noise. Three fan settings let you choose filtering speeds, and its night mode is so quiet you don’t even recognize that it’s still on. It doesn’t include app connectivity or air quality sensor, but you can’t beat its price and effectiveness.

Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This compact air purifier tackles smoke, dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses without hurting your wallet.

Specs

• Recommended room size: 219 square feet
• Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 16.25 inches
• App connectivity: No
• Max decibels (dB): 50 dB

Pros

• Filter life indicator
• Timer
• Quiet

Cons

• Louder than other air purifiers

This cheap air purifier targets smoke, dust, and pollen, along with some bacteria and viruses. Four specialty replacement filters include a pet-allergy option and a toxin absorber for particularly smoky or smoggy areas. Like higher-end air purifiers that are more expensive, this Levoit air purifier features timer settings and a sleep mode. And the display lights can be turned off to ensure a pitch-black room when sleeping. Although the air purifier is louder than some competitors, it resembles a whooshing fan at its highest setting—if you can deal with that, this air purifier is for you.

What to consider when buying the best air purifiers

The best air purifier for you might not be the one your best friend or neighbor loves. You want a HEPA filter with a high MERV rating that’s designed to cover the amount of space you have in your particular room or dwelling. Beyond that, consider whether you want other features like pathogen-killing UV light, smart controls, and/or odor elimination. Do you need the best air purifier for pets or perhaps something portable? Air purifiers for mold or models to get rid of smoke? Air filters work only on airborne particles. To get at anything that’s settled into upholstery or rugs, you’ll need a handy vacuum, a helpful robot, or something else that offers deep-clean suction.

Size of space

There’s an alphabet soup to make sense of when choosing the best air purifier for your home. ACH (air changes per hour) correlates to the airflow of your device. It’s calculated based on the volume of your space, ceiling height, and how many cubic feet per minute the device can cover. It’s independent of other factors, e.g., the filter’s efficacy—to calculate that you need the CADR (clean air delivery rate) rating; because a HEPA filter is more efficient, its CADR rating may be lower, which is deceptive.

The most important thing to note is that an air purifier’s efficacy cannot be calculated based on square footage alone. You can find handy calculators online to determine the proper purifier for your needs, but here’s what to consider with any device: Will it successfully rid your home of odors with carbon or other comparable filters? Is it a good choice for pet owners? Does it feature UV light? Read the fine print.

HEPA

You’ve likely heard of high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters. They are a type of pleated air filter that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of .3 microns.” The smaller the particle, the more penetrating and nefarious it can be. So when you’re shopping for air purifiers, check out their filters’ MERV rating—the higher the MERV rating, the better it is at trapping the tiniest particles.

Suppose it’s the coronavirus that has you shopping for purifiers. In that case, it should be said that though a HEPA filter should be able to catch a virus of that size, there’s no conclusive proof that an air purifier can kill airborne COVID-19-carrying air droplets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that any room housing a coronavirus patient “should be exhausted directly to the outside, or be filtered through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter directly before recirculation.”

If your main concern about your indoor air quality is lingering food or cigarette smoke odors, make sure the model you’re considering specifically targets fumes and other volatile organic compounds. HEPA filters aren’t good at eliminating odors on their own.

The HEPA filter was initially designed to capture radioactive particles when the atomic bomb was being developed because it can capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as .3 microns, which can evade other types of filters. (This is sometimes referred to as “true HEPA,” as European HEPA standards are required to trap only 85 percent of particles.) It works by ensnaring, sieving, and rerouting irritating particles.

A HEPA air purifier is considered the gold standard, but it does have limitations. Any particle smaller than .3 microns—for example, some viruses and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like aerosols, ammonia, and other toxins—will slip right through. Changing your filter often enough is key. A HEPA filter does a great job of capturing mold. If you don’t change the filter, the purifier can redistribute that mold back into the air.

Allergies

The best air purifiers for allergies depend on your particular triggers because different filters work on different-sized particles. Pet hair and pollen are large particles, dust is medium-sized, and smoke is small. A combination HEPA-carbon filter is your best bet for filtering the maximum number of irritants to help reduce your allergies.

The addition of an ionizer and UV light, if you’re comfortable with it, adds a belt to your proverbial suspenders. Because UV light does create ozone particles, we recommend choosing an air purifier with UV light that’s approved for sale in California.

Smoke

Pollutants—like smoke and soot—can aggravate asthma, irritate your eyes, and stress your lungs and heart. An intuitive HEPA purifier with multiple fan speeds, maximum air circulation, and zero ozone output is the best one for allergy sufferers and people who are sensitive to smoke. The best air purifiers for smoke have a higher CADR rating. This means your device will be better at eliminating smoke and its odor, whether you’re talking about cigarettes, cannabis, or wildfires.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best air purifiers

• Best overall: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
• Best for large rooms: Mila Smart Air Purifier
• Best for small rooms: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Bedroom
• Best for quiet: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
• Best HEPA: Coway Tower True HEPA Air Purifier
• Best with UV light: Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
• Best for allergies: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
• Best for smoke: Alen BreathSmart 75i Purifier  
• Best for mold: PuroAir 400 HEPA 14 Air Purifier
• Best for pets: LEVOIT Core P350 Air Air Purifier
• Best budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, Core 300

In almost every category, the best air purifiers have true HEPA and carbon filters. Together, they get you the most coverage regarding the breadth of pollutants the purifier will attack. Beyond that, the most important qualities are energy efficiency and picking the right model for the size of your room. Everything else—design, whether the device is app-enabled, UV lighting—is just gravy.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best air purifiers for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Varier Variable Balans Original Kneeling Chair		SEE IT	First designed in 1979 by Norwegian Hans Christian Mengshoel and popularized by industrial designer Opsvik, this model was—and is—considered a game-changer in the world of ergonomic office chairs.
Best rocker		Sleekform Austin Rocking Kneeling Chair		SEE IT	This reinforced-plywood option has a 4-inch-thick seat cushion and memory foam knee pads, with a weight capacity of 265 pounds—and it rocks back and forth, of course!
Best budget		Office Star Ergonomically Designed Knee Chair		SEE IT	More expensive does not necessarily mean more ergonomically sound. You sacrifice aesthetics with this bargain model, but it gets the job done.

Humans were not meant to sit at a 90-degree angle for eight-plus hours a day, and we weren’t meant to stand for that long either—but a kneeling chair can help. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “A chair that is well-designed and appropriately adjusted is an essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation. A good chair supports the back, legs, buttocks, and arms while reducing exposures to awkward postures, contact stress, and forceful exertions.” At the most elemental level, kneeling chair benefits include taking pressure off your back by shifting your body forward, opening up your pelvic area, engaging your core muscles, and taking pressure off your spinal discs. (The name is a bit of a misnomer, as the chair doesn’t shift weight into your knees but rather your butt and shins.) As a result of that sloping, you could also see improvements to your breathing and digestion (by taking the pressure off your internal organs) and improved circulation. Below are our picks for the best kneeling chairs.

• Best overall: Varier Variable Balans Original Kneeling Chair
• Best with back support: DRAGONN by VIVO Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
• Best rocker: Sleekform Austin Rocking Kneeling Chair
• Best for short person: ProErgo Pneumatic Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
• Best for tall person: Master Massage Ergonomic Steel Kneeling Chair
• Best budget: Office Star Ergonomically Designed Knee Chair

How we chose the best kneeling chairs

If you’ve ever gotten a seated massage, you’re acquainted with the general shape of kneeling chairs. Because they take pressure off your spine, kneeling chair benefits include helping improve posture and giving you lumbar support. On the downside, you won’t have much lower-body mobility when you’re in it, so if you’re at all claustrophobic—e.g., you dislike the feeling of your legs being stuck in place—this might not be the option for you, though you can and should play around with positions: one foot up, one foot down, ankles crossed, etc. Also, you won’t have the benefit of wheeling around (though that means you’ll save on a chair mat and other such accessories). 

We vetted the available options on the market to recommend the best kneeling chairs. We researched the science on the detriments of sitting and considered OSHA’s guidance in this kneeling chair review. With that in mind, we looked at kneeling chairs that provided ergonomic design, options for a range of people of different sizes, adjustability, style, and price.

The best kneeling chairs: Reviews & Recommendations

When you first start using your knee chair, you might notice some discomfort, and that’s because you’re likely engaging muscles you don’t when you’re in a conventional office chair. These force you to sit up straight, which requires your abs, thighs, and lower back to engage. You may not be used to that. Eventually, you’ll be better for it, but as with any big change in life, there may be some growing pains! Any of our picks is a suitable introduction to the world of kneeling chairs.

Best overall: Varier Variable Balans Original Kneeling Chair

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Why it made the cut: The original kneeling chair, this Scandinavian design has stood the test of time. It’s made with flexible wood and comes in a range of colors to suit any office.

Specs

• Material: Beech plywood, recycled polyester
• Dimensions: 14 inches D x 14 inches W x 28 inches H 
• Weight: 14.35 pounds

Pros

• Elegant design
• Time-tested 
• Lightweight

Cons

• Expensive

Though not the most important quality in a knee chair, this one is aesthetically pleasing in that classic Scandinavian way and comes in loads of colors. The wood design is simple, iconic, and lightweight, so you can easily move it from room to room, creating an ergonomic workstation wherever you go.

Best with back support: DRAGONN by VIVO Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

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Why it made the cut: If you’re looking for additional support in a kneeling chair, this kneeling computer chair comes with a cushion for your back and has casters for easy movement.

Specs

• Material: Metal
• Dimensions: 13 inches D x 27.13 W x 21 inches H
• Weight: 23 pounds

Pros

• Provides back support
• Comes with wheels
• Ergonomic design

Cons

• Less stationary

This kneeling office chair is on casters, allowing you to roam without getting out of your chair. The knee-pad angles and the distance between the seat and knee pads are adjustable, so this posture kneeling chair is a more inclusive option than some others. There is a 250-pound weight capacity. Note also that it requires some simple assembly.

Best rocker: Sleekform Austin Rocking Kneeling Chair

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Why it made the cut: This posture-correcting chair is also designed with a soothing rocking motion and memory foam cushions for maximum comfort. 

Specs

• Materials: Reinforced plywood, fabric
• Dimensions: 28 inches D x 16 inches W x 22 inches H
• Weight: 14.7 pounds

Pros

• Rocking function
• Pads affix it to the floor 
• Cushions designed with memory foam

Cons

• No option for back support

A 20- to 30-degree seat-cushion slope is considered ideal for a kneeling desk (whereas a traditional computer desk is 90 degrees), and this chair hits right at 30, shifting weight into your sit bones to gently tilt you forward. The best part of a rocker is that the rocking motion can be a great distraction if you’re having trouble adjusting to your kneeling chair.

Best for short person: ProErgo Pneumatic Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

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Why it made the cut: This affordable kneeling chair is designed for shorter people and comes with casters for easy mobility. 

Specs

• Material: Metal 
• Dimensions: 22.5 inches D x 18.25 inches W x 25.5 inches H
• Weight: 17 pounds

Pros

• Three adjustable height settings
• Comes with a three-inch-thick cushion
• Lockable casters
• Great price

Cons

• Not an option for big or tall people

This heavily cushioned, wheeling, ergonomic kneeling chair can sit as low as 19 inches off the floor, making it perfect for those who must, say, keep an adjustable standing desk at a lower height. This adjustable kneeling chair has wheels for easy mobility and folds neatly at the end of the day.

Best for tall person: Master Massage Ergonomic Steel Kneeling Chair Posture

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Why it made the cut: With thick cushions for the seat and knees, this kneeling chair is ideal for massages and comes with a two-year warranty. 

Specs

• Material: Wood, alloy steel
• Dimensions: 17.5 inches D x 21 inches W x 28 inches H
• Weight: 16.5 pounds

Pros

• Six adjustable height settings
• Comes with wheels for easy transport
• Folds down for storage

Cons

• Plastic cushions

A steel base in this posture chair makes you feel secure as you sit, and mesh cushions keep you cool. The front-locking brake mechanism adds an extra layer of security. Remember: Your work surface is at the correct height when your elbow is at 90 degrees. Too low and you’ll hunch; too high and you’ll have to reach.

Best budget: Office Star Ergonomically Designed Knee Chair

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Why it made the cut: This serviceable kneeling chair takes care of all the basics at an affordable price. 

Specs

• Material: Metal
• Dimensions: 25.25 inches D x 17 inches W x 20.5 inches H
• Weight: 16 pounds

Pros

• Ergonomic design 
• Sturdy frame
• Affordable price

Cons

• Weight limit is 275 pounds

The key elements of a kneeling chair are here—pressure relief, a memory foam seat cushion, casters—but it does have some limitations. Its weight capacity is not particularly inclusive at 275 pounds, and the chair itself weighs 16 pounds, making it one you likely won’t want to schlep from room to room.

What to consider when buying the best kneeling chairs

The key to any great seating setup is variation. Eight hours on a kneeling chair is no better than eight hours on a regular desk chair. (Your legs, in particular, could cramp if you continually kneel.) Changing your position is key, so try to rotate sitting, kneeling, and standing throughout the day whenever possible. Here’s what else you should know when shopping for the best kneeling chairs:

Ergonomic design

Key factors in choosing the best ergonomic chair for you include height and adjustability. For example, your shins should rest comfortably on the leg pad and not be squeezed or pinched, so read the measurements carefully to make sure you’ve picked a chair that’s compatible with your size and weight. The best kneeling chair is one that adjusts to you, not vice versa.

Because of the way a knee chair shifts you forward, a seatback isn’t necessary or recommended, but there’s also no harm in having one if it makes you feel more comfortable. The key is to use it sparingly when you need a break or if you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to maintain the sloped-forward position for too long without back support. It’s great for building stamina in terms of how long you can engage your core muscles to support you in the kneeling position, but there’s no shame in relaxing onto the backrest when you need to. Remember: The whole point of getting a kneeling desk chair is to help you feel better.

It might sound counterintuitive—or just complicated—to add rocking to the equation of a kneeling chair, but there are benefits to rocking out! Especially for fidgety folks, the subtle rocking motion can make sitting more comfortable, enhance blood flow, and possibly even help with focus and attention. If sitting still isn’t your thing, try this more active way to sit.

Size of user

If you’re looking for a kneeler for a child or someone smaller than average, the best features you can look for are tilt, knee-pad, and height-pad adjustability, because what’s comfortable for someone 4-foot-8 will differ from someone who’s only a couple of inches taller. (In fact, adjustability is a key factor no matter what kind of kneeling chair you’re buying, and no matter your height.)

There are kneeling chairs for big and tall users, but not enough of them. Until that changes, you’re often unfortunately left to decipher based on your measurements. Some things to keep in mind are the height of your desk and whether you have a long or short torso or long or short legs. All of those things factor into whether a particular kneeler is the best kneeling chair for you just as much as your weight does.

Price

What’s great about kneeling ergonomic office chairs is that there hasn’t been much innovation since the original design, and that’s because the basics don’t need improvement. Remember that the key elements of kneeling office chairs are that they give you lumbar support, alleviate back pain, and contribute to your overall ergonomic home office setup. Everything else—a rocking feature, a pretty design—is gravy. So you should be able to find an option that suits you at a reasonable price.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best kneeling chairs

• Best overall: Varier Variable Balans Original Kneeling Chair
• Best with back support: DRAGONN by VIVO Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
• Best rocker: Sleekform Austin Rocking Kneeling Chair
• Best for short person: ProErgo Pneumatic Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
• Best for tall person: Master Massage Ergonomic Steel Kneeling Chair
• Best budget: Office Star Ergonomically Designed Knee Chair

If you end every workday with a big stretch and various involuntary noises that indicate your back is killing you, it’s time to change your chair. A kneeling desk is a great option for lots of people and worth working into your rotation. When you find the best kneeling chair for you, your neck, your back, your shoulders, and your six-pack will thank you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio, to video games, to cameras, and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best kneeling chairs in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Easter is just around the corner, which means peanut butter eggs, Easter lamb cakes, and other post-Lent goodies are within arm’s reach. Those treats just don’t come out of air, however. You’ll need some solid kitchen tools to turn cake mix into a literal animal, after all. This KitchenAid mixer is 24% off at Amazon and is the perfect conduit for making delicious baked goods and sweets beyond Christ’s resurrection.

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer $249.99 (Was $329.99)

SEE IT

This classic stand mixer is an investment that will last almost a lifetime thanks to its durable metal construction. The whisk hits 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl, meaning when ingredients are mixed, they’re mixed. It’s The 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl holds enough dough to make 8 dozen cookies, and it’s dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. 10 speeds and the included 6-wire whip, flat beater, and dough hook let you tackle almost any recipe in the book. And, there are more attachments you can purchase separately for even more fun in the kitchen.

You’ll receive this mixer by Thursday if you subscribe with Amazon Prime. You can show it off to your family as they admire your sweet treat spread on Easter Sunday.

More KitchenAid appliance deals:

• KitchenAid KFP0718CU Food Processor, 7 Cup, Contour Silver $79.95 (Was $99.99)
• KitchenAid KSM2FPA Food Processor Attachment, Dicing Kit, Silver $159.95 (Was $249.99)
• KitchenAid KMT2115 Toaster for Bagel 2 Slice, Silver $47.99 (Was $59.99)
• KitchenAid Blade Coffee and Spice Grinder Combo Pack – Onyx Black $44.99 (Was $59.99)
• KitchenAid BCG111ER Blade Coffee Grinder – Empire Red $29.99 (Was $39.99)
• KitchenAid 7-Speed Hand Mixer – KHM7210 – Contour Silver $74.95 (Was $85.00)
• KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder Attachment, Silver $74.95 (Was $99.99)
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment, KSMFGA Food Grinder, White $29.88 (Was $59.99)
• KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment Stand Mixer, 2 Quart, White $69.95 (Was $99.99)
• KitchenAid KFC3516CU 3.5 Cup Food Chopper, Contour Silver $44.95 (Was $59.99)
• KitchenAid KSMPEXTA Gourmet Pasta Press Attachment with 6 Interchangeable Pasta Plates, White $149 (Was $219.99)
• KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53, Matte Black $44.95 (Was $59.99)
• KitchenAid KSMPSA Pasta Roller Attachment, Silver, 1′ $74.99 (Was $99.99)
• KitchenAid KHM512WH 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, White, 8x7x5 $44.95 (Was $59.99)

The post Whip up Easter savings with$80 off a KitchenAid mixer at Amazon—but act fast appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		LARQ PureVis Bottle		SEE IT	A UV-C light zaps away bio-contaminants that could leave you feeling queasy.
Best for hydration		HidrateSpark PRO Smart Water Bottle		SEE IT	Bluetooth automatically updates how much water you’ve sipped.
Best budget		HidrateSpark TAP Smart Water Bottle Chug Lid		SEE IT	An option that’s only $20 packed with top-shelf features.

Among the plethora of “smart” things in this world—televisions, phones, speakers, and even entire homes—water bottles don’t come to top of mind. However, we think that can change, thanks to water bottles now having more capabilities other than “simple receptacle of many liquids.” Now, you can count how many ounces you’re chugging, get reminded to take a sip, and even get your filtered water to a new level of clean. The best smart water bottles make staying hydrated easy as they’re refilled and you’re fulfilled. 

• Best overall: LARQ PureVis Bottle
• Best for hydration: HidrateSpark PRO Smart Water Bottle
• Best budget: HidrateSpark TAP Smart Water Bottle Chug Lid

The best smart water bottles: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: LARQ PureVis Bottle

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This high-tech water bottle comes with a self-cleaning cap that uses the power of UV light to give your filtered water a purer taste and keep the bottle clean. 

Specs

• Cap options: PureVis self-cleaning cap, filter cap with flip top (doesn’t self-clean)
• Bottle sizes: 17 oz.; 25 oz.
• Self-cleaning?: Yes
• Water tracking: No

Pros

• Clean that you can taste
• Sleek look
• Lightweight

Cons

• No water tracking
• Largest size is still relatively small
• MicroUSB vs. USB-C

Although water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, only 3 percent is drinkable fresh water. Even deeper than that, only .5 percent of that drinkable fresh water is available, meaning it’s not locked in a glacier or the atmosphere. And water from public water systems isn’t guaranteed to be clean (hello, boil water advisories). Enter the LARQ PureVis bottle, which uses UV-C light to eliminate up to 99% of bio-contaminants (including E.Coli). And it self-cleans every two hours, meaning you don’t even need to think about having a musty water bottle. Double-vacuum insulation keeps things cool, even when you’re getting stress-sweats thinking about how only 3 percent of the world’s water is drinkable fresh water. 

The LARQ makes for a great travel water bottle as well, especially if you really want to make sure the bottled water you’re drinking is A-OK. Just make sure you fill it up after you pass through TSA security—you don’t want to get this fancy, pricey water bottle confiscated by a very strict agent before a flight. If you’re more active, consider the Movement PureVis bottle, which is uninsulated and lighter but has the same PureVis tech as the insulated version. 

At $99-$118, this water bottle is expensive, meaning it’s heartbreaking for you and your wallet if you misplace it, especially since you can’t use Bluetooth to track its location. And its capacity tops out at 25 ounces—practically a sip for those who drink water like a fish. There’s no hydration tracking, meaning it’s up to you to remember how much water you’ve imbibed. A pitcher version lets you get squeaky clean water you can put into your favorite gallon water bottles (or even the other smart water bottles on this list that focus on water intake tracking). Still, if you’re looking for UV cleaning and water tracking … sadly, this ain’t it!

The water problem, considering how things are going with the climate and public infrastructure, isn’t going away anytime soon. The LARQ PureVis bottle gives you more peace of mind and lets you not sip on nasties. It’s not the only self-cleaning water bottle on our list, but it’s definitely the best. Read more of our thoughts on the LARQ.

Best for hydration: HidrateSpark PRO Smart Water Bottle

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This light-up water bottle uses the power of Bluetooth to keep track of how much water you’ve consumed. It even tells you how much water you should drink based on your height and weight. 

Specs

• Cap options: Chug or straw lid
• Bottle sizes: 17 oz.; 21 oz.; 32 oz.
• Self-cleaning?: No
• Water tracking: Yes

Pros

• Lots of size options
• Seamless water tracking
• Friendly UX with bottle and app

Cons

• Straw cap hard to sip out of
• Heavy
• Not self-cleaning

If you need the gently pulsing alarm clock version of a water bottle (aka, those bottles with the lines and cute phrases don’t cut it for you—someone with a mushy brain and short attention span caused by social media scrolling), consider the HidrateSpark PRO just that. It works with Bluetooth and a coordinating app to measure your water intake. All you need to do is set the bottle down, and the app automatically updates how close you are to your water goal. You can set that number yourself or allow the bottle to figure that out for you by entering your weight, height, elevation, and other metrics. Setup is super easy and takes less than five minutes, less than the time it takes to wash the bottle when you first get it in. The settings are also super robust: you can set when the bottle glows—every time you take a sip, when you meet your goal, both, or even … not at all! It’s similarly priced to other non-smart water bottles on the market, meaning you’re wallet won’t hurt as much compared to other options on this list. 

Best budget: HidrateSpark TAP Smart Water Bottle Chug Lid

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Practically all the same capabilities of the HidrateSPARK Pro bottle minus the price tag—and some of the cheapest smart water bottles you can buy. 

Specs

• Cap options: Chug or straw cap
• Bottle sizes: 20 oz.; 24 oz.; 32 oz.
• Self-cleaning?: No
• Water tracking: Yes

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy setup

Cons

• Not insulated
• Water intake only updated with phone tap

Sure, it’s not as packed with features as its PRO sibling, but the HidrateSpark TAP is an excellent option for someone who doesn’t want to spend too much money on a smart water bottle. It doesn’t update as often as the PRO because it lacks Bluetooth tech—it uses near-field communication (NFC) instead of Bluetooth, with a simple phone tap allowing you to update the app with how much you’ve sipped. It comes in a sip-top option and lights up to remind you to drink (although you can’t customize that option; it’s preset at once an hour for 12 hours as soon as you turn the timer on). Look no further if you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly smart water bottle. 

Here are other options we think are a cool drink of water:

• Best for travel: Thermos 24 Ounce Hydration Bottle with Connected Smart Lid
• Best rechargeable: PHILIPS Water GoZero UV Self-Cleaning Smart Water
• Best durable: Hydromate Smart Water Bottle
• Best self-cleaning: CrazyCap Self-Cleaning Insulated Bottle
• Best lightweight: Monos Kiyo UVC Water Bottle

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart water bottles

• Best overall: LARQ PureVis Bottle
• Best for hydration: HidrateSpark PRO Smart Water Bottle
• Best budget: HidrateSpark TAP Smart Water Bottle Chug Lid

Smart water bottles are a great way to easily track how much water you drink daily, ensure your water has no rogue bacteria, and self-clean for mustiness-free sipping. Our favorite smart water bottle is the LARQ PureVis Bottle, which kills potential bacteria in water for results you can taste. If you’re looking for an option to track hydration, we recommend the Hidrate SparkPRO Smart Water Bottle, which syncs seamlessly with incredibly customizable settings to boot. If the cheapest option is your goal, look no further than the HidrateSpark TAP Smart Water Bottle Chug Lid—the HidrateSpark’s formidable and budget-friendly sibling. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best smart water bottles in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Feit Electric A19 LED Light Bulb		SEE IT	Reliable and dimmer-friendly.
Best color-changing		Govee Smart Light Bulbs		SEE IT	Choose from the entire color wheel to set the mood from your phone.
Best value		SYLVANIA ECO LED Light Bulb		SEE IT	An simple, LED light bulb without any pricey bells and whistles.

How many PopSci writers does it take to change an LED lightbulb? Per our own very scientific observations, just two: One to stand on a stool/chair/anything that’s not a ladder, and another to spot and catch the lightbulb changer in case they fall. Our worker’s compensation only goes so far. All jokes aside, LED light bulbs are less of a headache than incandescent and fluorescent ones—seriously. They’re less likely to flicker, not going to buzz or hum, and their brightness varies from bright daylight to soft, warm white. Our favorite part about them? You don’t have to change them every six months or worry about your electric bills going through the roof after accidentally falling asleep with the light on. The best LED light bulbs—such as the ones you’ll find below—are eco-friendly, long-lasting, and come in all sorts of color temperatures.

• Best overall: Feit Electric A19 LED Light Bulb
• Best dimmable: EcoSmart 60W Equivalent Soft White A19 Energy Star + Dimmable LED Light Bulb
• Best color-changing: Govee Smart Light Bulbs
• Best smart: Philips Hue Smart Light
• Best recessed: GE Reveal 6-Pack 65 W R30 LED Light Bulbs
• Best value: SYLVANIA ECO LED Light Bulb

How we chose the best LED light bulbs

There are many kinds of lightbulbs in this world—so many that the permutations of color, bulb shape, and wattage would shock Benjamin Franklin so much that his gout flares up. I mean, twinkle lights are great, but sometimes you need to see where you set something down more than set the mood. For consistency’s sake, we only considered A19 LED lightbulbs (with a few exceptions) and ensured they were at least 800 lumens, the 60W equivalent to their environmentally antagonizing incandescent siblings. We also ensured each bulb came in different color temperatures so you can deck your entire home in your favorite bulbs. We tested them in our homes and researched critical and consumer favorites, consulting peer reviews and user recommendations for a more democratic look.

The best LED light bulbs: Reviews & Recommendations

Starting August 1, 2023, incandescent lightbulbs, with a few exceptions, are banned in the United States. One of our choices can help you make the switch and even inspire an entirely new lighting theme in your house … a light might even go off in your head, you might say.

Best overall: Feit Electric A19 LED Light Bulb

SEE IT

Specs

• Wattage equivalent: 60 watts
• Bulb shape: A19
• Color temperature: 2700K, 3000K, 5000K

Pros

• Versatile
• UL-listed
• Dimmable
• Damp rated

Cons

• Some reviews mention flickering and trouble with dimming

If you don’t need the bells and whistles like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Feit A19 800-lumen bulb gives you the basics with the added bonus of dimming. It only uses 8.8 watts of energy and emits no ultraviolet light, which means you can use it in rooms with artwork and photographs. With its frosted bulb and A19 shape, it looks just like a regular incandescent bulb. It’s damp-rated, so you can feel good about using it in steamy bathrooms.

It comes in three color temperatures: 2700K, 3000K, and 5000K. I like using 3000K for bathrooms and kitchens, and 2700K for the living room and bedrooms, but all color temperatures are accurate. The bulbs can last 25,000 hours, which is a testament to their durability and quality. They’re UL-listed, Energy Star-rated, and FCC and CEC Title 24 compliant. That’s all code for “safe, won’t kill you, and are efficient as advertised.”

Reviews note some issues with dimming and flickering, but that could be caused by faulty electrics and old dimmers that aren’t compatible with new lightbulbs. If you stand by your sockets and switches, you’ll be more than happy with these Feit lightbulbs that can do it all.

Best dimmable: EcoSmart 60W Equivalent Soft White A19 Energy Star + Dimmable LED Light Bulb

SEE IT

Specs

• Wattage: 60 watts
• Bulb shape: A19
• Color temperature: 2700K

Pros

• Dimmable
• Energy Star-rated
• Variety of color different color temperatures

Cons

• Only available on Amazon via third-party
• Last 15,000 hours

These 60-watt replacement bulbs are some of the best for dimmer switches. The bulbs are compatible with most dimmer switches and in omnidirectional indoor lighting situations. They only produce 8.5 watts and are Energy Star-rated, meaning they’re as efficient as advertised. They’re also available in other color temperatures, which you can find in separate listings.

However, these bulbs are only available on Amazon via a third-party seller and not from the manufacturers themselves. This means you may not meet the manufacturer’s warranty if you need to report a problem. They also only last 15,000 hours, meaning they won’t last as long as other LED light bulbs. Make sure your dimmer switch is compatible with the bulb’s wattage, or else you won’t be able to take advantage of their dimming capabilities.

Best color-changing: Govee Smart Light Bulbs

SEE IT

Specs

• Wattage equivalent: 60 watts
• Bulb shape: A19
• Color temperature: N/A

Pros

• Works with Alexa and Google voice assistants
• App-controlled
• Syncs with music

Cons

• Expensive for a light bulb
• Risk connectivity loss

If boring white bulbs make you groan and you want to light each room in a different shade of the rainbow, you can do so with these Govee lights without completely breaking the bank. You can DIY a plethora of colors or choose from 54 preset lighting scenes. If you’re throwing a party, these bulbs change color and brightness depending on the music you’re playing (one reason we’re also a fan of their LED strip lights and TV backlight kits). You can control the lights via the Govee app or via your favorite smart-home voice assistant like Alexa and Google.

You can also set a timer on the bulb to DIY your own sunrise alarm clock. Like other smart alarm clocks on the market, the Govee bulbs can brighten when you take up and gradually dim before you go to bed. It’s expensive for a light bulb, and you risk disconnecting from the app and being stuck with red light for longer than you care.

Best smart: Philips Hue Smart Light

SEE IT

Specs

• Wattage equivalent: 75 watts
• Bulb shape: A19
• Color temperature: N/A

Pros

• Smart button for additional control
• Compatible with voice assistants
• Lighting presets and custom lighting

Cons

• Expensive for a light bulb
• Smart Button doesn’t dim

The Philips Hue light bulbs are our best overall pick for the best smart lighting and it gets better if you opt for the company’s Starter Kit, which includes a hardware hub that can control up to 50 bulbs, a Smart Button with a mounting plate to control your bulbs with a good ol’ fashioned switch, and three Hue White and Color smart light bulbs.

If you’re cool with controlling your lights via the Philips Hue app or Apple, Amazon, and Google voice assistants. Each bulb is dimmable and customizable, with 16 million color combinations to choose from. Since it connects to your Wi-Fi router and, therefore, the Internet of Things, you don’t even need to be home to control your lighting. That’s perfect if you’re like me and your security measures involve keeping a light on so bad actors think someone is home. It is pricier than other options like the Govee, but it’s a great, reliable place to get started with smart lighting.

Best recessed: GE Reveal 6-Pack 65 W R30 LED Light Bulbs

SEE IT

Specs

• Wattage equivalent: 65 watts
• Bulb shape: R30
• Color temperature: 2700K

Pros

• Works with a dimmer switch
• Can be used indoors and out
• Mercury-free

Cons

• Only lasts around 15,000 hours

If you use recessed lighting in your home, a recessed bulb is the best choice for getting a smooth, clean look. A19, for lack of better phrasing, just looks goofy in a recessed socket. This one only uses 9 watts and can work with a dimmer switch. It’s warmer at 2700K, but there are other color temperature options available, like Relax and Refresh. You can use these recessed bulbs in your home or for your floodlights outdoors. They’re free of mercury, but they only last 15,000 hours, which is low compared to other LED light bulbs out there.

Best value: SYLVANIA ECO LED Light Bulb

SEE IT

Specs

• Wattage equivalent: 60 watts
• Bulb shape: A19
• Color temperature: 2700K, 5000K

Pros

• Lots of color options
• Come in packs larger than 4
• Perfect for someone who just wants a light bulb

Cons

• Non-dimmable
• No smart capabilities

I am but a simple, frugal woman with a particular lightbulb taste. Do not give me a daylight-bright bulb and dare to put it in my bedroom. That is a bulb meant for the kitchen! I can’t lie; I was rather dismayed when I found out incandescent bulbs would be leaving shelves. What would I do without the warm glow in my bedroom ushering me to relaxation? It turns out the switch was no big deal, and I would just have to pay attention to the color temperature listed on the box. I learned this lesson the hard way after buying bulbs that were too cool in the spaces I placed them in, and I was too stubborn to change them out and waste a bulb.

When I moved into my new apartment, half of the light bulbs were burned out or on the verge of doing so. I had lots of bulbs to replace and craved something warm, so I ultimately went with these SYLVANIA ECO LED light bulbs. They come in all sorts of color temperatures, sizes, and wattages, but I personally picked up the 8-count 60W bulbs in Soft White. I don’t like when lighting is too warm (it wrecks my selfies and product images), and the Soft White is just where I like my light to be: Not so bright that I feel like I’m at the doctor’s and not so orange that everything I own becomes awash in a tangerine dream. I even went a little crazy and put them in the kitchen, where I could have gotten away with using a Daylight or Bright White bulb.

This lightbulb doesn’t have bells and whistles like dimming, color-changing capabilities, or Wi-Fi connectivity. That’s perfectly fine by me, a person who gets frustrated at robot vacuums and still operates a 2012 MacBook Pro (with disc drive, I might add). If this makes me a Luddite, well, just crucify me with some USB-C cables and the latest iPhone.

What to consider when buying the best LED light bulbs

We’ve all had annoying lightbulbs that buzz, flash, or aren’t the correct color temperature for the room (looking at you, old blinking and too-bright fluorescent light bulbs in the office and at school). Buying the right lightbulb can change an entire room’s mood, vibe, and can even affect your own. Here’s what you need to know before that “add to cart” click:

Usage

The use-case will help you decide what shape and color temperature. If you’re using your LED bulbs for overhead lighting, 800-1100 lumen (more on that below) bulbs will work perfectly. If you’re shopping for recessed lighting like ceiling lights or track lights, something around 700 lumens is more appropriate. You should look for an LED lightbulb in the 700-1300 lumen range for an outdoor floodlight.

Brightness and temperature

For LED light bulbs, brightness is measured in Lumens. Watts are also associated with brightness, but are more an indicator of energy use. If you’re making the switch from incandescent to LED, here are some conversions for popular wattages:

• 800 lumens replaces a 60-watt bulb
• 1,000 lumens replaces a 75-watt bulb
• 1,600 lumens replaces a 100-watt bulb

Usually, LED lightbulb manufacturers will include the “wattage” on an LED bulb so you don’t have to do the mental math yourself

Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K). The entire Kelvin scale ranges from 1,000 to 10,000, but commercial and residential lighting ranges from 2000K-6500K. There are three main Kelvin tiers you’ll come across:

• 2700K: Usually advertised as “soft white” or “warm white.”
• 3000K: Usually advertised as “cool white.”
• 5000K: Usually advertised as “bright white” or “daylight.”

Dimming

Not every LED light bulb will work with a dimmer switch. Either the bulb itself is not compatible with a dimmer, or your current dimmer isn’t rated for LED light bulbs. If the packaging on your LED bulb says it’s dimmable, and you have a dimmer that’s rated for LED light bulbs, congrats! You have a winning combination. Some LED light bulbs have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and thus can be dimmed using your phone.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best LED light bulbs

• Best overall: Feit Electric A19 LED Light Bulb
• Best dimmable: EcoSmart 60W Equivalent Soft White A19 Energy Star + Dimmable LED Light Bulb
• Best color-changing: Govee Smart Light Bulbs
• Best smart: Philips Hue Smart Light
• Best recessed: GE Reveal 6-Pack 65 W R30 LED Light Bulbs
• Best value: SYLVANIA ECO LED Light Bulb

Since incandescent bulbs are dwindling on shelves, switching to an LED light bulb isn’t just a necessity; It’s a small change that makes a big impact. LED light bulbs help you save on electric bills, let you spend more time sitting in your living room than changing the lightbulbs in it, and even assist in creating a vibe shift through a color change. Talk about having a bright idea.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best LED light bulbs for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

House finches, mourning doves, and maybe even the occasional cardinal are coming out of their winter hiding spots to sit amongst blooming Magnolia trees and maybe indulge in some spare crumbs on the street. Noticing nature isn’t just a good practice in mindfulness—it’s also a fun hobby. Birding can be done any time of year and all over the world. If you want to entice more birds into your backyard—and bully some squirrels while you’re at it—this smart bird feeder is 52 percent off on Amazon as part of its Big Spring Sale. The sale ends Sunday, so make sure to get yours before it migrates back to full price.

Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder with Camera $99.98 (Was $209.99)

SEE IT

This camera is easy to put together, clean, and refill, making it a great pick for aspiring ornithologists and experienced birders alike. The 1080p camera only records when a bird sets off its PIR motion sensor. Then, it saves the recording to an SD card or in the cloud. Built-in AI bird recognition identifies the winged friend that lands on the feeder, and an app lets you file through avian visitors past and present. If you’re tired of squirrels stealing your bird feed, you can tell them to buzz-off, literally. Finally, the squirrels can get what they deserve.

If you’re looking for the best bird feeder camera and you’re cool with buying something at full price, go for the Bird Buddy. It’s $239 for the base version, but we recommend upgrading to the $299 version with the solar roof. It’s pricey, but completely worth it for up-close and personal views of the birds in your neighborhood.

The post Save 52% off this solar-powered bird feeder camera during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

We all deserve a little afternoon sweetie treatie, but the money spent on those aforementioned snackos and drinkies adds up fast. One of the best ways to cut down on small purchases is by investing in a coffee machine that can make specialty-style drinks in the comfort of your home. Café’s Specialty and Bellissimo lines are on sale at Amazon as part of its Big Spring Sale, and are perfect for making a jazzy little afternoon coffee at home.

Café Bellissimo Semi Automatic Espresso Machine + Milk Frother $300.26 (Was $579)

SEE IT

This smart espresso machine connects to your phone so you can customize your drink preferences. An Italian-made, 15-bar pump gives you a balanced cup of ‘spro, and a 95-ounce water reservoir means you’ll get more drinks with less hassle. Our favorite part has to be the built-in conical Burr grinder with 15 levels of grind size.

More kitchen appliances on sale:

• Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker $193.62 (Was $299)
• Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker $279 (Was $329)
• Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker | 10-Cup Insulated Thermal Carafe $228.96 (Was $299)
• Café Express Finish 2-Slice Toaster $99 (Was $129)
• Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker $279 (Was $329)
• GE Drip Coffee Maker With Timer $89 (Was $99)
• Café Bellissimo Semi Automatic Espresso Machine + Milk Frother $413.26 (Was $579)
• Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker $59.99 (Was $69.99)
• Oster Electric Wine Opener and Foil Cutter Kit $21.99 (Was $24.99)
• Oster Air Fryer Oven $159.99 (Was $199.99)
• Mr. Coffee Prima Latte Luxe, Espresso Machine $339.99 (Was $399.99)

The post Get unlimited access to a sweet little treat with up to 48% off Café coffee machines at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Roku 32" Select Series 720p HD Smart RokuTV		SEE IT	Intuitive and easy-to-use.
Best smart		Amazon Fire TV 32" 2-Series HD smart TV		SEE IT	Connect other smart home devices to your TV or connect it to your voice assistant of choice.
Best budget		TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV		SEE IT	1080p resolution at a great price.

A 32-inch TV is a perfect choice if you’re got a tight space and are looking for a TV that’s “just right” by Goldilocks standards: It’s not too big, but not too small. Although we all dream of an 85-inch TV that’s large and cinematic, not everyone has 85-inch television space or money. In many cases, too large of a television can overwhelm a room. You want space and wall clearance for your knick-knacks, doodads, and various trinkets you’ve collected over the years, after all. If you’re shopping for a college student, most housing and res-life offices will recommend televisions that are 32 inches or less. Personally, I was only allowed to bring a television that was 17 inches or less. Kids these days really have it all, considering television tech has advanced exponentially compared to when I was in college a decade ago (Shudder! Ick! Time!). The best 32-inch televisions pack high-tech features into a small package for modest rooms.

• Best overall: Roku 32-inch Select Series 720p HD Smart RokuTV
• Best smart: Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series HD smart TV
• Best value: TCL 32-inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV

The best 32-inch TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

Bigger isn’t always better. One of our choices will look great in the guest room or a 200-square-foot dorm room.

Best overall: Roku 32-inch Select Series 720p HD Smart RokuTV