Best overall		AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)		SEE IT	The top-of-the-line AirPods Pro 2 are Apple’s best portable personal audio item yet.
Best over-ear		AirPods Max		SEE IT	Apple’s over-ear headphones have the longest battery and most distinctive look.
Best value		AirPods (3rd generation)		SEE IT	Many of the features you can get from AirPods Pro, but for a lot less money.

AirPods have come a long way since the first generation of Apple’s true wireless earbuds were released in 2016. Industry research firm Canalys found that TWS sales may have decreased in 2023, but Apple’s AirPods Pro remain dominant. The company’s success has contributed greatly to popularizing TWS earbuds and features like active noise cancellation, which was previously only available in over- and on-ear headphones but is now mainstream on earbuds. It’s also raised the bar for connectivity, ease of use, battery life, and, of course, sound quality. While the term “AirPods” was synonymous with in-ears, the company launched the AirPods Max, its first pair of over-ear headphones, in 2020. The company has continually updated its lineup to introduce models with additional features or design changes. The best AirPods will allow you to enjoy your favorite music on-the-go while ditching wires completely.

• Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
• Best value: AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case
• Best over-ear: AirPods Max
• Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

How we chose the best AirPods for you

Our AirPods recommendations come from a mix of research and hands-on testing. When possible, we compared AirPods to different current-generation headphones in their respective categories. We also considered the style of headphones listeners preferred, the performance of features like active noise cancellation, battery life, and price. The good news is there’s no bad choice in the bunch; it’s just a matter of finding a set that best fits your needs.

The best AirPods: Reviews & Recommendations

The best AirPods will allow you to appreciate your music more than a typical budget pair of headphones because of their audio quality, while still fitting comfortably in a pocket or bag. They should fit your budget, and work just as well with your Android and Windows devices as your Apple gear.

Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)

SEE IT

Specs

• Headphone style: Earbuds
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: Yes
• Connector: USB-C
• Price: $249.99

Pros

• Adaptive Audio (EQ) support
• Personalized Spatial Audio support w/ dynamic head tracking
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Less software customization than come competing brands
• Some features require the latest and greatest Apple hardware and an Apple Music subscription
• Not the most secure option for activity

The 2nd-generation AirPods with MagSafe Charging Case add small but consequential updates to what was already a fantastic flagship. As we declared in our full review of the AirPods Pro 2, these earbuds are “a highly noticeable improvement over their predecessors” thanks to a new low-distortion, high-excursion 11mm driver plus a custom amplifier. The augmented dynamics are richer, rounder, with textures splashier, crashier, crispier. And that’s before you add in any of the bells and whistles, like Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, active noise cancellation, and transparency, which combine to narrow the gap between you and your music while widening the soundstage you experience it in. (And, if you happen to have the Apple Vision Pro headset, the H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3 in the AirPods Pro 2allows you to get 20-bit/48 kHz lossless audio streaming with your spatial computing.)

In terms of build improvements, the latest AirPods Pro earbuds are IP54 for better sweat and dust resistance, with multiple sizes of silicone eartips that anchor in your ear canals and create a tight seal for optimized bass performance. Simultaneously, a vent system improves pressure equalization for comfort. Skin-detect sensors tell the earbuds when to pause and play music if you take the earbuds out and put them back in. Touch controls are more responsive. The beamforming microphones do a great job isolating your voice on calls. Perhaps the greatest quality-of-living change is that the case supports both wireless and USB-C charging, so you can put that last Lightning cable away.

All these factors contribute to our naming the AirPods Pro 2 the best overall earbuds for most people. If you have a newer-generation iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc., an insatiable love of music, and the budget (these are often on sale for $179-$199), the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds are a splurge that justifies itself immediately.

Best value: AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case

SEE IT

Specs

• Headphone style: Earbuds
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: Yes
• Connector: Lightning
• Price: $169.99

Pros

• Adaptive Audio support
• Spatial audio support
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Uses a proprietary connector

While the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds are our default suggestion for anyone looking for AirPods, we understand that some folks don’t want to spend that much or still have an older iPhone and would prefer not to replace their Lightning cable(s) until they must. In that case, the AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case is your choice, and it’s not a bad choice by any means. It has a lot of the same audio features as the AirPods Pro 2, including the custom high-excursion driver and high dynamic range amplifier, Adaptive EQ, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. So, if you liked the sound of the sound in the AirPods Pro 2 description above, you’ll like how it sounds here. What you don’t get, however, does come into play when you hit play. The AirPods (3rd generation) have a hardshell design, no interchangeable tips, so it can be harder to get a tight seal (and therefore harder to get lower bass). Also, there’s no noise cancellation, so the world might intrude more on your tunes (and you might be tempted to turn up the volume more but please do not or you’ll need to buy these). The chipset is an H1 with Bluetooth 5.0, so these will become obsolete faster than the Pro 2. And you must click, not swipe, for certain controls. Still, these AirPods have the same battery life and IP durability rating as the AirPods Pro, plus a case with a Lightning jack for charging (or one that charges wirelessly if you’re inclined to spend a little more). You get the AirPods experience in a pair of earbuds that’s routinely discounted to $140-$150, and you may not miss active noise cancellation if you work from home or in quiet environments.

Best over-ear: AirPods Max

SEE IT

Specs

• Headphone style: Over-ear
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: Yes
• Connector: Lightning
• Price: $549

Pros

• Better ANC than earbuds
• Solid battery life
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Cost

The AirPods Max are the only pair of over-ear headphones made by Apple, so they’re your sole option in this category. Apple brought over many of the same features that helped make its earbuds popular: instant pairing with Apple devices, support for Spatial Audio and quick access to Siri, active noise cancelation, a well-balanced sound profile, and a design that’s focused on comfort. They’re also available in four colors, while Apple’s earbuds are only available in white.

At $549 (though often on sale as low as $479), the AirPods Max are a lot more expensive than comparable flagship models from Sony and Bose, and those headphones have better battery life and noise cancellation performance. Headphones from those companies also feature a USB-C port rather than Lightning for charging. A big part of the AirPods Max’s appeal is the signature aesthetics and integration with the Apple ecosystem. Anodized aluminum and mesh textile aren’t materials we’re used to seeing in the headphone world, and they’re undeniably luxe. Aluminum is heavier than the plastic used by other headphone companies, so the AirPods Max will weigh more heavily on your head if you’re jumping from another over-ear pair (though that breathable headband distributes weight well).

On a technical level, the AirPods Max were cutting-edge when they were released, but have started to cede some ground to the competition in the past couple of years. They support Spatial Audio with head tracking, which makes music and movies with a Dolby Atmos mix sound more immersive and more like listening to audio on a pair of high-end speakers, but it’s not lossless audio. Their 20-hour battery life is way higher than what you’d get from a pair of AirPods Pro, but that’s to be expected when comparing over-ear headphones to earbuds. However, the AirPods Max’s battery life is so-so compared to other over-ear headphones.

Still, if you care about aesthetics and comfort and want the AirPods experience from a bigger set of cans, the AirPods Max headphones are your only choice.

Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

SEE IT

Specs

• Headphone style: Earbuds
• Battery Life: Up to 5 hours listening time per charge
• ANC: No
• Connector: Lightning
• Price: $129.99

Pros

• They pair easily with an iPhone
• They play music
• Compact design
• Price

Cons

• No special audio-processing/convenience features

If you want the classic Apple aesthetic without the expense, these are the AirPods for you. These are the long-stemmed earbuds that established the ubiquity of AirPods. They play nice with iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS devices, as well as Siri—no picky pairing or fussy settings, unlike competitors’ earbuds. They play music and can let you take calls. However, you’re not getting any of the advanced features that come with even the AirPods 3. There’s no custom, Adaptive, Personalized, active anything. But if you want the most affordable entry to portable personal Apple audio, this is it.

What to consider when shopping for the best AirPods for you

Picking a pair of AirPods is pretty simple because Apple doesn’t offer many models, and all of them are pretty good. The company has done an admirable job trickling certain features between its earbuds, including battery life, durability, and technical features. Unless you opt for the budget pick, your decision will come down to how much you’re willing to spend, whether you prefer earbuds or over-ear headphones, and if you care about USB-C charging.

Headphone style

While AirPods are synonymous with earbuds, Apple has branched out into offering an over-ear pair of headphones called the AirPods Max. Earbuds will always be more convenient to use because they can fit in your pocket comfortably with their charging case, whereas over-ear headphones need to be kept on your head, around your neck, or in a larger bag. The tradeoff is that over-ear headphones have larger drivers for better, louder sound, and a longer-lasting battery.

Connector

Once upon a time, all AirPods had a Lightning charging port. Apple developed the proprietary connector and featured it on the iPhone from 2012 until 2023, when it was replaced with a USB-C port. Now, most of Apple’s audio has a Lightning port, but the latest AirPods Pro (2nd generation) now comes with a USB-C charging port, and we expect this will become standard on all AirPods models in the next couple of years.

Battery life

All of Apple’s earbuds have the same six hour battery life, which is solid for this style of headphone. The amount you actually get will depend on whether you leave active noise cancellation enabled and your preferred listening volume. AirPods Max get up to 20 hours of usage per charge, which is more than enough to get you through a transatlantic flight with plenty of power to spare.

Active noise cancellation

Apple’s top AirPods—both earphones and headphones—have active noise cancellation, a feature wherein microphones analyze and algorithms neutralize outsound sounds before they reach your ears. Apple was one of the first companies to add credible active noise cancellation to the earbud world, and it’s only improved its performance in the second-generation AirPods Pro.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best AirPods

• Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
• Best value: AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case
• Best over-ear: AirPods Max
• Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

AirPods have forever changed the world of earphones and made headway into headphones. And Apple’s continued pursuit of bringing technical improvements to a mass audience is laudable. It’s safe to say true wireless earbuds wouldn’t be as popular, and active noise cancellation would have been a lower priority for other headphone makers, if Apple hadn’t stepped up its game. With its latest generation of AirPods, Apple has shown there’s no better time to invest in easily pocketable portable audio accessories than now.

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 AirPods in 2024: How to pick which ones are right for you appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Bose, the company that popularized noise-cancelling headphones, has retaken the crown amongst sharp competition from Sony and Apple. The QuietComfort Ultra earbuds simply block more high and low frequencies more efficiently. True to their name, the earbuds are also comfortable to wear, lending themselves to longer listening sessions when you’re on a plane or train for business or pleasure. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra are the best noise-canceling earbuds we’ve tested, and they’ve returned to their best price thanks to a current Amazon deal.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds $249.99 (Was $299.99)

SEE IT

The QuietComfort Ultras achieve their high level of active noise cancellation by using multiple microphones built into each bud to “hear” unwanted sounds that an advanced algorithm filters out before they reach your ears. All of this processing is done in real time and doesn’t significantly impact the earbuds’ audio quality, which is excellent. The QuietComfort Ultra earbuds’ sound profile creates tight bass, clear-but-not-hot treble, and a smooth midrange. You’ll be satisfied with what you hear regardless of the music genres you typically listen to. While the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are always worth their premium price, they’re even easier to recommend during Amazon’s flash sale.

Other great Bose audio deals:

• Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker $99 (Was $119)
• Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker $119 (Was $149)
• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones $249 (Was $249)
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones $379 (Was $429)

The post Get Bose’s flagship QuietComfort Ultra earbuds for their lowest price ever appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder		SEE IT	A user-friendly model with conical burrs that work for multiple types of coffee makers, from automatic brewers to French presses.
Best splurge		Baratza Forte BG (Brew Grinder)		SEE IT	This coffee shop–quality flat-burr megabrewer has over 200 grind settings and a giant hopper.
Best budget		Fellow Ode Brew Grinder		SEE IT	Multiple settings allow you to get the perfect grind for French press coffee or pulling espresso shots.

Whether rocking a classic brewer or a fancy pour-over or press, you need a coffee grinder to pulverize those beans. Believe it or not, your grinder’s quality will affect your coffee’s quality. The oft-overlooked grinder is actually a crucial piece of equipment when it comes to crafting the perfect cup: You get maximum flavor from uniformly cut beans, and not every grinder can deliver those. Finding the best coffee grinders for you and your needs means looking at the price point, whether you want something manual or electric, and whether you prefer burred beans to bladed ones—and we have the options that address all these considerations and more.

• Best overall: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
• Best splurge: Baratza Forte BG (Brew Grinder)
• Best design: Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
• Best portable: KitchenAid Go Cordless Blade Coffee Grinder
• Best manual: JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Settings
• Best value: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

How we chose the best coffee grinders

We chose the best coffee grinders based on a mix of research and hands-on testing. Our methodology took into consideration whether the grinder was manual or electric, a burr or blade grinder, and even the type of coffee beans one can use. This is a monotasking appliance, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. In the case of the coffee grinders we tested, our assessments covered their ease of use, ease of cleanup, and overall performance. Price was also a consideration, and we’ve diligently presented options across a wide cost spectrum.

The best coffee grinders: Reviews & Recommendations

No matter how you prepare your coffee—whether pour-over, French press, espresso, etc.—freshly ground beans take the experience to a new level. Here are the best coffee grinders to help you get your caffeine fix at home, at the office, or even on the go.

Best overall: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

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Specs

• Power source: Electricity
• Size: 6.3 x 4.7 x 13.8 inches
• Capacity: 5 ounces
• Price: $149.95

Pros

• 40 grind settings
• Single-button design
• High-torque motor

Cons

• Low capacity

Baratza says its Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder was designed for beginners, which is great if you’re making the leap from using pre-ground coffee to whole beans. Its 40 grind settings may seem intimidating at first, but researching the correct coarseness of your coffee beans based on the brew you’re making will allow you to make the perfect cappuccino every time. Over time, the Encore’s numerous grind settings will be a vital feature rather than a source of frustration.

The Encore’s approachable design is comprised of an on/off switch, which will continuously grind beans, and a single pulse button to engage the machine’s high-torque motor in short bursts. A few pulses will yield enough coffee for a single cup, while letting the machine run for half a minute should provide enough grounds for a group. Just be mindful of this coffee grinder’s relatively low capacity, which means you’ll have to refill the machine on a more regular basis.

Best splurge: Baratza Forte BG (Brew Grinder)

SEE IT

Specs

• Power source: Electricity
• Size: 5.12 x 7.09 x 14.17 inches
• Capacity: 10.58 ounces
• Price: $895

Pros

• Built-in scale
• Digital screen
• 260 grind settings

Cons

• Price

Yes, Bartaza’s Forte BG costs several times more than our other recommendations. Still, it has features that professional coffee makers will want and that everyone who uses it could appreciate. Its two stand-out features are a built-in electronic scale to ensure each cup of coffee you make has the same amount of grounds and a digital screen, allowing you to switch between its grind settings, set the grinder on a timer, and more. Bartaza outfitted this coffee grinder with 260 grind settings, so you can get pinpoint precision when making your grounds.

If you’re willing to invest in a machine like this, the chances are high that you’ll have a similarly tricked-out coffee maker. Once you’ve found the ideal grind setting for your preferred cup of coffee, you can save it as a preset so it’s accessible at the push of a button. Bartaza’s Forte BG is a no-compromise coffee grinder and is likely to be the only one you’ll ever need if you make the investment.

Best design: Fellow Ode Brew Grinder

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Specs

• Power source: Electricity
• Size: 9.5 x 4.7 x 9.4 inches
• Capacity: 3.5 ounces
• Price: $199

Pros

• Aluminum construction
• Automatic stop function
• Quiet operation

Cons

• Low capacity

Fellow’s sleek-looking Ode Brew Grinder is sure to spruce up your countertop, but its performance matches the aesthetic value of its aluminum frame. The Ode features 11 grind settings, with 31 steps in between to give you ample space for experimentation. Fellow says its settings were specifically designed to produce the optimal grounds for AeroPress, pour-over, French press, and cold brew beverages. The heart of this appliance is its professional-level 64mm flat burrs, which grind beans consistently.

Despite their size and power, Fellow touts this coffee grinder’s quiet operation. One of the Ode Brew Grinder’s most user-friendly features is its automatic stop function, which will shut off its motor when it senses its hopper is empty. This is both a cue to add more beans (if necessary) and to conserve energy. This coffee grinder can’t hold a lot of beans at once, so you’ll likely have to replenish it regularly if you drink more than one cup of coffee per day, or prefer a stronger cup.

Best portable: KitchenAid Go Cordless Blade Coffee Grinder

SEE IT

Specs

• Power source: Battery
• Size: 4.41 x 5.29 x 8.41 inches
• Capacity: 4 ounces
• Price: $129.99

Pros

• Runs on a rechargeable battery
• Simple design
• Works very well

Cons

• You’ll need to remember to charge it

KitchenAid’s new Go line of battery-powered appliances includes a coffee grinder, and it’s easily the best powered model you can take with you anywhere. It’s small enough to cart around in a backpack or carry-on bag and can run for up to six minutes per charge. In our tests, that’s enough time to get several cups of finely ground beans before reaching for a USB-C cable. If you’re worried about running out of juice, you can always pick up a spare battery. Using this cordless coffee grinder was straightforward: We loaded its hopper up with beans, placed the plastic cover on top, twisted the cover to lock it in place, and pushed down on its single power switch.

This coffee grinder has no set grind settings, so you’ll need to watch the grounds as they’re being crushed to determine when they’ve reached the correct consistency. We were able to get course grounds in about 15 seconds when the hopper was full, and kept the grinder running for a full minute to get powder-like results. This coffee grinder was short enough that we could easily keep track of the state of our grounds to prevent ourselves from overgrinding while it was on a countertop.

You’ll need to remember to keep this coffee grinder’s battery topped up, which can be tedious in a world where every portable gadget requires power management, but you’ll be rewarded for this minimal amount of maintenance. This is the best option if you’re serious about making freshly ground coffee in moderate to high quantities on the go.

Best manual: JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder

SEE IT

Specs

• Power source: Hand crank
• Size: 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches
• Capacity: N/A
• Price: $39.94

Pros

• No outlet required
• Compact design
• Price

Cons

• Requires elbow grease

If you’d like to take a coffee grinder with you on a camping trip or only want to enjoy a high-quality cup on occasion, JavaPresse’s Manual Coffee Grinder is the one to get. Turning its crank a few times will yield enough grounds for a couple of cups of coffee, which isn’t bad considering you can easily pack this grinder in a backpack. That said, using this coffee grinder will take more effort than an electric one, so be prepared to put in some effort to get your grounds.

It’d be easy to assume JavaPresse would have to make big sacrifices to achieve this manual grinder’s small size, but that’s not true. It features 18 grind settings, is significantly quieter than using an electric grinder, and uses ceramic burrs that were designed to last several times longer than stainless steel ones. If you want to make sure you’ll be able to make fresh coffee the way you like it while you’re on vacation or a business trip, JavaPresse’s Manual Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder is the one to get.

Best value: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

SEE IT

Specs

• Power source: Electricity
• Size: 6.8 x 11.8 x 14.8 inches
• Capacity: 12 ounces
• Price: $99.95

Pros

• 16 different grind settings
• Timer to control the length of its grind sessions
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Difficult to see how many grounds are in the container

OXO’s Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is another compact, beginner-friendly option for those beginning their adventures in whole-bean coffee making. It features 15 settings that produce grinds ranging from the texture of loose-leaf tea to confectioner’s sugar. Its relatively large hopper can hold a couple of cups worth of beans at a time, and the grinder had no problem continuously pulverizing them with consistent results. While testing this coffee grinder, one of our favorite features was its built-in timer, which allows you to continuously grind beans in intervals up to 30 seconds. Once you know how the volume of grounds this machine will produce on your preferred grind setting, you can make the perfect amount with the twist of a knob.

We found the grind setting numbers on this coffee grinder easy to read, and OXO even broke them down into fine, medium, and coarse, so you know which way to turn the hopper. Ironically, the only part of this coffee grinder showing signs of wear after months of use is the company’s logo, which is printed in the middle of its grind button. Once we were done grinding our beans, it was equally simple to remove the hopper and grounds container to wash them.

Overall, we found this coffee grinder to be fast, easy to operate, and it produced consistent results regardless of our preferred grind setting. The grounds container’s stainless steel construction made it impossible to see how full it was at a glance—the top cover is made out of see-through plastic, but was difficult to keep an eye on at any angle—but we never ran into the issue of it overflowing if we stuck to OXO’s 30-second grind intervals. You can’t go wrong here if you’re looking for a full-powered electric coffee grinder on a budget.

Don’t want to deal with a kitchen scale to measure the perfect amount of your grounds? OXO has a solution for that in the OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder with 38 Settings and Scale (which, admittedly, adds substantially to the price). However, you’ll still need to pick up a milk frother for those perfect espresso-based beverages.

What to consider when shopping for the best coffee grinders

Baristas and javaheads alike agree that one of the keys to a perfect cup of joe is using fresh, uniformly ground beans; to get those, you need one of the best coffee grinders. Knowing how to grind your beans for the particular type of coffee you’re making (will it be iced coffee, cold brew, or a crema-rich shot for that latte drink, etc.) is also crucial. (Here’s a secret: Start with less beans.) If you don’t know your burrs from your blade or your flat-tops from your conicals, read on to up your coffee game instantly. 

Burr vs. blade grinders

As you start to shop, you’ll quickly notice two words coming up again and again: burr and blade. A burr grinder (or burr mill) works by crushing beans between two rotating burrs, or small rotary cutting tools. (Within the world of burr grinders, there are two types: conical and flat. Conicals will typically cost you more than flat.) A blade grinder features one big blade that rotates and slices up your beans as it goes. In general, burr grinders are thought to be more precise (and therefore pricier) because they chop grounds in a more uniform way than blades. In broad strokes, a blade grinder works faster and is cheaper; a burr grinder offers more control and better taste, but it’ll also cost you more.

Manual vs. electric grinders

As you could probably guess, the big difference between these two options is how much elbow grease you feel like putting into grinding your beans. Manual grinders are typically smaller than their electric counterparts and don’t require electricity, so they’re perfect for traveling. They’re more affordable than automatic grinders and allow you to control the size of your grind better. The biggest benefit to an electric grinder is ease and speed of use—no physical effort is required, but you will need an outlet.

How tech-savvy and/or comfortable you are with settings is also a factor: The more precise you want your electric grinder to be, the more settings you’ll have to deal with (because the grind size for an espresso drink is different from that for straight coffee). If you don’t want to deal with so many options (or spend as much) but still want something electric, pick one with minimal settings. 

Coffee bean preference

You may be asking yourself: should I choose my grinder based on how I make my coffee and what kind of coffee I drink? Yes! Well, sort of. The way you take your coffee will determine how finely you grind your beans. For example, French presses and cold brew coffee work best with a coarse grind; espresso should be fine. (In the middle is an assortment of slightly different ground sizes, like medium-coarse for pour-over and medium for a drip machine.) If you’ve ever had beans ground at the grocery store, you’ve likely had to choose the size of your grind. Over- or under-grinding beans for the way you brew can result in a deficit of flavor. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best coffee grinders

• Best overall: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
• Best splurge: Baratza Forte BG (Brew Grinder)
• Best design: Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
• Best portable: KitchenAid Go Cordless Blade Coffee Grinder
• Best manual: JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder with Adjustable Settings
• Best value: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

The best coffee grinders are ones that are right for your budget, have options to satisfy every coffee drinker in your house (e.g., you like an espresso, but your roommate wants cold brew), and are suited to get every last bit of flavor out of those power-packed little magic beans and into your travel mug. In general, that probably means springing for a burr grinder over a blade one, but beyond that, it’s dealer’s choice among our picks above!

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 coffee grinders 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		Dell S2722QC		SEE IT	Everything a creative professional or student needs in a single, well-constructed package.
Best for gaming		Samsung Odyssey Neo G8		SEE IT	A no-compromise display for serious PC or console gamers.
Best budget		Philips 288E2E		SEE IT	All the performance most people need—for a lot less money.

A solid 4K monitor provides all the screen real estate you need to get things done, whether working from home, gaming, or creating content. A high-resolution display will allow you to see text, photos, and video in great detail—especially recently created media. External monitors have been a common tech accessory for decades, but the marketplace for 4K displays specifically has expanded greatly over the past few years. The combination of 4K PC and console games, accessible 4K video, and the necessity of a home office or learning space has accelerated this change. If you’re assembling a new computer setup, these are the best 4K monitors available right now.

• Best overall: Dell S2722QC
• Best for gaming: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
• Best curved: Gigabyte M32UC
• Best ultrawide: LG 38WN95C-W
• Best for video editing: BenQ PhotoVue SW272U
• Best portable: SideTrak Solo 4K
• Best budget: Philips 288E2E

How we chose the best 4K monitors

The monitor market has recently introduced several new 4K models, but these high-res options aren’t the standard—if you want 4K resolution, that narrows the field right off the bat. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Choosing the best one for your needs is easier by eliminating hundreds—if not thousands—of options. From that pool of possibilities, our recommendations are based on meticulous research and careful consideration of the most common uses of a 4K monitor. We’ve also considered the computer platform (Mac or PC) you’re using and whether you’d like to use your monitor with several devices or to replace a TV.

A monitor is the type of tech accessory most people will rely on daily for a decade or more, so our recommendations must stand the test of time and be ready to work with every computer you get. Longevity, multi-functionality, and value were the core virtues we considered when searching for and ultimately selecting the best 4K monitors.

The best 4K monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

Our selection of 4K monitors is designed to match any budget and lifestyle. Some are “all-rounders,” which means they’ll be pretty good for many tasks, while others are designed for a specific purpose—gaming, for example—or have a differentiating tech spec, like a curved panel. Our 4K monitor recommendations will serve you well while browsing the web or streaming video.

Best overall: Dell S2722QC

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Specs

• Size: 27 inches
• Ports: 1 x USB-C PD, 2 x HDMI, 2 x USB-A, 1 x headphone jack
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• VESA compatibility: 100 x 100 mm
• Speakers: Yes

Pros

• Can quickly charge laptops while they’re connected
• Multiple USB-A ports
• Built-in speakers

Cons

• Low refresh rate for serious gaming

Dell’s S2722QC is an all-in-one package that offers the right mix of excellent performance for most uses and value. Its most convenient feature for MacBook and modern PC laptop users is a USB-C port, which allows you to connect your computer to it without an adapter. Yes, the S2722QC has multiple HDMI ports, but hooking your laptop up to it with a USB-C cable will charge the computer and allow you to connect other accessories to the monitor’s USB-A ports. This configuration turns the 4K monitor into a USB hub. This single-cable solution will make your home office setup look neater, and ensure your laptop is charged when you want to take it out of your home.

We’ve used Dell’s S2722QC hooked up to a 13-inch MacBook Pro via USB-C for several months and have never had an issue with the monitor recognizing the computer or flaking out mid-use. We’ve been especially pleased with the monitor’s color reproduction and overall sharpness when reading text and viewing photos. MacOS automatically puts the monitor in a scaled resolution mode, which admittedly makes text larger and easier to read, but you can switch it to 4K in the “Displays” section of the System Settings app. The monitor performs just as well whether we’ve used it at a scaled or default resolution.

One of this monitor’s most surprising features is integrated 3W speakers. They’re helpful in a pinch, but we still recommend picking up a dedicated set of speakers for your computer if you listen to music frequently. Still, if you’re on a video call and your Bluetooth headphones have run out of juice, it’s helpful to have speakers immediately at the ready. Ergonomically speaking, the S2722QC gets high marks for being height adjustable. The ability to raise and lower the monitor whenever we pleased made working more comfortable as we moved throughout the day.

The S2722QC’s only downside—depending on how you plan on using your 4K display—is its relatively slow 8ms (millisecond) response time and 60Hz panel. This won’t make a difference when you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or editing photos, and we never noticed any perceptible lag in day-to-day use. You’ll only notice this feature when you’re playing fast-paced games like first-person shooters. Casual or slower-paced games don’t require a fast refresh rate display, but cutting-edge titles will suffer slightly, so opt for a dedicated gaming monitor instead.

If you’re not a PC or console gamer looking for a high-resolution display primarily for gaming, the S2722QC will serve you very well.

Best for gaming: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8

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Specs

• Size: 32 inches
• Ports: 2 x HDMI, 2 x USB-A, headphone jack
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• VESA compatibility: 100 x 100 mm
• Speakers: No

Pros

• Extremely high refresh rate
• Support for Adaptive Sync with AMD and NVidia graphics cards
• Matte display won’t show glare from lights

Cons

• Price
• Curved display may not be for everyone.

If gaming is your primary use case for a 4K monitor, Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8 is a no-compromise display. Its 240Hz panel is incredibly fast, allowing you to play the latest games at their fastest-possible speed—so long as your gaming computer‘s graphics card and processor are fast enough to handle them. The monitor’s display panel is complemented by built-in software support for Adaptive Sync, which will offer better performance when it’s hooked up to a computer with an AMD or NVidia graphics card.

Adaptive sync will further reduce latency (lag) and the frequency of image artifacts like screen tearing, which can occur when the screen is updated with new images quickly. This technology, which works with settings like low input lag mode and a refresh rate optimizer, increases the probability of smooth, consistent gameplay.

Many modern games support HDR (high dynamic range), which improves contrast and color accuracy when a PC or console is hooked up to a display that supports them. Samsung outfitted the Odyssey Neo G8 with Quantum HDR 2000, so newer games, TV shows, and movies will really pop. Games that don’t support HDR will also look nice, so don’t worry if you spend a lot of time playing the classics.

While Samsung focused primarily on optimizing the Neo G8 for gaming, it made design choices that make it a solid pick for general use. The 4K monitor can be tilted and height adjusted and rotated a full 90 degrees. This is a huge deal ergonomically, as it allows you to position the monitor exactly where you want it without having to get a third-party stand or mount.

The most controversial choice is that the Odyssey Neo G8 has a curved display, a love-it-or-hate-it situation. Curved displays have the advantage of taking up more of your peripheral vision, which, combined with the Odyssey Neo G8’s 21:1 aspect ratio, will create an immersive gaming experience. On the other hand, curved displays can reflect light from multiple angles, which can get frustrating if you’re playing in a well-lit room.

If you have a dedicated PC or console gaming setup, Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8 can be an excellent 4K desk-friendly display. That said, its cutting-edge hardware does come at an extremely high price. Don’t get us wrong, the Odyssey Neo G8 is an excellent 4K gaming monitor and priced appropriately given its tech specs, but it’s a significant investment.

Game in a darker environment and willing to sacrifice a few pixels for a more immersive viewing experience? Our favorite ultrawide OLED monitor is also in the Samsung Odyssey G8 family.

Best curved: Gigabyte M32UC

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Specs

• Size: 31.5 inches
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C, 4 x USB 3.2 headphone jack
• Refresh rate: 160Hz
• VESA compatibility: 100 x 100 mm
• Speakers: No

Pros

• Large viewing angle
• Fast refresh rate
• Ergonomic design

Cons

• Curved display may not work in rooms with a lot of light

Curved monitors aren’t for everyone, but Gigabyte’s M32UC is our preferred 4K model due to its gamer-forward features and ergonomics. The big reason to get a 4K curved monitor is to have a display that covers more of your peripheral vision, which can be helpful if you get distracted while working. However, curved displays will catch and reflect light from more angles, so you should seriously consider the light source in your room before picking one up, as a constant bright blotch on your screen can also be distracting. If you already know the risks associated with curved monitors and want a high-resolution model, there’s a lot to like about the M32UC.

Serious video and photo editors will appreciate that the M32UC covers 93% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, 123% of the sRGB color gamut, and supports DisplayHDR 400. It’s paramount that the display you’re using is as accurate as possible, and this monitor will deliver for prosumers. Similarly, gamers who want a truly immersive high-resolution PC gaming experience will take advantage of the M32UC’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) support along with its 160Hz refresh rate. Modern games will move fluidly on this display—provided your PC has enough graphical hardware to run the latest titles at such a high resolution and frame rate simultaneously.

Every type of user will benefit from the M32UC’s height-adjustable stand—especially helpful if you’re using the monitor in a room where the sun is at risk of reflecting off its display throughout the day. You’ll also appreciate the monitor’s port selection, which includes multiple USB-A and HDMI ports in addition to a USB-C and DisplayPort. It’s easy to connect several peripherals, computers, and game consoles to the M32UC at the same time without using a single adapter.

If you’re comfortable using a curved monitor and want a 4K display as your digital canvas, GIGABYTE’s M32UC is our top pick.

Best ultrawide: LG 38WN95C-W

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Specs

• Size: 38 inches
• Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt (USB-C), 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x USB-A, 1 x Headphone jack
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• VESA compatibility: 100 x 100 mm
• Speakers: No

Pros

• Massive display that’s still VESA-compatible
• Solid refresh rate for gaming
• Wide port selection

Cons

• Price
• May be too big for many desks

Ultrawide monitors have become popular recently because they allow you to have two full-sized windows open on a single display rather than requiring a dual-monitor setup. At 38 inches wide, the 38WN95C-W requires a huge space commitment, but you’re rewarded with a curved display guaranteed to take up all of your peripheral vision. Technically, this is a QHD+ (3840 x 1600) display, which isn’t quite a “true 4K,” but it’s the closest you’ll get with a display like this. The monitor would have to be comically tall to accommodate the extra 500 pixels, and you won’t miss them with this type of display.

The 38WN95C-W is stacked on the tech side, especially in its port selection. You can connect four devices to it simultaneously using its mix of HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt ports. The monitor’s Thunderbolt 4 input—the same shape as a USB-C port—has the same benefits as the one in our best overall pick for this guide. You can charge your laptop and connect it to accessories through the 38WN95C-W’s pair of USB-A ports with a single cable.

Gamers will appreciate the 38WN95C-W’s 1ms response time, 144Hz refresh rate, and support for AMD FreeSync and NVidia G-Sync, all of which make this monitor a solid pick for 4K gaming. The difference between a 4K 120Hz monitor and one that runs at 144Hz is noticeable when playing games that require precise movement. Its height, swivel, and tilt-adjustable stand also score points in the ergonomics arena. Frankly, it’s hard to find a task the 38WN95C-W isn’t well suited for.

The limiting factor for this display is space—if you have enough and are committed to living the ultrawide monitor lifestyle, the 38WN95C-W can handle anything you throw at it with aplomb.

Best for video editing: BenQ PhotoVue SW272U

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Specs

• Size: 27 inches
• Ports: 1 x USB-C, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-B, 2 x USB-B, 1 x SD Card slot, 1 x Headphone Jack
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• VESA compatibility: 100 x 100 mm
• Speakers: No

Pros

• Support for 100% sRGB, 99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3 color spectrums
• Video and photo-centric built-in features
• Height-adjustable stand

Cons

• Cost

BenQ’s PhotoVue SW272U is the best monitor we’ve ever tested for video editing, and professionals in this field should take notice. The 4K display is calibrated and tested for color accuracy before leaving its factory for Delta E ≤1.5 accuracy. BenQ includes a certification report with the display so you can be sure it passed the inspection. The display covers 99 percent of DCI-P3 color gamut, is Calman-verified and Pantone-validated, and offers 10-bit support for 1.07 billion colors. This level of performance allows you to use the SW272U for professional video editing work right out of the box.

Additional video and photo editing-centric settings include a P3 color preview to ensure accurate colors before you deliver a video to clients and Paper Color Sync, which allows you to fine-tune color settings without burning through precious photo paper and ink. These features aren’t necessary for folks who need a 4K monitor for common uses but are essential for creative professionals whose work needs to be as polished as possible. The included Hotkey Puck G3 makes it easy to change settings with shortcuts, saving you time throughout the day.

If you’re working in an environment with a lot of natural light, the SW272U has you covered. We tested this monitor in a room with south and west-facing windows and have no issues seeing the screen, thanks to the 400 nits of brightness. In terms of ergonomics and build, this IPS monitor features an anti-glare coating, essentially eliminating reflections, making it more comfortable to look at for multiple hours in a row. It has a sturdy stand with plenty of adjustment options and a leatherette base. The SW272U doesn’t have built-in speakers, but its headphone jack allows you to plug headphones in if you’re mixing audio for a key scene.

It’s expensive, but BenQ’s PhotoVue S272U offers truly outstanding quality, a robust feature set for creatives, and excellent ergonomics for long editing sessions. 

Best portable: SideTrak Solo 4K

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 15.6 inches
• Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x Mini HDMI
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• VESA compatibility: N/A
• Speakers: Yes

Pros

• Can be powered by a single cable
• Thin enough to pack in a backpack
• Improves the ability to multitask out of the house.

Cons

• Cost

SideTrak’s Solo 4K is far and away the most technically impressive portable monitor we’ve tested and a must-have for creatives who need as many pixels as possible when working from outside their home. The 15.6-inch 4K display weighs under three pounds and is under half an inch thick, which allowed us to take it around in a backpack during our tests without feeling over-encumbered.

We used the Solo 4K with a 13-inch MacBook Pro and connected the two using a single USB-C cable (included), which provided power and transferred data. Our computer immediately recognized the 4K display, configured it appropriately, and never lost its connection. MacOS put the Solo 4K into a scaled resolution mode by default, and it worked well whether we used this stock setting or adjusted it to its native 4K monitor resolution. SideTrak also configured the Solo 4K’s picture preset appropriately, so we didn’t have to touch that to get colors that looked accurate instead of washed out or overexposed.

If you’re used to working on two high-resolution displays at home, it’s incredible how much more efficient you can be when taking a similar setup on the road. We found ourselves using the Solo 4K as a separate pane dedicated to tasks like photo editing and keeping our e-mail and work chat apps open while using our laptop’s built-in display for writing posts. Having additional information available at a glance rather than having to break focus by switching to a different piece of software was immediately beneficial.

Multitasking became possible when working at a coffee shop—be sure to snag a table with enough space for both a laptop and monitor side-by-side—in ways that wouldn’t have been practical otherwise. Frequent travelers who find themselves at a disadvantage while working in transit or at their temporary destination will find their roadblocks eliminated. The only technical fault we could find with the SideTrak Solo 4K was its fairly weak speakers, which is understandable when you consider the thinness of this display. If you need a 4K display that can be reasonably taken anywhere, SideTrak’s Solo 4K is the solution.

Best budget: Philips 288E2E

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 28 inches
• Ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x Headphone jack
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• VESA compatibility: 100 x 100 mm
• Speakers: Yes

Pros

• Support for 120 percent of the sRGB spectrum
• Height and tilt adjustment
• Price

Cons

• Refresh too slow for gaming

Philips’ 288E2E proves how far the affordability of 4K monitor technology has come in a relatively short time. For $270 (at the time of this reporting), you’re getting a 28-inch 4K display with AMD FreeSync support, the ability to display 120 percent of the sRGB color spectrum, built-in speakers, and an ultra-slim design. Philips had to make very few feature cuts when designing this display, and they mostly come down to nice-to-have-but-unnecessary extras, namely a USB-A port and ultra-fast refresh rate.

These commissions aren’t glaring—though gaming on a 60Hz panel isn’t ideal—and make the 288E2E feel like a slightly more barebones version of our best overall pick, Dell’s excellent S2722QC. Part of this 4K monitor’s appeal is its averageness. Hear us out: There’s no curved panel or ultrawide design, just a straight-ahead high-resolution display. While this may be relatively boring, it’s exactly what most people are looking for in a 4K monitor for general tasks. This display even has built-in speakers, a relative niche feature not found in many of its competitors in this price range.

If your needs are relatively modest, the difference between Philips’ 288E2E and other picks is insignificant. You can use the money you save by picking up this display to upgrade additional parts of your home office setup.

What to consider when buying the best 4K monitors

Several factors should be considered when deciding which 4K monitor fits your needs. These are the five we’ve deemed most important when conducting our research to help you make your selection:

Screen size

4K monitors come in a variety of sizes, but bigger doesn’t always necessarily mean better. A large monitor will take up more room on your desk and may not be necessary if your needs are modest. Photo and video editors can take full advantage of the space available on a 38-inch 4K monitor more easily than a writer or typical student. Ironically, it’s easier to see individual pixels on a monitor as its screen size grows, which may annoy you if you’ve got very sharp sight. The 4K monitors we recommend run the gamut from 27-38 inches.

Ports

A monitor’s ports (also called inputs) determine which cable is required to connect it to a computer or other tech accessory. All 4K monitors above are equipped with multiple HDMI ports, the most common input found on external displays and TVs. Many also feature a DisplayPort or USB-C port, which are more niche but serve the same purpose. Some of our 4K monitor picks have USB-A ports, which allow you to use them as a hub to connect your computer to additional accessories.

Refresh rate

A monitor’s refresh rate—measured in hertz, shortened to Hz—determines how quickly it can be updated with new information. Refresh rates are measured in milliseconds, which means this tech spec isn’t important for common tasks but will make a difference if you choose to use your external display for gaming. A typical monitor offers a 60Hz refresh rate but can go much higher. Some gaming monitors go as high as 500Hz, but that’s extreme for the category.

VESA compatibility

All 4K monitors above come with a built-in stand, but you can replace it with a different one—whether it’s a wall mount or a monitor arm—if preferred, as long as they are VESA compatible. Switching to a different monitor stand may improve the ergonomics of your computing setup or save you desk space based on the one you choose.

Speakers

If you’d like to use your computer as a TV replacement, it’s smart to get one with built-in speakers. A monitor’s speakers will never match the quality of a true stereo pair but will work well in a pinch.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 4K monitors

• Best overall: Dell S2722QC
• Best for gaming: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
• Best curved: Gigabyte M32UC
• Best ultrawide: LG 38WN95C-W
• Best for video editing: BenQ PhotoVue SW272U
• Best portable: SideTrak Solo 4K
• Best budget: Philips 288E2E

A 4K monitor will quickly become the most important tech accessory in your computing setup, right next to the external hard drive you use for regular backups and the Wi-Fi router you rely on for a steady Internet connection. It used to be difficult to find monitors with this resolution without spending thousands of dollars or settling for sub-par specs, but thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Advancements in display technology have made 4K monitors more accessible and affordable than ever, and once you get one, there’s no going back.

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 4K monitors for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Breville Barista Touch Impress		SEE IT	Sling barista-level shots in your own kitchen with the Breville the Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine.
Best for beginners		Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi		SEE IT	Save on counter space with this compact, beginner-friendly espresso machine.
Best budget		Bialetti Moka Express, Stovetop Coffee Maker, Aluminium, 9-Cup Espresso		SEE IT	This moka pot proves you don’t need frills and fancy parts to make a good cup of espresso.

Six bucks for a cappuccino? You’ve got to be kidding me. Coffee shops nowadays charge top dollar for espresso drinks; if you’ve got a daily milk and espresso habit, the cost will add up quickly. Imagine enjoying a cappuccino in the morning without waiting in line or speaking to a soul. Alternatively, imagine impressing guests at a dinner party by serving macchiatos with dessert. Espresso also tends to be less acidic than drip coffee, so many people find it to be easier on the gut and a pleasing digestif. Depending on how advanced you want to get, there are home espresso machines for the pro barista and layperson alike. Here are some of our favorites to help you start your search for the best espresso machines.

• Best overall: Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder
• Best timesaver: KitchenAid KF8
• Best statement piece: Smeg Espresso Coffee Machine
• Best for beginners: Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Easiest to use: Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine + Milk Frother
• Best budget: Bialetti Moka Express, Stovetop Coffee Maker, Aluminium, 9-Cup Espresso

How we chose the best espresso machines

As journalists constantly trying to meet deadlines, our minds are fueled by equal parts inspiration and desperation, but our bodies are 99.9 percent coffee. This means we have a thing or two to say about creating the coffee shop experience at home. To round out this roundup, we downed a double and had jittery discussions about our own brewing experiences, looked at product reviews, talked to coffee aficionados, and scoured coffee chat boards—yes, those exist—to find the best espresso machine for your home.

The best espresso machines: Reviews & Recommendations

Making a quality cup of joe or mug of latte takes more than hot purified water, freshly ground coffee, and time. Don’t get us wrong, we love our drip coffee and pour-over coffee makers, but we sometimes need the special energy and aura of perfectly textured crema. Take the temperature of any barista, and they’ll say hand-crafted beverages are both an art and a science. At the heart of all good coffee is a great shot of espresso, and at the core of great espresso is a great espresso machine—the exacting, expressive tool that lets you pull perfect shot after perfect shot in the comfort of your own home. Here are our picks so you won’t get steamed yourself looking for the perfect pressurized apparatus.

Best overall: Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder

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Why it made the cut: This professional-grade espresso machine pulls no punches and pulls perfect espresso shots.

Specs

• Capacity: 67.6 fluid ounces
• Weight: 22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 13 x 16.4 inches

Pros

• Built-in grinder
• Assistye3d tamping
• Settings for alternative milks
• Saves up to eight customized drinks

Cons

• Cost
• Requires substantial counterspace

Breville’s Impress is the most, well, impressive latte machine we’ve tested, and it’s also our favorite for making espresso. The machine was designed to be beginner-friendly, with most of the drink-making process being automatic. This starts with selecting your drink of choice from the Impress’ touchscreen, at which point its built-in burr grinder (which can be fine-tuned for various factors) will automatically portion out your grounds. A lever allows you to use the espresso machine’s integrated 22-pound tamper. If everything seems in order—the Impress will show a green checkmark on its screen—you move the portafilter to its brew head, and the Impress takes care of the rest.

If your drink requires milk, use this espresso machine’s built-in frothing wand and milk jug. Breville’s “MillQ” system has temperature + aeration presets for different alternative milks, including almond and oat milk. In this case, the Impress is not automatic: You’ll decide how much milk you need and how much to pour. Markers on the milk jug will show you its minimum and maximum capacity, but that’s all the guidance you’ll get. It may take a few tries to get the perfect macchiato, but this won’t be an issue once you’re comfortable making your preferred drinks.

The Barista Touch Impress isn’t fully automatic, but it will keep you from making common mistakes by telling you things like letting you know your coffee puck needs to be tamped again or letting you know when the portafilter isn’t full enough. Gauging the pressure it took to establish a steady flow of expresso, it will give you suggestions on grind size to help you achieve a more consistent result. Many of these errors will be displayed on its display or denoted by pronounced beeps, taking some of the guessing game out of pulling off the perfect grind, and helping keep your countertops clean, too, since you’re only transporting the grounds above the drip tray. This espresso machine isn’t perfect—it costs $1,500 and can only accommodate a standard-sized mug under its brew head—but its beginner-friendly nature and overall design are hard to beat. That’s why we’ve also named it the best splurge if you’re looking at coffee machines for offices.

Best timesaver: KitchenAid KF8

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Why it made the cut: The KitchenAid KF8 is the automatic espresso machine you’ve always dreamed of.

Specs

• Capacity: 2.2 liters
• Weight: 27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 14.3″ H x 10.2″ W x 18.5″ D

Pros

• Makes drinks with the push of two buttons
• Plant-based milk options
• Support for up to six user profiles
• Capable of making variations of popular drinks
• Quiet-Mark Certified

Cons

• Price
• Requires a deep countertop

KitchenAid’s KF8 may not unseat its stand mixer as the company’s crown jewel, but there’s a good case to be made that it should. The fully automatic espresso machine allows you to make drinks in a couple of minutes that baristas spend years training to perfect. If you’re intimidated by making coffee for fear of screwing up nice beans (guilty), you’ll appreciate how the KF8 is set up and use. Just be sure you have enough counter space (the KF8 is deeper than most espresso machines) before you begin.

This espresso machine’s centerpiece is its five-inch touchscreen, which allows you to select your preferred drink. Once selected, you can choose its strength, temperature, the type of milk you’re using (if applicable), and the size of your glass. We found that adjusting the strength setting did impact the way our drink tasted—strong brought out the most flavor from our beans—and liked the middle temperature setting the best, as we could enjoy our beverage immediately without the risk of totally burning our tongue and throat.

Once your drink and settings have been selected, the KF8 will use its built-in grinder to grind the beans, tamp them, and begin pouring the beverage. This entire process takes about a minute, and its progress is shown on the espresso machine’s display. Once the drink is complete, you can add it to a profile, where it’ll be accessible with a single tap. The KF8 has enough memory to save multiple drinks for several people, so homes with a few coffee drinkers can designate their presets. Beyond the KF8’s stellar performance—this machine made the best coffee drinks our tester has tried at home or from a café—the machine has several design features that make it stand out.

Its brew head can be moved vertically to accommodate different glass sizes. Its bean hopper is removable, which allows you to swap out different beans in a minute or two without wasting them. Its milk container attaches to the machine’s brew head using a flexible, removable tube that extracts the perfect amount based on your beverage. This container can be stored in your fridge between uses to prevent you from wasting milk. The KF8 even earned a Quiet-Mark certification, which was awarded to the machine due to how soft its grinder sounds while it’s working.

This espresso machine is undoubtedly a luxury at $1,999, but one that’s absolutely worth the additional cost for anyone who’s a perfectionist when it comes to coffee.

Best statement piece: Smeg Espresso Coffee Machine

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Why it made the cut: This espresso machine features a smaller profile for a minimalist kitchen.

Specs

• Capacity: 34 fluid ounces
• Weight: 11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 13 inches

Pros

• Passive cup warmer
• Slim

Cons

• No built-in grinder

This is a great option for someone who isn’t a pro barista but cares about their espresso and aesthetics. It is made of stainless steel with a filter holder for either espresso grounds or pods, depending on how involved you want to get. The control panel is easy to use with buttons for one cup, two cups, and steam. It also has a one-liter water tank that can be removed for filling. For the more detail-oriented espresso hound, this machine allows you to adjust water hardness and extraction length. The onboard chrome steam wand also makes it easy to froth milk for your fancier drinks. The Smeg, unfortunately, does not have an onboard grinder, so that’s something to consider—but don’t worry, we have plenty of suggestions for the best coffee grinders.

Best for beginners: Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This beginner-friendly machine makes barista-worthy shots.

Specs

• Capacity: 40 fluid ounces
• Weight: 9 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.59 x 16.88 x 12.79 inches

Pros

• Hands-off
• Thin profile

Cons

• No steam wand
• Pod-only

This machine—our best overall choice among Nespresso machines—is great for home or 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 search of a quick fix. The espresso drinks pour nicely with crema on top, but the VertuoPlus does not have a steam wand for milk. It comes with a complimentary assortment of 12 capsules to get you started.

Easiest to use: Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine + Milk Frother

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This machine can make a custom cup to your liking; no mental math required.

Specs

• Capacity: 40.6 fluid ounces
• Weight: 19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 16.1 x 7.1 x 12.48 inches

Pros

• Brews in 90 seconds
• Compact

Cons

• Touch panel is very sensitive
• Water reservoir is hard to reach if you have low cabinets

Are you the person with the complicated coffee order because your cappuccino has to be a certain way? Are you also tired of paying for that customized cup multiple times a week but worried you don’t have time to get it right at home? Congrats, this machine is for you. This espresso machine is Wi-Fi-connected and syncs with the SmartHQ app, which allows you to customize drink preferences by volume and strength—ristretto and beyond. And your custom cup is available in 90 seconds at the push of a button. The froth wand rotates 90 degrees for control and convenience, and the included 15.8-ounce steel frothing pitcher includes liquid measurement engravings inside. A built-in conical burr grinder includes five levels of grind, from coarsest to finest, to prep your beans for pre-infusion, balanced extraction, and a consistent cup blooming with flavor. If you’re assembling a smart-home beverage station, this is the smart choice.

Best budget: Bialetti Moka Express, Stovetop Coffee Maker, Aluminium, 9-Cup Espresso

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This moka pot proves that you don’t need a fancy machine to make a good cup of espresso.

Specs

• Capacity: 17 fluid ounces
• Weight: 2 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.05 x 5.12 x 9.64 inches

Pros

• Zero-waste
• Hands-on

Cons

• Takes more time to make a shot

This is the old-school Italian way to make espresso at home, and it works like a charm. Just fill the lower chamber with cold water, add ground espresso to the filter, and screw the top chamber on. Put it on the stove over medium-low flame and let it bubble until the water travels through the grounds and into the top chamber. The result is delicious and complex, considering you don’t have to plug anything in. The Bialetti is compact to the point that you could travel with it, so it is quite the opposite of any of the other counter-space-eating espresso makers on the market. It’s the perfect compact cabinet-friendly complement to one of the best French press coffee makers. You will also want to keep it near your kitchen scale, coffee grinder, and milk frother, as nothing is built into this pot.

What to consider when buying the best espresso machines

Not all espresso machines are built alike. Here are some important considerations before purchasing the best espresso machine for you:

Price

Professional-style machines tend to cost more than ones meant for the regular consumer. If you just want to make a simple Caffè Americano or latte and don’t need bells and whistles like a milk frother or built-in grinder, don’t splurge on a barista’s dream espresso machine.

Size

Espresso machines can take up the same footprint as a more traditional coffee maker all the way to an entire wing of the counter, depending on the complexity of the machine. You may want a larger, professional-style machine, but before you purchase you need to make sure you have the counter set-up that can accommodate it.

Drink preferences

If you’re a mocha or cappuccino fan, you might benefit from a more technical machine that preserves the quality of the espresso. If you’re just trying to get some caffeine in your body and don’t care about the particulars, don’t worry about things like boilers and what temperature the machine gets to.

Related: Best coffee makers

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best espresso machines

• Best overall: Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
• Best timesaver: KitchenAid KF8
• Best statement piece: Smeg Espresso Coffee Machine
• Best for beginners: Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Easiest to use: Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine + Milk Frother
• Best budget: Bialetti Moka Express, Stovetop Coffee Maker, Aluminium, 9-Cup Espresso

Making your own coffee at home saves you money and adds to your morning ritual. Yes, being on a first-name basis with a barista is a great humblebrag. But so is engaging in small acts of mindfulness by paying attention to how each shot smells when it’s brewing and savoring every sip from your favorite travel coffee mug, knowing you are mastering the alchemy of espresso.

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 espresso machines for easy, even extraction at home appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Windmill Fan		SEE IT	This sleek-looking fan is smart, powerful, and nearly silent at its lowest setting.
Best window		Bionaire Window Fan w/ Twin 8.5-In. Blades		SEE IT	Takes in cool air while expelling hot air.
Best budget		Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan		SEE IT	This small but mighty model has an aerodynamic turbo design that allows you to feel the air from 27 feet away.

As the thermostat rises, having a fan on hand for your home or outdoor adventure needs makes sense before the stifling summer weather makes you too lazy to shop. In addition to cooling you down without running up your electricity bill, an efficient one can help keep you healthy by stimulating air circulation. Science has confirmed that we hate being hot, and a quality fan could mean the difference between a pleasant evening or a poor night’s sleep. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this handy guide to the best fans to help you chill out and find relief from the sweltering heat.

• Best overall: Windmill Fan
• Best for large spaces: Big Ass Sidekick Portable Fan
• Best battery-powered: Shark FlexBreeze
• Best for window: Bionaire Window Fan w/ Twin 8.5-In. Blades
• Best for desk: Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
• Best budget: Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan

How we chose the best fans

Our fan recommendations are based on a combination of hands-on testing and research. When determining which fans to feature, we considered room size, fan size, and window type.

The best fans: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re looking for the best fan for your bedroom to keep cool at night, a battery-powered portable fan to bring on your next camping trip, or deciding between the best window or electric fan, we’ve got cool choices for cooling down.

Best overall: Windmill Fan

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 6.5 x 8 x 10.98 Inches
• Type: Desk
• Price: $79

Pros

• Clean, modern look
• Surprisingly quiet given its power
• Useful smart features

Cons

• No height adjustment

Windmill’s smart air conditioner impressed us mightily when we tested it last year, but the company’s new smart fan—pardon the pun—blew us away. It actually improved the aesthetics of our home office desk due in large part to Windmill’s focus on circles. The base of the fan is a circle, the face of the fan is a circle, the cutout in the middle is a circle, and around the back are two additional circular housings that hold the fan’s motors and other mechanisms. Viewed from the side, the fan looks like a layer cake suspended in mid-air. While looks aren’t everything, this is an object you’re likely to keep on top of your desk for years, and it’s helpful that Windmill took this into consideration.

The Windmill Fan has five speed settings—the first three were designed for standard desk fan use, while the fourth and fifth settings allow you to use the Windmill Fan as an air circulator. On its first setting, the Windmill Fan was inaudible, providing the equivalent of a pleasant breeze without creating a buzzing sound. This is especially important if you’d like some relief while presenting on a work call from home.

The second and third fan settings provided much more airflow while increasing the amount of ambient noise it made reasonable amount. The Windmill Fan was never too loud, but you wouldn’t want to crank it up during a work call. On its fourth and fifth settings (which Windmill calls High and Boost), a jetstream from this fan could be easily felt from about 12 feet away. This is overkill for typical desk fan use but helpful if you’d like to move a lot of air around a big room very quickly.

Windmill’s fan can be controlled in three ways: by pushing a button on its base, using the included remote, or through the company’s smartphone app on iOS or Android. We’re skeptical about making every electronic object “smart,” but found the process of connecting this fan to our Wi-Fi router simple enough. The entire setup process took about five minutes (we already had a Windmill account, which expedited it) so we could turn the fan on and adjust its speed settings from our smartphone. If you’re liable to lose the extra remote or prefer to keep the top of your desk as clean as possible, this fan’s smart-home functions are reasonable enough.

Our complaints about Windmill’s fan have nothing to do with what it does but rather what it can’t do. The fan has no height adjustment or oscillation function, so you’ll have to manually move it around (and potentially stack it on top of a book or two) to hit you at the correct angle. You can tilt the fan upward, which is helpful but not quite the same. As a first-generation gadget, though, it’s hard to find any significant fault with the Windmill Fan.

Best for large spaces: Big Ass Sidekick Portable Fan

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 27 x 55 x 59.5 inches
• Type: Floor
• Price: $2,599

Pros

• Gigantic size
• IPX5 rating
• Comes pre-assembled

Cons

• Too big for indoor use

Cooling a big space can be challenging, so you need a powerful fan when you set out to do it. The Big Ass Sidekick Portable Fan is up for the job. This barrel fan is 48 inches wide, providing plenty of airflow from its six airfoils. Big Ass Fans says this model can move up to 15,000 cubic meters of air per minute at its highest speed. This means it’s only practical to use outdoors, but that’s perfectly fine if you live in a warmer climate year-round and have backyard space. The Sidekick comes fully assembled, and its swivel casters make it portable and lockable. It must be kept on wheels as its 275-pound weight would make it nearly impossible to move otherwise. With its IPX5 waterproof rating, the Sidekick can be exposed to water without damage. You should still keep it covered during intense rainstorms, but a small sprinkle shouldn’t cause concern. The Sidekick isn’t for everyone, but if you have intense fan needs in a huge space, there’s no better choice.

Best battery-powered: Shark FlexBreeze

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 13.77 x 13.77 x 37 inches
• Type: Floor
• Price: $199.99

Pros

• Modular design
• Magnetic remote
• Misting feature

Cons

• Cost

While it’s great to have a stationary fan that you can depend on, it’s also very helpful to have one you can take throughout your day. Shark’s FlexBreeze takes this concept to the next level by allowing you to detach the fan from its floor-standing base at the push of a button. Small feet at the mini-sized fan’s base fold outward, keeping it steady on top of a table. This lets you use the FlexBreeze in any situation, regardless of the size of your room or the position of your outlets. It’s perfectly reasonable to use this as a tower fan in your living room, then take it on a camping trip to provide cool comfort when you’re outdoors. This modular design is reminiscent of Shark’s vacuums, and the ability to use one fan in different contexts came in handy more than once.

Buttons that control all of the FlexBreeze’s core functions (fan speed, oscillation) can be found on top of its fan, but we found ourselves gravitating toward its included remote for one reason: it’s magnetic. A raised bump on the back of the remote fits perfectly into a slot on the back of the fan, and it’ll hold even when shaken. Including a remote is especially helpful when using a wireless fan because a big benefit is using hardware unencumbered by cables and wires.

In our tests, the FlexBreeze could blast a jet of cool air across a 12-foot room with no problem, even on its lower settings. The fan was audible at each power level, though higher ones did create enough sound to overpower other ambient noise like a clicking mechanical keyboard. This is fine if you’re using the FlexBreeze in a loud outdoor environment like a cookout, but less so if you need a quiet desk fan that can run eight hours a day without distraction. On that note, Shark says the FlexBreeze can last up to 24 hours per charge on its first power setting and oscillation turned off. We used it for about a dozen hours at various speeds and modes after fully topping it up and never ran into any issues.

One of the FlexBreeze’s optional features is a misting mode, which works by clipping an attachment onto the front of the fan and the other side onto a spigot used for a garden hose. The water flows to the attachment, where it’s lightly disbursed and blown toward you. You won’t get hit with a constant spray of hard water, but it’s the equivalent of a spritz you’d experience when using a spray bottle. Shark is explicit about only using this feature outdoors and never around areas with appliances or other electrical tools.

Shark’s FlexBreeze is not only the best battery-powered fan but also one of the most inventively designed models we’ve ever seen. It’s easy to take with you regardless of where it’s needed and can serve multiple purposes when necessary.

Best for windows: Bionaire Window Fan w/ Twin 8.5-In. Blades

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 4 x 24 x 12.8 inches
• Type: Window
• Price: $64.99

Pros

• Adjustable frame
• Three speed settings
• Comes with a remote

Cons

• Dated look

Bionaire’s Twin Window Fan is designed for those who want to stay cool without dedicating floor or desk space to a traditional fan or installing an air conditioner. Its most impressive technical feature is that it lets you control both blades individually, which means you can program it to bring in fresh air from outside, expel hot air from indoors, or do both simultaneously. Buttons on the fan’s face allow you to control its speed, mode, and airflow functions, but you can make adjustments wirelessly using the included remote. A small LCD screen in the center of the fan’s control panel shows the current temperature, and you can set the fan to turn on when your room gets too stuffy.

Bionaire designed its fan with adjustable sliders on the sides, which you can extend to accommodate windows up to 34 inches long. The minimum amount of space you’ll need to use this fan is two feet, so make your measurements ahead of time. While the Bionaire’s Twin Window Fan isn’t the best-looking gadget we’ve seen, it makes up for this in sheer utility. Don’t hesitate to pick one up if you’re trying to get cool and have a double-hung, vertical slider, or casement window.

Best desk: Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 11.75 x 13.5 x 15 inches
• Type: Desk
• Price: $99.99

Pros

• Reaches up to 100 feet
• Vortex action airflow
• Four speed settings

Cons

• No remote

The Vornado 660 packs the performance of a large box fan into a package small enough to fit on an office desk or side table. The company says the fan uses a circulator designed to use a specific airflow that can disperse air more efficiently than similarly-sized models. Similarly, the fan can push air as far as 100 feet at its top speed, providing ample relief from across a room. There are four speed settings to choose from, up from the traditional three, so you’ll have a little extra control over its power. We can quibble with the fact that this fan doesn’t have welcome extras like a remote, but that doesn’t have a huge impact on its performance. If you’re short on space but want a fan that can deliver ample cool airflow from the top of a desk, this is the one.

Best budget: Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 6.54 x 11 x 11.3 inches
• Type: Desk
• Price: $19.99

Pros

• Compact size
• Full vertical articulation
• Price

Cons

• Not designed for larger rooms

Honeywell’s HT-900 is an inexpensive, quiet fan for use in small to medium-sized rooms. It can’t oscillate, but you can pivot its head a full 90 degrees, which is significantly flexible. The fan is small and light enough that twisting and turning it occasionally as you move around a room won’t be a huge hassle. The HT-900 has all the essential settings you’ll need in a fan, including three speed settings, enough power to reach areas up to 27 feet away, and quiet operation. You’re not going to be able to use this fan to cool down large rooms, but it’s powerful and compact enough to provide relief in smaller bedrooms or a kitchen while cooking.

What to consider when shopping for the best fans

There are many factors to consider when deciding which fan is right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide.

Before you search for the best fan, measure the size of the room where you plan to use it. Most have several speed settings, but you’ll want to determine in advance that the one you bring home is powerful enough for your space. Another aspect to consider is how much sound it makes. Some, especially if they’re set to full-blast, can be quite loud, while others are so silent you might even forget they’re on. If you’re very sensitive to noise, you may want to consider a bladeless fan, which tends to produce much less of a din than traditional ones. But bladeless models are often more expensive, so if you want the latest technology, expect to pay a higher price. 

Not to worry, though, because there are plenty of great picks for every budget. Most are cheaper than air conditioners and use less electricity, so buying one may help you save money. Also worth considering is whether you want one with a remote control or timer. If the temperature in your bedroom dips overnight, you might prefer one that you can turn off (or that is already off) before you get out of bed. Many are battery-powered so you can take them onto the patio or out in the yard. Other models, such as window fans, will bring fresh air inside by sucking in cooler air from the outside. 

Airflow

If you’re looking for something that will not only make you feel cooler but actually lower your home’s temperature, window fans are the way to go. The key to making them work, however, is all about positioning. Inward-facing models bring in cool air from outside while outward-facing ones exhaust hot air from inside. To make the most out of your window unit, you might want to consider buying two of them and placing them on opposite sides of the room or house. Just be sure to put the inward-facing model on whichever side gets more shade to maximize the amount of cool air coming in. 

Want even more control over airflow? Other window fans come with inward- and outward-facing blades that can be set individually. Dual window fans can help cool down any room, but they are especially helpful in the kitchen since they can expel heat and odors while bringing in fresh air from outside.

Bladeless fans

Bladeless fans (also known as air multipliers) work by utilizing entrainment, meaning the air surrounding the edges of this electric option will begin to flow in the direction of the breeze. Finally, because the ring is thinner at the front than at the back, a phenomenon known as the Coandă effect occurs, creating low pressure in the inner part and causing additional air to be sucked in from behind it. Considering the technological wizardry behind their sleek design, it’s no surprise that air multipliers are significantly more expensive than their traditional counterparts. But if money is not your main concern, bladeless fans can’t be beaten when it comes to functionality and aesthetics. 

Battery power

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to fall asleep in a stuffy tent, you may want to consider buying a battery-operated fan before going on your next camping trip. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy, adventurous person, this type can still make a great addition to your next picnic or keep mosquitoes away while sitting on the porch. The best thing about battery-powered models is that they are portable, but there are advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation. 

The most important things to consider before you buy are the size and weight, plus how long the batteries will last. You probably won’t want to lug around a heavier fan if you’re going on a long hike, but if you just plan on using it on your patio or you’re taking it with you in an RV, you might appreciate the extra power that a bigger design provides. You’ll also want to consider whether the model runs on rechargeable or disposable batteries. Rechargeables are better for the environment, but if you don’t have a way to charge them, they won’t do you much good. Some battery-powered models also come with neat features such as a radio or lights, but using these add-ons will run the battery down faster. Need personal refreshment that takes up minimal space? Consider a neck fan.

Price

If you want to stay cool this summer without putting too much strain on your wallet, an inexpensive device can be a lifesaver. Mass-produced electric models have existed for over a century, and today, affordable options abound. Does anyone need an expensive bladeless fan? Not necessarily, but staying cool and circulating the air around you can make all the difference in your health. Although cheaper ones tend to lack bells and whistles like timers and remotes, if you can live without those extra features, there are plenty of models that you can pick up for a budget-friendly price point of less than $20.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best fans

• Best overall: Windmill Fan
• Best for large spaces: Big Ass Sidekick Portable Fan
• Best battery-powered: Shark FlexBreeze
• Best for window: Bionaire Window Fan w/ Twin 8.5-In. Blades
• Best for desk: Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
• Best budget: Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan

The best fan for you is the one that keeps you comfortable. For most people, this will come down to how powerful the model is and whether or not it is a quiet fan. Beyond that, there are plenty of extra features that you may want (such as timers, remotes, and thermostats). But those bells and whistles may not be necessary if you’re just looking for a blast of cool air. Ultimately, the most important thing to remember when shopping is to buy it before the temperature goes up and while a variety of popular models are still in stock.

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 fans 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 Electronic		Schlage Encode Century Wi-Fi Latitude Lever		SEE IT	Lots of advanced features and a sleek look make this a winner.
Best with Wi-Fi		Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi		SEE IT	Remotely control the most important door in your home.
Best Electronic Deadbolt		Kwikset Powerbolt 250		SEE IT	Never forget to lock your door again.

Keypad door locks, once popular in commercial settings, have quickly gained traction with homeowners in recent years. The devices add convenience by eliminating the need to fumble with keys to get inside and allowing homeowners to grant access to friends and family by programming temporary passcodes. The best locks can also make your home more secure. Some, for example, automatically lock the door when you or a family member forgets to flip the bolt. For even greater control, smart keypad door locks allow you to remotely lock and unlock the door, program passcodes, and even track who’s coming and going. With so many options available, it can be difficult to find the right one. This guide will review the factors you should consider when shopping for the best keypad door locks. 

• Best overall: Schlage Encode Century Wi-Fi Latitude Lever
• Best Wi-Fi: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi
• Best electronic deadbolt: Kwikset Powerbolt 250
• Best without a keypad: Level Bolt
• Best budget: Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt

How we chose the best keypad door locks 

We assessed dozens of keypad door lock options, considering various factors. We considered installation to determine how easily the average DIYer could set up the lock. We also evaluated how easy it was to program (and delete) codes and how many different codes the lock supported. 

A good keypad door lock shouldn’t require an IT pro to get it online and running, so we looked at how compatible the device was with smart devices, smart home systems, and home automation platforms—as well as ease of setup. Your lock should integrated as easily into your smart security system as wired or indoor cameras. Since all keypad door locks use a battery, we considered battery life as well; these devices are supposed to add convenience, not create more work by constantly requiring battery changes. 

The best keypad door locks: Reviews & Recommendations

Why a keypad door lock? We asked Erik Glassen, senior manager of brand marketing at Spectrum Brands, just that.

“The primary benefit of a keypad lock is not needing to carry around keys, which can be lost or stolen. It makes it convenient whether you are out for a jog or you have kids who no longer need to keep track of house keys,” Glassen says. “You can also give access to housekeepers or temporary guests without having to give out a key, which may or not get returned.” One of our picks should help you make the switch to the keyless lifestyle.

Best overall: Schlage Encode Century Wi-Fi Latitude Lever

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Schlage’s smart keypad door lock was easy to install, connected to our home network, and had multiple forms of entry.

Specs

• Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes
• Dimensions: 3 x 5.88 inches
• Battery: 4 AA batteries

Pros

• Simple installation
• Out-of-the-box Wi-Fi compatibility
• Doesn’t require a deadbolt to install

Cons

• Not a deadbolt replacement.

Most keypad door locks are designed to replace a deadbolt, but the technology in Schlage’s Latitude Lever is built into its handle. This allows you to install it on doors inside your home or on an outside-facing door with a lever door handle. Installing this smart door lock took about a half-hour (and a screwdriver), thanks to the included instructions. This includes the time it took to remove our existing door handle. While this would qualify as a home DIY project, we can recommend it to folks who consider themselves less handy, as you won’t have to cut any new holes or deal with any significant wiring during your installation.

Once installed, we were prompted to download the Schlage Home app (available on iOS and Android) to set up its wireless functions. It took another 15 minutes or so to pair the lock with our smartphone, connect it to our home’s Wi-Fi router, and download a new firmware update. We were pleased that Schlage took the time to design an app that’s both functional and easy to understand. From its main screen, you’re able to see the current status of the Latitude Lever, which you can change by tapping on the giant picture of a lock, and its battery life. Buttons at the bottom of the screen take you to sections of the app where you can monitor when it was last locked and unlocked and by whom.

Schlage allows you to create up to 100 entry codes—which you can delete at any time—and asks whether you’d like to receive a notification when each code was used. This can be helpful as you’re probably not interested in getting pinged each time someone you’re living with comes inside. You can still review who’s used the lock at any time by hitting the “History” button on the Schlage Home main screen. If you or someone you live with are uninterested in smart features or a keypad, you can always give them the physical key Schlage includes with the Latitude Lever. That said, the Latitude Lever is best used as a keyless entry door lock and can even be managed using Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant.

Overall, we were pleased with how easy it was to set up and manage Schlage’s Latitude lever and just as happy with how well it worked. We could reliably lock and unlock this keypad door lock from inside and out of our home and never had an issue with a network disturbance or other anomaly. It gave us peace of mind to know exactly when the door was locked and unlocked and by whom. This information is handy to have whether the Latitude Lever is installed on the interior or exterior of your home. If you want this same functionality in a smart deadbolt, Schlage has you covered with the Encode Smart Deadbolt.

Best Wi-Fi: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Yale’s Assure Lock 2 was easy to install, maintained a rock-solid connection to our Wi-Fi network, and looked unassuming from the outside.

Specs

• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Yes
• Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.75 inches
• Battery: 4 AA batteries

Pros

• Easy installation
• Touch-sensitive buttons
• Fingerprint reader

Cons

• App has a learning curve

If remote monitoring is a must-have keypad door lock feature, your best bet is Yale’s Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi. The keypad door lock replaces an existing deadbolt in your home and allows you to lock or unlock it using the Yale Access app (on iOS or Android), a keypad code, fingerprint, Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or key. It only took about a half-hour to disassemble our previous deadbolt and install the Assure Lock 2.

Yale’s directions were clear, and the entire installation only required a screwdriver. It’s important to note that you’ll have to pop in a standalone Wi-Fi module inside the keypad door lock (it’s included and fits snugly into a slot) to enable all its wireless functionality. Once it was set up, we headed over to the Yale Access app to configure the lock. Connecting smart home accessories to a home network can sometimes be a pain, but the Assure Lock 2 connected to our Wi-Fi network the first time. After downloading and installing a firmware update, we could finally fully configure the keypad door lock.

The Yale Access app’s home screen shows the lock’s current status (you can lock and unlock it by tapping on the circle in the middle of the screen), as well as its current Wi-Fi status. You can access other parts of the app by tapping on glyphs at the bottom of the screen, but they don’t have any text above them, so it’ll take a couple of days to be able to successfully get to the settings you want without a second thought. That said, you can access your lock’s activity (a history of when it was locked and unlocked), manage your guest list, and access a more robust settings menu in just a tap. We were pleased with how granular you can get when inviting or managing the Assure Lock 2’s guest list. You can adjust their access level by assigning them an entry code, fingerprint, or full app access. If someone you know doesn’t want to opt into the smart home lifestyle, a physical key is bundled with the Assure Lock 2.

Trusting something as important as access to your home with a gadget can seem intimidating, but we’ve had no issues with the Assure Lock 2 in the weeks since it was installed. We could always access, lock, and unlock it using our phone, key, fingerprint, or code. Its connection to our network was absolute and never cut out for any reason. Be sure to immediately check the network status of your Assure Lock 2 upon installation if your Wi-Fi router is located far away from the door (you may need to consider a mesh network with the latest Wi-Fi protocols). If you need a keypad door lock that can be controlled from anywhere, Yale’s Assure Lock 2 is an excellent choice.

Best electronic deadbolt: Kwikset Powerbolt 250

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Why it made the cut: Kwikset’s keypad door lock can’t be controlled remotely, but it’s still an excellent choice for those not sold on a smart home.

Specs

• Wi-Fi Connectivity: No
• Dimensions: 2.69 x 4.59 inches
• Battery: 4 AA batteries

Pros

• Auto-locking mechanism
• Backlit keys
• Keypad can be disabled

Cons

• No smart features

If you’re interested in living the keyless entry door lock lifestyle but don’t want to worry about smart features, Kwikset’s Powerbolt 250 is the one to get. The electric deadbolt only requires a screwdriver to install, and it 10-button keypad allows you to create customizable codes that crooks can’t crack, all without the use of a smartphone app. Kwikset says you can make up to 25 permanent user codes and five single-use codes with this model.

You can add codes by pushing a “program” button located inside the keyless door lock’s battery compartment. Once pressed, you must press the “1” button on the door lock keypad, followed by the “Kwikset” button, followed by the four- to eight-digit passcode, followed by the “Kwikset” button. Once you’ve completed that sequence, the code has been permanently saved. It may seem tedious, but adding a code should only take you about a minute.

The Powerbolt 250 may not be smart in the modern sense, but it has some useful design features beyond the ability to program two dozen codes. It can be set to automatically lock after a set period of time (up to 10 minutes), has backlit keys that illuminate when you press keys on its keypad, and has a “Vacation Mode” that disables the keypad entirely for a set period of time. When in vacation mode, you’ll only be able to unlock the Powerbolt 250 with the included key.

It’s very useful to have all of these smart features available in an electric deadbolt that doesn’t require an app to set up and manage. You won’t get advanced features like remote monitoring, but Kwikset’s Powerbolt 250 is still an excellent choice.

Best without a keypad: Level Bolt

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Why it made the cut: Level’s Bolt is the smart upgrade to your existing home security system that you’ve been waiting for.

Specs

• Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes
• Dimensions: 3.31 x 1 inches
• Battery: CR2 battery

Pros

• Supports every major smart platform
• No keypad to worry about
• Works with your existing keys

Cons

• Price

If you’d like to install a smart lock without a keypad, you’ll want to use the Level Bolt. The Bolt replaces your existing deadbolt and allows you to unlock your door using your existing keys, the Level Home app on iOS and Android, Amazon’s Alexa, or Google Assistant. Level says you’ll be able to install the Bolt with just a screwdriver and that it was designed to fit in standard door frames. The Bolt comes with two components: A deadbolt, which will replace the one on your door, and a bridge (wireless receiver) that needs to be plugged into an outlet. The bridge will connect your Level Bolt to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing you to lock and unlock it remotely.

Once it’s configured, you can use the Level Home app to see when the Bolt was locked and unlocked and create new virtual keys for different people. A big benefit of the Level Bolt is its simplicity. You’re only replacing one part of your door’s locking mechanism, which is why you’ll still be able to use the same keys. If you’re waffling on the idea of getting a smart lock without a keypad, Level offers a Smart Keypad accessory, so you’ll have the ability to add one to your system later on. The Level Bolt is among the most expensive keypad door locks we’re recommending, but it’s a great option if you’d like to expand your smart home without inconveniencing the people you live with.

Best budget: Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt

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Why it made the cut: Wyze’s durable auto-locking smart keypad lock is impossible to beat for its price.

Specs

• Wi-Fi Connectivity: No
• Dimensions: 6.8 x 3 inches
• Battery: 4 AA

Pros

• Wireless connectivity over Bluetooth
• IPX5 water resistant
• Price

 Cons

• No Wi-Fi

If you’re interested in a keyless entry door lock with three means of entry, water resistance, and a $70 price tag, it’s impossible to beat Wyze’s Auto-Lock Bolt. The keyless door lock allows you to enter your home using an iOS and Android app, a pre-programmed code, or your fingerprint. Wyze says replacing your existing deadbolt should only take about 20 minutes and a screwdriver. Once you’ve installed the Auto-Lock Bolt and Wyze’s app, you can pair the smart device to your smartphone using Bluetooth. The Auto-Lock Bolt does not support Wi-Fi, so you won’t be able to monitor or control it remotely. You can see when your lock was unlocked (and by whom) when you’re home or return to your place.

You can use Wyze’s app to save up to 16 codes and 50 fingerprints. Wyze says the Auto-Lock Bolt can register a fingerprint in under half a second. You can set certain codes and fingerprints to only register on a certain schedule, which is helpful if you’ve got guests coming for a weekend, or have a babysitter, tutor, or tradesperson who needs limited access to your home. You can also lock or unlock your door using Amazon’s Alexa. If Wi-Fi functionality isn’t important in choosing your keypad door lock, the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt is the best value in its category. If remote unlocking is a must-have feature, you can step up to the Wyze Lock, which adds this functionality (and more), but costs over twice as much.

What to consider before buying the best keypad door locks

The digital door lock industry is large and is only expected to get bigger over the years. That means there are a lot of options on the market—with all those options, you’ll need to know what to look out for.

“The features consumers typically look for are multiple user codes (for homeowners and guests), one-touch locking, vacation mode (keypad can be disabled when you are away), [and] backlit keypads (for nighttime or dark locations),” says Erik Glassen, senior manager of brand marketing at Spectrum Brands. “Other features are security grade [BHMA [grades] 1, 2, or 3], easy installation, and a backup keyway in case batteries are low,” says Glassen at Spectrum Brands.

Here are other helpful features you should look for in your search:

Connectivity

More and more keypad door locks have smart capability, meaning they can connect to Wi-Fi or a smart-home hub. Smart keypads give you greater control over the lock, allowing you to lock and unlock the locks remotely, add and remove user codes, access user logs, and even set when codes are and aren’t active.

Battery life

Most but not all keypad door locks run off of batteries. Battery life depends on the keypad lock as well as how often it is used. When shopping for a keypad door lock, consider where it will be used and how often, then check the model’s estimated battery life to determine if it’s right for the job. Many electronic keyless locks will run for between 3 and 5 years on one set of batteries, while others may last less than a year. While features such as auto-locking are nice to have, they do put more of a strain on the batteries. 

Extra security features

While some keypads offer a basic setup that allows you to open a lock with a code, others offer features to enhance protection. This includes automatic locking, which flips the lock after about 30 seconds to ensure that you or a family member doesn’t accidentally leave a door unlocked. Some door locks will also disable the keypad after a set number of failed attempts or even set off an alarm to scare away would-be intruders. 

Keypad vs. touchscreen lock

Nowadays, everything operates via a touch screen. But, per Glassen, you might be better off sticking with a keypad lock.

“The benefits of a keypad lock versus a touchscreen lock are that [keypad locks] are typically less expensive,” Glassen says. “They are generally more durable and perform better in extreme weather (cold or direct sunlight). They don’t show fingerprints or smudges and can be operated with a glove/mitten on the hand. With a touchscreen, skin contact is typically needed.”

Additionally, if working with a Wi-Fi-operated lock, make sure there’s a power backup available or an option to use your keys in case of emergency. You don’t want to be left outside in a storm because the power is out, and it took the Wi-Fi with it.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best keypad door locks

• Best overall: Schlage Encode Century Wi-Fi Latitude Lever
• Best Wi-Fi: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi
• Best electronic deadbolt: Kwikset Powerbolt 250
• Best without a keypad: Level Bolt
• Best budget: Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt

If you’re looking to upgrade the locks on your front door, it’s tough to beat the quality and functionality the Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt offers. It gives you added control with the ability to program numerous passcodes while also including a useful Flex Lock feature that helps ensure your door is locked when it should be. If your budget allows you to make the leap to a smart keypad door lock, Schlage’s Encode Deadbolt Smart Lock is easy to set up and is supported by a robust app that gives you refined control over access to your home.  

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 keypad door locks 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		OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale		SEE IT	If precision and accuracy are essential to creating the perfect cake or cookie, this fine-tuned kitchen scale will help you measure all your ingredients to the exact ounce.
Best splurge		Penn Scale PS-50		SEE IT	Whether you’re meal prepping for two or cooking dinner for the whole family, this high-capacity pick can hold up to 50 pounds.
Best budget		Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale		SEE IT	Precise cooking doesn’t need to come at a high cost. This budget option can measure your ingredients by the ounce, and has multi-unit conversion for convenient cooking.

A kitchen scale will elevate a regular kitchen to a cozy cafe or full-on bakery. Cooking is an art, but baking is a science. You can add a pinch of this and a fistful of that when cooking, but accurate measuring is necessary for baking cakes, bread, pastries, and pies. And tried-and-true volume measurements (gallons, cups, teaspoons, etc.) are anything but true. If you measure wrong or have some remnants stuck to the sides and bottom of your measuring device, your baked goods may turn out as baked awfuls.

Inaccuracy leads to frustration, but an electronic kitchen scale eliminates mishaps by showing accurate readings in every unit of food measurement needed. Plus, it makes it incredibly easy to use one bowl for mixing an entire recipe as you zero out the scale for each new addition to the party. Cooking scales have come a long way since the days of shaky seesaw balancing contraptions. Today’s best baking scales are digital wonders that offer rechargeable batteries, unique features, speedy measuring, and fun designs.

• Best overall: OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale
• Best splurge: Penn Scale PS-50
• Best eco-friendly: Etekcity Rechargeable Food Kitchen Scale
• Best design: Escali Primo P115C Precision Kitchen Food Scale
• Best budget: Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale

What to consider when shopping for the best kitchen scale

You could add the first kitchen scale you see into your Amazon cart, but before you assume all kitchen scales are the same, explore the newest features and styles on the market. From functions to display type, specific options may work best for your kitchen and cooking style. Or, for that matter, whether you’re investing in a coffee grinder to make the best pour-over. We conducted research and hands-on testing to determine the best models to recommend.

How we chose the best kitchen scales: Reviews & Recommendations

The two key issues of any great kitchen scale are functionality and style. The scale must be easy to read and understand. It should also look great, like a sleek, shiny platform that works with your kitchen decor. Take a close look at the specs and find the food weight scale you can easily understand and operate, which you’ll be proud to show off in your kitchen. 

Best overall: OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 9.5 x 7.13 x 1.25 inches
• Maximum weight capacity: 11 pounds
• Measurement units: Ounces, grams, pounds
• Power source: AAA Batteries

Pros

• Pull out screen
• Accurate measurements
• Backlit display

Cons

• Price

If you’re ready to leave volumetric baking measurements aside for weight, OXO Good Grips’ 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale is the one to get. It follows the company’s track record of elevating kitchen tools, from storage containers to grilling tools, to make them more accessible to home cooks. The big innovation with its kitchen scale is a magnetically attached display that can be moved a few inches forward. This lets you see the screen when weighing ingredients in a big bowl. In our experience, this has become an indispensable feature, making one-bowl baking recipes easier to manage.

We’ve used this scale to measure ingredients from countless recipes—especially when testing smart ovens or even microwaves—and it’s never let us down. The scale was accurate when measuring wet or dry ingredients, and we’ve even used it when weighing batters or doughs, which are a combination of both. You’ll have to pay a relatively steep price for this scale, but it’s worth it to have your recipes turn out every single time.

Best splurge: Penn Scale PS-50

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Specs

• Size: 12.7 x 10.5 x 3.4 inches
• Maximum weight capacity: 50 pounds
• Measurement units: Pounds, ounces, kilograms
• Power source: AA batteries, AC adapter

Pros

• Ultra-high weight capacity
• Multiple power sources
• HD display

Cons

• Large

Penn Scale’s PS-50 is the only kitchen scale we’re recommending that cracks three figures, and it’s best used by bakers who make food as a side hustle rather than the typical home cook. It can measure ingredients up to 50 pounds, which is helpful if you’re making a quintuple batch of chocolate chip cookies or cakes. Dessert meal preppers who want to knock out a quarter’s worth of baking at one time—or have cookie dough at the ready in case of emergencies—will benefit from the elevated weight capacity.

With its great weight city comes a great need for energy, which is why Penn Scale equipped the PS-50 with two power sources. You can use this kitchen scale portably by popping in a whopping six AA batteries (we prefer the best rechargeable batteries) or plug it into an outlet with the included A/C adapter. The latter limits where you can use the scale but is a little more eco-friendly. Another nice feature is this kitchen scale’s HD backlit screen, which displays its measurements clearly. If you’re upgrading from another kitchen scale because it can’t handle the volume of food you’ve cooking at one time, this is the one to get.

Best eco-friendly: Etekcity Rechargeable Food Kitchen Scale

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Specs

• Size: 9.1 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches
• Maximum weight capacity: 22 pounds
• Measurement units: Grams, ounces, pounds
• Power source: Rechargeable battery

Pros

• Runs on a rechargable battery
• High weight capacity
• Responsive buttons

Cons

• Requires a USB-A to USB-C cable
• Flat design makes it difficult to use with big bowls

If you’re trying to eliminate the number of batteries you have to keep around, Etekcity’s Rechargeable Food Kitchen Scale is a solid, eco-friendly solution. The scale can be plugged into any battery pack or power adapter with a USB-A port using the included cable to be topped up. Frustratingly, using a USB-C to USB-C cable will not work. In our experience, this kitchen scale was accurate enough that all of our recipes turned out regardless of the ingredients we were using. Its higher weight capacity allowed us to make a double batch of some recipes without running into any issues.

This kitchen scale has a relatively low profile, which is helpful when you need to get it into a drawer but a little frustrating if you’re trying to read its display when measuring ingredients in a large bowl. You’ll get the most accurate weight measurements when your bowl is centered on the scale, so you’ll need to be aware of its circumference. This typically wasn’t a big issue, but it’s something to be aware of if you like using wide bowls to measure ingredients when baking. With that caveat aside, Etekcity’s Rechargeable Food Kitchen Scale would be a great addition to any kitchen.

Best design: Escali Primo P115C Precision Kitchen Food Scale for Baking and Cooking

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Specs

• Size: 8.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Maximum weight capacity: 11 pounds
• Measurement units: Grams, ounces
• Power source: AAA batteries

Pros

• Elevated scale design
• Low battery indicator
• Available in several colors

Cons

• Tall size may make it difficult to fit in a drawer

The Escali scale has all the features you want in a kitchen scale: Accurate readings in 1-gram increments, long-lasting battery life, and a clear display. The scale runs on AAA batteries and will even flash an alert on its screen when they’re running low on power. What sets this popular baking scale apart from the others is the variety of color options. Tarragon Green, Pumpkin Orange, Royal Blue, Warm Red—you definitely can find an Escali kitchen scale to match your cooking space. You can also stick with the classic chrome, white, or black if you can’t decide on a funky hue. No matter what color you pick, the Escali kitchen scale is a precise tool that’s easy on the eyes.

Best budget: Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale

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Specs

• Size: 7.3 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Maximum weight capacity: 22 pounds
• Measurement units: Ounces, pounds, grams
• Power source: AAA batteries

Pros

• Sleek look
• Slim size
• Price

Cons

• Harder to read the display when bowls are on it

This tiny, budget-friendly cooking scale is a good little kitchen tool to help amateur bakers and those looking for portion control. Accuracy and durability may slip slightly below the $15 mark. That said, it can still be useful for those needing a quick, cheap scale. It’s good for cooking but also useful DIY crafts with the kids. The LCD display is clear, and the buttons are easy to use.

The 7.3-inch by 5.7-inch scale is small enough to slip into any kitchen drawer, and the battery power lasts long if you use it only once or twice a week. However, this kitchen scale’s slim design has the same downside as the company’s rechargeable model: It will be hard to read its display when measuring ingredients in wide bowls. If you don’t want to invest in top-of-the-line kitchen equipment, this affordable scale is a good addition to your culinary toolbox. 

What to consider when shopping for the best kitchen scales

Ready to have your mind blown? One cup of flour is not the same as another equally sized cup of flour; how you scoop and pack the flour into the measuring cup results in varying weights. And it gets even more confusing when switching between wet and dry ingredients. Volume measurements, like cups, tell you how much space an ingredient is taking up. It doesn’t tell you the weight. That imprecise discrepancy can cause big problems for baking, where accuracy makes or breaks the finished product. True bakers know the best way to measure ingredients is via weight, sometimes called mass measurement. One hundred grams of flour will always be 100 grams, whether you measure it in a cup, a bowl, a Frisbee, or a top hat. 

Kitchen scales let you pinpoint precise weights easily, down to the gram or half-gram. You don’t need to worry about any residue left on the inside of measuring cups or spoons. You don’t need to wonder if an ingredient should be packed down or loose and fluffy. When mixing wet ingredients, you don’t need to fret over the small, convex peak caused by the liquid’s surface tension. (Yes, that matters and makes a difference.) And functions like translating ounces to grams mean you won’t need to run to the internet for conversion charts. 

In addition, for those on strict diets who closely monitor what they eat, a food weight scale simplifies the chore of portion control. Basically, if you don’t have a kitchen scale, you’re making kitchen duty that much more difficult.

Power source

Even the most luxurious kitchens can have a wall outlet deficiency. Between plugging in blenders, food processors, magic pots, rice cookers, phone chargers, and the George Foreman grill, there’s no room in the outlet for new kitchen appliances. And adding bulky power strips to the kitchen makes the room look more like a workshop than a food-safe space. On top of that, it can be a pain dealing with cords for a kitchen accessory you may only use for a few seconds at a time. Fortunately, there are high-quality battery-operated kitchen scales for those who don’t have an outlet to spare.  Choosing a cordless kitchen scale means you can use it on any flat surface, moving it near mixing bowls and frying pans for easy reach. 

You can find kitchen scales that use standard AA or AAA batteries. They’re great for those who don’t plan to use the scale often and don’t mind buying batteries. Most have a surprisingly long battery life, powering through more than a few months on the same batteries.

Size

Professional bakers recommend using a kitchen scale capable of weighing at least 11 pounds. That sounds like a lot of weight, but it also accounts for the weight of your mixing bowl. Cooking accessories such as bowls can get surprisingly hefty. 

You can go bigger and buy a kitchen scale capable of weighing items heavier than 20 pounds, but how often are you baking a bowling ball? And you can go much, much smaller with some portable kitchen scales designed to measure only between 1 and 100 grams. But those have limited uses, mostly for coffee aficionados who demand a perfect brew. If measuring anything less than 5 grams, you’ll need a jeweler’s scale, not a kitchen scale.

Display

Any great kitchen scale display must be easy to read. The digital font should be big enough to decipher, and the numbers should be simple to understand. Some kitchen scales display weight in fractions, some use decimals, and some do both. 

Perhaps even more importantly, make sure you understand what the numbers mean. You may find kitchen scales that measure fluid ounces, and, as any middle-school science teacher will yell at you, “fluid ounces” are not the same as ounces. Fluid ounces are a measurement of volume. Ounces are a measurement of weight. This discrepancy can be deceiving and confusing. Make sure you understand what the scale is actually measuring. For weight, the numbers to look for are grams, pounds, and ounces. 

What’s more, backlit displays can be helpful, but baking is usually done in a brightly lit kitchen where even non-illuminated displays can be read quickly and easily. One overlooked display factor: It should be visible even if a big mixing bowl is sitting on the platform. If the screen is blocked, look for a “hold” button that will keep the weight on-screen even when you remove the bowl.

Taring

Most scales offer a tare function. This simply means that with the touch of a button, the display will zero out the weight of whatever’s on the scale. For instance, start by putting a mixing bowl on the scale, then hit tare to zero out the bowl’s weight. Add your first ingredient, and hit tare again. Add your second ingredient, and so on. 

Don’t overlook the tare function. This might be the single most important button on any kitchen scale. By taring the weight, you can use one bowl for all of your ingredients. You won’t need to clean countless measuring cups and multiple mixing bowls. Tare it up for quick, efficient baking!

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best kitchen scales

• Best overall: OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale
• Best splurge: Penn Scale PS-50
• Best eco-friendly: Etekcity Rechargeable Food Kitchen Scale
• Best design: Escali Primo P115C Precision Kitchen Food Scale
• Best budget: Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale

No matter what type of food you’re preparing, a quality baking scale makes the recipe manageable. Find an electronic scale that fits your kitchen decor, from a small, green scale highlighting your style to a more substantial stainless-steel platform telling the world you know what you’re doing. Understand the difference between volume measurements (cups, fluid ounces, and teaspoons) and weight/mass measurements (pounds, ounces, and grams). It will become second nature once you wrap your head around that for a few meal prep sessions. With the right kitchen scale, you’ll be cooking up a storm and baking up a delicate French pastry like a pro.

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 kitchen scales for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Nobody likes to think about why they’re beefing up their home security system, but it’s important to take some precautions against package theft (or worse) now that the technology is available and accessible. If “set up a home security system” has been on your to-do list for months, we highly recommend taking advantage of Amazon’s deal on the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, which is on sale for a limited time.

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus $119.99 (Was $149.99)

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The 1536P camera has a motion sensor, and will send your phone alerts each time someone walks by or pushes its ringer button. A microphone and speaker system will allow you to speak with the person at your door in real time, which is helpful if whether you’d like to tell a friend you’re not home, or a stranger they’re being watched. The best part is that this model of Ring Doorbell is battery-powered, which means it requires little time and very few tools to set up. The rechargeable battery’s lifespan will depend on how often its motion sensor is triggered, but you can pick up a second one for $35 if you’d like to have a spare on hand to swap out immediately. Whether you rent or own, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is a wise investment, especially at its current price.

More Ring home security deals

• Ring Video Doorbell $59.99 (Was $99.99)
• Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) $39.99 (Was $59.99)
• Ring Stick Up Cam Battery $69.99 (Was $99.99)
• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus $139.99 (Was $199.99)
• Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Battery $129.99 (Was $169.99)

The post The latest battery-powered Ring doorbell is at its lowest price ever appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Summer is just around the corner, which means now is the time to get all the gear you’ll need for late-night outdoor hangs. Ninja is doing its part by offering the steepest discount yet on its Ninja Woodfire Pro XL. While smaller than a traditional grill, the Woodfire Pro XL excels in other ways—namely portability and price—that help it stay competitive.

Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker $339.99 (Was $399.99)

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This is an electric grill, which means you won’t have to lug around a propane tank or charcoal briquettes when you want to use it. Multiple heating elements below the grill’s grates keep temps consistent, while a knob on the left hand side allows you to switch between grill, smoke, air crisp, and bake settings. If you’re new to grilling, you can make use of the Woodfire Pro XL’s meat probes, which allow you to set a desired internal temperature before you insert them into your meat. The grill will beep when the meat has reached its target temperature and is ready to be removed. All of this functionality comes in a grill that’s small and light enough to be stored in a closet or garage shelf during the off season.

Other great deals for outdoor enthusiasts

• Ninja GR101 Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle $99.99 (was $139.99)
• Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill $169.99 (Was $279.99)
• Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo $229.99 (Was $369.99)
• ThermoPro Twin TempSpike Wireless Meat Thermometer $109.99 (Was $179.99)
• OXO Good Grips Grilling Prep and Carry System $31.99 (Was $39.99)
• OXO Good Grips Hot Clean Grill Brush $31.99 (Was $39.99)
• OXO Good Grips Grilling 3pc Set $26.39 (Was $32.95)
• OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Grilling Skewers $11.99 (Was $14.95)

The post Get ready for summer with a $60 discount on Ninja’s Woodfire Pro XL outdoor grill & smoker appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II		SEE IT	Premium, surround sound-ready stereo towers well designed from top to bottom for high-output, highly emotional entertainment.
Best Splurge		The Nines		SEE IT	The ultimate multi-use speakers for analog and digital music lovers alike.
Best budget		Klipsch Austin		SEE IT	A multi-driver $100 speaker that almost fits in a pants pocket.

Klipsch speakers have impressed the audio world since the company’s inception in 1946, and the tradition of continually releasing new, innovative hardware has continued for the past 78 years. In recent years, Klipsch has branched out from passive floorstanding and bookshelf speakers into making powered and portable Bluetooth speakers. The company’s attention to high-energy acoustics and dual focus on both audio quality and value have helped it stand out even with increased competition from both new and legacy speaker makers. The best Klipsch speakers will extract all the dynamic details of your music, movies, and video games at home and on the go.

• Best overall: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II
• Best splurge: Klipsch The Nines
• Best portable: Klipsch Nashville
• Best soundbar: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200
• Best budget: Klipsch Austin

How we chose the best Klipsch speakers

Klipsch makes an enormous number of speakers, so winnowing down the best required us to take into consideration the most common ways people will use them. After careful consideration we decided on portable speakers for on-the-go listening, passive and active speakers for music listening, and a soundbar for those who want a more compact home theater system. Our recommendations are based on a mix of hands-on testing and research to determine the best choice in each given category.

The best Klipsch speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

Ready to set up a home theater or upgrade from a pair of speakers with toasted tweeters and worn-out woofers? It’s time to hear what your music, movies, and games really sound like with a set of Klipsch speakers.

Best overall: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II

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Specs

• Powered: No
• Dimensions: 22.04 x 14.96 x 48.42 inches
• Weight: 61.4 pounds
• Price: $1,198

Pros

• Triple driver audio system
• Aluminum feet designed to absorb vibrations
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

• Price

Klipsch’s Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers typify what makes the company’s audio hardware so impressive and revered. Yes, the floorstanding speakers are large, but each cabinet houses multiple drivers: a pair of eight-inch woofers and one-inch tweeters. These woofers are made from a cerametallic material, which Klipsch says maximizes their efficiency while minimizing the potential for distortion. In addition, specially designed bass ports allow for more extension with less noise. This is especially important because the woofers will be responsible for accurately representing the dynamic width of midrange and low frequencies unless you connect a subwoofer to your home audio system.

The speakers’ titanium LTS tweeters and vented housings are mounted onto Tractrix horns, a proprietary component designed by Klipsch to ensure detailed, accurate reproduction. The silicone composite horn is flared so that the tweeter’s sound is properly dispersed outward. Klipsch says this design is an efficient way for treble sounds to always clear the enclosure with deliberate directivity and minimum reverb from wall reflections, lowering the probability of harsh harmonics and sibilant sounds.

If you like to listen to your music loud, the RP8000F II’s cast aluminum feet may be a most appealing feature. They keep the speaker from sitting flush on the floor, so vibrations from loud sounds don’t rattle the cabinet, which causes distortion. While these speakers were designed for stereo listening, each one has a pair of connectors toward the top of the cabinet that allow you to connect one of Klipsch’s RP-500SA upward-firing surround sound speakers to them. This, along with a switchable crossover setting, will allow you to listen to music mixed in Dolby Atmos without hooking those additional speakers up to your AV receiver. Klipsch includes a pair of “jumper cables” with the RP8000F IIs for this purpose. It’s great to know there’s a built-in upgrade path if you’re starting to build a home theater system and are starting with these speakers.

Yes, they’re expensive, but there’s a reason Klipsch has labeled the RP-8000F IIs as reference speakers. They’re well worth the price if you have enough space for a pair of floor-standing speakers and care about premium sound.

Best splurge: Klipsch The Nines

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 13.38 x 9.5 x 19.13 inches
• Weight: 66 pounds
• Price: $1,499

Pros

• Enormous woofers for a relatively compact cabinet (compared to a tower speaker)
• Designed for both analog and digital music listening
• Loaded with inputs

Cons

• Price

The Nines is an all-in-one audio system that blew us away during our time with them. Klipsch outfitted its powered speakers with a single eight-inch woofer and one-inch tweeter mounted onto a Tractrix horn. While they don’t have the exact same components as the Reference Premiere RP-8000F IIs, they share the same DNA, if not the dimensions. You’ll get enormous sound—both in depth and volume—from speakers just over a foot-and-a-half tall.

Part of The Nines’ appeal is their versatility. Like the smaller Fives and Sevens, these powered speakers have an RCA phono input, USB port, HDMI port, optical audio port, and subwoofer output, meaning you can connect them to virtually any component. It’s conceivable that one could hook up a turntable, TV, and computer up to The Nines simultaneously and use them as home audio, home theater, and computer speakers with the flick of a switch.

And because The Nines have a built-in phono stage, you won’t need an external phono preamp or AV receiver for them to be excellent turntable speakers. Discerning digital music listeners will be able to listen to 24-bit 192kHz natively through any of its digital inputs, or stream compressed audio to the speakers wirelessly over Bluetooth. This is it if you’re looking for one set of speakers that can fit into any audio system.

Best portable: Klipsch Nashville

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 3.19 x 3.07 x 7.01 inches
• Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Price: $149

Pros

• 24-hour battery life
• Can connect to up to 10 additional Klipsch speakers
• Reverse charging

Cons

• Bluetooth only

Klipsch’s Nashville is the mid-sized option in the company’s “Music City” portable speaker series, and it delivers a lot for its small size. The speaker has a pair of 2.25-inch full-range drivers behind its signature copper logo and black grille—one front and one rear-firing so it can be enjoyed from any angle. The Bluetooth speaker’s drivers are augmented by a pair of bass radiators for cleaner low-end response. There aren’t any onboard tone controls, but you can tweak how the Nashville sounds using the Klipsch Connect app on iOS and Android if you’d like to dial in different frequencies or adjust its EQ to suit the type of music you like listening to the most.

The Nashville supports Bluetooth 5.3, the latest most stable version of the wireless audio protocol, though it only connects to smartdevices and computers via the baseline SBC codec. It does, however, support a feature called “Broadcast Mode” that allows you to connect it to up to 10 other Klipsch speakers. This feature will come in handy if you’d like to create a whole-home wireless audio system or just want to be able to stream the same track to two places during a larger party. Broadcast Mode works over Bluetooth, as the Nashville doesn’t support Wi-Fi audio streaming. Similarly, there’s no Aux input on this speaker, which means it’s Bluetooth or bust. We’re pleased that the Nashville has an IP67 rating, so it won’t get damaged when exposed to water or dust.

Klipsch says the Nashville supports up to 24 hours of music playback per charge, but the amount you get will be dependant on your listening volume and whether Broadcast Mode is engaged. The speaker charges via USB-C, and you can use its charging port to top up the batteries in your other devices by plugging them in. Using the Nashville as a power bank will deplete its battery a lot more quickly, but the feature is useful in a pinch.

Of course, none of this is worth a dang if the speaker ain’t got that twang. Luckily, the Nashville’s 60Hz to 20kHz frequency response is surprisingly robust for a speaker its size. At 50 to 60 percent volume, the speaker maintains pleasingly throaty dynamics with minimal distortion, thanks to its DSP. Things start getting iffy above that, so if it’s volume you seek, look to the bigger $299 Detroit speaker (the elongated speaker in the image above). Playback is in mono but there’s still a good sense of instrument separation, aided by some EQing in the app to bump tight bass and boost treble without tizziness. The Nashville is a speaker that can hold a note and hold up under the conditions of a pool party or beach bash.

Best soundbar: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 4.94 x 44 x 3.1 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Price: $499

Pros

• Built-in subwoofers
• Upward-firing drivers for Atmos height channels
• Can be augmented with a dedicated subwoofer/surround speakers

Cons

• Requires a wide space.

The Flexus CORE 200 is Klipsch’s newest soundbar, and it’s quickly become one of the best we’ve ever tested. At 44-inches wide, you’ll need a large media center to accommodate the home theater speaker, but you’ll be rewarded handsomely once you hear how music, video games, and movies sound. The Flexus CORE 200 has six 2.25 ceramic drivers (one on the left and one on the right, two in the center, and two facing upward) plus two 4-inch subwoofers. We’ve never heard better bass response or single-point surround sound from another compact soundbar at this price point (or a bit beyond).

The low end was shockingly tight when listening to explosions while playing games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch OLED or titles with bombastic bopping soundtracks like Penny’s Big Breakaway. The Flexus CORE 200 could recreate the ambiance of a theater or hall when watching comedy specials like Neal Brennan’s Crazy Good and Demetri Martin’s Demetri Deconstructed. Even casual YouTube videos sound great, with clear separation between voiceovers and sound effects.

This performance is possible because Klipsch partnered with Onkyo when developing the Flexus CORE 200. The former designed the enclosure and acoustic components, while the latter was in charge of developing the processor inside. Onkyo has a long history of making AV receivers and amps and has brought that expertise to the table in a big way. It’s no surprise that their technology was able to recreate the experience of listening to a more traditional multi-speaker multichannel setup.

On its own, we can recommend Klipsch’s Flexus CORE 200 as a premium 3.1.2-channel soundbar for anyone who’s at least a little surround sound curious. However, we were also able to test it alongside Klipsch’s new $299 10-inch Flexus Sub 100 and $249 wireless Flexus Surround 100 speakers. This trio is a grand slam, offering better-balanced sound and more immersive audio experiences when listening to Dolby Atmos mixes of albums like The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, with spatial audio ping-ponging off the ceiling and walls around you.

Whether you use it on its own or with Klipsch’s optional satellites/sub, we cannot find a major fault with the Flexus CORE 200 system. If you have enough space, it’s a home theater upgrade you’ll deserve.

Best budget: Klipsch Austin

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Specs

• Powered: Yes
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 4.13 x 4.13 inches
• Weight: .88 pounds
• Price: $99

Pros

• 12-hour battery life
• IP67 durability rating
• Price

Cons

• May not get loud enough for certain situations

If you need an ultra-portable, highly affordable Klipsch speaker, The Austin is the one you’ll need. This personal speaker retains many of the looks and features that impressed us during our time with its Music City sibling the Nashville, including IP67 water and dust resistance, support for Bluetooth 5.3, Klipsch’s Broadcast Mode, speakerphone capabilities, and reverse charging. Klipsch says The Austin can last up to 12 hours per charge, which is great for a speaker conceivably fitting in a pair of cargo shorts.

Despite its small size, Klipsch managed to fit a 2-inch woofer and separate tweeter into its compact square enclosure. This means that even though the Austin is mono, you’ll get better separation between crisp high and rich mid frequencies than you would with most single-driver ultra-portable speakers. The 10W 70Hz to 20kHz Austin is not going to be a suitable speaker system for a large space or a bass lover, but that’s not what it was designed for. Klipsch did outfit the speaker with a built-in strap, which you can use to attach it to a bicycle’s handlebars or on a backpack. Don’t be fooled by The Austin’s size and price, Klipsch spent the time to optimize its performance, so you won’t get a significantly diminished experience when listening to your tunes. We’ll be including it in our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers in the future.

What to consider when shopping for the best Klipsch speakers

There are many factors to consider when deciding which Klipsch speakers are right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide:

Active vs. Passive

The first consideration you’ll need to make when deciding which Klipsch speakers to get is whether you’d like them to be active (with built-in amplification) or passive (without that). Passive speakers require an AV receiver or other amp and speaker cable for power and to connect to sources like a turntable or computer. Active speakers have built-in amplification (and more and more frequently some sort of DAC and/or wireless streaming capabilities), which allows you to connect components to them using an HDMI cable, optical audio, or RCA cable, as well as Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. Active speakers are typically heavier, and their power supply and other audio hardware take up space inside each speaker’s cabinet, leaving less room for audio components. Passive speakers are lighter, only have audio hardware inside, but don’t have any utility on their own out of the box.

Style

Traditional Klipsch speakers come in the two classic form factors: bookshelf and floorstanding. Bookshelf speakers are more compact, and can fit more easily on top of a media center or in a smaller space like bedrooms and home offices (assuming you also factor in space for an amp, or you pick a powered pair). Their smaller size does limit how many drivers they can have and the size of those drivers. Floorstanding (aka tower) speakers are significantly taller but have more room for multiple larger drivers, which means more extension and greater separation between frequency bands, resulting in a more dynamic response. These speakers sit directly on the floor—as their name suggests—so you’ll need space on both sides of your home audio system to make them work.

In addition, Klipsch has introduced its soundbars and a new line of portable Bluetooth speakers in addition to passive and active bookshelf and floorstanding speakers. These speakers follow Klipsch’s adherence to strict audio quality, and come in a trio of sizes—all easily taken on the go.

Connectivity

As we outlined earlier, Klipsch has outfitted its powered speakers with several means of connectivity, which will allow you to use them in several ways simultaneously. For example, The Nines speakers have a USB port, HDMI port, and RCA input (with a grounding peg), which means you can conceivably connect them to a computer, TV, and turntable. These active speakers also support Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Klipsch speakers

• Best overall: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II
• Best splurge: Klipsch The Nines
• Best portable: Klipsch Nashville
• Best soundbar: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200
• Best budget: Klipsch Austin

Klipsch’s continued efforts to make the best-sounding speakers for music listeners and home theater enthusiasts after nearly 80 is laudable. The Flexus CORE 200, a 2024 release, is the perfect example of this. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos—an audio format that wasn’t even around 10 years ago, much less when the company was founded—yet it adheres to the same fundamentals of Klipsch’s most traditional passive speakers. By using common connectors like HDMI, RCA, and USB on its powered speakers, Klipsch ensures their longevity and usefulness as you upgrade your current audio components. This commitment to both sustainability by design and audio quality has kept Klipsch as relevant today as it was in the 1940s and will carry the company through into the future.

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 Klipsch speakers 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 powered speakers		Klipsch The Nines		SEE IT	Uncompromised sound from a set of powered speakers perfect for both analog and digital music listening.
Best record brush		Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush		SEE IT	This brush keeps your vinyl’s grooves free from hair, dust, and static.
Best turntable cartridge		Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge		SEE IT	Ortofon’s 2M Bronze was designed from diamond-tip to tail to extract the best sound from your albums.

• Best powered speakers: Klipsch the Nines
• Best preamp: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo
• Best record weight: Andover Record Damping Weight
• Best record cleaner: Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit
• Best turntable slipmat: Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat
• Best record brush: Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush
• Best turntable cartridge: Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge
• Best power conditioner: WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner
• Best vinyl subscription: Vinyl Me, Please

Record Store Day 2024 is this coming Saturday, April 20, and to enjoy your limited-edition slabs of wax to their fullest, you’ll need a few accessories. (If you need help finding the right turntable, we have recommendations, too.) Add-ons for your record player typically fall into a couple of categories: maintenance and audio fidelity improvements. The former will keep your treasured grooves in tip-top shape to avoid creating scratches that can result in unwanted clicks and pops. The latter are components to add to your analog audio system to help your albums sound their best. Having a few turntable accessories from both categories will ensure your vinyl gives you maximum enjoyment for a lifetime—if not multiple lifetimes.

Best powered speakers: Klipsch the Nines

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The Nines topped our list of the best turntable speakers, and they’re an incredible upgrade for turntable owners looking for an audiophile-grade all-in-one system. In our full review, our author praised The Nines for the presence of an internal preamp, which will allow you to quickly plug any turntable with a moving magnet cartridge into it. Many modern turntables come with a built-in preamp, but older models and lots of high-end record players don’t. Using an external preamp will always yield better results, but it’s nice to be able to use The Nines with a turntable out of the box. Additionally, The Nines have a grounding peg for your turntable’s RCA cables.

The Nines are stacked on the audio hardware side: Each speaker has an eight-inch long-throw woofer, one-inch tweeter, custom DSP, and an amp that delivers up to 480 watts of power. In addition to a turntable function, The Nines supports native playback of 24-bit digital audio files up to 192kHz when connected to a source using its optical audio or USB port. Yes, you can connect The Nines directly to a computer using the included USB-B to USB-A cable or optionally pick up a USB-B to USB-C cable, depending on your computer’s ports. The Nines also sport an HDMI port to use them as home theater speakers with a television.

This versatility makes The NInes’ $1,499 price tag easier to justify. You can use them as a pair of incredible speakers for your turntable while pulling double or even triple duty as the Bluetooth wireless audio system and home theater setup in a living room. Just make sure you have enough space for the speakers because at 19 inches tall and 13.38 inches wide, you’ll need a fairly large entertainment center.

Best preamp: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo

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A phono preamp sits between your turntable and amplifier (or powered speakers) and boosts its signal so that you’ll be able to actually hear your music. Cambridge Audio’s Alva Solo works with turntables outfitted with moving magnet cartridges, and we like it for both its understated look and powerful features. Its all-aluminum enclosure houses a 10-watt preamp with 39dB of gain, RIAA equalization, and a built-in subsonic filter that can reduce the sound of some subtle sonic imperfections from your albums. Critically, the Alva Solo’s power supply is built inside its relatively svelte box, so you can connect it to the wall with a single clean cable. The preamp’s relatively small footprint (just under seven inches wide and two inches tall) means it’ll fit in any turntable setup, either beside or below your deck. Our favorite touch is that Cambridge Audio labeled each input and output above and below the RCA jacks, so you can easily identify them if you’re looking at them upside down (aka from in front of the equipment).

Best record weight: Andover Record Damping Weight

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The purpose of a record weight is to help keep vinyl from moving vertically as it spins around; even a visually imperceptible amount of movement can cause distortion. Andover’s Record Damping Weight weighs 9.35 ounces and fits right on top of your vinyl’s label, with a cutout that fits over the turntable’s spindle. The company says using this weight can result in less distortion, improved dynamics, righter bass, and a deeper sound stage, among other benefits.

Best record cleaner: Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit

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If we could only recommend one vinyl maintenance tool, it’d be this record-washing kit from Spin Clean. Here’s how it works: the spin clean’s basin gets filled with a mixture of water and the included record cleaning solution, at which point you submerge your album inside. The water only gets high enough to reach the innermost groove, so your vinyl’s label won’t get damaged. Once it’s submerged, you’ll physically rotate the vinyl clockwise a few times. Soft brushes on the inside of the spin clean will get the gunk out of your record’s grooves, which can reduce the album’s surface noise and the number of clicks and pops you’ll hear. Once it’s been cleaned, wipe off your album with the included cleaning cloth. It won’t turn your VG- mono copy of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society into an NM-sounding album, but the difference will be noticeable.

Best turntable slipmat: Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat

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Static buildup is one of the reasons you’ll hear clicks and pops on your albums, but you can eliminate this issue by switching to a cork turntable mat instead of using the felt mat that comes with most record players. There’s no increased risk of scratching your albums using a cork mat, and you’ll ensure the grooves of your records won’t accumulate stray stands of felt in them. This cork turntable mat from Pro Spin was designed to fit both 12-inch and 7-inch vinyl and is thick enough to absorb a few stray vibrations to reduce overall distortion.

Best record brush: Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush

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Another way to reduce static clicks and pops from your albums is using an anti-static brush like this one from Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs each time you play a record. Its fine plastic bristles will clean your album’s grooves while removing static simultaneously. To use this brush most effectively, start your turntable and gently place the brush’s bristles over your spinning record. Repeat this process each time you flip the album for the best results.

Best turntable cartridge: Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge

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If you’re using a turntable that lets you upgrade its cartridge, we highly recommend stepping up to the Ortofon 2M Bronze moving magnet cartridge to get the most out of your record collection. It’s a level up from the already excellent Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Blue (found on excellent turntables like the Fluance RT85, which our reviewer loved). Its Nude fine line diamond-tipped stylus was specifically cut to a profile optimized to stay inside the groove of a record even if it’s wobbling a little bit, and it uses split pole technology to send a clean signal from the needle to the tone arm using a copper wire. The Dutch-made cartridge we’re recommending has been premounted, which means it can plug directly into the tone arm of a record player rather than requiring you to futz with removing and replacing an entire needle. A turntable’s needle is the literal point of contact between your vinyl and the rest of your audio system. A weak or lackluster signal cannot be improved as it moves through your chain, so having a strong piece of hardware right up front is the best way to ensure you get the best possible sound from your albums.

Best power conditioner: WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner

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If you’re incredibly sensitive to any noise when listening to a new or mint album, turn to WAudio’s AC Power Filter Power Conditioner. The truth is that some noise can come from the quality of the electricity coming from your wall due to old or low gauge wiring. You can eliminate this by plugging your turntable (and other audio accessories) into a power conditioner, which will pick up and eliminate this noise before it hits your system. WAudio says its power conditioner can restrain interference above 1kHz and will up to 10dB of digital noise between 2MHz and 100MHz. This power conditioner has 10 outlets—six of which are filtered—and also provides overload and voltage protection to avoid electrical spikes from damaging your equipment.

Best vinyl subscription: Vinyl Me, Please

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So, you got the taste for premium pressings of classic albums but don’t want to wait till the next RSD to flesh out your collection. Well, look no further than Vinyl Me, Please. The site allows you to join a “club” and will send you one LP per month. Clubs are broken down by genre (country, hip-hop, rock) plus essentials (covering soul, blues, and jazz) and a generalist essentials option for listeners who want a little bit of everything. A subscription costs $46 per month, with discounts if you subscribe for three, six, or 12 months. Albums and box sets are also available a la carte for varying prices. Finding original pressings of albums in near-mint quality can be difficult, and Vinyl Me, Please takes the hassle out of crate digging with the hopes of striking gold.

The post The best turntable accessories for Record Store Day 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Cuisinart RPB-100		SEE IT	Make big smoothies on the go with the biggest, most powerful battery-powered blender.
Best splurge		Beast Blender		SEE IT	A modern design and ample power help this portable blender stand out.
Best budget		Hamilton Beach Portable Blender		SEE IT	For under $20, Hamilton Beach’s portable blender goes above and beyond for its price.

Portable blenders are an essential tool for home cooks with small kitchens, creative car campers, or travelers who want to ensure they have all their essential kitchen tools during a long stay at an Airbnb. While smaller than their full-sized countertop contemporaries, portable blenders are still powerful enough to crush up fresh roots and roughage to make pastes, smoothies, and sauces. Once you’re done, these blenders can be easily cleaned with a little dish soap and water, then stored inside a cabinet or drawer until the next time you’d like to use them. Many of our recommendations run on battery power, allowing you to take and use them out of your home. The best portable blenders will allow you to enjoy your smoothies, crushed ice, or other diced-up delights on the go.

• Best overall: Cuisinart RPB-100
• Best splurge: Beast Blender
• Best all-in-one: Ninja BC51NV Blast Portable Blender
• Best set: NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System
• Best budget: Hamilton Beach Portable Blender

How we chose the best portable blenders

Choosing the best portable blenders meant finding the models that balanced power, size, and cost. All of our recommendations are powerful enough for common tasks, like making Erewhon smoothies at home, but don’t expect to use them to make hot soup like a full-sized model can. We also made sure to include smaller blenders—ones that require an AC outlet but are nonetheless small enough to store or take from place to place easily—and battery-powered models that are truly portable. Our recommendations also cover a wide price range, so you can find a portable blender that is well within your budget.

The best portable blenders: Reviews & Recommendations

Ready to make a milkshake from your yard? We can teach you, and we won’t charge. The best portable blenders are accessible appliances for anyone who wants to reduce chopping and other manual kitchen tasks but can’t commit the space or budget to a larger, more powerful model.

Best overall: Cuisinart RPB-100

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Specs

• Size: 3.5 x 3.9 x 11.69 inches
• Capacity: 16 ounces
• Power source: Battery
• Price: $79

Pros

• 20 minute runtime on battery
• Bowl can be used as a drink container
• Quick charging

Cons

• Larger than other battery-powered models

Cuisinart’s RPB-100 is the largest, most powerful battery-powered blender we’ve found, so it’s nabbed the top spot here. Yes, you’ll need to dedicate more space on your countertop or in a bag to take it with you, but you’ll be rewarded for making the space. You can easily make a large smoothie with a single touch thanks to the blender’s 16-ounce container and one-button design. Hitting the power button will automatically start the blender at its maximum power level, so you don’t need to futz around with speed settings. The RPB-100’s container doubles as a drinking glass, too; simply turn the blender over when you’re done using it and pop on the included lid. The lid has a flip-top design to ensure your smoothie won’t get everywhere if you stash it in a bag or it accidentally tips over.

Cuisinart says the RPB-100 can run for up to 20 minutes per charge, which is more than enough time to make multiple smoothies or crush a few pounds of ice before being topped up. It’ll take about two hours to fully recharge the blender, which is plenty of time if you plug it in before going to sleep or heading out to work. Each part of the blender is also dishwasher safe, so you won’t have to hand wash it after every use. If you’re looking to make homemade dressings or smooth out sauces on the go, Cuisinart’s RPB-100 is the portable blender to get.

Best splurge: Beast Blender

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Specs

• Size: 4.92 x 4.92 x 15.75 inches
• Capacity: 33.81 ounces
• Power source: AC
• Price: $164.95

Pros

• Large capacity
• Svelte design
• More powerful

Cons

• Price

If you don’t mind being tethered to an outlet, the Beast Blender is a sleek-looking, ultra-powerful 1000W blender still small enough to keep in a backpack when traveling. It also features a single-button design and a removable container that can be used as a 33-ounce drinking vessel when you’re done making a smoothie. However, Beast went the extra mile to include both a screw-on lid and straws (although nothing is stopping you from using your own reusable straw). A big part of the Beast Blender’s appeal is its eye-catching hourglass shape, with ridges on its container that are aesthetically pleasing while making it easier to hold. The blender is also available in multiple colors, so you can find one that suits your aesthetic.

Beast built a powerful motor into its blender since it didn’t have to worry about managing battery life, which is a significant feature if you’re looking for an ultra-smooth blend. The company says its blade will automatically adjust itself to maintain a set speed during its one-minute runtime and is designed to sense and avoid overheating. Beast says you can use its blender to make dips, dressings, cocktails, spreads, smoothies, sauces, frozen desserts, and even smooth out some soups. And it fits neatly in the cabinet or car (right next to a portable generator to power it). Don’t skip this one if you’ve wanted a powerful portable blender but thought you couldn’t justify the counter space.

Best all-in-one: Ninja BC51NV Blast Portable Blender

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Specs

• Size: 3.54 x 3.54 x 10.71 inches
• Capacity: 18 ounces
• Power source: Battery
• Price: $59.99

Pros

• Battery powered
• Leak-proof design
• Large capacity for a battery-powered blender

Cons

• Requires charging

Ninja’s BC51NV Blast is a modern-looking battery-powered portable blender that was designed to be used and taken with you everywhere. The blender is perfect for smoothies and protein shakes. When you’re done making them, you can drink directly from its container without detaching it from its base. Yes, the blender’s top is actually a flip-up sipping lid with a handle that makes it easy to carry when you’re not drinking. Every part of this portable blender is dishwasher-safe, ready for the next day’s smoothie. A single-button design makes the BC51NV Blast easy to use, too, and its BlastBlade has blades pointed upward and downward to ensure you get a proper blend.

Ninja doesn’t state its portable blender’s runtime, but you can recharge it using a USB-C power adapter. This portable blender has a truly grab-and-go design and is a powerful all-in-one solution. Blending a beverage and immediately drinking it without having to attach a separate lid or pour it into another glass is very helpful when you’re making it in a hurry before heading out for the day.

Best set: NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 7.4 x 17.8 x 14.25 inches
• Capacity: 24 fluid ounces
• Power source: AC
• Price: $69.87

Pros

• Powerful for a portable blender
• Includes two blades
• Comes with two mugs

Cons

• Larger size

Nutribullet’s NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System is the most comprehensive solution to any portable blending problems—but it’s also the largest model we’re recommending and requires an AC outlet. Neither of those attributes are dealbreakers, as this is still smaller than a typical full-sized blender, but they’re worth keeping in mind. As is suggested by its name, this is a 12-piece set that includes a blender, multiple blades, two 18-ounce glasses, and a pair of lids. Thanks to the size of its vessel, you can make two medium-sized smoothies simultaneously, then pop it off and pour it directly into Nutribullet’s included cups to take them on the go.

The inclusion of an “extraction blade,” where multiple blades are pointed upward and downward, is especially helpful when making smoothies as it’s designed especially for finely pulverizing. The separate flat blade can be used to crush ice or smooth sauces. We understand that the appeal of a portable blender is to take it anywhere, but feel the accessories included with the NBR-1201 make it the best value and will earn their keep in your cabinets or on top of your counter before being packed away for a trip.

Best budget: Hamilton Beach Portable Blender

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Specs

• Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 11.9 inches
• Capacity: 14 fluid ounces
• Power source: AC
• Price: $20.85

Pros

• Battery-powered
• Designed to fit in a cup holder
• Price

Cons

• Smaller container capacity

Hamilton Beach has you covered if you’d like an ultra-compact portable blender that won’t break the bank. Its single-button portable blender comes with a screw-on flip-top sipping lid, so you can sip directly from it after making a drink. The blender and vessel have a concave shape, making it easier to grab and hold in one hand. The vessel is a little smaller than the ones found in other portable blenders we’re recommending, but it’s not immediately noticeable. What does stand out is this portable blender’s $21 price tag.

This is an AC-powered blender, but its power cord can be neatly tucked away inside a cutout around its base, so you won’t have a cord dangling around in a bag. This design choice also makes Hamilton Beach’s Portable Blender a solid choice for those who want a blend-grab-and-go style solution. If you’re eyeing a portable blender on a budget, you won’t find a better choice than this one from Hamilton Beach.

What to consider when shopping for the best portable blenders

There are many factors to consider when deciding which portable blender is right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide.

Size

Size is the chief characteristic of a portable blender, and we had strict requirements when deciding which models made the cut. None of our recommendations are over 18 inches tall, and most fall below 12 inches. This means you’ll be able to stash them easily into a backpack or duffel while traveling and may even be able to keep them on your kitchen counter indefinitely without taking up too much room.

Container capacity

One of the tradeoffs when choosing a portable blender is that it can hold fewer ingredients than a full-sized model, so in most cases, you’ll be making single-serving smoothies rather than a multi-person batch. Our recommendations can hold between 14 and 33 fluid ounces of material, so be mindful of how many people you typically cook for before choosing.

Power source

Our portable blender recommendations run on either AC power (which means they need to be plugged into an outlet) or a built-in battery. Battery-powered blenders are more portable but aren’t as powerful and will wear down more quickly. AC-powered blenders can draw more power but can’t be used in as many places. There’s no wrong answer, but seriously consider where you’re going to be using your portable blender before deciding which one to get.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best portable blenders

• Best overall: Cuisinart RPB-100
• Best splurge: Beast Blender
• Best all-in-one: Ninja BC51NV Blast Portable Blender
• Best set: NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System
• Best budget: Hamilton Beach Portable Blender

Portable blenders—especially battery-powered models—have become a viable option for anyone looking to work more smoothies into their diet on a tight schedule. A small blender will be powerful enough to make thousands of recipes you can find online in a minute or less. Many portable blenders allow you to drink either directly from their vessel or from glasses that are included as part of a set. A blender is a very helpful multi-use tool in the kitchen, and these smaller models are great if you don’t have a lot of room on your counter or want to take a battery-powered model anywhere.

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 portable blenders in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Spring is here, and with it comes longer days ripe for tackling DIY projects that have dodged you all winter. Thankfully, DEWALT is offering a $90 discount on its latest drill and driver set, which will cut your work time down significantly. The power tool can rotate up to 1,500 times per minute, has a built-in light that lights up during use to help you work in darker areas, and has a lightweight design that makes it easy to hold and use with one hand.

DEWALT Compact Drill/Driver Kit with 45-Piece Screwdriving Set $113.69 (Was $203.49)

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We’re pleased to see this deep discount on a bundle that also includes the company’s 45-piece screwdriving set. This bit set includes an assortment of flat and Phillips head screwdriver bits at different lengths and thicknesses. More specialty bits for bolts or star-shaped screws are also included. DEWALT’s bundle comes with a battery and charger for its drill, and more critically, a carrying case that can hold the power tool and all of its accessories. This is a one-click solution for anyone starting their DIY journey, or who wants to upgrade from an older drill or screwdriver.

Other DEWALT Tool deals worth your dollar:

• DEWALT 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool $99 (Was $179)
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver $96.59 (Was $149)
• DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Router $135 (Was $239)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Blower $88.44 (Was $169)
• DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill $262.60 (Was $349)
• DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light $56.80 (Was $94.99)
• DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light/Flashlight $38.35 (Was $84)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Battery $89.99 (Was $229)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander $103.85 (Was $179)

The post Save $90 on a DEWALT drill and bit driver set 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		JBL Boombox 3		SEE IT	JBL’s Boombox 3 hits the sweet spot between portability, battery life, additional features, and cost.
Best With Lights		JBL PartyBox 110		SEE IT	JBL’s PartyBox 110 is a big, bass-thumping speaker with lights that impress as much as its sound.
Best Budget:		Tribit XSound Mega		SEE IT	The Tribit XSound Mega shares many of the features as some other picks but at a way lower cost.

Party speakers may be the most misunderstood mainstream category in the audio world. Contrary to popular belief, party speakers aren’t limited to bass-heavy Bluetooth models. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bassy Bluetooth speakers. Don’t worry, we’re going to recommend you some how-low-can-you-go options. However, a party speaker, to us at least, can be an all-in-one PA system, a practice amp that doubles as a speaker, a speaker that lights up the room just with dance music or that adds in equally kinetic LEDs. The best party speakers can be a concert for one or for everyone, and they can be found in selections for every type of celebration.

• Best overall: JBL Boombox 3
• Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300
• Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110
• Best for outdoor party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 
• Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA
• Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI
• Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro
• Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 2 
• Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

How we chose the best party speakers

This speaker category is extremely broad, so we took a fairly granular approach when choosing our recommendations. A mix of hands-on testing and research lead us to a list of speakers that range from pint-sized to powerful, covering common and niche needs. Special attention was paid to bass performance, connectivity options, durability, expandability, and portability. The right party speaker for you will depend on whether you’re throwing backyard cookouts or basement ragers, are looking for something that sits on a desk or a deck, need something to provide a solo gaming soundtrack or that might require guests to wear earplugs. We don’t judge. Well, we do judge some things, like audio quality and connectivity. But parties aren’t the time for critical listening, so what we recommend by the pool or for a DJ is very different than what we’d look for in our best powered speakers or best bookshelf speakers for music lovers. We’ve also been mindful of how much these speakers cost, with recommendations ranging from under $60 to $530.

The best party speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

We’ve cut through the noise to present speakers to suit everybody’s needs. You saw our overall methodology above and can find more information on our key considerations later in this story. Now, let’s get the party started.

Best overall: JBL Boombox 3

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 8.6 inches
• Power source: Battery power (up to 24 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP67

Pros

• Massive bass driver
• Can be connected with up to 99 other JBL speakers
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Big and heavy for a portable speaker

JBL’s Boombox 3 pushes the limits of what you can expect from a portable Bluetooth speaker. The subwoofer in its three-way speaker configuration is larger than the ones you’ll find on some desktop speakers or compact monitors, so you should expect loud, thunderous sound. You won’t just hear the drop on EDM tracks, you’ll literally feel it radiate down to 40Hz if the speaker’s 160 watts are cranked all the way up. In fact, the only way you’ll get a louder, bigger bass around the same size is by picking up something like JBL’s PartyBox 110, which we’ll introduce in more detail below.

The Boombox 3’s large size comes with one big pro—beyond great sound, of course—and a necessary con. In the plus column, this speaker can last up to 24 hours on a single charge, easily enough time to get you through a proper rager. JBL says the amount of battery life you’ll get ultimately depends on your listening volume, which is true, but the Boombox 3 should still last all night (literally) even when it’s being maxed out. That said, a big battery and large drivers contribute to this speaker’s 22-inch width and nearly 15-pound weight. This speaker is portable, but it’ll need someone willing to lug it around—luckily, it’s equipped with a sturdy molded handle.

JBL has gotten around this by designing the Boombox 3 with support for its PartyBoost feature, which allows you to link it with up to 99 other JBL speakers. Several JBL speakers support this feature, so you could use the Boombox 3 as your main party speaker, then spread a couple of smaller models around the periphery of your party space to blanket more ground (for example, you could put several lava-lamp-like JBL Pulse 5 speakers around to visualize the vibe). We can’t think of a room—or entire floor, frankly—that this speaker wouldn’t blanket in loud sound on its own, however.

If your parties take place outdoors, the JBL Boombox 3 is a great choice thanks to its IP67 rating (for a detailed explanation of IP, check out our considerations at the bottom of this feature). This Boombox 3 can get splashed, rained on, spilled on, or even dunked underneath the water for several minutes without skipping a beat. And it can stand up to dust or sand. Durability is definitely not an issue. The speaker shown above has taken a licking and kept on kicking … or maybe that’s taken a kicking and kept on ticking, as it got hit by a soccer ball while providing the soundtrack to a high-intensity practice on the field pictured. If its size and weight (and $449 price) don’t intimidate you, the JBL Boombox 3’s bass performance, battery life, and durability are a pretty unbeatable combination.

Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2.7 inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (up to 25 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP67

Pros

• Mega Bass button for even more low end
• Exceptional audio quality
• Best battery life for a portable party speaker

Cons

• Very few devices can take full advantage of this speaker’s audio potential

Sony has been making party speakers for half a decade, but the SRS-XG300 is the first time it seems to take this category very seriously. It’s completely overhauled the look of its party speakers, with a mesh covering that screams sophistication, with LED rings that surround its pair of 2.7-inch bass drivers with a subtle glow rather than a garish one. And the unobtrusive handle conveniently slides in and out of the top, an aesthetically pleasing marriage of form and function. Put simply, the SRS-XG300 speaker looks sophisticated during the day but a little more fun at night. The LEDs can be turned off using Sony’s app or a button on the backside of this party speaker so you can ignore them entirely.

That may be a good idea if you plan on stretching the SRS-XG300’s battery to its 25-hour maximum. Sony is so confident in this portable Bluetooth speaker’s battery capacity that it built a USB-A port into it, so it doubles as a power bank. In our tests, this speaker could put out a tremendous amount of bass, but it never distorted, even at high volumes. If you want a little more oomph, the speaker’s Mega Bass button boosts low-end frequencies, but never to the point that the midrange and treble get completely drowned out. If your playlist is full of bass-heavy music, turning on this setting to see how you like it won’t hurt.

The SRS-XG300 supports a Sony feature called Party Connect, which allows you to pair up to 100 speakers to play music simultaneously. This was one of our favorite features of JBL’s Boombox 3, and it remains impressive here. We can’t see any reason you’d need more than one of these speakers to fuel your beach, backyard, or basement party, but it’s nice to have the option.

You can connect any smartphone, tablet, or computer to the SRS-XG300 wirelessly over Bluetooth, but to get the most out of it, you’ll need a device that supports the LDAC codec, which allows you to stream music at a very high—nearly CD quality—bitrate. This isn’t necessarily important at a party unless you host audiophiles exclusively. Still, it’s worth pointing out since Sony’s speaker is one of the few Bluetooth models that support this feature. But it’s also worth pointing out that only select digital audio players and smartphones support this protocol (nothing Apple, which is why we lean toward this being the best portable Bluetooth speaker for Android users). You can use any Bluetooth-enabled device to connect via more traditional lossy codecs, and you also have the option to connect a device using a 3.5mm cable, thanks to its AUX input.

If the most important part of your party is taking top-notch tunes conveniently from one place to another without hitting pause, Sony’s SRS-XG300 is the clear choice.

Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 5.25-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (up to 12 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch inputs (2x)
• IP rating: IPX4

Pros

• Massive
• Doubles as a dual-input PA system
• Can be used portably in a pinch

Cons

• Overkill in most cases

There’s no getting around the fact that the JBL PartyBox 110 is a big party speaker, but if you have enough space and need to entertain a large crew with live music or a pre-made mix, it’s the ideal choice. You can read more about this large speaker in our full review, but it’s ultimately a treat for both the eyes and ears. The PartyBox 110 occupies an interesting place in JBL’s party speaker lineup, sitting between our approved entry-level PartyBox, the Encore Essential, and the much larger PartyBox 1000 (a behemoth of a speaker we’ve auditioned and enjoyed). It’s also much more than a typical Bluetooth speaker, party-friendly or otherwise.

The big LEDs surrounding the PartyBox 110’s pair of bass drivers turn the front of this speaker into a big figure eight. These lights can be programmed to a handful of patterns—including synced to the beat—or turned off entirely to preserve battery life. Yes, despite the amount of air it’s pushing and the show it bestows, the PartyBox 110 can run for up to 12 hours without being plugged into an outlet. It’s also one of the only speakers in its size class to have an IP4X rating, which means it can be splashed with water without incident.

It may not support JBL’s PartyBoost, but two of these speakers can be paired together wirelessly. This makes sense when you realize the PartyBox 110 has a pair of 1/4-inch audio inputs designed for a microphone and instrument. Connecting these speakers together will double the number of inputs, giving you greater flexibility when setting up come competitive karaoke.

If you only plan on using this speaker with prerecorded music, you’ll be treated to loud, room-shaking sound at the highest volume levels. PA-style party speakers are known for their bass performance, but JBL built a Bass Boost button onto the top of the PartyBox 110 to really drive the point home for lovers of lower frequencies. Let’s face it, the PartyBox 110 isn’t necessary for the average cocktail party or even cookout, but having the extra power in your back pocket won’t hurt if it becomes necessary.

Best for outdoor patio party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 5.1-inches
• Power source: Battery (Up to 16 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, 2.5mm
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Modular assignable-channel speaker system
• Discrete dedicated subwoofer
• Unlimited speakers can be connected
• Portability

Cons

• You have to keep track of/charge multiple speakers

By now, most people are familiar with a 2.1 speaker system in a home theater environment, which indicates Left and Right speakers paired with a dedicated subwoofer to push the lows higher. Now the Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo lets you take it into the great outdoors. All three touch-controlled speakers connect to one another via a Bluetooth 5.0 mesh network, which means you can place them anywhere you’d like so long as they’re within 100 feet of one another. This will allow you to cover a larger area without turning the volume knob to 11. Pick up four 6-inch-tall multidriver rectangles and turn your patio into a quadraphonic quarter. There’s a mid-bass driver and passive radiator paired with the tweeter in each. Still, for the deepest bass experience, you’ll want to keep the discrete front-firing subwoofer (or subwoofers) near a wall so the sound gets reinforced by reverberations.

Many party speakers we recommend can be chained to play simultaneously in mono, but Rocksteady designed its hardware exclusively to be immersive—letting you assign each as Left/Right/Dual channel. Because of that, you can pair an unlimited number of speakers in various multidirectional configurations, though hitting this theoretical limit—or lack thereof—probably won’t be necessary. We like the modularity of the Stadium Mode system, but it isn’t waterproof, which can be a problem if your outdoor area has a pool. If that’s the case, a cadre of UE’s WONDERBOOM 3 mini-speakers may be a better pick; these $99 floatable orbs produce surprisingly loud 360-degree sound, can be linked via PartyBoost and, being dustproof, are also one of the best speakers to take with you to the beach.

The only real downside to getting a multispeaker system is that you’ll need to monitor multiple pieces of audio hardware at all times. Every speaker needs to be charged separately, which can require some juggling if your place doesn’t have too many outlets. Luckily, battery life is rated at 16 hours, and the speakers are USB-C Quick Charge equipped. If that isn’t an issue, we can recommend taking Rocksteady’s Stadium Travel Combo to any outdoor party you’re hosting or attending.

Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 8-inch woofer
• Power source: Battery (Up to 12 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch input, mic/line input (2x)
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Simple setup
• Easy-to-use controls
• Portable
• On-unit 4-channel mixer with EQ and effects
• Built-in microphone preamps
• Phantom power

Cons

• Can be too quiet for loud practices
• Reverb effect is subtle for those looking for washed-out sound

The JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA offers musicians and DJs an easy-to-setup audio solution for smaller performance situations. Weighing just under 18 pounds, packing a 12-hour swappable rechargeable battery, the speaker is light enough to carry to and from smaller gigs and fits easily in the trunk or backseat of most cars. 

The onboard 4-channel mixer offers two XLR/TRS combo jacks, one 1/4-inch guitar input, and a 1/8-inch aux input for dialing in the mix. If you’re using a condenser microphone, the unit also comes equipped with phantom power. The EON ONE Compact Personal PA’s four-channel configuration provides the flexibility to create a balanced mix of guitars, vocals, and backing tracks from the controls on the speaker itself or via the JBL app. Connect your phone via Bluetooth to access Lexicon and dbx-inspired 4-band EQ, reverb, chorus, and delay (with quick-recall presets), plus control the volume or stream music wirelessly. 

The unit can sit vertically or horizontally and provides a built-in pole mount socket for elevated placements. This flexibility allows the system to thrive in various settings, as a monitor or for broadcast, even when space is tight. Two USB 3.0 ports let you high-speed charge tablets, phones, and bus-powered DJ devices—perfect if you mix digital formats. According to JBL, a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) passthrough lets you connect up to four speakers and extend your mix to larger crowds. [We only got one speaker, so we couldn’t try this out.] 

The EON ONE Compact can reach 112 dB and the 8-inch bass driver hits 37.5 Hz, though it isn’t ideal for louder rock shows. However, it is a great option for solo and acoustic gigs and smaller gatherings where you want a bigger sound without a big hassle.

Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (Up to 8 hours)
• Expandable: No
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth, AUX input, 1/4-inch input
• IP rating: N/A

Pros

• Ultra-portable guitar amp
• Ability to switch between 10,000 tones
• Smart Jam Live mode

Cons

• Only worthwhile for musicians

The Positive Grid Spark MINI was designed for musicians who don’t just want to attend a party; they want to amp up the entertainment at a party. However, its support for Bluetooth and the presence of an AUX input allow you to kick out other people’s jams too. As a 3.3-pound practice amp, the Spark MINI is surprisingly capable. Battery-powered and DSP-based, it has a single 1/4-inch input to plug in almost any electric instrument with a standard cable and get a far more robust tone than you might expect looking at the compact cube. You can add accompaniment (drums and bass) by pairing the speaker to your phone to play a backing track (or use your phone to learn with the Positive Grid app’s auto chords feature). Knobs on top of the Spark MINI let you independently adjust the volume of your music and that amazing new electric guitar you just picked up till you get the right mix (though the MINI plays nicely with acoustic guitar and bass, as well). You can even select your tone from an online library of over 10,000 sculpted through Positive Grid’s BIAS tone engine and shared through its app. It’s like carrying a Marshall stack or AMPEG cabinet … in a backpack.

Suppose you’re a solo musician going to a small get-together. In that case, the Positive Grid Spark MINI is way more practical to lug around than the other PA-capable party speaker we recommend. And with its 8-hour battery life, it will satisfy all but the most out-there jam-band fans. With just two 2-inch drivers and a passive radiator, it won’t earn the party speaker seal of approval as just a Bluetooth speaker, but it’s nice to have a near-field option if you’re in a small space with a handful of friends. Just avoid water (or a spilled beer) with this one. However, none of these downsides are dealbreakers because the Spark MINI is capable of its main task. One of this party speaker’s underrated features is its Line Out, which allows you to connect the amp to a larger PA. If you like a specific guitar tone from Positive Grid’s library and show up to a party with a larger system, you can use your preferred effects with a lot of additional volume.

When you’re not entertaining guests, you can connect this amp directly to your computer using its USB-C port and use it as an interface to record your instrument with your own custom guitar tone using the PreSonus Studio One digital audio workstation software that comes with it. Everybody likes going to a party with live music, but bringing all the equipment necessary for it at the last minute is not always practical. With the Positive Grid Spark MINI, it’s possible to fit everything you need for a “gig” in the back seat of a small car, making it a lot more reasonable.

Willing to trade a little space for more physical tone controls and more room-filling sound? The “full-sized” 40W Positive Grid Spark is still plenty portable, whether you’re ascending a stairway to heaven, speeding down a highway to hell, or taking friends and family on any other number of musical detours.

Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 2.76 inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery (Up to 15 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IPX7

Pros

• Intricate design
• Stereo pairing support
• Two subwoofers

Cons

• Limited connectivity options

GravaStar’s Mars Pro proves there ain’t no party like a LAN party. OK, most of our competitive gaming is done remotely, but we like listening to big beats and bouncy bands with our big broadband. This 7.5-inch-tall wireless party speaker is relatively small but has multiple drivers, a big bass radiator, and 25W to deliver lots of low-end. Its distinctive, futuristic look will fit into a party hosted in a game room or bring an out-of-this-world vibe anywhere with a rechargeable battery that lasts 15-20 hours. That’s doubly true if you put a pair next to one another and connect them to listen in true stereo. Still, you must applaud the industrial engineering in this speaker’s zinc alloy body. There are multiple designs and colorways, a touch-responsive volume strip, and it even has LED accents all over it that would make it eye-catching on a livestream as you blast competitors and tunes.

As far as features go, you can’t plug an instrument into it or connect it to dozens of speakers simultaneously (just the one other for true L/R channels). Still, none of those options are absolutely necessary. If anything, pairing them down allowed GravaStar to focus more on audio quality and aesthetics, including making the Mars Pro IPX7—or effectively waterproof. Our only disappointment is that the only way to connect devices to this speaker is over Bluetooth 5.0. To be fair, that’s the universal wireless connectivity standard for all of the best portable speakers. However, it would have been nice to see an AUX in jack as a backup, especially with something that sits nicely next to a computer.

If that doesn’t bother you, the GravaStar Mars Pro is an excellent party speaker for smaller rooms. If anything, your guests may spend a few seconds searching around for the sound source when you start to play music from what they might have thought was an extremely detailed model. That party trick alone may make the Mars Pro worth the price of admission.

Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 2 

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Specs

• Bass driver size: 3.5-inches
• Power source: Battery (Up to 24 hours)
• Expandable: Yes
• Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth
• IP rating: IP65

Pros

• Sonos’ ecosystem is strong
• Excellent range
• Amazon Alexa and Sonos Assistant compatible

Cons

• Price

The Sonos Move 2 comes hot on the heels of the Era 100 and Era 300, Sonos’ next-generation connected speakers, and inherits many of the same great traits. One of the Move 2’s biggest selling points is its Wi-Fi connectivity, which has two distinct advantages over Bluetooth: Longer range and the ability to stream higher-resolution music files. If you have the option to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Move 2, that’s the connectivity option we recommend.

The Move 2 isn’t Sonos’ only portable speaker, but the diminutive Roam is too small to be used as a party speaker—especially given its price. The Move 2 is a lot larger, but the extra volume allowed Sonos to use better audio hardware. Sonos’ advancements in amp and driver technology shine through, as does the company’s tasteful use of EQ. Music never sounded too bassy or treble forward, it was, cliche as it sounds, just right. The Move 2 also supports TruePlay, a feature that allows it to automatically adjust its sound using its built-in microphone to determine the size and shape of the room it’s in.

This is the only party speaker we recommend in this roundup that supports Amazon Alexa, as well as the Sonos Assistant, allowing you to use it hands-free. Sonos allows you to link streaming services through its app, so you can call up playlists or make them up on the fly without touching your phone. This feature requires an active Wi-Fi connection, so consider that if you plan on bringing the Move 2 to a beach. On a related note, this speaker has an IP56 rating, so it can get splashed with water without incident, but don’t submerge it under water.

The Sonos Move s is an excellent portable wireless speaker for all occasions, but its bigger size and louder sound do make it especially useful for a party. The Move 2’s batter is also 13 hours longer than the first-generation, so it’ll keep the party going all night long. Taking a Sonos speaker by the pool or beach is extremely appealing. Our only concern with recommending the Sonos Move 2 is its $450 price, which is steep.

If you’re happy with the way Sonos speakers sound, the Move 2 is absolutely worthwhile, and it’s the best option if you’re looking for a party speaker with a Wi-Fi connection. Only planning to have people gather inside and want to fill an entire room with multidirectional music from one standalone speaker? The new Era 300 has an original acoustic design optimized for Dolby Atmos and the captivating gradients of spatial audio.

Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

SEE IT

Specs

• Bass driver size: 1.5-inches (2x)
• Power source: Battery: (Up to 20 hours)
• Expandable: No
• Connectivity options: Bluetooth
• IP rating: IPX7

Pros

• Ultra-portable, with an included shoulder strap
• Battery lasts a long time relative to its size
• Price

Cons

• Smaller speakers make less sound

If you’ve spent your party budget on a venue, food, and drinks, there’s still bound to be enough in the bank for Tribit’s XSound Mega. The beach-bag-friendly speaker has two 1.5-inch bass drivers, which will pump out a reasonable amount of sound, given their size. If you’re hosting a small gathering at home or outdoors, it’ll be sufficient but don’t expect miracles at a big backyard bash.

We named this the top party pick in our guide to the best budget Bluetooth speakers because of its battery life, multiple listening modes, built-in LEDs, and carrying strap. The fact that Tribit equipped it with a USB-A port, which allows you to use it as a power bank, was a welcome feature. We found the speaker’s XBass mode added an appreciable amount of low-frequency response but found the XSound Mega distorted a little at high volumes. It never ruined the song, but the distortion was present. Alternatively, the speaker’s LEDs were surprisingly sophisticated, pulsing rhythmically as the music played.

The Tribit XSound Mega is a little barebones compared to some of our other recommendations, but it also costs under $100. You’re getting a lot of value for your money with this party speaker, which has several of the same core features as our other recommendations in a smaller, less expensive package.

What to consider when shopping for the party speakers

Bass driver

Party music is typically all about that bass—though midrange and treble shouldn’t be dismissed!—so it makes sense to focus on a party speaker’s woofer, the driver that determines how low (in the frequency range) you can go. The bigger the woofer, the more sound it can produce. The biggest impediment to bass performance is often size of the speaker itself, since a driver can only be as big as the case it’s in—though custom waveguides and well-implemented DSP can produce some surprising results. To ensure you get more bounce to the ounce, however, we’ve only chosen party speakers with larger bass drivers for this reason.

Power source

Some party speakers need to be connected to an outlet at all times because they consume too much power to run on a battery for a long period of time—if at all. The tradeoff between a smaller, less powerful party speaker and a large, high-powered one is real, but in many cases, the answer is clear. If you host large basement parties where there’s no chance of disturbing the neighbors, a plugged-in party speaker makes sense. For smaller get-togethers—especially those in the outdoors—a portable party speaker makes more sense.

Expandability

Some speaker makers allow you to daisy chain multiple speakers together, so you can play the same music in different places or listen in true stereo. In some cases, this feature is literally called PartyBoost mode. If the parties you throw take place indoors and outdoors, or you have to cover a lot of ground and don’t want a single huge speaker, expandability is key.

Connectivity

All of the party speakers we’re recommending support Bluetooth, the universal wireless standard that allows you to connect your phone, tablet, or computer to countless tech accessories. But even a universal standard has variants, so you’ll want to make sure the Bluetooth version of your source and speaker are in line (Bluetooth 5.3 devices are the most current, but there are plenty of 4.x devices floating around that still function perfectly well). Some have the option of connecting to your device over Wi-Fi, which offers a better range, a more stable signal, and higher-fidelity streaming. If you want to go old school, a 3.5mm AUX input will let you connect your source to the party speaker directly, which offers the highest level of fidelity—assuming you’re playing lossless music—but means your device is literally tethered to the speaker.

IP rating

A speaker’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating determines its durability against dust and water. Our recommendations range from having no IP rating to an IPX7 rating, which means they can be fully submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes without the risk of damage. This feature won’t matter if you keep your speaker indoors—so long as nobody spills a drink on it—but is extremely important if you host outdoor gatherings.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best party speakers

• Best overall: JBL Boombox 3
• Best portable: Sony SRS-XG300
• Best with lights: JBL PartyBox 110
• Best for outdoor party: Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo 
• Best for house party performances: JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA
• Best for guitarists: Positive Grid Spark MINI
• Best for gamers: GravaStar Mars Pro
• Best Wi-Fi speaker: Sonos Move 2 
• Best budget: Tribit XSound Mega

Whether you throw a couple of casual get-togethers yearly or host the weekly event friends look forward to throughout the week, having a party speaker is key to everyone having a good time. No party is complete without music; you can be the hero by providing it. We’re especially pleased that companies have begun taking this speaker style seriously rather than chalking it up as a gimmick and slapping unnecessary features onto previously available models that just blurt farty bass. Any of our speaker recommendations will get the job done; now it’s your task to create the perfect playlist.

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 party speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Logitech Wave Keys		SEE IT	Elevated keys and a wristrest make typing on the Logitech Wave Keys a smooth-feeling experience.
Best compact		Satechi SM1		SEE IT	Satechi’s keyboard features backlit keys and a slim design suited for any sized desk.
Best budget		Nulea RT05B		SEE IT	Considerably improve the ergonomics of your home office for under $50.

If you’ve been spending an increasing amount of time at your desk, you may have noticed added discomfort from all that typing, a situation that could be remedied by switching to a more ergonomic keyboard. When you spend a lot of time sitting down, working at a computer, it’s easy to forget about posture or what angle your wrists should be at. The best ergonomic keyboards will help reduce your odds of suffering from conditions like RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) while making typing a little more fun.

• Best overall: Logitech Wave Keys
• Best splurge: Keychron Q1 Pro
• Best compact: Satechi SM1
• Best bundle: Kensington Pro Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
• Best budget: Nulea RT05B

How we chose the best ergonomic keyboards

If you’re looking for the best ergonomic keyboard, first consider your space and how you plan on using it. If you typically use a laptop, how will a keyboard change your flow? Do you want to reduce the look of burdensome wires? Are you typing, accounting, or gaming? Our top picks are based on these and other considerations (more of which you’ll find below the recommendations). Combined with ergonomic desks, ergonomic chairs, and an ergonomic mouse, they can make sitting at a desk all day a lot more comfortable.

The best ergonomic keyboards: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re typing for work or gaming with friends, the best ergonomic keyboards can help you focus on the task at hand—instead of what the task is doing to your hands. However, with so many options, it might be difficult to figure out exactly which product is ideal for your situation. This is especially true since many of the best ergonomic options look entirely different—or exactly the same. We’ve done the research and testing for you, so if you’re ready to make your workspace more comfortable, check out the best ergonomic keyboards below.

Best overall: Logitech Wave Keys

SEE IT

Specs

• Connectivity: USB receiver, Bluetooth
• Dimensions: 9.17 x 17.95 x 1.89 inches
• Weight: 2.15 pounds

Pros

• Compatible with Windows and macOS
• Can connect via a USB receiver or Bluetooth
• Built-in wrist rest

Cons

• Wrist support can’t be removed
• No backlit keys

The ergonomically sound Logitech Wave Keys keyboard was made to keep your hands in a natural typing posture. Its namesake feature is a gentle slope that begins raising at the D key and declining to the L key. You’d think a topographically diverse keyboard would be more difficult to type on, but our tests proved it was very comfortable to use. We experienced no wrist pain after several weeks of switching from a flatter keyboard. The Wave Key’s wristrest is a big reason for this comfort, as it ensures your wrists are kept on a padded surface at the proper elevation. However, the wristrest is physically attached to the keyboard and non-removable, so you’ll need a deep desk to contain it.

We prefer this ergonomic keyboard design to those with two separate sets of keys and a large gap between them because the Wave Keys had no learning curve. We instinctively knew where the keys would be and could focus on what we were typing. This Logitech wireless ergonomic keyboard is fully compatible with macOS and Windows and allows you to connect it to your machine using a USB receiver or Bluetooth. We conducted our tests on a MacBook Pro using both the receiver and Bluetooth and never had an issue with connectivity or lag while typing. We wish the Wave Keys featured a couple more premium features—the biggest being backlit keys—but that disappointment is far outweighed by the feeling of comfortably typing away without the risk of wrist strain. And you can pair the keyboard with an equally recommendable Logitech mouse that matches it in form and function.

Best splurge: Keychron Q1 Pro 

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Specs

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired 
• Dimensions: 12.89 x 5.71 x 1.41 inches
• Weight: 3.83 pounds

Pros

• Premium feeling aluminum case
• Smooth durable switches with colorful keycaps
• Highly programmable on both macOS and Windows

Cons

• Tall keycaps come with a learning curve
• Not travel friendly

We named the Keychron Q1 Pro the best mechanical keyboard in large part because of the ergonomic qualities possessed by mechanical keyboards. This is the professional version of Keychron’s already excellent Q1, and it bests the previous model in every way. It carries through all the features we loved about the original, including its heavy-duty and exceptionally premium-feeling aluminum case, but critically adds support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Aluminum cases tend to block wireless signals, but the Q1 offers a reliable and fast Bluetooth connection, which allows us to cut the cord without sacrificing typing performance. We don’t recommend traveling with it, however: This keyboard is hefty at just under four pounds.

The addition of Bluetooth isn’t the only improvement that comes with the Q1 Pro. Keychron reworked its internals so the keyboard can deliver both the softest typing experience yet and satisfyingly supple acoustics. The switches are pre-lubed for extra smoothness, and a brand new set of doubleshot PBT keycaps add a splash of color and heightened durability. The only downside is that these keys are slightly taller than average keycaps and it may take an hour or so to adapt to them. The Q1 Pro isn’t cheap, but it still feels like a steal once you’ve put your fingers to it.

Best compact: Satechi SM1

SEE IT

Specs

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB adapter
• Size: 12.2 x 4.69 x 0.83 inches
• Weight: 1.04 pounds

Pros

• Fits easily on any desktop
• Backlit keys
• MacOS function keys

Cons

• Slightly lower profile frame

If you’re interested in improving the ergonomics of your computer setup but don’t have a large enough desk to accommodate the Logitech Wave or similarly sized models, we highly recommend Satechi’s SM1. In our tests, which included writing dozens of articles, e-mails, and notes, the SM1 dropped no keystrokes. its switches were immediately responsive and compressed with a satisfying click. Those sensitive to noise may want a quieter keyboard, but the SM1 is far from deafening. You’ll know what to expect if you remember typing on computer keys in the 1990s. Satechi allows you to wirelessly connect this keyboard to your computer via Bluetooth or a USB dongle—we generally chose the latter—or to plug it into your machine using a USB-C cable. The SM1 has a built-in rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about reaching for a set of AAAs when the keyboard runs out of juice.

Each individual key on the SM1 is backlit and you can raise and lower their brightness by pressing the F5 and F6 keys, respectively. There are three brightness levels so that you can make adjustments as the lighting in your environment changes. This is especially helpful if you work in a room with a variable amount of sunshine or a single dim light source. Speaking of function keys, macOS users will appreciate that the SM1 has an identical function row to the one found on Apple’s MacBook Pro and Magic Keyboard. This means you can control your computer’s volume and screen brightness with a single keystroke. Key macOS features, including Spotlight and Control Center, are also accessible by pressing dedicated keys.

Our only ergonomic complaint with the SM1 is that it has a relatively low profile even when its feet are extended. It’s not that the keyboard is uncomfortable to use, but we recommend using a wrist rest. If you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard for travel or use on a slimmer desk, look no further.

Best bundle: Kensington Pro Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse

SEE IT

Specs

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB receiver
• Dimensions: 18.98 x 9.92 x 1.5 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

Pros

• A sloped design keeps your hands positioned inward
• Designed to work with Chrome OS in addition to macOS and Windows
• A helpful bundle that can save you money

Cons

• Runs on disposable batteries

You can pick up an ergonomic keyboard and mouse on their own, but Kensington’s bundle allows you to nab both accessories for under $100. The keyboard features a sloped design, with spill-proof keys that won’t get damaged when exposed to water. Kensington says the keys are designed to be quiet, too, so you’ll give up the clickiness of a mechanical keyboard for less noise. You can connect both of these accessories to your computer using a USB receiver or Bluetooth.

Kensington says both wireless connectivity options include “government-grade encryption” to keep your keystrokes secure. Additionally, Kensington is explicit that this keyboard supports macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. While we’re recommending this bundle primarily for the included keyboard, it’s worth noting that the included mouse has five programmable buttons, allowing you to customize your computing experience when connected. Switching over your tech accessories to more ergonomic models can be a pain, but Kensington’s bundle will help you check off two of the most important ones in a single click.

Best budget: Nulea RT05B

SEE IT

Specs

• Connectivity: USB receiver, Bluetooth
• Dimensions: 17.52 x 10.87 x 1.73 inches
• Weight: 3.85 pounds

Pros

• Quiet keys
• Connects via USB receiver or Bluetooth
• Built-in wrist rest with memory foam

Cons

• Wrist support cannot be removed
• Keys not backlit

Nulea’s RT05B shares many of the same features as our top pick, from a built-in wristrest to multiple connectivity options, but it’s available for just $50. The ergonomic split keyboard has a wave-like design with an elevated space between both banks of keys. The keyboard is attached to a polyurethane leather-wrapped wristrest featuring a layer of memory foam. The rest elevates your wrists at a 4.07-degree angle when the keyboard’s legs are extended to keep them slightly above the keyboard itself. You can’t remove the wrist rest, so you can only use the RT05B on a deeper desk.

This isn’t a mechanical keyboard, which means you’ll give up some key travel but be rewarded with a quieter typing experience. You can connect it to your computer (either running macOS or Windows) using Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz USB receiver and top up its internal battery by plugging it into your PC. The RT05B doesn’t have backlit keys or any other special features, but that’s to be expected from a keyboard in its price range. Instead, Nulea has managed to make ergonomics more accessible to significantly more people, which is a big deal if you’re looking to improve your computing setup on a budget.

What to consider when shopping for the best ergonomic keyboards

There are many factors to consider when deciding which ergonomic keyboard is right for you. The following are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide:

Price

With elevated design, in-depth research, and smart innovation, many keyboards can get pretty expensive, with costs averaging a few hundred dollars. If your goal is simply working more comfortably, that price may not feel justifiable. Fortunately, some cheap keyboards will do the job without breaking the bank. Choosing a product from a reliable manufacturer will likely give you a better, more comfortable experience than ones that may look ergonomic but simply don’t maximize your comfort on a functional level.

Quietness

If you’re looking for the best keyboard for typing, you’ll want to consider the shape of the keyboard and the environment where you’ll use it. Since ergonomic products support your body as you use them, keyboards designed particularly for typing will be shaped to fit your natural hand posture as you type. But as you’re clacking away on the keys, you might be sensitive to how loud you’re typing (especially if you don’t work alone). A quiet ergonomic model is the best of both worlds: You won’t disturb your officemates, but you’ll still get the wrist and hand support you need for a pain-free typing session.

Connectivity

The best ergonomic keyboard for you might be one that reduces visual clutter. Many keyboards—ergonomic or not—connect to your computer through extra wires, and it only takes a few devices to turn a completely bare desk into a jungle of tangled wire vines. An ergonomic wireless model allows you to get the comfort you need without any extra cords, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity.

Additional features

If you’re looking for the best ergonomic gaming option, look for all the typical things you’d want in any gaming keyboard. You’ll want it to be a comfortable size, to be able to move between your mouse and your keys quickly. It’s also likely that you’ll want something mechanical to maximize the feedback you feel every time you click. RGB lights, in addition to adding a cool look, can also add some functionality if the keyboard has per-key color options that allow you to quickly glance at what keys you’d like to select without a second thought. When it comes to ergonomics, you’ll want your keyboard to meet your hands where they’ll naturally want to lay. Take into consideration the other devices in your gaming setup. If the keyboard is awkward, it may interfere with the ideal placement of your mic and other consoles.

Bundles

If this is your first keyboard purchase or if you’re building up your workspace from scratch, you may need more than just an ergonomic keyboard—your desktop space likely also needs a mouse to go with it. Finding an ergonomic keyboard and mouse combo not only looks cleaner on your desk but will also likely feel better to work with, as the designers of the products created them to go together and provide you with equal ergonomic support whether you’re typing or clicking.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best ergonomic keyboards

• Best overall: Logitech Wave Keys
• Best splurge: Keychron Q1 Pro
• Best compact: Satechi SM1
• Best bundle: Kensington Pro Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
• Best budget: Nulea RT05B

There are plenty of good keyboards out there, whether you’ll be gaming, working from home, or typing away in a shared office space. While you may not need all the bells and whistles, you need one that truly supports good posture and hand placement. No matter which product you choose, the best ergonomic keyboard for you will be one that’s built for your needs. Once you’re all set up, then you can really get down to business.

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 ergonomic keyboards of 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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

The KitchenAid stand mixer has been a staple appliance for home bakers for decades, known for both its build quality and longevity. We consider them one of the best stand mixers, and have an entire story dedicated to finding the best KitchenAid mixer. Amazon’s latest deal on KitchenAid’s Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer knocks roughly 25% off its price. This deal will only be around for a limited time as it’s not tied to a larger sale.

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

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The 4.5 quart model of KitchenAid’s stand mixer is the ideal size for most apartment bakers who are short on counter space but have dealt with cramped hands when making doughs and batters. KitchenAid says its bowl has enough space for up to eight dozen cookies, so you should have no issues fitting in enough batter for a multi-layer cake or two large portions of pizza dough. This mixer has 10 speed settings. The higher ones are necessary when mixing denser foods, or those filled with mix-ins like chocolate chips and dried fruit. KitchenAid bundles this mixer with three attachments: A whisk, dough hook, and beater, which allow you to use it for most baking recipes right out of the box. You can extend the mixer’s usefulness with additional attachments, many of which are also on sale.

More KitchenAid deals to up your cooking game

• KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder Attachment $74.95 (Was $99.99)
• KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment $69.95 (Was $99.99)
• KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender $44.99 (Was $59.99)
• KitchenAid 2 Slice Toaster $47.99 (Was $59.99)
• KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper $38.49 (Was $69.99)
• KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder $29.99 (Was $39.99)

The post Get a KitchenAid stand mixer for just $250 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		Sharp SMC1169HS		SEE IT	It offers all the essential features and power you want without a lot of clutter.
Quietest		TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven		SEE IT	Get the power you need without the noise that wakes everyone up for your midnight snack.
Best budget		Farberware Classic Microwave Oven		SEE IT	This simple option leaves lots of money left over for pizza rolls.

Some food snobs may scoff, but countertop microwaves can make your culinary life simpler and more efficient. They reduce heat times, require fewer dishes, and revive leftovers in just a few minutes. The most innovative microwave ovens can even provide more convenience, with automatic programmed modes for commonly microwavable items such as “popcorn,” “defrost chicken,” or “reheat leftovers.” We appreciate a smart appliance that does even more work for us, and these are the best countertop microwaves for you and your crew to enjoy.

• Best overall: Sharp SMC1169HS
• Best splurge: Breville Smooth Wave Microwave
• Quietist: TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven
• Best small: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
• Best stainless steel: Sharp R-21LCFS Medium-Duty Commercial Microwave Oven
• Best budget: Farberware Classic Microwave Oven

How we chose the best countertop microwaves

To provide a reliable list of the best microwave brands and ovens that satisfy your needs, we conducted both research and hands-on testing. We scoured the internet for customer favorites and the best microwave brands that consistently make quality products. We paid extra attention to reliability, ease of use, and quality that lasts a decade, and considered the types of microwaves you may be looking for, so you had a range of options. The models in this roundup are differentiated from over-the-range microwaves as those require a more involved installation process.

Some users may need a small countertop microwave, while others are looking for a stylish, stainless steel microwave that looks cool on the counter. We also wanted to offer a range of price points, from around $100 budget buyers to $300+ luxe models. All of the microwaves come with standard features and good brand recognition. 

The best countertop microwaves: Reviews & Recommendations

Microwaves make life easier, provided you pick the right model for your and your household’s needs. Below, we’ve collected our favorite options from what’s available on the market today.

Best overall: Sharp SMC1169HS

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Why it made the cut: When it comes to countertop microwave ovens, we love Sharp’s because it doesn’t take up too much counter space while still providing plenty of power.

Specs

• Capacity: ‎1.1 cubic feet
• Item Weight: ‎37 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 14.7 x 20.6 x 11.8 inches

Pros

• Compact size
• Similar in power to more expensive models
• Price

Cons

• Wi-Fi connectivity exclusively through Alexa

Sharp’s SMC1169HS is the best counter microwave we tested because it exceeded the performance of more expensive models in many of our tests, even if it didn’t have all the same bells and whistles. When making popcorn using the SMC1169HS’ preset button, it left the fewest kernels behind. The countertop microwave raised the temperature of a mug full of water to 123 degrees in two minutes and cooked a 2.75-ounce sausage up to 213 degrees in a couple of minutes. These are the most common uses for a microwave, and the SMC1169HS had no problem handling them.

While the counter microwave’s look is understated, it doesn’t feel cheaply produced. Its buttons are responsive, the larger LEDs are easily read, and the typeface beneath its presets is bold and legible. Where ease of use is concerned, the SMC1169HS gets full marks. If you’re an Amazon Alexa smart-home platform user, you can control the SMC1169HS hands-free (once it’s connected to your Wi-Fi network) by asking your smart assistant to engage a particular setting or set a cook time.

We’d have preferred having the option to use Google Assistant as well, as this feature isn’t accessible unless you’ve gone all-in on Amazon’s platform. Still, this is an entirely optional setting and didn’t impact the countertop microwave’s ability to cook food—its primary function. If you’re looking for a powerful microwave that performs well above what we’d expect from an appliance in its price range, Sharp’s SMC1169HS is the best choice.

Best splurge: Breville Smooth Wave Microwave

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Why it made the cut: Breville’s high-end microwave can handle heating leftover pizza, meat, and tea.

Specs

• Capacity: ‎1.2 cubic feet
• Item Weight: ‎26.2 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 19 x 20.43 x 12.44 inches

Pros

• Tons of presets
• Larger capacity
• Large screen

Cons

• Cost

Breville’s Smooth Wave Microwave was the best-looking by a longshot, and its user interface was the nicest to use. This high-end microwave performed okay in our popcorn test—its performance actually varied by popcorn brand—but it raised the temperature of a mug of water to 119 degrees in two minutes and cooked a 2.75-ounce sausage from the fridge to 202 degrees using its dedicated meat cooking setting. Rather than cluttering up its face with numbers and buttons, the Smooth Wave Microwave has its presets on the inside of its door. There are quick start buttons for commonly cooked foods like bacon, pizza, hot chocolate, and even a setting for softening butter.

Hitting the smart cook button will bring up a menu of additional presets for popcorn and various types of food. The Smooth Wave even has dedicated settings for both meat and chicken, and hard, soft, or frozen vegetables. This specificity will allow you to get the appropriate cook more precisely than a single preset button or just punching in a cook time. Navigating through the microwave’s menus was simple thanks to its pair of dials, and we appreciated the ability to quickly add 30 seconds by pushing “Start” button.

The Smooth Wave Microwave is undoubtedly overkill for anyone who only uses this appliance for quick reheating jobs, but it significantly increases what you can do with it. In some ways, the Smooth Wave Microwave is more similar to a smart countertop oven like one made by Brava, given all its settings. If your counter space is limited, and you can only have one or two appliances that can serve multiple functions—or be relied upon to aid or entirely cook meals several times a week—Breville’s Smooth Wave is up to the task.

Quietest: TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This quiet countertop microwave offers a mute button to prevent the “finished” alert sound from beeping.

Specs

• Capacity: ‎0.9 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 27.3 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 16.1 x 19.1 x 11.5 inches

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Space-saving and compact design
• Mute button
• Over 13,000 positive Amazon reviews
• Stylish

Cons

• Closing door is still loud

If you’ve got a newborn, roommates, or simply hate the obnoxious sound of a microwave “all done!” alert, you’ll love that this quiet countertop microwave oven has a mute button. Simply hold down on the number eight for three or so seconds to shut off the sound.

This 900W microwave features a stylish stainless steel finish, easy defrosting by weight/time, six auto menus, 10 power levels, express cook buttons for 1-6 minutes, as well as a memory function and an energy-saving ECO mode.  

It’s one of the best compact microwaves, budget-friendly, and features a bright LED digital display for easy handling. With over 13,000 Amazon reviews, this model can be trusted to deliver a pain-free experience. Do note that some reviewers say shutting the microwave can still be loud, even with extra care. 

Best small: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven

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Why it made the cut: For tight spaces, apartment dwellers, offices, and other compact needs, this mini microwave is super affordable and comes with all the necessary features. 

Specs

• Capacity: ‎0.7 cubic feet
• Item Weight: 22.5 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 17.3 x 10.2 inches

Pros

• Compact, Small microwave
• Child lock feature
• 10 power levels
• Super affordable

Cons

• May be too small for some dishes
• Buttons could be more sensitive

The Black + Decker 0.7 Cubic Foot 700 Watt Stainless Steel Microwave is tiny and affordable without sacrificing all the features and perks you’d look for. It has 10 power levels, a removable glass turntable, and a spacious interior that’ll fit your dinners with ease without overpowering your kitchen counter.

This portable microwave countertop model comes with Sensor technology for consistent heating results, six pre-programmed buttons, and a large LED digital display. At ‎13 x 17.3 x 10.2 inches, you can easily slide this into any kitchen or room corner.

The small countertop microwave for countertop also has a safety lock feature to ensure your children’s safety. Some downsides are the buttons may not be sensitive enough for certain users, and a tiny microwave might not fit all your larger dinner-sized dishes. However, it’s simple, practical, and a great price point for what you get.

Best stainless steel: Cuisinart CMW-110

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Why it made the cut: If you love the look and functionality of a stainless steel model, this Cuisinart microwave is our recommendation.

Specs

• Capacity: 1.1 cubic foot
• Item Weight: 37 pounds 
• Product Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 16 inches

Pros

• Stainless steel material
• Useful presets
• Express recook is handy

Cons

• Price

If you’re doing a kitchen remodel or upgrade and want to keep the look of your appliances consistent, Cuisinart’s CMW-110 is your stainless steel solution. It performed the best in our microwave popcorn test, leaving the fewest number of kernels when using its preset button. Similarly, it raised the temperature of a mug of water to 115 degrees and cooked a 2.75-ounce sausage to 211 degrees using its meat/poultry preset. This performance is made possible by the microwave Sensor IQ technology, which measures how much steam is present to manage its cook times automatically.

A lot of what we like about our top choice microwave is present here, from the responsive buttons and large text beneath the presets, to its overall performance. However, one of the stars of the show with the CMW-110 is its stainless steel construction, which does a lot to bolster its aesthetics. Its silver front and black frame play off one another well, and make the microwave easy on the eyes. If you’d like a countertop microwave that performs well and will match your aesthetic aspirations, don’t miss out.

Best budget: Farberware Classic Microwave Oven

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Why it made the cut: For less than $100, you can get a high-quality budget-countertop microwave that’s compact, space-saving, and gets the job done.

Specs

• Capacity: ‎0.7 cubic feet
• Item Weight: ‎22.5 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 17.3 x 12.99 x 10.14 inches

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Space-saving and compact design
• Lightweight 
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Somewhat loud
• 700W may not be powerful enough; more cooking time may be needed

This 700-watt stainless steel microwave oven is a great budget option for smaller kitchens, office spaces, or anyone looking to save a few bucks. It features six one-touch cooking options, 10 power levels up to 700 watts, a large digital screen, and even a memory function to save previous cook times for your most common microwavable meals. 

Note that 700W may not be powerful for some recommended cooking times. This is usually remedied by adding more cooking time to dishes. One reviewer noted that there’s some moisture build-up after each use, but they leave the door open for a minute or so to counteract that. For the price, it does a solid job and won’t take up a lot of space so it’s useful for an apartment or a college dorm.

What to consider before buying the best countertop microwaves

You’ll want to consider a few key factors when shopping for the best countertop microwaves:

Brand and reputation

First, look into shopping with the best microwave brands that have a consistent reputation for building quality products that last. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending $100+ on something that breaks after two weeks. This is likely one of those situations where you’ll want to stick with a brand you’re familiar with so they can offer a useful, honest warranty if things go badly.

Space

Assess your living space in order to hone in on the type of model you’ll need. For example, an extra-large model probably won’t suit you if you have a small apartment without much countertop space. Look for terms like “compact microwaves,” “mini microwaves,” or “portable microwaves,” in the description. Always look at production dimensions! It’s absolutely worth it to measure the space you expect it to sit so you can get an idea of how much room it really eats on your counter.

Smart features and program modes

There are also smart models for people who value tech-forward models. Safety features are also important if you have little ones—so be sure to look out for child lock safety modes. Most microwaves will come with standard features like auto-timed buttons or correlated times with names of popular foods like “defrost chicken” or “popcorn.”

If you find microwaves haven’t been powerful enough for you in the past, or you tend to cook items that are more involved than just a simple Chinese takeout reheat, pay attention to the Wattage for more power. The options on this list vary between roughly 700 watts at max power up to over 1,250 watts.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best countertop microwaves

• Best overall: Sharp SMC1169HS
• Best splurge: Breville Smooth Wave Microwave
• Quietist: TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven
• Best small: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
• Best stainless steel: Sharp R-21LCFS Medium-Duty Commercial Microwave Oven
• Best budget: Farberware Classic Microwave Oven

Finding the right microwave for you depends on how you plan on using your microwave, your space requirements, your budget, and your sense of style. Whether you need a quiet microwave, a portable microwave, or an extra large microwave to feed the whole family, these six microwave ovens are your best bet to choose from.

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 countertop microwaves in 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Weber Genesis EX-325S		SEE IT	The gas-powered, gold standard for smart grills.
Best pellet		Traeger Grills Pro Series 575		SEE IT	A (meat) smoker’s dream appliance.
Best budget		Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro		SEE IT	Portability and functionality from a smart grill that’ll set you back under $500.

Many of us have made the leap to having at least a few key smart home accessories inside our home, but how about one that lives outside: a smart grill. It’s hard to beat a smart home gadget that can help deliver perfectly cooked food without second-guessing yourself or constantly reaching for a thermometer. Or requiring standing in the cold! As you’d expect, the main feature of these grills is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to your phone via an app, which allows you to monitor the temperature of your grill wirelessly to prevent overcooking from wherever you are in or around the house. Some of the grills come with meat probes, so you can also check in on the exact state of your cook, which is enormously helpful to amateur and pro grillers alike. The best smart grills will work well even if you don’t use their wireless features but are enhanced by them.

• Best overall: Weber Genesis EX-325S
• Best charcoal: Kamado Joe Konnekted Joe
• Best pellet: Traeger Grills Pro Series 575
• Best for large family: Weber Genesis SPX-435
• Best budget: Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro

How we chose the best smart grills

When compiling this collection of smart grills, we considered their size, fuel type, functionality, and cost. We also consulted our guides to the best gas, charcoal, and kamado grills, drawing upon the research conducted during their construction.

The best smart grills: Reviews & Recommendations

Embedding Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth into grills doesn’t revolutionize cooking with radiant heat, but it does take some heat off the cook. Whether you want to upgrade your old grill to a smart model or set up a cooker for the very first time, expertly make long cooks like brisket or just avoid sitting around waiting for the grill to warm up, you’ll find what you need here.

Best overall: Weber Genesis EX-325S

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Specs

• Size: 35.5 x 30.75 x 31 Inches
• Weight: 188 pounds
• Fuel: Gas
• Price: $1,079.00

Pros

• Large cooking area
• Side wings
• Easily accessible temperature gauge

Cons

• Price

Weber’s Genesis EX-325S offers everything you’d need in a smart grill, especially if you’re cooking for a bigger crowd. The larger gas grill has three burners, so you can create hot and cool zones to avoid overcooking your food, plus one “sear station,” which can get super hot to hasten caramelization. An expandable top grate gives you ample space to toast buns or keep foods warm while you cook the rest. The EX-325S’ two integrated side tables are wide enough to accommodate what you’re cooking, plus whatever other grilling tools and accessories you may need for your cook. A screen on the side of the grill shows its current temperature, while meat probes located underneath can be inserted into thicker cuts so you can monitor them as they cook.

These features make the EX-325S a fine grill whether you care about smart features or not, but it also supports Weber Connect, the company’s digital platform available on iOS or Android devices. Connectivity is available through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and once you’ve paired your smartphone to the grill, you can monitor its temperature and check on the meat probes you’re using. You can’t control the grill’s temperature through your phone, but can monitor it. This is the most important functionality when cooking, so it’s great to see Weber build it directly into its grills.

Weber’s Genesis EX-325S is one of the best gas grills you can get, and its smart functionality pushes it over the top. You will have to pay for its power, but it’s worth the cost if you cook often.

Best charcoal: Kamado Joe Konnekted Joe

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Specs

• Size: 29 x 47 x 48 inches
• Weight: 175 pounds
• Fuel: Charocal
• Price: $1,699

Pros

• Automatic fire starter
• Full ceramic build
• Surprising control for a charcoal grill

Cons

• Heavy
• Price

The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe has taken to Mortal Kombat naming conventions when it komes to its included features. It doesn’t have a control board; it has a Kontrol Board. It doesn’t have a top vent to maintain air settings during opening and closing the dome; it has a Kontrol Tower top vent. It also has an automatic fire starter. No misspellings there. Between its Wi-Fi app connectivity, multiple cooking modes, digital fan, and Kontrolled temperature settings, you can reach precise cooking enlightenment.

It has space for 13 burgers, four whole chickens, or two pork shoulders. Or several pounds of red bell peppers. It’s your call. It clocks in at 175 pounds, but it stands on wheels, so you can move it if you need to. The digital controls are great if you are just getting into smoking, as that can be a sweaty and stressful manual process. Maintaining a temperature of 250 degrees over 18 hours for a brisket is much easier when you have an app. While traditionalists might disagree with that assessment, we just wanna eat. Relax, because it also has a classic mode that allows you to manage the temperature manually. So yeah, the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe has something for everyone, no matter your level of grill expertise, and makes a delicious addition to a smart home (just make sure you’ve got a Wi-Fi router with enough range to reach the patio).

Best pellet: Traeger Grills Pro Series 575

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Specs

• Size: 27 x 41 x 53 Inches
• Weight: 124 pounds
• Fuel: Wood pellets
• Price: $799.99

Pros

• Ample cooking space
• 500-degree maximum temperature
• Pellet hopper management feature

Cons

• You still need to add wood pellets

If you don’t mind the maintenance required for using a smoker, Traeger Grills’ Pro 575 is the smart version you’ve been waiting for. Sure, there are innovative devices that bring the smoker experience indoors, but this is a proper grill with upgraded features. The smoker is large enough to accommodate 24 burgers, five rib racks, or four chickens, plus some space for sides if you use its top rack. What’s more, the pellet grill can get up to 500 degrees, which is suitable for baking, too. A built-in meat probe allows you to monitor the temperature of larger cuts of meat. The smoker was updated with a new design that Traeger says is better at heating the grill more quickly and improving the quality of its smoke. The smoker’s temperature can be monitored and adjusted using a panel on its right-hand side.

To enable the Pro 575’s smart features, you’ll need to download its app to your iOS and/or Android device. The app will allow you to monitor and adjust the smoker’s temperature, check the status of your meat probes, and set a cooking timer. You’ll receive a notification on your device when the meat probe gets up to your specified temperature, or the timer goes off. You can also switch this pellet grill’s cooking mode from super smoke to keep warm, or shut it down entirely. The most important smart feature is arguably the ability to see how full this grill’s pellet hopper is. If you’ve got an all-day cook (think brisket), you’ll want to be sure the hopper always has enough fuel, and this feature can save you from having to check manually. You’ll still need to add your own fuel—and be sure you have pellets on hand—but this feature makes using it more convenient. The Pro 575 is the best value introduction to Traeger’s line of pellet grills and may one day lead you to the flagship Timberline—the best splurge and a grill we found to be straight WiFire.

Best for large family: Weber Genesis SPX-435

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Specs

• Size: 31 x 68.5 x 63 inches
• Weight: 227 pounds
• Fuel: Gas
• Price: $2,099

Pros

• Massive cooking area
• Four cooking zones
• Side burner

Cons

• Price

Weber’s Genesis SPX-435 is the super-sized version of our top smart grill pick, which means it has all of the same smart functionality—temperature monitoring and meat probe monitoring—as its smaller sibling. Where the Genesis SPX-435 stands out is its size, which is immense. This is a four-burner grill with 994 square inches of cooking space, which means you should be able to cook roughly eight racks of ribs, 32 burgers, or six chickens on it simultaneously.

Need more space? Say no more. The SPX-435 has an additional side burner, which you can use to cook food in a pan. Having four burners allows you to create even more hot and cool cooking zones, and using the sear zone can get you the char and grill marks you desire. All of this power comes at a cost—this is the most expensive smart grill we’re recommending—but it’s a necessity if you’re cooking for a huge crowd during summer parties and tailgates. Don’t worry; we have plenty of less expensive gas grill recommendations, too. If you’re looking to upgrade to a smart grill with substantial space for cooking, Weber’s SPX-435 is our top pick.

Best budget: Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro

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Specs

• Size: 22.28 x 20.03 x 15.82 inches
• Weight: 38.9 pounds
• Fuel: Electric
• Price: $449.99

Pros

• Portability
• Multifunctionality
• Price

Cons

• May not be large enough

Ninja’s OG951 Woodfire Pro is our least expensive smart grill recommendation, but it’s also the only one you can reasonably carry around with you. The electrically powered smart grill can be plugged in anywhere there’s an outlet but can impart smoky flavor into your food by burning wood pellets from a hopper built into a side pocket. A fan built into the top of the grill circulates the smoke to ensure even exposure. You don’t have to use the wood pellets if you don’t want to—the grill’s heating elements are electric—but it’s nice to have the option. Speaking of options, the OG951 has seven cooking modes, which range from grill and smoke to bake and dehydrate. If you want to cook outdoors while camping, the OG951 covers all your bases.

Ninja allows you to connect to its smart grill over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth through its Pro Connect app on iOS and Android. The app allows you to monitor its temperature, change its cooking mode, enable or disable wood pellet burning, set a timer, control the grill temperature, and set up a meat probe. If you’re cooking a specific cut of meat, you can program the meat probes using presets that’ll control the grill’s temperature and other settings for you to ensure a proper cook with minimal maintenance. If you’d like a smart grill but don’t have enough room for a full-sized one (or you’ve fully embraced van-life), Ninja’s OG951 is the ideal choice.

What to consider when shopping for the best smart grill

We’ve been hibernating with smart ovens for years, and now it’s time to feel the sun again. It’s hard to beat a smart home gadget that can help deliver perfectly cooked food without second-guessing yourself or constantly reaching for a thermometer.

Size

Smart grills aren’t small or light, but that’s the price for a tool that allows you to cook for an entire family all in one shot. Most of our recommendations weigh over 100 pounds (one clocks in north of 200) and sit on wheels that allow you to move them around. We have a portable option if you’d like smart functionality from a grill you can take anywhere.

Fuel source

Smart grills can run on gas, pellets, charcoal, and even electricity. Each of these fuels has its own pros and cons, but one isn’t inherently better than the other. Smart grills that run on pellets and charcoal will impart a naturally smokey flavor to whatever you’re cooking but require you to feed them with additional fuel continually. This can get taxing on especially long cooks. Gas smart grills won’t require as much maintenance but will require you to monitor how much propane is left.

You’ll have to refill the tank once or twice a summer, depending on how often you use it. An electric smart grill won’t be as powerful as the other types, but it only requires an outlet to work. This gives you much greater flexibility when cooking. Neither a gas nor electric grill will give your cooks a smokey flavor on their own; you’ll have to find alternative ways to get that effect.

Smart features

The “smart” features that set these grills apart from their analog brethren come down to sending information from the grill to your smartphone. This includes how hot the grill is and, if you use the included meat probes, the current temperature of your cooks. It’s crucial to know this information as, without it, you can easily over or undercook your food when not paying attention. While these smart features are icing on the cake (or bark on the brisket, as it were), they don’t get in the way of a grill’s core functionality. In some cases, you’ll also be able to adjust the temperature of your grill using your phone, which can be helpful if you’re in another room in your home.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart grills

• Best overall: Weber Genesis EX-325S
• Best charcoal: Kamado Joe Konnekted Joe
• Best pellet: Traeger Grills Pro Series 575
• Best for large family: Weber Genesis SPX-435
• Best budget: Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro

Using a smart grill won’t automatically turn you into a pitmaster, but can soften the learning curve of more complicated dishes like brisket or prime rib. Messing up an expensive cut of meat is deeply dissatisfying on multiple levels, so having a grill that can help you keep track of a cook in real-time can be a legitimate help. A smart grill is a worthy upgrade for long-time grillers who want to fine-tune their recipes with surgical precision, as well as those who want to start their grilling journey with a little extra help.

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 grills 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		Wolf Gourmet 4-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster		SEE IT	The Wolf Gourmet 4-Slice Toaster is everything we’re looking for in a toaster—and then some.
Best smart toaster		Revolution R180 InstaGLO Toaster		SEE IT	The Revolution InstaGLO does everything but wash your dishes. Maybe that’s the next upgrade?
Best budget		Black & Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster		SEE IT	Black & Decker’s two-slice toaster is a simple, inexpensive way to help you get your first meal of the day.

Toasters have been a mainstay in kitchens for decades—and for good reason. Bread is a staple in our breakfasts, lunches, and midnight snacks, and toasting makes us love it more. We love crisp, golden-brown carbs so much that companies have created foods specifically to be toasted: Pop-Tarts, grocery-store English muffins, and frozen waffles, among others. And, of course, heat can also refresh aging bread. The quest for perfect toast has to start with finding the best toasters, and these are the top ones we’ve found to date.

• Best overall: Wolf Gourmet 4-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster
• Best smart toaster: Revolution R180 InstaGLO Toaster  
• Best 4-slice: Cuisinart Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster
• Best for fast toasting: Café Express 2-Slice Toaster  
• Best for bagels: Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster
• Best long slot: Cuisinart CPT-2500 Long Slot Toaster
• Best with a timer: All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster
• Best design: Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster
• Best toaster oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
• Best budget: Black & Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster

How we chose the best toasters

As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for publications such as CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Bob Vila. I combined my experience with that of other PopSci writers, and we compiled our extensive selections based on personal testing, thorough research, recommendations from fellow critics, and user impressions.

The best toasters: Reviews & Recommendations

There are hundreds—if not thousands—of toasters. Picking just one assertively and with confidence can be a challenge. We’ve narrowed the choices down to just a few that we consider the best toasters. One of these should have you spreading grape jam on golden bread in no time. 

Best overall: Wolf Gourmet 4-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster

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Why it made the cut: This toaster can fit any size of bread, toast it well, and serve it up to you (minus the platter).

Specs

• Dimensions: 14.75 x 14.5 x 11.3 inches
• Weight: 13.22 pounds
• Slots: 4
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings: Bagel, frozen, one slice

Pros

• Superlative build quality
• Consistent toasting
• Can accommodate extra thick slices of bread

Cons

• Expensive

If you want the best toast, it’s going to cost you, but the results spoke for themselves. Wolf Gourmet’s Toaster is not only the best choice in its class, it’s one of the best kitchen appliances we’ve ever tested. We immediately noticed the toaster’s build quality—it’s quite a bit heavier than any other we tested—from the amount of tension in its knobs, the clinkiness of its buttons, and its serious-looking tines. The toaster grabbed onto toast, bagels, or waffles more tightly than other toasters before lowering it to its heating elements. The tines themselves are thick, which gives the literal impression of grill marks on whatever’s being toasted.

Wolf Gourmet’s toaster produced the most consistent results of any toaster we tested, with noticeable increases in browning as we increased its heating settings. It didn’t matter what type of toast or starch we were cooking; the toaster never let us down. It also performed the best at the highest heating setting, as what emerged from the toaster was still edible rather than being an overly charred hockey puck-looking mess. The toaster’s slots were also a fair bit wider than most other models, which means it can accommodate thicker slices of sourdough or heartier bagels.

At $399, Wolf Gourmet’s Toaster is the most expensive one we’re recommending, but it’s well worth the added cost if you make toast, bagels, English muffins, or similar starches daily. You’ll always get exactly what you expect, with no stuck slices that necessitate careful cajoling with a butter knife to get loose.

Best smart toaster: Revolution R180 InstaGLO Toaster

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Why it made the cut: The Revolution R180 InstaGLO does everything but wash your dishes. Maybe that’s the next upgrade?

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.65 x 6.13 x 8.4 inches
• Weight: 7.83 pounds
• Slots: 2
• Material: Stainless steel
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings:

Pros

• Touchscreen instead of levers and dials
• Toasts faster
• Smartphone control
• Clean crumb tray reminder
• Doubles as a sleek clock
• Accessories for Panini press/warming rack

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• Only comes in a 2-slice model

Admittedly, $350 is a lot of money for a toaster—but the Revolution InstaGLO R180 is no ordinary toaster. It has a touchscreen interface that visualizes all of the controls: There are no levers to push down, no knobs or dials to turn. It has a countdown timer, so you can check how long until your toast is done, in addition to the usual chime. Select the bread type from the icons; select fresh, frozen, or reheat; select toasting level from one of the seven settings; and then press start. The screen even lets the toaster serve as a stainless-steel digital clock between uses.

The Revolution InstaGLO R180’s interface is pretty simple to use, but it still took some time for us to get used to it. The idea of operating a toaster with no physical buttons may seem absurd, but its visual indicators give you a sense of what your toast will look like at seven stages of doneness. If you like your toast well done but not burnt, you’ll be able to dial that setting in with a few taps. Selecting fresh, frozen, or reheat made a big difference in the results, too. We weren’t surprised by the Revolution InstaGLO R180’s performance when toasting room-temperature white and whole wheat bread—it costs $350, and this is its core function—but we really liked how it handled frozen bread. If you keep your bread in the freezer to extend its freshness, you can expect perfect toast every time without waiting much longer

One of our favorite features of the Revolution InstaGLO R180 is its countdown timer, which will let you know exactly how much time is left in the toasting process. The first three-quarters of your toasting will be represented by dots appearing in a circle, like a loading bar on your computer. When it reaches the end, a timer will actually start counting down until it’s done. Easily checking how much time is left until you’ve got toast is an excellent feature, and any smart toaster will need to adopt it to retain relevance.

Most toasters can be used to make the essentials—toast, bagels, toaster pastries, English muffins—but optional accessories allow you to expand the Revolution InstaGLO R180’s functionality. A panini press will allow you to make stuffed sandwiches like grilled cheese in the toaster without the risk of damaging its coils. InstaGLO R180’s warming rack will provide a surface to slightly toast the bottom of pasties that wouldn’t fit in its slots.

Other features, like the Revolution InstaGLO R180’s ability to automatically adjust the lift to the height of whatever is being toasted, are subtle but welcome touches. There’s even a smart reminder that displays on the screen when you need to empty the crumbs at the bottom, and the catch tray releases with a simple push. It really feels like using a toaster from the future. Whether the future is worth $350 is debatable, but Revolution InstaGLO R180’s smart features aren’t superfluous. This isn’t a smart kitchen gadget whose flashy features mask poor performance.

Best 4-slice: Cuisinart Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster

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Why it made the cut: You can fully control each side of this Cuisinart 4-slice toaster separately for customized results.

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.6 x 11.15 x 7.5 inches
• Weight: 6.06 pounds
• Slots: 4
• Material: Stainless steel
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings: Bagel, defrost, reheat

Pros

• Six toast shades
• Removable crumb tray
• Simple interface
• Dedicated controls for each side

Cons

• Doesn’t offer much feedback when toasting

Cuisinart’s Classic 4-Slice Toaster served up four slices of toast and two split English muffins with minimal effort. Operating the basic toaster has three steps: select your level of doneness on the dial, choose your setting, and depress one of its sliders. In a few minutes, we ended up with slices of bread and English muffins that were well toast edge to edge. You can control the left and right slots of this toaster independently from one another, and we’re happy to report no loss in performance when doing so. Pieces of toast in the left slots were just as well done as they were when all the slots were turned to the maximum doneness level, even when the right slots were set to a lower temperature.

This toaster’s simple interface will be familiar to anyone who’s used a four-slot toaster before, so if you’re replacing an older model, there are no tricks to learn. Small details, like the size of the text on this toaster’s buttons and knobs, make them easy to read. Its temperature knobs offer very little resistance, but it was easy to dial in the right setting after getting used to them, which took about a minute. Our only complaint with this toaster is its lack of feedback. There’s no ticking to indicate it’s on (this is obvious because whatever you’re toasting is in the slot), or dinging to indicate your toast is ready.

You’ll have to build up muscle memory to know how long it takes for this toaster to toast bread to your preferred doneness level or stay in the room while it’s working. This toaster’s lack of a doneness indicator is particularly annoying. Still, its overall performance and brushed stainless steel appearance get full marks. If you need a reliable way to make a lot of toast at once, this model will meet (or exceed) your expectations.

Best for fast toasting: Café Express Finish Toaster

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Why it made the cut: Members of the microwave generation will love the hurry-up-and-finish option.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.0 x 12.28 x 8.0 inches
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Slots: 2
• Material: Aluminum with stainless steel finish
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings: Bagel, express finish, reheat, frozen

Pros

• Push to release crumb tray
• Extra-wide slots
• Extra lift for waffles
• Eight shading options
• Cord storage

Cons

• Expensive
• Does not come in a 4-slice model

The aptly named Café Express Finish Toaster gets high marks for its unique “express finish” setting that engages extra heating elements to toast the bread extra fast. It’s a gamble: Pay attention when using the feature, or you’ll burn the bread. Still, the setting can be a lifesaver if you need to get out the door (or log on ASAP).

In addition to the express finish setting, there are also settings for bagels, reheating, and defrosting frozen bread. By turning the browning control knob, you can choose up to eight different settings. An LED ring on the front indicates your toast’s browning progress and will blink when ready.

Sometimes, especially when space is limited, you need to turn the toaster in a particular direction to accommodate it. The Café Express Finish toaster works especially well in these scenarios since it has a cord channel in the bottom. This means the cord can be used on the back side, left side, or right side of the toaster. 

Lastly, Cafe Express Finish Toaster is undoubtedly one of the most stylish toasters on the list. It comes in three finishes: Stainless steel, matte black, and matte white.

Best for bagels: Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster

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Why it made the cut: The Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster comfortably holds bagels and has enough space to brown them effectively.

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.55 x 7.6 x 8.35 inches
• Weight: 5.69 pounds
• Slots: 2
• Material: Metal
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings: Bagel, defrost

Pros

• Extra-wide slots
• Removable crumb tray
• LED Timer
• Toast lift
• Six browning settings

Cons

• No 4-slice model

The Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster has extra-wide slots to accommodate bagels and other thick bread. The toaster uses Intellicrisp technology to heat bread consistently for a more even toast. Its three buttons—bagel, defrost, and cancel—control the toaster, along with the dial that lets you select from one of 6 browning settings. There’s also an LED timer surrounding the shade dial, and this provides the browning status of the toast in the form of a countdown clock. In addition, the toast lift can elevate the toast so you can visually check it, and it’s also helpful when browning shorter or smaller pieces of toast. A removable crumb tray makes it easy to clean up crumbs, and the toaster has a durable design. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an option with simple controls.     

Best long slot: Cuisinart CPT-2500 Long Slot Toaster

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Why it made the cut: You won’t have to cut your bread in half to get full coverage with the Cuisinart CPT-2500 Toaster.

Specs

• Dimensions: 18 x 6 x 7 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Slots: 2
• Material: Stainless steel
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings: Defrost, reheat, bagel

Pros

• Extra-long slots
• Works as a 4-slot toaster
• Even toasting

Cons

• Subpar-feeling buttons and knobs

If you like to toast long slices of bread, Cuisinart’s CPT-2500 will fit your kitchen like a glove. Each slot can fit two slices of regular toast (four slices total) or one long slice of bread. It’s also handy if you want a 4-slice toaster but don’t have enough counter space for one.

The Cuisinart CPT-2500 features three settings—bagel, reheat, and defrost—and you can toast to 7 browning shades. The extra-lift feature ensures your bread won’t get stuck in the toaster, and a removable crumb tray makes the toaster easy to clean. Despite its low price tag, we were impressed by how well the toaster worked and how nice it looked. The only telltale sign that we were using an inexpensive toaster was the slightly rickety feeling of its knob, buttons, and depression mechanism.  

Putting the toaster through its paces—toasting two slices of white and multigrain bread, bagels, and frozen waffles—proved that the CPT-2500 was up to snuff. Toasting was mostly even, though the sections of our food that were closest to the center were a little less done, owing to the location of its heating elements. Getting food into and out of the toaster was easy as we never had to deal with bread becoming stuck. Similarly, our food was always cooked through, though the toaster was best at toasting in its middle settings. If you’ve got a narrow slice of counter space that can be dedicated to a toaster, Cuisinart CPT-2500 will slot in just fine.

Best with a timer: All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster

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Why it made the cut: The All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster has a digital countdown clock and lets you add more time to fine-tune your toast.  

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.9 x 8.6 x 8.9 inches
• Weight: 2.10 pounds
• Slots: 2
• Material: Stainless steel
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings: Reheat, defrost, bagel, more time

Pros

• Adjustable timer
• Digital display
• Six browning levels
• Crumb tray slides out
• Wide slots

Cons

• Crumb tray is in the back

You’ll probably like the All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster if you are very particular about your toast. It has four settings: reheat, defrost, bagel, and a button lets you add more time during the toasting process. Plus, the LED screen has a countdown clock that lets you track how long your bread has been toasting. Beyond that, it has many hallmark features we look for in a good toaster, including wide slots, six browning settings, and a high-lift lever that makes it easy to retrieve items from the toaster.

Best design: Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster

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Why it made the cut: Breville’s toaster looks luxurious, but it’s more than just a pretty face.

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.9 x 10.9 x 7.75 inches
• Weight: 9.48 pounds
• Slots: 4
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings: Defrost, reheat, bagel

Pros

• Exceptional build quality
• Consistent toasting
• Visual indicators

Cons

• Pricey

True design combines style and substance, and Breville—maker of equally elegant things like our favorite latte machine—nailed the balance with its four-slice smart toaster. You won’t find a screen or Wi-Fi connectivity here; instead, we got consistent results when toasting bread, bagels, and frozen waffles. Breville tuned its toaster well, with noticeable jumps in doneness at different heating levels that correspond to our expectations. A light toasting at the first setting, even browning at the third setting, and charred at the highest setting. Another button labeled “A Bit More” plunges your starch back into the toaster’s slots for a short period of time, adding, as we expected, just a little more browning at lower heating levels.

Our favorite design features were the toaster’s buttons, which depressed with a satisfying click and featured an illuminated ring to indicate which setting was currently selected, and the LEDs above the doneness selection sliders, which change as your bread cooks. Knowing how much longer there was during a toasting cycle—especially on higher settings—was helpful, as we could prepare our jams and plates at appropriate times. This toaster is an investment, but having great toast consistently comes at a cost.

Best toaster oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

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Why it made the cut: The Breville Smart Oven can make toast and does a whole lot more.

Specs

• Dimensions: 21.5 x 17.5 x 12.7
• Weight: 38.9 pounds
• Slots: N/A
• Material: Stainless steel
• Crumb tray: N/A
• Settings: Toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, proof, air fry, reheat, cookies, slow cook, rehydrate.

Pros

• All-in-one appliance
• Easy-to-master controls
• Large LCD screen

Cons

• Overkill for just toast

This is the best smart oven we’ve tested yet, and while it’s a little much for just toast, its multifunctionality makes it a great investment if you want a single appliance for multiple cooking styles. While the smart oven has over a dozen features, navigating around its interface is simple, thanks to Breville’s well-designed user interface. Selecting a setting, adjusting the smart oven’s time and temperature, and monitoring a cook is a breeze. We have used this smart oven for toast, and its use of top and bottom heating elements produced good results.

But we’ve also cooked everything from banana bread to french fries using the bake and air fry settings, respectively, and been similarly impressed. Even meat, from chicken wings to a full roast bird, cooked well. If you’ve fully embraced the smart home lifestyle, you’ll be equally impressed by Breville’s thoughtful Wi-Fi-enabled features, which allow you to monitor a cook remotely, and receive a notification when the timer you’ve set is up. This is a welcome feature if you work from home and want to make dinner in advance when working in another room.

We still recommend sticking with a toaster if your needs are more modest, but if you’d like to kick things up a notch with a multi-cooking countertop toaster oven, stepping up to Breville’s Smart Oven is the way to go.

Best budget: Black+Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster

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Why it made the cut: The Black + Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster is ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

Specs

• Dimensions: 8.58 x 9.09 x 12.32 inches
• Weight: 2.64 pounds
• Slots: 2
• Material: Plastic
• Crumb tray: Yes
• Settings:

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Extra-wide slots
• Extra lever lift
• Seven browning choices

Cons

• Plastic components
• Drop-down crumb tray

The Black+Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster is a remarkably good value. It’s the least expensive toaster on our list, but it will definitely get the job done. With extra-wide slots, it can hold bagels and other thick types of bread, and an extra lift feature is perfect for pulling out items that aren’t easy to grab. Its simple controls include a control dial that lets you select one of 7 browning shades and special settings for bagels and defrosting frozen food. The drop-down crumb tray is not as convenient as those that slide out, but at least it has something. That’s a very small caveat for a comparatively cheap and very effective kitchen appliance.

What to consider when buying the best toasters

You can probably find dozens—if not hundreds—of toasters for $25 to $30. They’ll probably work well at first, but you might find yourself right back here looking for a replacement in a year or two. A bargain toaster isn’t actually a bargain if it stops working after a few hundred toasts. Plus, cheaply built toasters may be a fire hazard. 

That’s why our list is not based on the cheapest toasters you could find. When choosing the best toaster, you should consider its functionality, size, ease of operation, and browning settings. Your personal preferences may vary, but here’s a breakdown of these features, which will help you find the toaster you really want.

Settings

Since we all have preferences regarding how well we like our toast—and some types of bread require more or less browning time than others—browning settings are an important feature to consider. And with 4-slice toasters, a nice feature is the ability to control both sides separately since you may like your toast well, but your partner or kids may prefer a lighter shade.

Toasters can do more than just crisp up sliced bread. Most can toast bagels, frozen waffles, toaster pastries, artisan breads, English muffins, and many other foods you can put in a slot and heat without melting. While all of the toasters on our list have dedicated reheat and frozen settings, some may be able to do even more. For example, some toasters also have accessories for making Paninis and warming muffins on top of the toaster, while toaster ovens offer a plethora of other functions, including the ability to roast and broil entire meals.  

Size

Size matters. Two-slice toasters tend to be more compact, which makes them invaluable in tight spaces. Also, a 2-slice toaster is obviously not as expensive as its 4-slice counterpart. On the other hand, the toaster can become a bottleneck in the morning if everyone needs it at once. If you need to make toast for more than one person at a time, a 4-slice version can save you some time. 

Size is also an important consideration if you want to toast more than just supermarket-style sliced bread. For example, toasters with longer and/or wider slots are likelier to fit thick artisan bread—like sourdough, baguette, ciabatta, focaccia, and brioche.

Interior design

Another consideration is a removable crumb tray, which makes cleaning much easier. Some crumb trays are located in the front of the toaster, and some are on the side or on the back, but on models without a removable crumb tray, you’ll need to pick the toaster up and hold the crumb track over the trash can before opening it. Without a crumb tray (assuming those models even exist), you’ll have to turn the toaster upside down and shake it.  

Another convenience feature is a lift function that ensures the bread is high enough that you can get it out without testing your hand-eye coordination like you’re playing the Operation board game—except, instead of a buzzing sound, you’ll know you failed when you burn your fingers!

Ease of operation

Some toasters have touchscreens for selecting functions, others have buttons, and some stick to the classic dials and sliders. Only you can decide what feels right in your home, but it’s worth considering before you make your pick.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best toasters

• Best overall: Wolf Gourmet 4-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster
• Best smart toaster: Revolution R180 InstaGLO Toaster  
• Best 4-slice: Cuisinart Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster
• Best for fast toasting: Café Express 2-Slice Toaster  
• Best for bagels: Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster
• Best long slot: Cuisinart CPT-2500 Long Slot Toaster
• Best with a timer: All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster
• Best design: Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster
• Best toaster oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
• Best budget: Black & Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster

The toaster is a kitchen staple for a reason. Even though it’s usually a single-task appliance, many people get a lot of use out of it. If you’re a toast person, getting a great toaster can enhance the quality of your breakfast and, by extension, the quality of your day. But as we’ve seen, toasters have gotten a little more versatile over the years, with models that can accommodate larger types of bread, like bagels or English muffins. A smart toaster isn’t necessary, but touchscreens have come to this, the most humble of kitchen gadgets, without ruining it. It’s not a necessary appliance, but many kitchens don’t feel complete without a toaster.

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 toasters for 2024, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		ASUS ROG Strix		SEE IT	With the best refresh rate of any portable monitor, the Asus ROG Strix is great for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Best for laptops		Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K		SEE IT	The Arzopa’s 2K portable monitor shows that good things come in small packages.
Best budget		Arzopa A1 Gamut		SEE IT	The Arzopa A1 Gamut proves you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality portable monitor.

When you’re using a laptop or traveling and need more screen real estate, portable monitors provide new versatility and solid picture quality in an easily portable form factor. Plus, laptops, tablets, and smartphones provide convenience and mobility, but those small screens can cause headaches, blurry eyes, and fatigue. Trying to crowd a lot of information on such a small screen only exacerbates the problem—especially if you’re using computer devices for several hours a day. However, a portable monitor can provide a much better working and viewing experience. Picking the right one for you will depend on several factors, but we’ve done the legwork to select and highlight the best portable monitors currently on the market.

• Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)   
• Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K
• Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 
• Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
• Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C
• Best for drawing: Espresso Display
• Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz
• Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14
• Best unattached multiscreen: The Portable Monitor Slide
• Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

How we chose the best portable monitors

As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for publications including PopSci, CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Bob Vila. Our personal monitor selections are based on personal testing, extensive research, recommendations from fellow critics, and user impressions.

The best portable monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

A portable monitor can give you a dual-monitor experience even when you’re away from your desk setup. Even with the limitations of their size and form factor, the best portable monitors come in different sizes and have different features that can help you be more efficient with less digital eye strain. Whether you need it for work, school, or play, at least one of these displays should be a perfect fit.

Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 

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Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay

Why it made the cut: The ASUS ROG Strix has a high refresh rate and lots of great features, making it the best choice for most people.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.98 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LED
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Inputs: HDMI, USB, Audio jack
• Battery life: 7,800 mAh

Pros 

• 144Hz refresh rate
• Landscape and portrait modes, plus a universal tripod
• Nvidia G-Sync compatible
• Battery-powered option

Cons

• Expensive

Perhaps unsurprisingly from a company that makes excellent, and at times affordable, battlestation accessories, the best portable monitor is made for gaming. The ASUS ROG Strix 15.6-inch portable monitor is one of only a handful of models with a 144Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth animation in and out of games. 

Even if you don’t play much, it has some incredibly useful bells and whistles. Its kickstand rotates, so you can easily switch between traditional landscape or vertically-minded portrait mode. It also has stereo speakers in case you forget your headset at home.

In addition to a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, a USB Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to A adapter are also included. One usual feature is the universal tripod socket—a hole with a ¼” thread—which makes it convenient to use the portable monitor with a tripod stand. However, a sleeve, which can be used as a stand, is also included.

If you really want to max out your portable gaming setup, ASUS also makes an even bigger 17.3-inch version of the Strix portable monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. Most people, even gamers, don’t really need a 240Hz display, which is why we recommend the less expensive model. It may be worth the extra cash if you want to carry around a zero-compromises esports display, however.

Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K

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Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay

Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s monitor has a higher resolution than we expected to see at its price.

Specs

• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Weight: 1.41 pounds
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: 2 USB-C, 1 Mini HDMI, 1 headphone jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Compact size
• High-resolution screen
• Three inputs

Cons

• USB-C ports on one side

If you want something to pair with a smaller laptop, the 13.3-inch is the ideal second screen. The portable monitor has the same resolution as Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro (pictured above), which makes them a particularly good pair. Text, images, and videos look sharp on Arzopa’s screen, although I recommend immediately enabling its HDR mode, which wasn’t on by default. This setting will make colors look a lot more accurate, which is necessary if you’d like to use the portable monitor for image or video editing. In our tests, this portable monitor with a MacBook Pro benefited our productivity.

We were used to working on a display of its size and resolution, which made adapting our workflows a lot easier. Arzopa’s monitor has two USB-C ports and one Mini HDMI port to connect multiple devices simultaneously. The company bundles the portable monitor with both a USB-C cable and mini-HDMI cord so that you can use it with all of your devices right out of the box. Our only complaint is that both USB-C ports are located on one side, requiring us to snake the cord around the back of our MacBook to its Thunderbolt 4 ports. It’d be perfect if Arzopa could update this portable monitor’s design with one USB-C port on both sides.

Overall, we were happy with how easy the monitor was to set up and use. Our MacBook Pro recognized the monitor immediately, and we could adjust its resolution and color profile settings in the Display Preferences section of MacOS. It was also easy to adjust the monitor’s brightness, contrast, and HDR settings through a little switch on the right-hand side of the display. It only took about five minutes to fully set up Arzopa’s monitor, and it would’ve taken less time if we weren’t messing around with different settings.

Most 13.3-inch portable monitors are only 1080P, and the extra resolution on Arzopa’s 2K display makes a big difference. The ability to see even more information on the screen is reason enough to upgrade if you have a lower-resolution second screen. This is an excellent place to start if you’re new to portable monitors.

Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 

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Why it made the cut: The Innocn PU15 PRE is expensive, but its 4K OLED display is incomparable among portable displays. 

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 2.07 lbs
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB and HDMI
• Battery life: 5,000 mAh

Pros

• 4K resolution
• OLED panel
• Touch screen
• Portrait and landscape modes

Cons

• Very expensive

Innocn’s top OLED portable monitor is the most expensive pick on our list, and for good reason. Among desktop monitors and laptops, 4K OLED touchscreens don’t come cheap (and we won’t even talk about the best OLED TVs prices). Among portable monitors, they are virtually unheard of. Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays feature self-emitting backlit pixels that can independently turn on and off when an image calls for it, producing incredible contrast and a more vivid picture. Combine that with 4K resolution, and, well, it’s very pretty.

Meanwhile, the touchscreen feature allows you to use the portable monitor like a drawing tablet. It has stereo speakers, in case you need them, and it can be used in both portrait and landscape mode. At $799.99, it is considerably more expensive than the rest of our picks, but it also delivers a higher class of picture.

Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT

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Buy it used or refurbished here: Amazon

Why it made the cut: The ASUS Zenscreen Touch’s portable touchscreen is responsive and easy to use. You can even draw on it.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.98 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: 2 Micro USB
• Battery life: 7,800 mAh

Pros

• Touchscreen
• Built-in speakers
• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3

Cons

• Have to download driver for USB Type-A connection

The ASUS ZenScreen Touch’s 10-point 1080p touchscreen won us over with its intuitive fingertip control, which makes it incredibly easy to make changes to documents, play games, and draw on slides. It comes with many of the basic features we look for, including stereo speakers and a smart case kickstand. Having a portable monitor with a touchscreen is especially helpful for traveling workers getting things done on a phone. You can use the ZenScreen Touch app to control your Android phone, making it a perfect pairing for a powerful smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. There’s even a smartpen holder for your stylus to ensure you don’t lose it when not in use.

Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C

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Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s A1C is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that can be used for email and Slack.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.69 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LED
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Inputs: HDMI, USB, Audio jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros 

• Price
• Multiple connectivity options
• Low blue light protection

Cons

• Hinge system is finicky

Arzopa’s A1C portable monitor shares many of the same features as the company’s 2K model, which we recommended earlier, but at a significantly lower cost. The build quality of the display is solid, save for its folding stand, which required a fair amount of time to fully understand.

You need to fold it in a particular way, which was unclear due to the vague instructions—that said, setting up the monitor was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it. You can connect this portable monitor to your device using the included USB-C to USB-C or micro-HDMI to HDMI cable. We exclusively used the former. Our computer quickly recognized the monitor, and we could immediately begin using it.

This display’s 1080P resolution is a step down from Arzopa’s 2K model, but it still displayed colors very well, and text looked pretty clear. HD videos looked perfectly fine on this monitor, and the display is the perfect place to keep spare windows you need to use or reference while working on your computer’s main screen. While the A1C can be used horizontally, using it vertically will make it more comfortable to view certain applications. Email and chat apps (think Slack or Google Teams) work particularly well this way, as do long-form articles.

Basically, turning the monitor on its side gives you a more smartphone or tablet-like experience. The only downside is you have to deal with a cable sticking up over the monitor to your computer. When the A1C is used in this capacity, it can improve your productivity. If you’re trying to mitigate the negative effects of staring at a screen all day, you’ll appreciate this monitor’s built-in blue light protection, which may reduce eye strain during extended use.

If you’ve been holding out on getting a portable monitor by waiting for a good deal, it’s hard to argue with the Arzopa A1C’s value.

Best for drawing: Espresso Display

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Why it made the cut: The Espresso Display has a stylus pen that can be used to draw, sketch, retouch photos, and edit videos on the portable monitor.

Specs 

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB-C (2)
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Touchscreen with stylus function
• Automatically rotates
• Ultra-thin design
• Available in 2 display sizes
• Compatible with various artistic apps
• Built-in speakers

Cons

• Stylus (plus stand and case) are extra

Creatives looking for a portable monitor to complement their main display will appreciate the level of functionality and convenience available on the Espresso Display. It has both touchscreen and pen capabilities, which makes it easier to be productive anywhere. The portable monitor, made of aeronautical grade aluminum, offers two USB ports and is compatible with Mac. It can also support numerous apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchbook, Microsoft Whiteboard, Mural, FigJam, Miro, and ZBrush.

The monitor can be used for document markups as well as whiteboarding. The 15.6-inch version is the largest of the espresso Display models (the other two are 13-inch and 13-inch touch versions), but it’s incredibly slim: 0.2 inches thin and weighing only 2 pounds.

The only problem we found with the espresso Display is that everything is considered extra. The company ships the espresso Display Monitor, USB-C to USB-C cable, and a cleaning cloth. However, the pen, stand, and case are extra.  These items can be purchased separately or in a bundle.

Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz

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Why it made the cut: The generous screen provides plenty of viewing space, and the 300Hz refresh rate is ideal for gaming.

Specs

• Screen size: 17.3 inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 300Hz
• Inputs: USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Battery life:  N/A

Pros

• 300Hz refresh rate
• Adjustable kickstand
• Dual Hi-Fi Speakers
• FreeSync, G-SYNC
• Delta-E <2 color accuracy
• Built-in kickstand

Cons

• Doesn’t come in a 13-inch version

If you need an extra monitor for gaming but would prefer something portable that’s easy to break down, store, and transport, the Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz portable monitor certainly fits the bill. The generous 17.3-inch screen eliminates the need to squint and ensures that you can see more of the game. It’s compatible with Playstation, Switch, and Xbox. Or you can use it with any game console with an HDMI or USB Type-C output.

The monitor features a 300Hz refresh rate and is compatible with FreeSync and G-SYNC to provide a seamless gaming experience and lag-free response time.  Gamers will find this particularly important as tearing and stuttering are greatly minimized. And the Delta-E <2 provides accurate colors for a more realistic experience.

The dual Hi-Fi speakers make it easier to hear and be immersed while gaming, though you’ll likely still want to invest in a gaming headset. The built-in kickstand keeps the portable monitor securely in place and can be adjustable from 50 degrees to 80 degrees. There’s also a magnetic protective cover to keep the monitor safe from dust, a foldable stand, and an IR remote.

In addition to the 17.3-inch model, Nexigo also makes a 16-inch version along with models with different refresh rates.

Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14

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Why it made the cut: Dual monitors attach to either side of your laptop to provide a 3-screen setup.

Specs

• Screen size: 14 inches on each side
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1200
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB-C, HDMI, Displayport, VGA
• Battery life:  N/A

Pros

• Leather Smart Case
• Kickstand on back and top center 
• Delta-E <2 color accuracy
• Fits 13-inch to 16-inch laptops

Cons

• Not compatible with M1 and M2 chip MacBooks (but does support M1 Pro and M1 Max chip).

Perhaps the only thing better than an extra monitor is two extra monitors. The LIMINK LK14 Portable Triple Monitor attaches to your laptop and provides one monitor on the left side and another one on the right side. (Note: dual monitor setups are referred to as “triple” monitors because when set up correctly, they provide three monitors – including the laptop’s monitor).

We like this dual monitor setup because it doesn’t put undue pressure on the laptop. The LIMINK LK14 uses metal clips and a pull ring to attach the device. The 8-level kickstand on the back ensures that the installation is secure and allows the laptop screen to be tilted from 0 to 45 degrees. Since there are two monitors, it requires two cables to connect (one for each monitor). It’s worth noting that each monitor has three ports.

The aluminum alloy body is strong and corrosion-resistant, but the monitors are still lightweight. When the monitors are not in use, they collapse in the middle and can be stored in the leather smart case for easy transportation.

Best unattached multi-screen: The Portable Monitor Slide

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Why it made the cut: You don’t have to attach your laptop to these dual portable monitors physically, and it can fold into a triangle for sharing your screen with others.

Specs

• Screen size: 13.3 inches x 2  
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Both monitors are rotatable
• 14-level kickstand
• Connects via single cable
• Available in 2 finishes

Cons

• Costs a pretty penny
• Heavier than some dual monitors

Like most snobbish MacBook owners, I like to keep my laptops smooth and clean—so I don’t really like the idea of attaching anything to the exterior. Fortunately, the Slide not only fits on laptops of any size, but the dual monitors are also standalone, so I can just slide my laptop monitor right up against the area where the laptop attaches. This means that I can also use the dual monitors with a smartphone or tablet instead of a laptop. 

Most dual portable monitors need two cables (one for each monitor). However, the Slide only needs one cable for power and video transfer from both monitors. This results in a cleaner, less-cluttered workspace.

The dual monitors can rotate to form a triangle (the left monitor rotates 180 degrees, and the left monitor rotates 60 degrees), making this an excellent choice for presentations or group collaborations. This configuration allows you to provide three viewing angles instead of having people crowd around you. Even when you’re not presenting, having two extra screens significantly increases your viewing real estate. The Slide is available in either a Premium Aluminum or a Carbon finish.

Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

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Why it made the cut: The Arzopa A1 Gamut offers an ideal balance of features, quality, and price.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.44 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: Mini HDMI, dual USB-C, Audio jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Compatible with most devices
• IPS display offers large viewing angles
• Bright, large display
• Plug-and-play design

Cons

• New stand design is a separate piece that could get lost
• Built-in speakers are lacking in quality

Too often, you have to choose between quality and price. The Arzopa A1 Gamut offers a compromise with excellent quality despite the reasonable $149 price. And it frequently goes on sale, so you can usually get it much cheaper. The large 15.6-inch display with slim bezels provides a large viewing area. It made our transition from a large desktop monitor to a portable monitor much easier when on the go.

Arzopa designed the A1 Gamut with an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution, which results in sharp, clear images and text. You can easily adjust the brightness on the side of the monitor. We found it plenty bright, even when working in rooms with lots of windows and light. And the IPS display makes it easier to see at a range of angles, even if there are windows directly behind you. The 1200:1 contrast ratio is higher than many portable monitors, resulting in a rich, attractive display. While it won’t provide perfectly accurate colors, it works for editing photos in a pinch—just be prepared to make adjustments if you plan on printing the images later.

The A1 Gamut is incredibly easy to set up and use. It comes with all of the cords you may need to connect to your favorite devices and features two USB-C ports along with a mini HDMI port. All you need to do is plug in the monitor, which automatically turns on. You won’t need to fuss with downloading drivers or anything of the sort, as it’s a true plug-and-play device. The main downside is that the ports are all on the left side, which happens to be the same side as our MacBook Pro, making the connection a little less than ideal.

Arzopa redesigned the stand since our version, and it is now a separate metal piece. That separate piece could be easy to lose. But it offers an adjustable height, which is not typical for portable monitors, and makes the display more ergonomic. Unfortunately, the new stand means there is no longer a built-in cover for the A1 Gamut, so you will want to take care when packing it up for travel. 

What to consider when buying the best portable monitors

There are several factors to consider when choosing between portable monitors. Budget, resolution, and ease of connectivity are usually top of mind. However, other factors may depend on your personal preferences. These are some of the features you should keep in mind to ensure the portable monitor meets your needs:

Screen size

Portable monitors tend to mirror the sizes of laptop displays, coming in sizes from 14 inches to 15.6 inches to 17 inches. Since you’re always moving portable displays around, picking a screen size comes down to personal preference. A larger screen looks great and makes things easier to see, but remember that a larger screen will take up more space on your desk or table and in your laptop bag or suitcase.

Connectivity

Most portable monitors connect to devices via USB-C and/or mini-HDMI cables (such as this inexpensive AmazonBasics option). While an increasingly wide array of phones, tablets, PCs, and other devices support USB-C, you may need a USB-C hub, adapters, or a USB-A to USB-C cable. Likewise, if you already have a standard HDMI cable, you may need to purchase an HDMI to mini-HDMI adapter for mini-HDMI-based screens. Make sure that the monitor you select has the ports you need to pair it wherever you plan to use it, including your laptop, smartphone, tablet, camera, and game consoles.

Resolution

Your portable monitor’s resolution will determine the sharpness and clarity of its picture. As you can see, based on our selections, most portable monitors support 1080p resolution (often referred to as Full HD). That puts it on par with most basic and mid-range desktop monitors. There are high-resolution models, including some portable 4K monitors. And, just like when shopping, say, for desktop monitors for Macs, they cost quite a bit more.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how many times your monitor can redraw an image each second. A higher refresh rate opens the door for a higher frame rate in games and smoother movement in menus and other software. All monitors on this list feature a 60Hz refresh rate, meaning the screen updates 60 times a second. That’s lower than we’d recommend for a standard monitor, but it is standard among portable monitors. That said, there is a 144Hz display, which stands out as an especially good choice for gaming and drawing.

All IPS, all the time

While desktop monitor panels come in a few flavors, all of the portable monitors on our list are In-Plane Switching (IPS) displays. This technology ensures color accuracy and better views from wider angles (for example, even if someone is standing on the far-left side of the monitor, the view should be good. However, it’s debatable if an IPS display panel makes that much of a difference in a portable monitor. 

Audio

Some portable monitors include built-in speakers (and headphone jacks), which may or may not be important in certain situations. If you’re connecting your monitor to a computer or phone, you may already have the audio covered through the device. In general, the speakers on these monitors aren’t especially impressive, so powered desktop speakers or over-ear headphones are usually the way to go. That said, if you think that monitor audio will be useful, be sure to check for that feature.

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best portable monitors

• Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)   
• Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K
• Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 
• Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
• Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C
• Best for drawing: Espresso Display
• Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz
• Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14
• Best unattached multiscreen: The Portable Monitor Slide
• Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut