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We rounded up the best sales and deals happening online today, including discounts at Chewy, Columbia, and Reformation.
Deals in this story are subject to change throughout the day. The prices listed reflect the deal at the time of publication. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out our roundup of the best deals from Amazon.
Celebrate National Dog Day this week by purchasing treats, food, or toys for your furry friend. Right now, when you spend $100 on select items at Chewy, you can score a $30 gift card.
Classic Dog Toy (medium, Preferred: Chewy)Classic Launcher Dog Toy (medium)
Right now, you can save up to 50% off boots, jackets, pants, and tops during Columbia's Summer Sale. Get discounts on some of Columbia's best-selling apparel.
Women's Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket (medium, Preferred: Columbia)Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece Hoodie (medium, Preferred: Columbia)
Reformation is a sustainable clothing brand selling mostly online, with a few retail stores around the US. Right now, you can get up to 50% off dresses, tops, and jeans. Everything is final sale, so make sure you know your sizes before purchasing items.
If you've ever wondered what kind of dog you have, Embark's Breed and Health Kit can give you those answers. Plus, the test will tell you genetic health conditions and ancestry. You can save $50 on the test using the exclusive promo code INSIDER at check out. Read our full review of the Embark Breed and Health Kit here.
Save 30% on your first month's subscription to Pawp. Get 24/7 access to vets and other pet experts through unlimited telehealth appointments for your cat and dog. Use the link to get an Insider-exclusive discount on your first month.
Save 50% on your first box from The Farmer's Dog while supplies last when you order through the Insider-exclusive link. Create a meal plan made with fresh ingredients that is specifically designed to fit your dog's needs.
The site houses over 2,000 classes taught by industry-leading experts. The community includes over 10 million students and each class falls under one of five categories: photo and video; art and design; music and audio; craft and maker; or money and life.
As a CreativeLive student, you can watch on-air broadcasts for free for 24-hours a day, or buy an individual class and own it for life with the option to watch, rewind, and access bonus materials whenever. As part of a sitewide sale, all classes are currently 75% off through August 31.
If you're looking for a way to develop a creative habit, add industry know-how, or expand a creative business, then CreativeLive may be a tool worth considering.
As a photographer, you will need to master the technical basics of the camera and form an understanding of the types of equipment you need. The Fundamentals of Photography class will also teach something even more important (and crucial for success) — how to bring your creative vision to fruition.
Taught by seasoned photographer John Greengo, who specializes in outdoor and travel photography, the Fundamentals of Photography places emphasis on quality visuals and experiential learning. In this course, you'll learn:
How to bring together the elements of manual mode to create an evocative image: shutter speed, aperture, and image composition.
How to choose the right gear and develop efficient workflow.
How to recognize and take advantage of beautiful natural light.
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life
Do you feel stuck and anxious about the future? Do you feel like you should know what you want to do with your life but you aren't sure which direction to head?
Mel Robbins is the most booked female speaker in the world, a serial entrepreneur, and a bestselling author. She is one of the most sought-after motivational instructors trusted by global brands to design and deliver life-changing, interactive experiences that inspire change, challenge thinking, and accelerate personal and professional growth.
If you are plagued by imposter syndrome, suffer from anxiety or low self-esteem, or fall into the trap of self-pity that keeps you from seeing positive outcomes, you're definitely not alone.
Mel will give you concrete, actionable advice and steps to overcome these problems and build the confidence to realize your dreams. After this class, you'll better understand your patterns, what to do to break unhealthy habits, act with courage, self-compassion, and overcome self-doubt so you can get what you want out of life.
Posing is one of the fundamentals of great photography. It's also the thing that photographers have the least control over. We can choose our lenses, set up, lighting, and retouch with Adobe Photoshop. But when it comes to photography poses, we need to pay attention and work closely with our subjects to find the perfect pose and best way to capture the most flattering image.
Fashion and portrait photographer Lindsay Adler will break down the fundamentals of perfect posing, giving you the basic rules you should follow to make your subjects and your photos look their best. Through live photo shoots and slides, Lindsay demonstrates the do's and don'ts for every category of subject, including men, women, older people, couples, brides and grooms, groups, and more.
Adobe Photoshop 2020 is a feature-rich creative force, perfect for turning raw ideas into audience-wowing images. With Ben Willmore as your guide, you can master it faster than you think and take on a new decade of projects.
Ben takes you step-by-step through Adobe Photoshop 2020 as only he can. With an easy pace and zero technobabble, he demystifies this powerful program and makes you feel confident enough to create anything. This class is part of a fully-updated bundle – complete with 2020 features and more efficient ways to maximize the tools everyone uses most.
Adobe Lightroom is the industry standard for post-production workflow and in Adobe Lightroom: The Ultimate Guide, you'll learn Jared Platt's gold standard for retouching and managing files quickly and efficiently.
Jared will show the ins and outs of Lightroom Classic, Lightroom Mobile, and Lightroom Desktop. He'll demystify the difference between each and demonstrate when to use each one for maximum output.
Jared will share tips on improving every phase of your workflow – from shooting to archiving. You'll learn how to take advantage of the latest Lightroom tools and features and become faster and more skilled at adjusting your images.
Sue Bryce's 28 Days is the all-in-one portrait photography class that teaches you posing, shooting, marketing, selling, and everything else you need to know to run a successful contemporary portrait photography business.
This series begins with two sessions of intense instruction on business, pricing, and overcoming your fears. Following the kickoff, Sue delivers short sessions exploring 28 different topics essential to any successful portrait photography studio. Sue covers flow posing, connecting with clients, posing and shooting groups, marketing to your key demographic, sales, and more.
This workshop will give you the confidence to incorporate small portable flash in your photography toolkit. From shooting receptions at weddings or adding drama in senior portraits, this workshop will include lots of live shooting examples that will help everything make sense. Once you start working with a portable flash, you'll never understand how you lived without it.
Victoria Will's background as a photojournalist and celebrity photographer helped her develop techniques on editorial assignments to quickly connect with a subject. She'll show you how to use your environment to capture a unique image that reflects the person in the portrait. She'll also highlight how to quickly evaluate a less than perfect situation and make it work for you and your subject.
You'll learn:
Techniques for choosing the light, process, and locations for a successful portrait.
How to build a rapport and utilize clear communication with your subjects.
How to set up a developed concept, as well as how to light on the fly.
Successful strategies for marketing yourself as a photographer and how to get your work in front of editors.
In order to make money as a photographer, you have to know how to price, package, and sell your work. In this 3-day course, small business owner and award-winning portrait photographer Julia Kelleher will teach you how to create a strategic sales system — without relying on over-the-top, hard-selling sales techniques.
By the end of this course, you will know how to predict your sales averages, forecast growth, and go from thinking about the next single sale to thinking about the next year of sales.
Photographers are hired to capture portraits that accentuate the best features of their subjects. Fashion photographer Lindsay Adler will share techniques on how to photograph your full-figured and curvier clients by accentuating their lines and creating beautiful silhouettes.
This class will cover:
Styling suggestions for full-figured women including a bridal session.
Camera angles and posing techniques for the most flattering images.
Photoshop techniques to help highlight your curvy subject.
If you've photographed groups before, you know it can be a challenge. This class will answer your questions and cover the most important considerations to keep in mind for your next group session. You'll learn depth of field, lens choice, posing, focus considerations, light modifiers, light position, and more.
Images of architectural interiors present particular challenges for retouchers. In this class, architecture photographer Mike Kelley will show you how to use exposure blending, manual masking, advanced blemish removal, curve adjustments and other techniques to achieve stunning interior shots.
You'll see how Mike overcomes extreme dynamic range, color casts from various sources, and difficult perspective issues to create a professional interior architectural photograph.
Workflow, Time Management, and Productivity for Creatives
Fine artist, illustrator, and author Lisa Congdon has worked with over 75 clients around the world including MoMA, REI Co-op, Harvard University, Martha Stewart Living, Chronicle Books, and Random House Publishing, among many others.
In this class, she will teach you how to establish effective workflows and time management strategies that will streamline your processes and maximize creative work time.
Among other things, you will learn:
How to organize and implement a workflow system.
How to manage to-do lists effectively.
How to utilize time-blocking.
How to identify and manage the distractions that keep you from being productive.
In this class, Peter Hurley, author of "The Headshot," reveals his methodology for capturing amazing headshot portraits.
Hurley spent the last two years formulating these unique concepts into his highly anticipated book and will demonstrate how his simple techniques can help bring the best out of every person you photograph. His "squinching" phenomenon has gone viral and continues to have people using his signature lower lid move every time they step foot in front of a camera.
Photographs are among our most treasured possessions, but not every photo was shot under optimal conditions or preserved in an ideal way, which makes photo restoration a big business opportunity for skilled photographers and retouchers.
If you want to answer every,"Can you fix it?" with a resounding "Yes," Adobe Photoshop Mastery with Ben Willmore is the class for you.
You'll learn how to tackle:
Advanced color correction and enhancement techniques.
Retouching and scratch removal strategies.
Detail enhancements.
Folds, scratch, mildew, ink, and water stain repairs.
Reconstruction of missing pieces such as torn corners and rips.
How to fix faded images and make skin tones more lifelike.
You'll also learn what actions to take, the optimal order to perform them, and which tools are right for the job. Ben will share time-saving tips and offer insights on the corrections that create the biggest impact.
Join Molly Murrah for a fun, 5-week watercolor class for beginners. Learn about color, papers, brushes, drawing, and composition, as well as many great painting techniques that will get you working and playing with watercolors. The class will cover lessons such as paint properties, understanding color, the color wheel, mixing colors, light and shadow, and more.
Color for Designers: Exploration, Theory, & Application
Our response to color comes from the place in our brain where trust, loyalty, behavior, and decision occur. Every successful project relies on a designer making smart choices about color.
In this class, Richard Mehl will give you a foundational understanding of color theory principles and demonstrate how to apply them. Richard has studied alongside design legends like Paul Rand, Bradbury Thompson, and Herbert Matter, and will share insights gleaned from 12 years of teaching and writing about color in design.
Richard takes an accessible approach to the serious study of color theory for designers. You'll be exposed to a relevant series of ideas and skills by exploring a range of analog and digital projects.
Learn how to shoot and retouch with shadows and dark tones in this class led by photographer Chris Knight. Students study how to maximize details in dark imagery through lighting and post-production. Chris will take you from concept through execution covering simple (yet effective) lighting techniques as well as tethering tips with Adobe Lightroom.
He'll also discuss how to develop the raw image, as well as retouching tactics to make your image appear powerful and purposeful.
The emotional and physical energy of weddings makes for good photography, but a wedding photographer does more than simple, passive documentation of the revelry. Great wedding photography immortalizes the story of the event by combining a mastery of technical skills in a highly dynamic environment, and the social skills to put people at ease and capture genuine moments.
Join Rocco Ancora and Ryan Schembri for this in-depth class on wedding photography and powerful storytelling. You'll learn:
The fundamentals of shooting a wedding — lighting, exposure, and composition.
How to maximize the use of natural and artificial light to create the mood.
What to do once the wedding is over — image culling, album development, and sales.
This class places heavy emphasis on developing strong posing and direction techniques and deploying them in a natural, non-confrontational manner. Rocco and Ryan believe that the job of the wedding photographer is to understand the story of the evening and to document it as a journalist would, with technical confidence and the mind on storytelling. All levels of wedding photographers will benefit from this class.
The US has been steadily recovering from major pandemic-related job losses experienced in the spring of 2020.
However, not all states may get back to pre-pandemic levels of employment by the end of this year.
During the first wave of the pandemic, the US lost more than 22 million jobs in just March and April of last year. Overall, the US is still down 5.7 million jobs from February 2020 after gaining 943,000 in July. If the US continues to add as many jobs as it has on average over the last three months, it could take until February 2022 to get back to pre-pandemic employment.
Exactly when specific states and DC will recover varies. The new state unemployment and employment data released on Friday gives us a closer look at how long recovery could take. For some states, such as Montana and North Carolina, recovery could be just a few months away. For others, it may not be as quick.
Insider looked at changes in nonfarm payroll employment for every state and DC. We took the most recent three-month average changes, between May 2021 and July 2021, to see when states could get back to pre-pandemic nonfarm payrolls if they continue at that pace. Alaska, Wyoming, and Kentucky had negative three-month averages, so we weren't able to project when they could recover.
Some states have ended participation in federal unemployment benefits, including the extra $300 weekly unemployment benefits, earlier than the September expiration. One reason cited is to get Americans back into the labor force. As the latest state employment data showed, however, cutoff states and those not cutting unemployment benefits are making similar gains back.
"Full pandemic view shows how employment is rising at similar rates in cutoff and other states in recent months," Jed Kolko, chief economist at Indeed, wrote on Twitter after the release of the July data. "Job losses were more severe in non-cutoff states because they differ in many ways from cutoff states -- most importantly in their industry & occupation mix."
The following six charts take a look at when the states and DC could get back to pre-pandemic employment and recover job losses seen during the pandemic based on their three-month averages of job growth.
Recovery for some states could be just a couple of months away, while for some it could take longer than a year.
The chart shows that some states could still be below pre-pandemic levels at the end of next year if they continue to create jobs at the same rate as they have over the last three months.
The rest of our charts break up this big complex chart showing all the states into smaller groups so that it's easier to see which states may take the shortest and longest time to get back to pre-pandemic levels of employment.
Two states have already reached pre-pandemic levels of employment, and five others could recover by November 2021.
Utah and Idaho have already returned to pre-pandemic levels of employment. These two states didn't see as big of a percent decline from February 2020 to April 2020 that some other states did.
Vermont, which had the largest monthly percent increase in July 2021 at 2.3%, could be above February 2020 employment as soon as November 2021 if it continues its three-month average job growth.
Arizona could have the quickest rebound among states that haven't still fully recovered. If the state adds another 25,400 jobs in August, the state's three-month average, it will then be back to employment seen before the pandemic.
Of the seven states in the chart, five of them had previously announced cutting extra federal unemployment benefits early. North Carolina and Vermont are the only two that didn't make this announcement among these states.
Eleven states, including Rhode Island and Florida, could get back to pre-pandemic levels by March 2022.
South Dakota isn't too far behind pre-pandemic employment as of July, at just 1.0% below February 2020 nonfarm payrolls. Based on its three-month average of about 767 added jobs per month, it's poised to return to pre-pandemic levels by the beginning of next year.
Of the states on the above chart, Rhode Island has the largest percent decline from February 2020 and April 2020 and is the furthest below pre-pandemic employment among these 11 states as of July 2021. It could take until March 2022 for this state to recover job losses seen during the pandemic, same for Alabama.
Another 11 states may recover by July 2022.
Nevada and Hawaii both saw major percent declines in employment from February 2020 to April 2020. Both have large tourism industries that took a big hit during pandemic-related travel restrictions and during a drop in travel demand.
However, Hawaii had the second-largest percent increase in July and a three-month average of 7,400. If it keeps up this pace, the state could see a full recovery by June 2022. Four other states join Hawaii in potentially reaching February 2020 levels during that month.
Nine states and DC could get back to pre-pandemic employment by November 2022.
Kansas is not as far below pre-pandemic levels as the other states in this group. Kansas and Maryland are both poised to return to pre-pandemic levels by September 2022. California added 93,500 jobs per month on average between May and July. That means the state could make its way back to pre-pandemic levels by August 2022 if it continues to add jobs at this level.
But a few states may not recover by November 2022 if they keep adding jobs at their current pace.
North Dakota will take the longest to recover if the state continues to see payroll gains at its current three-month average. The state gained 700 nonfarm payrolls in July and had no growth the month before; it had a three-month average change in nonfarm payrolls of around 200. If it continues at this slow rate, it would take until the end of 2032 to return to February 2020 levels.
North Dakota had seen larger job growth in earlier months, like in April 2021 where it had a monthly gain of 1,800, and a rebound to faster growth like that would speed up recovery.
New York and Michigan both saw some of the largest percent declines in their employment from February 2020 to April 2020, both greater than -20.0%. Although they are slowly adding back jobs, they are two states that still have a long way to go unless they see larger monthly job gains.
Three states — Alaska, Wyoming, and Kentucky — had negative three-month averages between May and July, so we weren't able to calculate when these states may get back to pre-pandemic levels just yet.
If you gift a product from the show "Shark Tank," then you know it'll be both creative and practical.
Games, kitchen tools, and food are thoughtful gifts to give the "Shark Tank" fan in your life.
Most of these items are available with Prime two-day shipping, so they will likely arrive quickly.
One of our favorite shows to spot new products and enjoy some entertaining celebrity judge banter is "Shark Tank," which is currently in its 12th season.
As we've seen over the years, some pitches do extremely well, while others aren't so lucky — but the fact remains that the show brings forward new and innovative ideas most of us have never considered.
This handy phone device completely sanitizes your phone while also charging it. It fits most phone sizes and small accessories like headphones or smartwatches. Stay healthy and safe with this innovative design.
A memory foam pillow with a hood for more restful flights
If privacy and comfort are essential for your giftee during long trips, this hoodie pillow is a perfect travel accessory. The cozy pillow is made from memory foam covered with premium sweatshirt material. With the addition of the hood, the travel pillow blocks light and reduces sounds.
One size fits all with these adjustable wrist and ankle weights that upgrade your next workout. With a set of either one pound or two, they provide additional exercise to everyday activities.
One of the most popular Shark Tank products is the Scrub Daddy, which is designed to fit in your hand while also offering powerful scrubbing. The sponges change from hard to soft textures depending on if you're using them in cold or hot water.
If they go through notebook after notebook, this reusable option offers a long-lasting solution. Use the included pen to take any notes, then scan each page using the accompanying app to save the pages in the program of your choice.
Insider Reviews executive editor Sally Kaplan can't recommend this posture corrector enough. If your recipient suffers from back pain, this ergonomic belt provides the relief they'll need.
This clever product lets you hide gifts inside a cake, giving the gift an extra oomph and wow factor. As long as it fits inside the Gift Pod, which measures 2.8 inches by 6 inches, it can go in the cake.
They'll never have the guilty feeling of tossing a semi-full container again with this fun and useful two-piece set. The Spatty can be used in cosmetics, condiments, and any other container they can think of. Afterwards, it's safe to throw in the dishwasher for cleaning.
If they are passionate about creating less waste, these reusable paper towels are a great alternative to their one-time use counterparts. Made of organically-sourced bamboo, these paper towels can be machine washed up to 100 times. The eco-friendly benefits don't stop there: for every Bambooee roll sold the company pledges to plant a tree.
A tool to protect their fingers during home renovation projects
This simple tool will help them get through their ambitious home renovation projects without injuring their fingers. The Safety Nailer holds screws and nails steady when drilling or hammering and is designed to be used with either hand.
The cards are available in eight different "Marvel" designs, or you can visit Lovepop's Amazon page to find other types of themes. Don't worry — there's still room to write an actual message for your recipient in the included notecard.
The Prank Pack isn't the actual gift, but it is a funny way to prank your recipient and trick them into thinking they're receiving a strange or gimmicky present. The co-founder is a former writer at The Onion, so expect nothing less than hilarious fake products and product descriptions that your recipient will have to pretend to enjoy.
A travel accessory that combines a hoodie with a memory foam pillow
The clever design of this two-in-one hoodie and memory foam pillow, which feels like their favorite fleece sweatshirt, lets them fall asleep comfortably while traveling. The hood helps block out light and noise, while the pillow provides soft neck support.
The days of fighting over the limited number of edge pieces are over. With this unique pan, every piece has two delectable, chewy edges. Other than to make brownies, they can also use it for other desserts, pasta, or any baked good that requires some extra crust.
Rich, dessert-like peanut butter spread packed with protein
For the family's resident sweet tooth or fitness enthusiast, get these chunky, sweet-and-salty peanut butter spreads. They contain whey protein isolate, providing 11 grams of protein per serving, and they're low-sugar and low-carb. Spread the creative flavors, which include birthday cake and gingerbread, over pancakes or fruit, or enjoy them straight out of the jar.
On a beautiful sunny day at any park in the city, you'll probably see at least one group playing this fun and active game. With rules similar to volleyball, it's easy to learn so the whole family can get involved. Prior to the pandemic, the company even held nationwide tournaments.
A glass that makes any wine bottle into a single serving
This handy tool can attach a glass to nearly any bottle of wine. It's odor-free, virtually unbreakable, and top-rack dishwasher safe. Plus, it lies at the intersection between a humorous white elephant gift and an actually useful accessory, given how the past year has panned out.
Using sound waves, this cool appliance turns any can or bottle of beer into fresh draft beer by turning its natural carbonation into compacted micro bubbles. All they have to do is insert their favorite beer, then pull and push the tap to receive the enhanced version of their IPA, pilsner, or stout.
Featuring a patented footrest design that helps young kids find their center of gravity, this bike builds the confidence needed to transition to riding a proper bike. The ergonomic, adjustable handles and seat will get kids comfortable and ready to ride right away. The bike weighs only eight pounds and the puncture-free tires never need air.
This beautiful 100% Turkish cotton towel also works as a throw or wall tapestry. It's thin and compact, but durable. Plus, the company donates 10% of profits to help preserve marine life.
Gift an avid outdoor adventurer this premium paddle board and you'll have a difficult time getting them to return to shore. Its design provides for better balance and stability, while a bottom fin makes it easier to maneuver. It inflates and deflates quickly, so it can be brought anywhere — but unlike many other inflatable boards, it's strong and rigid.
High-fidelity earplugs to protect their ears during concerts
If they plan on attending a lot of loud shows as soon as concerts are safe again, their eardrums may be facing the consequences. Wearing these comfortable earplugs can reduce decibel levels by up to 22 decibels, but they don't cancel out noise completely. Instead, they only filter out certain frequencies, so your recipient will still be able to enjoy the crisp vocals and instrumentation of their favorite band.
The famous "Comfy" sweatshirt that they'll never want to take off
You can practically feel the comfortable softness and warmth of this oversized blanket sweater just by looking at it. Cozy up in The Comfy by the fireplace, at sports games, or while watching rom-coms.
The creator of the cutest little baby shoes you've ever seen got her start picking up yard sale leather scraps and selling on Etsy. Today, parents everywhere are obsessed with the unique and comfortable 100% leather designs that infuse style into their baby's every step.
The problem with traditional plastic protein powder shakers is that they tend to absorb odor and won't keep the contents cold. Former NFL player Chris Gronkowski's stainless steel water bottle is double-insulated, spill-proof, and odor-free — the upgrade that fitness enthusiasts deserve.
A funny card game that tests the financial limits of various outrageous scenarios
Every card begins with the prompt, "How much money would it take me..." followed by a funny situation. It was a big success on both "Shark Tank," with four Sharks giving offers, and on Kickstarter.
Ring may not have secured a deal with the Sharks, but it did strike up a deal with Amazon for over $1 billion in 2018, so it's doing just fine. The smart security system has two-way talk, sends motion-activated alerts, and works with Alexa, giving homeowners the peace of mind that their house will be safe, regardless of whether or not they're home.
After constantly getting injured while running, cofounder Steven Sashen switched to barefoot running and loved the effects, so he created a thin running sandal. These comfortable and supportive shoes are great for runners and could inspire them to kick-start their 2021 running goals. They can also be used for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Parents will appreciate any help they can get. The placemat stays right in place on any flat surface, making it that much easier to get food from the plate into their child's mouth.
A temperature-regulating machine that goes under their bed
As an engineer who developed the heating and cooling systems of NASA spacesuits, the creator of BedJet has the perfect background to improve the sleep experience. Since temperature often impedes a good night's sleep, the BedJet blows hot or cold air onto the bed and over their body and creates "biorhythm sleep sequences" throughout the night.
Is there anything more frustrating to an avid beer drinker than a cold one that's less than cold in just half an hour? The insulated stainless steel BottleKeeper, complete with bottle opener, keeps their beer colder for a longer period of time. It's also a smart way to protect against drops and spills.
What seems like a gag gift has actually come in handy for many busy students, parents, and office workers because it takes away the need for a stove and dish-washing session, cooks the noodles more quickly, and requires less water. It's the perfect size for a block of ramen and a faster, more reliable alternative to stovetop cooking.
There are rules and restrictions; US tourists must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country using Canada's ArriveCAN app at least 72 hours before arriving.
But once inside, Canada offers everything from bustling urban centers in places like Montreal or Toronto where I grew up, to remote sanctuaries with soaring mountain peaks, glistening emerald waters, and abundant wildlife.
If you've been waiting 17 long months to plan a trip to Canada, the following list represents the best hotels in each major area that promises to make up for lost time.
Browse all the best hotels in Canada below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
The Sheraton Fallsview Hotel is a 22-story, newly renovated hotel with stunning views of Niagara Falls from both the American and Canadian sides. It also has a highly-rated spa, casino access, and an outdoor pool with a bar, cabanas, and views of the falls.
The 125,000-square-foot water park is easily the biggest draw, however, with a full-sized wave pool, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, six story-high water slides, adult-only Jacuzzis, private cabanas, and the Beach Club for snacks and drinks.
Each of the 669 rooms at the Sheraton Fallsview features floor-to-ceiling windows, Le Grand Bain bath amenities, complimentary coffee and tea, a mini-fridge, marble bathrooms, 37" LED televisions, and spa-like walk-in showers.
We highly recommend upgrading to a Falls-view room for an extra $90 for more space and a Juliet balcony, or to a club-level room to enjoy free continental breakfast, snacks and refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and access to a lounge overlooking Niagara Falls from the American side.
The Sheraton Fallsview is connected to Casino Niagara, and there are two full-service restaurants, a breakfast buffet, and casual options for grab-and-go snacks and coffee.
The Alt Hotel is modern and youthful with beautiful views of St. John's Harbor, and a central location in close proximity to downtown shops and restaurants.
We especially recommend this hotel during COVID, given its contactless check-in and checkout, free cancellations, and high hygiene standards that offer added confidence in booking.
Rooms come with bright pops of color in unexpected places such as abstract shapes that dot bathroom mirrors alongside images depicting Canada's rich natural scenery, and unconventionally shaped furniture. Standard rooms also include a workstation with an ergonomic chair, Bella Bella bath products, a rainfall shower, and a Nespresso coffee machine. Upgrade to a harbor-view room and gaze out at St. John's Harbor through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows for an extra $28 per night.
This waterfront hotel is our top pick in Fredericton for simultaneously being a peaceful, riverside retreat, as well as an urban hub near all of the best activities.
Located on the banks of the St. John River, the Delta Fredericton is the only hotel in Fredericton that offers unparalleled views of the river while also remaining within walking distance to Fredericton's downtown shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Guest rooms are comfortable at 350 square feet and come with a mini-fridge, workstation, and 55-inch LED TV. Rooms can comfortably fit three guests, though a roll away bed can be added for an additional $15 per stay for extra guests.
While most of the draw lies outside the hotel, inside you'll find a barbecue restaurant, coffee shop, spa, pool, and bike rentals that make it easy to see the sights on the Fredericton Trail system, or other spots in New Brunswick's capital city.
This Marriott hotel offers an idyllic Canadian experience in the heart of Manitoba's largest city from a trusted brand.
Generously-sized rooms come with heated bathroom floors, a large waterfall shower, a balcony, and conveniences such as a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and complimentary bottled water.
Amenities at this modern hotel include an indoor and outdoor pool with beach chairs for relaxing, an indoor whirlpool, a fitness center, a coffee shop, and a restaurant specializing in locally-sourced Canadian cuisine.
Grab a free bicycle rental to catch a hockey game at the nearby Canada Life Centre, stroll through the attached RBC Convention Center, or watch a show at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
The Hôtel Nelligan, located in the heart of Old Montreal, is a pinnacle of history combining contemporary luxury with old-school glamour.
This charming hotel, which consists of four different grey stone buildings, dates back to the early 1800s.
Rooms stand out with French-style balconies, exposed brick, and ladder-style bathroom shelving stocked with Le Labo bath amenities and cotton robes. Rooms also come with multi-jet rainfall showers, a 47" flat-screen TV with full cable access, a well-stocked mini-bar, individual climate control, and a JBL Bluetooth speaker.
The hotel is conveniently located five minutes from Place d'Armes, a central metro station in Montreal, as well as within walking distance from the Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port, and other attractions.
Enjoy a drink on the Terrasse Nelligan, a rooftop restaurant, for panoramic views of Montreal, or grab a glass of wine in the hotel's picturesque atrium.
For an upscale experience amid Halifax's laid-back, oceanside location, the Prince George Hotel features an "anything for you" concierge, 6,800 square feet of meeting space, and over 200 sophisticated guest rooms.
Basic rooms start at $143 per night, but for an extra $60, we recommend upgrading to the Crown Floor to receive premium services and amenities including complimentary breakfast, AVEDA toiletries, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more. Plus, Crown Floor guests may use the Crown Lounge for complimentary coffee and non-alcoholic beverages or to use the private business center.
This is also a good pick for travelers with pets as furry companions are welcome for a one-time fee of $25 that includes a fleece blanket, biodegradable waste bags, and food and water bowls.
If you visit on a Sunday, indulge in an award-winning brunch at the hotel's terrace restaurant, which is considered the best in town.
In operation since 1935, this family-owned hotel is a true embodiment of Canadian hospitality and thoughtfulness from the cheerful greeting staff to the complimentary breakfast, and the soft bathrobes included in every room. The James is located in downtown Saskatoon within walking distance from the South Saskatchewan River, the Remai Modern, and plenty of downtown shops and restaurants.
In all rooms, expect bath amenities from L'Occitane, a deep soaking tub, and a 4K UHD TV with cable and Google Chrome Cast. Opt for room packages like the "Choc-outerie & Wine," which includes one night at the hotel, a bottle of La Vendimia wine, and an eight-piece chocolate and charcuterie board that sets a romantic scene.
In the morning, wake up to an impressive hot breakfast ranging from eggs benedict to fresh fruit and pastries. In the evening, the Lobby Bar serves a selection of fine wines, vintage cocktails, and European-inspired fare.
An eight-time winner of Canada's Best Ski Hotel in the World Ski Awards and recipient of TripAdvisor's 2021 Travelers' Choice Award, the Pan Pacific affords guests the most convenient ski-in/ski-out access to the mountains over any other local hotel thanks to its location at the base of the Blackcomb and Whistler gondolas.
Staying here also provides direct access to Whistler Village for last-minute ski rentals, gourmet dining, and plenty of shops and winter ambiance.
The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is an all-suite hotel with rooms that start at a spacious 411 square feet and come with kitchenettes, a gas fireplace, a living area with a dining table, bathrobes, and complimentary tea and coffee.
Après-ski, soothe tired muscles in two outdoor hot tubs or, in season, the heated, outdoor saltwater pool surrounded by stunning mountain views. There is also a eucalyptus steam room for decompressing after a day on the slopes.
Families can spend the evening playing board games or watching movies offered by the hotel, or enjoy a meal, craft beers, and Celtic music on the heated outdoor patio at the hotel's Irish pub.
This 5-star hotel sits within the heart of Vancouver's entertainment district and is conveniently close to Vancouver's varied attractions. Though, perhaps the best offerings are the unbeatable views anchored by the Rocky Mountains and False Creek.
The hotel is housed within an expansive complex that offers direct access to 12 highly-rated restaurants and bars and a two-story casino with 600 slot machines and 75 gaming tables. For a quieter activity, enjoy a soak in the rooftop whirlpool.
Standard King or Queen rooms are bright and spacious and come with a workstation, coffee maker, and room service. Connecting rooms are available for groups or larger families and this hotel is a particularly good pick for Marriot Loyalists, as those with Gold Elite status or higher may enjoy perks including upgrades to higher floors, water views, and enhanced Wi-Fi.
This 18-room, classically styled boutique hotel is an elegant, private getaway with exquisite, timeless design, as well as modern conveniences.
The building, constructed in 1857, was first built as a school before becoming a retreat for nuns. When the hotel opened in 2014, the owners kept original details like crown molding, offering a nicely preserved slice of history.
An outdoor courtyard with a central fountain and plenty of private seating sets a soothing tone, and the low room count means attentive service from staff.
Standard rooms sparkle with crystal chandeliers and include high-end additions such as silky velvet sofas, intricately blown glass decorations, and smart TVs. Luxury apartments are also available and include a full kitchen with an oven and dishwasher.
Amenities are light, but guests receive complimentary access to the Atlantic Fitness Centre should they want to work out, and breakfast is included each morning.
COVID-19 procedures are available by contacting the hotel at info@sydneyinn.com.
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a romantic, Châteauesque-styled building that's become an iconic fixture presiding over Old Québec. The historic landmark is majestic and easily recognizable for its castle-like appearance and location on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The hotel draws many tourists for its architecture and history, including those who are not even staying at the hotel and come to admire it.
The hotel, originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. Both the interior and exterior stay true to their roots, from the elegant ballrooms with sparkling chandeliers and draped curtains to the medieval, fortress-like tower atop the roof.
With such a dazzling backstory, guests shouldn't miss the chance to join a guided tour of the hotel or join a scavenger hunt designed for kids.
Standard hotel rooms are generally smaller than others in Quebec City, and really only suited to solo travelers or couples. However, you're booking here for the experience and location over the size or style of the rooms. Families should opt for Fairmont Gold rooms or suites. All guest rooms feature traditional decor, a complimentary coffee maker, an iron and ironing board, and alarm clock radio. Despite the hotel's lavish appeal, know that these rooms may seem dated to some luxury travelers.
This hotel also has pet-friendly floors for an extra $40 USD/night housekeeping fee.
Dating back to 1908, the Fairmont Empress is one of the oldest hotels in Victoria, which is the island capital of British Columbia. As such, the hotel is filled with rich historic charm that creates an ambiance of regal elegance.
The Empress overlooks Victoria's Inner Harbor with 464 rooms, some of which come with harbor views, terraces, and separate living areas. Standard guest rooms can comfortably accommodate three people and feature posh armchairs, plush carpeting, gold-trimmed decor, Keurig coffee makers, terrycloth bathrobes, and an in-room safe.
On property, book a massage at the spa, stroll through flower-filled gardens and lawns, or borrow a complimentary BMW bike rental to explore the city.
A must-try at the Fairmont Empress is Afternoon Tea, available Thursday through Sunday. It's been a hotel staple for the last 113 years and boasts an impressive menu of loose-leaf tea, seafood bites, scones with house-made clotted cream, and more.
The Fairmont Château Lake Louise is the only hotel with exclusive access to one of the most incredible natural wonders in Canada. The glistening emerald waters of Lake Louise are the only thing standing between the hotel and the towering peaks of Mt. Aberdeen, and the hotel provides guests a private and stunning view of both.
Travelers often make their way over to Lake Louise for the sole purpose of seeing this famed that's appeared on TV shows such as "The Bachelorette" and has received awards from prestigious publications and organizations.
In addition to its breathtaking appearance, the hotel offers nine restaurants and bars, a relaxing spa, health club facilities including a pool, steam room, and whirlpool; and a range of guest activities from guided mountain hiking to horseback riding, wellness retreats, gondola rides, and fitness classes.
Standard rooms come with elegant glass-blown lamps, decorative throw pillows, and views of the grounds or lake.
For the best views of the lake and mountains, rent a hotel canoe for $75 USD per hour. Just be careful not to tip over — the waters of Lake Louise never rise above 20 degrees Celsius, even during the hottest summer months.
The Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto is the only hotel in all of Canada that has received both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition. It oozes luxury appeal from every corner, with a five-star rated spa, French fine dining, and sophisticated interiors that feel richly regal.
Rooms are sufficiently spacious at around 500 square feet and are light, airy, and serene. Indulge in granite-topped bathrooms, Bose stereo systems, plush beds, and in-room iPad for on-demand Four Seasons services.
Treat yourself to an aromatherapy massage at the Four Seasons Spa, one of the most luxurious in the city, or dip into the indoor pool or whirlpool framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. There is also a 3,500 square-foot fitness room.
Located in Toronto's downtown Yorkville district, the hotel is steps away from some of the best shops and attractions in Toronto, including the Royal Ontario Museum and the University of Toronto campus.
As of August 9, fully vaccinated Americans are able to travel to Canada for non-essential purposes. However, these travelers must show proof of vaccination at least 72 hours before entering the country through the ArriveCAN app. They must fill out a declaration form with information about themselves, their time in Canada, and their COVID-19 history.
Unvaccinated travelers are not currently allowed to enter Canada and all other foreign nationals are not allowed in until September 7, when the borders will open back up to fully vaccinated travelers from other countries.
What is the best time of year to visit Canada?
Canada has something to offer visitors year-round, but because of the northern location, there are limited months where visitors can ditch sweaters and parkas. From the months of May to September, guests can enjoy longer hikes outdoors and more welcoming weather.
However, those looking to take advantage of Canada's top-tier skiing and snowboarding should aim for colder, snowier months from December through February. These colder months also offer a different, but equally beautiful view of Canada with its snow-capped mountains and winter cheer.
How much does it cost to book a hotel in Canada?
Hotel prices in Canada vary depending on the location and season. Winter months in Whistler, for example, will generally be expensive because of the high demand from skiers and snowboarders. Smaller areas, such as Fredericton and Saskatoon, stay cheaper year-round because of the lower demand.
Do keep in mind though that hotels in Canada use Canadian currency, with the current exchange rate being ~$1 CAD to ~$0.80 USD. This means that while hotel prices in Canada are similar to those in the US, your money will be worth more in Canada.
Is it safe to travel to Canada?
Canada is widely considered to be one of the safest destinations in the world. In fact, the Institute for Economics and Peace ranked Canada as the 6th safest country in the world in their 2020 report. However, travelers should still exercise caution and always be aware of their property and surroundings.
Canada is also a highly vaccinated country against COVID-19, and the CDC ranks them as level 2: moderate regarding COVID-19 risk. Masking is expected (and often required) in any indoor setting, and other COVID-19 restrictions still apply, depending on the city.
Do I need a car when visiting Canada?
You will need a car to get around most cities in Canada. Some of the bigger cities, such as Toronto and Montreal, have decent public transportation options. However, outside of major cities, there is generally no good way to see the city without a car.
Additionally, most Canadian cities are spread out, making them harder to explore on foot.
How we selected the best hotels in Canada
All hotels are located in central locations close to tourist attractions, historical landmarks, hiking, and more.
The properties are all four to five stars and offer the ultimate in comfort, from rooms to amenities.
Each hotel has taken extra precautions in light of COVID-19 to offer guests a clean, safe experience.
Hotels are highly rated on trusted traveler sites like TripAdvisor or Booking.com to ensure the experiences of others match our own.
All hotels offer excellent on-site amenities, from steam rooms to heated pools, business centers, and more.
Each hotel can be booked for less than $300 per night during off-peak seasons and does not exceed $650 during holidays and peak travel seasons.
Table of Contents: Masthead StickySummary List Placement
Few exercise machines have endured the changing landscape of at-home fitness quite like the treadmill. They're great for maintaining cardio fitness, preparing for road races like 2-milers or 5Ks, or serving as a complement to a weekly workout routine— especially for anyone who doesn't have time to run outside.
Treadmills are also incredibly simple to use. You just run or walk on the belt, and a motor moves it under your feet at whatever speed you select. Some even offer a variety of different features, including touchscreen displays and live-streamed classes, that'll help you gain exactly the kinds of training and health benefits you need.
As a frequent gym-goer and current fitness editor, I've run my fair share of miles on treadmills advanced, basic, or otherwise. For every mile logged on something like NordicTrack's Commercial 2950 or ProForm's Pro 2000, I've logged an equal amount (if not many more) on the kind of basic treadmill you'd find at a standard fitness center or gym — i.e. one without an interactive screen attached to it.
Using this experience, I combed through and tested a number of treadmills currently available. The following guide features a range of treadmill types at various price points in hopes of helping you find the best option for your fitness needs.
At the bottom of this guide, I've also included answers to a selection of FAQs, as well as some insight into how I test treadmills.
Each treadmill featured in this guide went through a series of extensive tests (i.e. I ran on them, a lot) to see how well they compared across these four categories: Performance, features, quality, and value. Here's how each category specifically factored into which treadmills ended up making this guide:
Performance: How a treadmill performs comes down to a few basic aspects, including how comfortable it is to run on (and how shock absorbing it is), if it's able to avoid sounding like you're loudly pounding the ground with each step, what its tread feels like underfoot, and how wide the running area is. Though not all treadmills reliably check each of these boxes, a healthy combination of at least three of those often translates to high quality.
Features: Some modern treadmills, like those from NordicTrack or ProForm, feature a built-in interactive screen that streams workouts, tracks output metrics, and improves the treadmill's performance. For models that don't have a screen, I looked at how intuitive it was to increase and decrease the treadmill's speed and whether it offered an incline or decline mode. Even those that aren't decked out with the ability to stream workouts are still feature-heavy enough to warrant a spot in your home gym.
Quality: If used often, treadmills can take a consistent beating, mostly due to a runner pounding on it step after step after step. This means the best treadmills should feature a sturdy and durable tread, a high-quality design that won't become compromised even after a full year or more of use, and that features an interface or series of buttons and dials that can avoid popping off or being unusable.
Value: The value of a treadmill is less about its sticker price and more so the combination of the three categories above compared to its initial (and sometimes recurring) investment. I factored in everything when selecting treadmills across each featured category and often feel that it's worth it to spend a little more money on a product that's designed to last than to spend less, more often on something inferior.
The best treadmill overall
The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is a race-trainers dream that's versatile enough for the casual runner, too.
Pros: Good motor, large running belt of 22 by 60 inches, includes both an incline and a decline setting, offers good interval training features, has access to iFit workouts
Cons: Customer service may be disappointing if you have problems, very heavy treadmill
Runners looking for a treadmill with good all-around training capabilities and a host of useful features will like the reasonably-priced ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill.
It has a 3.5-horsepower motor, which allows it to stand up to daily use, and it boasts a belt deck that measures 22 by 60 inches, which is perfect for most runners. When you're training for races with hills, you'll appreciate this treadmill's ability to reach a 15% incline and a 3% decline, which better simulates hills than most other treadmills — it's easy to adjust it both up and down, too, even while running.
The ProForm Pro 2000 also has a number of techy features, including a 7-inch screen that's compatible with iFit's wide range of interactive workouts, a music port for iPods, and a built-in fan that works well to keep you somewhat cool while using it. Its tread features what the brand calls ProShox Cushioning, which is designed to lessen the impact on your feet and knees while running. Though a true, long-term test of this would better judge its viability, even a handful of runs on it showed that this made a difference (even if it was minimal).
What truly makes this treadmill stand out is its inclusion of the above-mentioned iFit workouts. Not only are these excellent ways to keep motivated, but the platform offers some genuinely unique workouts. One day you could be running through France and the next through Vietnam. The globe-spanning locales add a level of quality to the workouts you'd have a hard time finding elsewhere.
Another perk of the iFit workouts is how the trainers leading the runs entirely control the incline, decline, and speed, allowing you to focus strictly on running. This is something that's incredibly welcome as fumbling with a treadmill's controls while in a full stride isn't always the most fun (and can easily mess with your cadence). The ProForm Pro 2000 comes with one free year of iFit, too, so you won't have to worry about shelling out a monthly payment for at least 12 months.
Its price is also in the range of what you'd expect to pay for a full-featured treadmill. Most interactive workout machines run in the $2,000 range, and the fact this undercuts that average by a few hundred dollars makes it an appealing choice for anyone looking to add a treadmill to their home gym. It can easily support any fitness routine, whether it's the centerpiece of your weekly workouts or a supplement to a more comprehensive plan.
The best smart treadmill
NordicTrack's Commercial 2950 is a highly versatile treadmill that offers automatic incline control, an HD 22-inch touchscreen, and a deep library of interactive classes from iFit.
Pros: Now features automatically adjusting resistance and speed, the iFit library offers a wide range of in-studio classes and runs through real-world locales, offers Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi support
Cons: Expensive
The Commercial 2950 treadmill from NordicTrack is one of the most full-featured machines I've tested, coming with everything from automatic incline control and Bluetooth connectivity to Google Maps integration and personalized workout stats. My favorite feature, however, is its access to iFit's expansive library of interactive workouts.
With iFit, you're able to run essentially anywhere, yet still from the comfort of your home. The service's roster of trainers offers a wide range of run types that aren't just confined to a studio or their home (where they do film some of the classes). Rather, you could be running through real-world locales that quite literally offer a breath of fresh air from standard treadmill routines. I found this to be a welcome deviation from the tediousness of normal running. Though iFit does cost $39 per month, a free year of the service comes standard with the purchase of all new treadmills (and bikes, too, for that matter).
In addition to those workouts, the rest of the 2950 is a premium product. The automatically adjusting resistance feature mentioned above is a game-changer, and, as the name suggests, allows the trainers to fully control the incline, decline, and speed of the treadmill as you run along. All you have to worry about is just running — which does well to keep you focused and motivated instead of worrying about fumbling with controls.
One nitpick could be that the iFit interface can be a little clunky and slow to use sometimes, and the service occasionally crashed mid-workout (though did tend to load right back up in the exact same spot I was running). This didn't happen enough to be concerning, nor did it detract from my overall experience.
The 2950 certainly isn't cheap but few treadmills with this much to offer both in terms of features and available workouts will necessarily be "affordable." Still, it's worth the investment for those who want access to a huge library of interactive classes and a premium-built treadmill.
Pros: Very good price point for an entry-level treadmill, will save space with a fold-up design, runs quieter than most budget-priced treadmills, works better for walkers and light runners
Cons: Only a 55-inch belt length, not really made for high-end running workouts, longevity is questionable
Saving space with a fold-up treadmill is a great idea for a lot of people. However, most fold-up treadmills don't offer a lot of power.
With those natural limitations of fold-up treadmills in mind, you'll like the Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill, which works well for walkers and anyone on a budget (and isn't really made for runners looking for high-end workouts). Think of it as like an entry-level treadmill, or something that can be a complement to a wider range of at-home equipment.
It has a 55-inch belt length, a maximum 10 mph speed, and a 2.25-horsepower motor. The T101-04 treadmill is easy to fold up for storage, which is great for anyone with minimal space in their home or apartment.
You can't beat the value, too. If you want something simple, straightforward, and cost-effective that has the basic features necessary for just running and walking, the T101-04 from Horizon Fitness is the treadmill you need.
The best upright folding treadmill
The LifeSpan TR3000i uses an extensive shock absorption system to take some pressure off your joints while running.
Pros: Good price for a mid-range treadmill, unit folds up to save storage space, extensive shock absorption system, good feature set versus other models in this price range
Cons: Not really designed for high-end workouts, build quality of treadmill is questionable
Some people dislike working out on a treadmill because of the pressure it places on their joints. The LifeSpan TR3000i attempts to alleviate some of this pressure by using a shock absorption system in the treadmill's deck.
It has a 20 x 56-inch running surface, 15 incline levels, and a 6-inch LCD screen that shows your time, calories, distance covered, steps, heart rate, speed, and incline. The eight shock absorber elements in the deck ensure that it remains both stable and comfortable to run on. As mentioned on other models, long-term testing would be a better indicator of just how well the shock-absorbing works, but it's easy to notice the difference in the TR3000i compared to others. If you at all have foot, knee, or joint issues, you'll want to at least consider this one when shopping.
Beyond its shock-absorbing capabilities, the TR3000i has a number of fun features to give you variety in your workouts, too, including a tablet holder, a USB charging port, and compatibility with iPods. It also has built-in speakers, folds up for easy storage, and physical console buttons that are sometimes easier to use when making adjustments than only relying on the touchscreen.
The best compact treadmill
The Cubii Pro is an easy-to-use, under desk exercise machine that's more of an elliptical than a treadmill but still allows you to log some quality cardio no matter if you're sitting down for lunch or powering through a backlog of emails.
Pros: Small, easy-to-use machine that delivers an effective cardio workout, has up to eight different resistance settings, offers companion app support
Cons: Not strictly a treadmill, might not be as intense for hardcore fitness buffs
Though the Cubii Pro isn't exactly a treadmill in the traditional sense (and is more of an elliptical style machine than anything else), its unobtrusive nature makes it a convenient addition to anyone's home gym. The machine simply sits on the floor, be it under a desk, next to a coffee table, or literally anywhere around the house, and lets you pedal away for as long as you like.
The machine delivers low-impact cardio that may benefit those unable to run on a treadmill due to sore joints, and its quiet operation even allows it to be used while watching TV, talking on the phone, or listening to music. With eight different levels of resistance, it affords as easy or as difficult a workout as you like, too.
A companion smartphone application lets you keep track of all your logged workouts and lets you set weekly and monthly goals or share your progress with friends. The app is also compatible with services like Fitbit or Apple HealthKit, so if you prefer the interface of those, all workout data can easily sync to them.
At $349, it's certainly not a drop in the bucket but it is far cheaper than even the budget model on this list. For convenient, low-impact cardio exercise, the Cubii Pro is as versatile and easy to use as it gets.
Pros: Strong steel frame that will support a lot of weight, unit runs quieter than most treadmills, large treadmill belt area for tall runners, includes a large motor to compare favorably to gym treadmills
Cons: Extremely high price point, very heavy equipment that is difficult to move around
Few treadmills made for use at home will deliver the kind of quiet performance that the 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill delivers. It's made for tall or heavy runners looking for a tough workout, but you'll pay more than $3,000 for the kind of quality that this 3G Cardio unit delivers.
It has an Ortho Flex Shock suspension system to minimize the stress of impact for runners, and the 22 by 62-inch platform is perfect for running.
The 3G Cardio comes with many pre-programmed workouts and a fitness level test. You have access to speed and elevation settings, heart rate control, and workout customization. This treadmill also has a 4.0 horsepower motor and 3-inch rollers for great performance.
As you would expect with a treadmill with such a high price point, the 3G Cardio Elite consists of thick steel tubing in the frame. It's also rather expensive, so this is really only for serious runners who want a treadmill that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
What types of treadmills are there?
Basic: The most basic type of treadmill only works for walkers. They will have simple tracking features, such as speed, distance, and time. Most basic units will have a short bed that works better for a walker's stride than for running.
And you'll find limited shock absorption features here, which isn't great for runners. Such treadmills will fold up for easy storage (although some more expensive treadmills also can fold up for storage).
Mid-range: These treadmills will work for walkers or runners. For walkers, a mid-range treadmill should have longer support arms, allowing you to balance yourself easier. The belt bed will be a bit longer than the basic treadmill but those with longer running strides may still struggle.
You'll see better tech features in this price range, including a heart rate monitor worn on the chest or pre-set training programs.
Top-end: The highest quality of treadmills will contain long belt beds with good shock absorption, making them perfect for runners. To gain these features, such treadmills rarely will fold up for storage, meaning they require a lot of free space. They will deliver greater maximum speed levels and greater levels of incline, too.
These treadmills consist of the highest-quality materials. You'll receive Wi-Fi connectivity and extensive pre-set exercise programs with these models.
What are some key treadmill features?
Interactive exercise programs: Treadmills may have pre-programmed workouts that can help you with weight loss, cardiovascular performance, speed workouts, or hills training. These programs will allow you to set the length of exercise time, but they will automatically change the speed of the treadmill and the incline to match the parameters of the pre-programmed workout.
The ability to incline, decline, and adjust the speed: To help with training for running on hills or for additional calorie burn, the treadmill needs to offer an incline. Most treadmills can reach at least a 12% incline grade. Some treadmills even give you a simulation of running downhill with a decline grade of around 3%.
You should be able to adjust the incline, speed, and program in use through the touchscreen monitor. The screen also gives you information on the time elapsed, calories burned, distance traveled, your heart rate, and more.
Are there different size treadmill belts?
Yes, there are, and it differs for what runners need versus walkers. Runners need a treadmill belt bed of roughly 55-60 inches long, while walkers can use one closer to 45-50 inches long. Taller people will need an even longer belt bed. Remember that the length of the treadmill isn't the same as the length of the bed.
The treadmill length (and width, for that matter) must accommodate the base portion of the unit that doesn't move, as well as the bed's motor housing at the front of the unit.
A treadmill belt bed should be at least 22 inches wide for runners which provides plenty of space in case you have a misstep. Walkers can successfully use a narrower bed than runners, such as 18 or 20 inches.
Are treadmills safe?
Many treadmills contain a safety line that hooks into the unit and clips to your shirt. Should you stumble, the safety line disconnects from the treadmill, causing it to shut down immediately. This is a helpful safety feature and it prevents situations where the person using the treadmill falls and gets launched into a wall.
It's also recommended that you unplug your treadmill when not in use for added safety. This assures it won't accidentally turn on if a child or pet is around it.
Do treadmills have a weight limit?
Based on the size of the motor and the shock absorption capabilities, a treadmill may give you a maximum user weight recommendation. You should be able to find this listed in its online user's manual or listed on its specifications sheet.
Companies and high-profile people had a raft of financial and reputational trouble last year.
Activist investors turned up the heat on company boards in new and creative ways. Companies had to reckon with a global pandemic, vaccine mandates, and diversity and inclusion issues.
Bad news travels fast, and employees and consumers are demanding more of companies and public figures.
For people like Michael Sitrick at Sitrick & Company, Jeremy Fielding of Kekst, and Juda Engelmayer of HeraldPR who are hired to manage the fallout, it's been a busy and lucrative time.
Business Insider identified the crisis PR pros who handled the biggest volume and most high-profile and controversial assignments of the past year.
We defined crisis comms broadly. Some of those on the list are known for handling financial-related issues like bankruptcies, shareholder activism, and corporate issues. Others are known for mopping up the messes of big-name individuals. Our list includes boutique shops, large independents, and ones owned by giant ad holding companies with sizeable crisis practices.
Scroll down to see the people made the cut, listed alphabetically by last name.
Levick established his eponymous firm's reputation as a top crisis communications agency after helping AIG handle negative coverage following the financial crisis in 2009, and guiding the Catholic Church's public response during its sex abuse scandal.
More recently, Levick represented the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association, the owner of the Miami condo that collapsed during the summer of 2021, to answer reporters' questions.
Levick has also worked for foreign clients like the governments of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, state-owned China Telecom, and Jho Low, a businessman who allegedly stole more than $4 billion from Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund.
Eleanor McManus, Trident DMG
McManus knows how media works and where its pressure points are as a former senior producer for "Larry King Live."
For example, McManus helped former Pinterest COO Francoise Brougher publicize her lawsuit in The New York Times in 2020, when she sued Pinterest for gender discrimination. Brougher eventually won a $22.5 million settlement.
McManus and the rest of the Trident DMG team — including Lanny Davis, who served as special counsel for Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial — also advised Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney for Trump, on a variety of litigation issues. McManus helped develop Cohen's media strategy and answered reporters' questions after Cohen testified before Congress in 2019. She told Insider that at one point, she received 50 calls from journalists in a single day.
In 2017, McManus cofounded Press Forward, a nonprofit seeking to eliminate gender discrimination in newsrooms, after sharing her own MeToo experience involving Mark Halperin.
Dan Doherty, BCW
As the leader of BCW's public affairs and crisis practice, Doherty has helped clients work through issues ranging from cybersecurity to environmental disasters. He served as a senior counselor for Goya Foods when customers boycotted the food company after its CEO praised Trump.
Having spent more than a decade at DC firms, Doherty will play a vital role in maintaining BCW's position as a leading crisis and public affairs agency.
Doherty joined Burson-Marsteller in 2017, which had a reputation as a leading crisis and public affairs agency, before it merged with Cohn & Wolfe to create BCW.
Kerri Lyon, SKDKnickerbocker
Crisis is at the heart of SKDKnickerbocker, a public affairs and political consulting firm that's known for its work for Democratic Party and progressive causes.
Partner Kerri Lyon, a former TV reporter and comms director for the New York City Department of Education, knows how to spin a story and get support for complex policy issues. She, along with partners Mike Morey and Jill Zuckman, have helped Memorial Sloan Kettering and Mount Sinai Hospital system with communicating to workers, patients, regulators, and the general public on how the pandemic was affecting them.
SKDKnickerbocker also works with the National Women's Law Center's Time's Up legal defense fund and the attorneys representing victims of sexual abuse at the Boy Scouts, which resulted in an $850 million settlement. (The Boy Scouts declared bankruptcy in February 2020 after getting hit with a flood of cases.)
SKDKnickerbocker also was one of the firms that represented Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chairman who fled Japan as a fugitive after being arrested for financial wrongdoing; and, controversially, did work for spyware company NSO Group, which was accused of selling surveillance tech to authoritarian governments.
John Bradbury, Ketchum
The No. 5 PR firm in terms of revenue, Omnicom-owned Ketchum has a big and growing crisis practice. The practice is led by partner John Bradbury, a 20-year vet of Ketchum who's known for counseling clients on everything from product recalls and data breaches to labor actions and activist campaigns.
He's expanded the practice in recent years to sports issues management for clients facing sports-related situations and reputation management for trade associations and nonprofits.
Ketchum keeps mum about most of its clients, but in the past it counseled Malaysia Airlines following the disappearance of flight MH370, and helped Puerto Rico's tourism get back on its feet after Hurricane Maria with a campaign called #CoverTheProgress that urged people to focus on the recovery.
Jamie Diaferia, Infinite Global
Diaferia, who pivoted from law school to PR, started his own shop Infinite Global just after September 11, 2001, and despite being a small firm, he's worked behind the scenes on some of the biggest stories in the news, including the collapse of Enron, the Penn State scandal and several high-profile civil and criminal prosecutions — making him a top pick for crisis and PR among lawyers polled by the National Law Journal in 2019.
Diaferia projects Infinite will reach $10 million in annual revenue in 2021 after growing 55% over the past five years, despite a 10% dip during the pandemic.
Diaferia continues to rep Scott Hapgood, an investment banker accused of manslaughter in Anguilla, for whom he mounted what The New York Times called"a formidable public relations campaign, winning sympathy and support from various American politicians," including President Trump himself.
Sydney Neuhaus, Finsbury Glover Hering
Corporations, high-profile people and organizations call Finsbury's Sydney Ann Neuhaus, managing partner and global COO, when disaster strikes.
The UK-founded firm that's part of ad holding company giant WPP touts itself as having "managed some of the most complex communications challenges of the last three decades," and Neuhaus, managing partner and the firm's first female partner in the US as well as a vet of FleishmanHillard and Edelman, leads the crisis practice, which accounts for 40% of the firm's business.
Recently, Neuhaus helped Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center update patients on changing protocols and safety measures early in the pandemic and BioNTech's major announcements of clinical trial results and emergency use approval while spreading awareness of its brands in the US.
It's also worked with Volkswagen during its emissions crisis in 2015 and Citigroup in the wake of the financial meltdown in 2009.
Eliot Hoff, APCO
Hoff had a banner year as the leader of APCO's global crisis practice, with revenue jumping 30% in 2020 year-over-year to more than $20 million, the agency's best year yet.
His clients include Mars, Yum! Brands, KFC, and IKEA. Hoff helped clients tackle issues related to COVID, as well as legal and regulatory issues and financial communications.
Hoff also made headlines in 2013 and 2014 when he helped stop New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's so-called "Soda Ban" as the lead spokesperson for the New Yorkers for Beverage Choices, a group formed through APCO client American Beverage Association.
Juda Engelmayer, HeraldPR
Juda Engelmayer has worked in crisis PR for over 30-years, but his biggest client is perhaps his most challenging ever: managing Harvey Weinstein's image during before and during his trial, as well as his upcoming appeal in New York and second rape trial in Los Angeles.
In 2020, Herald PR revenue grew 25% YOY to $2.8 million, adding clients like Jennifer Weisselberg, a key witness in the New York Trump investigation; and Clare Bronfman, one of the former leaders of cult NXIVM.
Engelmayer came up in the gritty world of New York government, paving the way for a career in crisis PR. He started his own shop four years ago after stints at Rubenstein and 5W Public Relations and is known to take cases other firms turn up their noses at. In 2019, he represented two kids whose parents were embroiled in the college admissions scandal.
Working for a controversial client like Weinstein can make some PR pros toxic to other clients, but there always seems to be a need for crisis experts like Engelmayer.
Carter Eskew, global co-chairman, Finsbury Glover Hering
DC-based Glover Park Group was founded in 2001 by former Clinton White House insiders Carter Eskew, Mike Feldman, Joel Johnson, and Chip Smith. Today, the firm is part of ad holding company giant WPP with 180 people in New York and DC. Run by Eskew, Feldman, and Johnson, the firm plays to its political roots, citing its White House along with finance and journalism experience.
In 2020, Eskew provided crisis and corporate communications support to the NFL when it had to cancel all preseason games and other high-profile events due to the pandemic.
Other notable projects have included AstraZeneca during the Pfizer takeover attempt, and the Takata airbag recall. It also did work for Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan boss facing charges of financial wrongdoing, before he fled Japan.
Glover merged with sister WPP agencies Finsbury and Hering Schuppener in 2021, creating a crisis giant that has roots in financial communications as well as public affairs.
Jeremy Fielding, Kekst
Kekst CNC, which formed from the merger of Publicis Groupe agencies, had a busy couple of years in 2020 and 2021, working with Softbank as the Japanese conglomerate tries to sell ARM Holdings to Nvidia amid antitrust and national security concerns. Its other new clients include FirstEnergy, Checkers and Rally's, Knotel, MKS, and Central Synagogue.
It had one of its biggest jobs in crisis PR in 2019, when WeWork came calling amid its downfall. Publicis reportedly was paid a hefty $500,000 a month, mostly for crisis PR services.
Leading the practice is co-CEO and partner Jeremy Fielding, a 22-year vet of Kekst who has been a go-to for senior management, boards, and communications teams for global companies for communications help in managing their businesses or protecting their reputations.
Fielding told Insider that Kekst CNC recorded double-digit revenue growth in 2020, but declined to disclose revenue.
Brandy Bergman, Reevemark
Just three years after CEO Brandy Bergman and four other former Sard Verbinnen managing directors started Reevemark, they've helped clients including law firms, corporations, and high-profile people facing all sorts of dicey situations.
In 2020, it worked with about 60 clients, including the founders of Tinder in their $5 billion lawsuit against Match, McKinsey as it dealt with its opioid-related settlements with 50 state attorney generals, and Chesapeake Energy when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Reevemark advised AIG on communications around the separation of its life insurance and retirement solutions business and its sale of a 9.9% stake to Blackstone for $2.2 billion. It also advised Sanderson Farms when it sold itself to Cargill and Continental Grain for $4.5 billion.
Michael Sitrick, Sitrick & Co
Sitrick set the modern standard for crisis management when he tamped down a crisis for the grocery chain Food Lion after ABC aired a news segment in 1992 about its food-handling practices.
Sitrick used outtakes from the segment to pinpoint lapses in ABC's reporting, according to The New York Times, in what became a case study taught by the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
Lately, he's been representing financial giants like Bill Gross, a cofounder of PIMCO who was mired in a messy divorce; religious organizations like the Diocese of Rockville, which filed for Chapter 11 to handle legal expenses and settlements with abuse survivors; and celebrities like ESPN broadcaster Rachel Nichols, who was ousted from her position after recorded comments she made about a Black colleague were leaked.
Joele Frank, founder, Joele Frank
Activist investors have been turning up the heat on company boards, which is good for firm founder and managing partner Joele Frank, whose speciality is defending companies against shareholder activism — she claims to have defended firms more than 40 times against Starboard, just to name one.
Joele Frank was heralded by Bloomberg's 2020 Global Activism Market Review for helping companies like Delek US and Box defend themselves against activists Carl Ichan and Starboard Value, respectively.
The Deal has ranked Joele Frank the top-ranked firm in bankruptcy communications since 2019, during which time, the agency worked on JCPenney, Frontier Communications, and Mallinckrodt's bankruptcies.
When the M&A market heats up, boards and CEOs frequently call on Frank for advice. Over the past year, she's parachuted into mega deals like S&P Global on its $44 billion proposed acquisition of IHS Markit and Salesforce's $27 billion proposed acquisition of Slack.
Davidson Goldin, Goldin Solutions
Since founding his firm in 2009, broadcaster-turned-PR pro Goldin has made it a go-to for business, media, and entertainment clients in sticky situations.
Recently, Goldin was hired by information tech firm SolarWinds to help it respond to media questions about a massive hack in 2021, that some US officials believe is the work of Russian operatives. Goldin is also handling media for WeWork founder Adam Neumann on future business ventures, and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, a biotech company that's developing a potential COVID treatment with Merck.
Previously, Goldin helped Duke Energy while it was investigated after its merger with Progress Inc.; Steven Rattner, who faced an SEC kickbacks probe; and "Barefoot Contessa" Ina Garten in her lawsuit against a copycat frozen dinner line. Other clients have been Gawker Media during its legal battle with Peter Thiel-backed Hulk Hogan; Mets owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz in their litigation with the Madoff trustee; and the family of hedge fund billionaire Glenn Dubin, whose wife once dated Jeffrey Epstein.
Matthew Hiltzik, Hiltzik Strategies
Hiltzik is known for representing celebrities like Brad Pitt, Kelly Ripa, and Drake, but his clients also span the worlds of sports (the Jets), education, tech (Eric Schmidt and Schmidt Futures), and finance.
Hiltzik advised the XFL football league, which declared bankruptcy after it was forced to cancel its inaugural season in 2020 because of the pandemic.
After helping build British-based Freud Communications in the US, in 2008 he started his own firm, which springboarded Hope Hicks and Josh Raffel into the Trump White House inner circle.
Fierce and multifaceted, Hiltzik is a lawyer who's heavily involved in Jewish, Democratic, and other causes (but not so ideological as to prevent him from once working for and befriending Glenn Beck), work that helps bring him a range of clients. He's also a documentary producer — his credits include the Emmy-winning "Paper Clips."
The firm has expanded its consulting practice in the past several years to help clients fix operational issues to prevent future crises. Says Hiltzik: "The more context, information, you have about how a business is operating, the more effective you can be in advising them."
Scott Lindlaw, Sard Verbinnen
Crisis is a mainstay of Sard Verbinnen & Co.'s business, and last year was no exception.
Scott Lindlaw, a managing director and senior member of the firm's crisis team, helped advise Quibi when the now-defunct short form streaming service was sued by interactive video firm Eko for alleged patent infringement and trade-secret theft. The firm also advised Quibi as it shuttered its business and sold its assets.
Before that, Lindlaw was called in to help Capital One through one of 2019's biggest data breaches, when more than 100 million people's data were compromised. Using his journalism background (he was a White House reporter before becoming a lawyer), he pushed to mitigate negative press coverage and get the media focused on an arrest made in the case.
Other big cases include advising PG&E's board on its financial troubles stemming from California wildfires in the prior years, and Intel's fallout from processor bugs known as Spectre and Meltdown.
Andy Merrill, Prosek Partners
Shareholder activism, regulatory investigations, and other hot-button issues contributed to a busy 2020 for Prosek, where crisis, or "Special Situations," as Prosek calls it, is a growing part of the independent firm's practice.
The firm reported average revenue growth of 6.5% between 2019 and 2020, with Special Situations up 89% year-over-year and increasing at a 5-year compound annual rate of 50.1% as the firm takes on M&A, shareholder activism, sexual harassment, and natural disasters.
Leading the practice are partner Andy Merrill — who joined in 2015 after stints at big crisis PR shops Teneo and Finsbury and is known for helping UBS with its rogue trader scandal — along with partner Mickey Mandelbaum and managing director Brian Schaffer.
Merrill predicted that Prosek's special situation group would continue to grow thanks to an uptick in IPO and SPAC work.
James Wright, Red Havas
Wright is global CEO of Red Havas, formerly known as Havas PR, and is a part of French-owned Havas Group's Havas PR Global Collective. He also serves as global chairman of Havas PR Global Collective.
Havas PR Global Collective's annual revenue remained steady in 2020 at $220 million with crisis making up about 10% of that, winning work with clients like UNICEF, Manpower Group, and Skillsoft.
Wright's past assignments include working on the Takata airbag recall in 2019 and others seeking help figuring out responses to the coronavirus.
UK-born Wright came to PR early and was one of the youngest people to be inducted as a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia. He's had high-profile gigs advising Jaguar Land Rover on its role in climate change; Mondelez and Coca Cola on obesity and recycling; and Malaysia Airlines over crashes. He's also helped blue-chip clients like BT Group, Lexus, and HSBC.
Summary List PlacementTable of Contents: Masthead Sticky
Finding the perfect swimsuit isn't always a walk in the park, but with some research and try-ons, it gets easier. And you're not alone — we've tested tons of swimsuits to pinpoint ones with the right fit and feel.
There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all swimsuit — it completely depends on your preferences. Swimsuit styles have endless options like one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis, board shorts, and more. But the function also matters, as some brands like Patagonia and Athleta make active swimwear that can ride the waves and endure more intense physical activity.
Perhaps most important, though, is the fit and feel. Luckily, brands like Swimsuits for All and Helen Jon carry more size-inclusive options. And if sustainable materials is at the top of your list, several of the brands below have got you covered.
With so many swimsuits on the market, shopping can seem daunting, but that's why we've rounded up the 10 best places to shop for swimwear. You can find a bunch of our top swimsuit picks below, and why we love each brand.
The 10 best places to shop for women's swimsuits:
Everlane
Everlane built its business with sustainability and transparency at the front of mind, two values that helped it secure a cult following. The brand continues to please its loyal shoppers with each and every launch, from underwear and activewear to now swimwear.
To start, Everlane upholds its promise to the earth by making swimsuits that are made of 82% regenerated nylon that's derived from recycled plastic, and 18% elastane. You can find seven simple styles and eight vibrant colors. Our team tried a mix of Everlane's one-pieces and two-pieces— in short, we love their quality, comfort, styles, and colors. Based on our testing, we're confident these swimsuits will get tons of wear this summer. For more details and sizing notes, check out our full review of Everlane's new swimwear collection.
The V-Neck One-Piece (small)The Square-Neck One-Piece (small)The Square-Neck Bikini Top (small)The Bikini Bottom (small)
Aerie
Having started as an intimate brand, Aerie knows how to make swimsuits that are equally as supportive. We'd expect nothing less, and the brand definitely delivers with options that have a more youthful look to them and are basic enough to be mixed and matched.
If you're like us and already love the brand's bestselling Crossover Legging, you're in luck because Aerie makes swim bottoms with the same TikTok famous design. We tested them to see how they compare, and let's just say they hug our bodies in all the right places and are comfy enough to wear all day, every day. For sizing notes and more options, head on over to our full review of the Aerie Ribbed Crossover High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom.
Ribbed Longline Scoop Bikini Top (small)Ribbed Crossover High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom (small)Ribbed Tie Longline Triangle Bikini Top (small)Ribbed Shine Scoop Plunge Bikini Top (small)
Patagonia
Patagonia swimsuits have an extra element of functionality because they're not solely meant for laying in the sand or wading in the shallow parts of the ocean. They're intentionally geared towards those who want to surf, swim, and move around — they're active swimsuits.
Our team loves Patagonia's swim offerings for this very reason, but also because they're made of recycled material, are Fair Trade Certified-sewn, and have UPF sun protection. However, just because the brand's swimwear is more for performance purposes, doesn't mean they aren't stylish. Patagonia offers bold patterns and flattering silhouettes. It also serves up swimsuit options that are more loose-fitting, like board shorts. For more on how we got on with the fit and feel of these swimsuits, check out our full review of Patagonia swimwear.
Summersalt carries everything under the sun when it comes to swimsuits — one-pieces, tankinis, bikinis, you name it. But the brand also makes maternity options and suits for those with long torsos. On top of the numerous styles, it's easy to see that Summersalt works hard to offer swimsuits for various bodies, as the size range covers many.
Styles and colors are more than abundant, with ruffles, ties, animal prints, ginghams, and beyond. The brand, however, is known for its one-shoulder one-piece called The Sidestroke. We tested the swimsuit to see if it lives up to the hype. Let's just say its reputation definitely holds up. We have nothing but great things to say about all of the Summersalt swimsuits we've tested because they're supportive even for those with bigger chests, flattering to your curves, and eco-friendly. To hear more about our experiences wearing the brand's suits, check out our full review of Summersalt swimwear.
The Perfect High Leg One Piece (small)The Sidestroke (small)The Triangle Bikini Top (small)The Perfect Wrap One-Piece (small)
Athleta
Similar to Patagonia, Athleta carves out its own space in the realm of active swimwear. Not to mention, Athleta also utilizes sustainable materials to be kinder to our planet.
You can swim, surf, paddleboard, and play pretty much any water sport while donning these swimsuits. Plus, the UPF sun protection ensures you stay shielded from the sun, while the material dries quickly and provides just enough stretch. You can also shop for pieces with more coverage, like cropped bikini tops and shorts. Athleta carries tons of styles and colors, all with functional design elements and quality fabrics. You can hear us rave about these swimsuits in more detail in our full review of Athleta's swimwear.
Supernova Keyhole One Piece Swimsuit (small)Triangle Bikini Top A-C (small)Surge Short (small)Sculpted Bikini Bottom (small)
Swimsuits for All
Shopping for plus-sized swimwear can sometimes feel like you're on a wild goose chase, but Swimsuits for All is here to put plus-size bodies first. The size range is extensive and so is the variety of styles. You can find one-pieces, bikinis, swim dresses, tankinis, and cover-ups, with most options costing less than $100.
In addition, the brand teams up with plus-size body positivity advocates like model Ashley Graham and fashion blogger GabiFresh. You can truly find all sorts of styles, colors, and patterns at Swimsuits for All, which is why we asked four Insider Reviews team members to try them out. You can read about their experiences with the suits in our full review of Swimsuits for All.
Ashley Graham Boss Underwire One Piece Swimsuit (small)GabiFresh Cup Sized Tie Front Underwire Bikini Set (small)Diva Halter Bikini Set with Foldover Brief (small)Mentor Tie Front High Waisted Bikini Set (small)
Andie
Andie is all about the fit of its swimsuits. The brand believes that wearing a suit that fits well makes enjoying yourself much easier. Our team is definitely on board with this philosophy and sees it shine through after testing Andie's swimsuits.
You can easily find your size because Andie has a 12-question quiz, offers fit consultations with experts, and designs with the help of feedback from over 300,000 testers. We can tell the brand prioritizes fit, since the suits keep those with bigger chests and wider hips in mind, too. The swim pieces hug your curves, stay secure, and support your chest.
Additionally, the material is buttery soft, the design allows you to partake in water activities, and the styles are photo-ready. Overall, we love Andie for its versatile swimsuits that flatter all different shapes and sizes.
The Laguna (small)The Maui Top (small)The Bikini Bottom (small)The Wynwood Top (small)
Helen Jon
There's no need to struggle to find swimsuits for those with larger busts because Helen Jon has solutions. Helen Jon makes great swimsuits for all sizes, but it specifically carries bra-sized options that go all the way up to D/DD cups.
Perhaps what makes this brand's lineup so impressive and inclusive is its design strategy. Helen Jon employees serve as fit models in place of traditional-sized fit models. This means various body shapes and sizes inform the fit and feel of the swimsuits, making them more comfortable, supportive, and thoughtful than many others of its kind. We continue to sing its praises in our full review of Helen Jon swimwear.
High Neck One-Piece (small)Retreat Bra (small)Tab Side Hipster (small)D/DD Cup Twist Underwire Bra (small)
Simplicity is key with the brand's swimsuit styles, but what they lack in fun design elements, the colors and patterns make up for. Throw on a solid hue or nautical stripes, tie-dye, or geckos if you're feeling bold. The small range of styles includes a basic one-piece swimsuit, a plunging bikini top, a scoop bikini top, bikini bottoms, and high-waist cheeky bikini bottoms. We tested the swimsuits and found them to be cute and comfy, although a bit tight. Regardless of your shape, we highly recommend sizing up to get the best fit.
One Piece Swimsuit (small)Plunge Bikini Top (small)Swim High-Waist Cheeky Bikini Bottom (small)Swim Bikini Bottom (small)
CUUP
Cuup is another brand that started with bras and underwear, but recently ventured into the swim space. Cuup's background in underwear and bras means it really knows how to make supportive swimsuits.
It also means the brand's underwire swimsuit tops fit by bra size, all the way up to H cups. The styles are limited to three tops and three bottoms, and there are five color options. But that doesn't take away from the fact that the swimsuits look effortlessly sleek and minimal, which not every brand can pull off so well.
Billabong first made waves as a surfwear brand, so this Australian company knows how to do swimwear well. The brand offers an array of groovy, cute prints ranging from simple basics to boho-chic patterns. And as an active sportswear brand, its performance fabrics and designs do not disappoint. Billabong ensures stretchy fabrics and secure closures that are ideal for water sports excursions on vacation. If looking for sustainable swimsuits, Billabong has an eco-conscious swimwear line made from soft stretch recycled yarn and other goods.
Come Around Rise Bikini Bottom (small)Let Me Check Banded Tank Bikini Top (small)Salty Blonde Sundipped One Piece Swim (small)Sol Searcher Fiji Bikini Bottom (small)
By now, the subscription concept has been widely applied to pretty much anything you can buy, but it's most useful for the things you actually use and enjoy regularly. Whether that's razor blades for your daily shaving routine or books to read during your commute, a subscription box helps automate the process for buying and receiving products so you have more time to use said products.
Subscription boxes can also help you discover new products in an arena you're already interested in or figure out if you want to pursue an activity or hobby further. They're like trial runs for your various interests or needs and usually a lot more affordable than a full commitment or investment.
If you do change your mind about your subscription, all the following services make it easy to skip next month's shipment or cancel your subscription.
Winc's straightforward ordering process, on-trend wine curation, and reliable shipping make it the best online wine club we've tried in the last few years. If your interest in a wine subscription stems not only from the need for convenience but also the desire to expand your wine knowledge, Winc offers informative resources, easy-to-digest bottle descriptions, and a community ratings system to help you develop your palate.
Winc delivers wine every month, but it's easy to adjust your membership to skip automatic shipments. Although it matches you to wines that it thinks you'll like based on your profile of tastes and preferences, you can also customize your shipment and browse Winc's complete catalog of varietals from all over the world.
Monthly Wine Subscription (3 bottles) (small)
Runners-up:
Firstleaf, for affordable wine and big discounts ($80/month)
Plonk, for natural and biodynamic wines ($110/month)
Trade is where you can order top-quality coffee from cool roasters all over the country, like Verve (Santa Cruz, CA), Cuvee (Austin, TX), and Huckleberry (Denver, CO). If you're the type to immediately seek out the local specialty coffee shop when you travel to a new city, then Trade's the best coffee subscription for you — and you don't even have to leave your house to receive your beans.
All you have to do is tell Trade about how you take your coffee and it'll show you the best coffee you should be drinking every morning. It'll also provide the roaster's schedule for roasting and when your bag was roasted.
Coffee Monthly Membership (small)
Runners-up:
Driftaway, for sustainability-focused, single-origin coffee ($14.40/shipment)
Atlas, for exploring the global coffee scene ($14/shipment)
Sips by is a personalized tea subscription that sends you four different teas (enough to make at least 16 cups) every month, so your tea rotation always stays new and exciting. You'll get to explore teas from big and familiar brands as well as local tea shops and farms and choose from loose leaf, bagged, herbal, and caffeinated teas.
If you weren't already familiar with all the benefits of tea, how to steep your tea, and the differences among all the tea types, Sips by shares plenty of educational resources to strengthen your tea knowledge.
Choose from five different beer memberships in this club: Microbrewed, Hop Heads, Rare Beers, International, and US and International. Each of these clubs gives you 12 12-oz beers in different styles from a few different breweries, plus brewery profiles and tasting notes. It's the most convenient way to tour breweries in the US and around the world.
The original club started in 1994, and its panel of brewmasters and beer judges only pick out a mix of the most interesting and innovative craft beers every month. The diversity of options means you can stop pigeonholing yourself into drinking (and pretending to enjoy) IPAs.
Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
Tavour, for mobile-first beer orders (Price varies)
Unless you keep your bar cart fully stocked and meticulously updated, it can be a hassle to source all the ingredients for a specialty cocktail you want to make. Let's also not forget that going out for happy hour requires putting on clothes. Cocktail Courier makes kits based on recipes from top bartenders and sends you all the ingredients you need, including the spirits. Keep in mind, though, you do need your own basic equipment, like glassware and a shaker.
For the subscription, just choose your favorite spirits and you'll only be sent kits with those spirits. There's also an option for just the mixers and garnishes, if you prefer to use your own alcohol.
Classic Cocktail Kit Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
Shaker & Spoon, for a variety of cocktails that focus on one spirit (from $40/shipment)
SaloonBox, for group cocktail parties (from $49/shipment)
The best snack subscription
One of our favorite things to do when visiting a new country is to scour the snack aisles of the local grocery store. SnackCrate brings that same excitement and discovery process to your door. Every month's snack box focuses on a different country and includes full-sized snacks directly imported from that country. You'll also get a music playlist and booklet of games and facts related to the country.
There are three box sizes available to suit everyone from occasional grazers to snack aficionados.
Original Snack Box Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
Mouth, for gourmet snacks from indie makers ($60/month)
Bokksu, for authentic Japanese snacks ($49.95/month)
New York City institution Murray's Cheese offers a few different monthly clubs that let you get your fix for creamy, stinky, soft, smoky, and hard cheeses. It's part indulgence, part educational experience.
The Classic Club is great for people who want a reliable way to enjoy cheeses you might not have heard of but still have an approachable flavor profile — think Montealva, a flaky and citrus-y goat's milk cheese from Spain or The Farm at Doe Run's butterscotch-infused cheese. If you want something more adventurous, try the Cheesemonger's Picks club instead.
Classic Cheese of the Month Club (small)
Runners-up:
Curdbox, for cheese plates including sweet and savory pairings ($49.95/month)
Jasper Hill, for special release and limited-edition cheese from Vermont ($100/month)
The best meat subscription
In addition to pre-curated boxes of grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and crate-free pork, ButcherBox lets you choose from more than 25 different cuts to make your own custom box. It's an easy way to get high-quality meat (up to 14 pounds every month) without having to visit your local butcher or farmer's market.
The subscription is also flexible in case you don't need that much meat every month. But if you're feeding a lot of mouths, hosting a barbeque, or just enjoy eating meat, you'll want to take advantage of ButcherBox's value every month.
Mixed Box (small)
Runners-up:
Porter Road, for underrated cuts of meat and the best variety (Price varies)
Snake River Farms, for high-end meat like American Wagyu ($225/shipment)
Blue Apron's flavorful, creative takes on familiar recipes and reliable, accurate delivery make it the best meal kit you can subscribe to. It's versatile and flexible, with meal options for all kinds of dietary preferences, a variety of plans for two- and four-person families, and add-ons like meat and seafood bundles, spice blends, and cookware and tools. There's even a wine add-on to complete your dining experience.
The meals (like chimichurri tilapia, one-pan prosciutto gnocchi, and sambal-peanut chicken noodles) are always delicious and the portions are generous — you'll even have leftovers, sometimes. The menu updates frequently and we rarely see the same recipe twice.
Runners-up:
Sunbasket, for organic ingredients and health-conscious recipes ($71.94/3-meal, 2-serving plan)
Everyplate, for the most affordable yet filling meals ($39.93/3-meal, 2-serving plan)
Birchbox's mission is to make the vast world of beauty and skincare fun and less intimidating by giving you the freedom to sample tons of different products. Every month's affordable beauty box contains five samples you might like based on your Beauty Profile, featuring a variety of new and upcoming brands and products (makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance). The brands included reflect Birchbox's core values of sustainability, inclusivity, and supporting women.
Once you've tried a sample you really love, you can directly shop the full-sized product at Birchbox's shop. There's also a Grooming section with hair, face and body, and shaving essentials.
Beauty Subscription Box (small)
Runners-up:
Kura, for clean skincare bundles customized to your needs (from $99/shipment)
Prose, for personalized haircare like shampoo and hair masks (Price varies)
There are a variety of ways you can get sharp and budget-friendly razor shipments from Dollar Shave Club: the first is the Starter Set, which costs just $5 ($20 every two months afterward) and acts as your trial run for the shave subscription. Or, you can take the site's quiz to receive a personalized recommendation of products based on your hair type and shaving needs.
Either way, this famous online shave club offers plenty of flexibility so that you'll always have a supply of razor blades and soothing post-shave essentials whenever you need it.
Starter Set (small)
Runners-up:
Billie, for fun yet practical razors ($9/shipment)
Harry's, for sleek designs and other body care products ($15/shipment)
Menlo Club, the styling service loved by NBA stars and our own senior style reporter, curates two to three pieces for you per month based on your style preferences and clothing sizes. Brands include Five Four, Grand AC, and New Republic, and the pieces are easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe.
It's your best bet if you don't like or have time for clothing shopping because it offers high-quality clothing with plenty of variety. You can exchange sizes for free and you'll also get perks like exclusive discounts and early access to drops.
Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
Stitch Fix, for clothing picks made by your own personal stylist ($20/shipment)
Gentleman's Box, for stylish accessories like ties and socks ($35/shipment)
With over 750 designers to choose from, Rent the Runway is the closet of your dreams for special occasions like weddings, workwear essentials, or simply to add excitement to your regular wardrobe. Its most popular plan lets you rent four pieces at a time, twice a month, for just $99 a month (for the first two months).
We've always found it easy to pick out, wear, and return dresses, tops, loungewear, and accessories from the service. It's all the fun and excitement of wearing designer clothing, without the exorbitant price tags or complicated dry cleaning.
2 Swaps (small)
Runners-up:
Stitch Fix, for clothing picks made by your own personal stylist ($20/shipment)
Nuuly, for affordable rentals from Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People ($88/shipment)
The right jewelry can bring an outfit to the next level, and with Rocksbox, the search for the perfect ring, earring, necklace, or bracelet is easy and very affordable. The $21 monthly membership gets you three pieces of jewelry from brands like Kendra Scott, Slate, 8 Other Reasons, and more, and the best part is you can swap the pieces as many times as you want during the month.
If you fall in love with a piece and decide to buy it, your membership fee turns into a credit towards your purchase, saving you even more money.
Monthly Jewelry Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
Switch, for luxury and fine jewelry like Hermes and Chanel (from $40/shipment)
Rowan, for hypoallergenic earrings and fun freebies ($35/shipment)
The best underwear subscription
MeUndies makes incredibly soft and comfy underwear in a variety of cuts and a huge selection of fun, ever-rotating prints and patterns. Though new underwear every month may seem unnecessary, you might just change your tune once you try a pair from MeUndies. All its fabrics are breathable and stretchy and last through years of washes.
The part to look forward to the most? Collecting all the unique prints, which have included sharks, a "Space Jam" collaboration, and sun-tanning alligators in the past.
Monthly Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
Underclub, for designer underwear in a range of styles (from $15/shipment)
Savage by Fenty Xtra VIP, for access to monthly drops and exclusive deals from Rihanna's lingerie brand ($49.95/shipment.
Fragrance is so personal to each individual person that it only makes sense to turn buying perfume or cologne into a sampling experience. Scentbird is home to over 500 fragrances from designer and indie brands, letting you discover your signature scent, add some variety to your current fragrance lineup, or simply try fragrances you wouldn't have access to otherwise. You'll be able to try perfume and cologne from Versace, D&G, Acqua di Parma and more.
Each 8 mL sampler bottle holds about 140 sprays — enough to use a couple times a day, every day of the month.
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Runners-up:
Scentbox, for an even larger variety of fragrances to choose from ($14.95/shipment)
Skylar Scent Club, for limited-edition rollerballs made with clean ingredients ($20/shipment)
The best flower subscription
Some people like food or shoes or jewelry, but for us, flowers are the ultimate monthly pick-me-up. BloomsyBox's monthly flower delivery service features one unique bouquet of 22-24 stems, and though you can't pick the exact flowers you want, the ones we've received from the service have always been gorgeous.
It's a lovely way to liven up your home with new and interesting arrangements and the flowers arrive fresh and undisturbed. Be on the lookout for cool, limited-time collaborations, like the current partnership with the New York Botanical Garden.
Flower Subscription Service (small)
Runners-up:
UrbanStems, for timeless arrangements and deliveries as frequent as every week ($55/shipment)
Horti is best for beginner plant enthusiasts who are interested in starting a plant collection but may not know where to start or how to learn the basics of plant care. Horti's subscription is strategically designed so you begin with hardy, low-maintenance plants but eventually graduate to more complex species as you develop your confidence and experience.
Each one always comes in a hand-painted pot (or you can opt for just the naked plants) and sometimes you'll also receive planting tools and accessories.
Month-to-Month Plant Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
The Sill, for a robust variety of medium-sized, easy care plants ($60/shipment)
As the OG national book club (since 1926!), Book of the Month has book curation down to a science, with its finger on the pulse of all the books that everyone seems to be reading and talking about lately. Every month you have the opportunity to choose from five hardcover books representing a variety of genres. Whether you're trying to start up a reading habit or already a voracious reader, the consistent shipments will keep you on track and make you a more well-read citizen.
It also offers a separate, formal Book Club service where you can organize your own book club with anyone in your circle.
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Runners-up:
Owl Crate, for signed young adult books and extra freebies ($32.99/shipment)
The best game subscription
If you like to unplug and unwind with a board game, try the cleverly named Unbox Boardom subscription. Each month, you can either choose a new game yourself or let the gaming experts choose one for you. The membership has all kinds of unique games (strategy, family, trivia, and more) that you haven't heard of before and will keep you well occupied throughout the year.
Soon enough, you'll have a healthy stack of games to choose from any time you want to exercise your brain a bit. Past games have included Photosynthesis, a strategy game where you chase the sun to grow trees and Sabordage, a mayhem-filled pirate adventure.
Monthly Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
Video Games Monthly, for classic and retro video games (from $34.99/shipment)
Finders Seekers, for mystery and escape room games ($30/shipment)
The best crafting subscription
For people who love working with their hands, The Crafter's Box offers the convenient and affordable opportunity to try out different kinds of crafts and learn from real working crafters. In addition to the kit of materials, you'll receive access to a digital workshop and live chat with a community of fellow craft lovers.
The exciting lineup of craft options include fabric weaving, leather sandal making, paper making, soap making, and contemporary quilting. Since The Crafter's Box sends you all the materials you need, you can test drive various crafting types and figure out the one you love the most before you drop an entire month's paycheck at Michael's.
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Runners-up:
Kiwi Doodle Crate, for creative projects designed for teens ($22.95/shipment)
Created by an engineer and mother of three, KiwiCo makes kits with toys and activities for kids of every age, from newborns to 14-year-olds. The science and art projects, designed by educators and scientists including but not limited to mechanical and industrial engineers, are age-appropriate and teach kids important skills like creative problem-solving, curiosity and tinkering, and hands-on craft.
The beauty of KiwiCo is it frees up time for parents: time spent researching activities to do, and time spent participating in those activities with their kids. Though parents can certainly join in on the fun, the kits work best when the child can play independently.
Crates (small)
Runners-up:
Lovevery, for developmental play kits for babies and toddlers (Price varies)
Baketivity, for kid-friendly baking kits ($32.95/shipment)
Dogs and their owners love this popular subscription box, which sends toys, treats, and chews revolving around a creative theme each month. When you sign up, you'll share info about your dog, including its breed, birthday, and dietary restrictions, so that Barkbox can send a personalized collection of items.
The plush toys in particular are a pup favorite. Soft, squeaky, and durable, they're made for play. Barkbox also has the best themes and collaborations we've seen around, from movie character chews and toys to a winter cabin getaway bundle.
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Runners-up:
Pupbox from Petco, for treats, toys, and training resources specifically for puppies ($39/shipment)
Kongbox, for highly rugged Kong products and especially playful dogs ($44.95/shipment)
Sometimes hair ties, lights, and cardboard boxes just won't cut it for your cat. That's where Meowbox comes in. Every box has five to six items, including high-quality toys and organic or grain-free treats that are always produced in the US or Canada. Plus, for every box sold, Meowbox donates a can of food to a cat shelter. It even provides a unique code you can use to track exactly where your donation has gone.
Like Barkbox, Meowbox offers adorable themed-products, like a summer fishing bucket hat or a "skippy kitty rope" and kettlebell for cat-owner workouts. The a la carte shop also features paraphernalia for the owner so you don't feel left out of the fun.
Monthly Subscription (small)
Runners-up:
KitNipBox, for extra treats and toys if you have more than one cat ($19.99/shipment)
RescueBox, for a subscription box with high impact ($29.95/shipment)
The best part of moving into your first apartment or home is getting to create a space that's all yours. Finding the perfect decor and picking out furniture is the exciting part, but there are also small necessities to consider. A laundry hamper, bedding, pots, and pans — these are just some of the purchases a recent grad or young professional will need to make.
We recommend getting them some combination of the basics they wish they didn't have to spend their own money on, and the little luxuries that can make life infinitely better.
40 gifts for anyone in a new apartment:
This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by Gravity. It meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*
Brightland specializes in creating authentic olive oils and vinegars without filler ingredients. The Essential Capsule set includes everything they'll need to cook delicious meals in their new home.
It can be hard to get to sleep in new surroundings, especially after a stressful move. Help them settle in to their new bedroom with a soothing and cooling weighted blanket. In a sleep study by Gravity, 72% of participants reported deeper, more restful sleep and 76% reported falling asleep faster when using the Gravity Blanket. This blanket comes in three different colors and in weights varying from 15 pounds to 35 pounds. Gravity recommends choosing a blanket size that's about 10% of their body weight, but when in doubt, 15 pounds is a good place to start for those new to the sensation of a weighted blanket.
If they're looking to cut the cost of cable out of their lives, a streaming stick is the way to go. It turns a regular TV into a smart TV by making all their favorite media apps like Netflix and Hulu available through a voice-controlled remote.
Bath mats are one of those necessities that no one likes to spend their own money on or think twice about. Gift them a punny bath mat that has enough personality to make them chuckle every day. If you know what their space looks like and want to get them something more even adventurous, check out more bath mat designs here.
A shower caddy that will follow them through multiple apartments to come
This shower caddy is one of the most useful things in my apartment. It uses an adjustable tension rod to hold itself into place and it can fit everything from a weirdly shaped bathtub ledge to a full floor-to-ceiling walk-in shower. It's a little pricey, but Simplehuman is known for making quality home products that rarely if ever need to be replaced. I've had mine for more than three years and it hasn't rusted at all (you can read my full review of it here).
More likely than not, they'll be limited in outlets in their new space, which can be frustrating. Help them solve their outlet shortage with this handy power strip which has three regular outlets, four USB ports, and one USB-C port. This power strip was also designed to allow space for another plug to be used in the second outlet and has a length of five feet.
Dusting is one of the less glamorous responsibilities that comes with moving into an apartment. This Swiffer Heavy Duty Extender Kit has everything they'll need to get the job done quickly and efficiently, including 12 duster refills. The handle can reach up to three feet, making it easier to reach into corners and crevices.
If they've been in their apartment for several months and still have bare walls, this hanging wall mount display is the perfect fix. This display is easy to set up and is a fun way for them to incorporate their favorite memories into their space. It comes in several finishes including black, gold, and natural wood.
Kitchen gifts are always appreciated, and there's nothing that accentuates a new kitchen quite like a powerful espresso machine. If you have the budget to treat a loved one, we recommend the top pick in our guide to the best espresso machines.
Stemless wine glasses that won’t spill or break as easily
When my partner and I moved in together years ago, their mom bought us a nice set of tall, thin-stemmed wine glasses — likely because I had once served her Cabernet in a mason jar. Though I like using those to entertain occasionally, I prefer these stemless glasses that are much more casual and much less breakable (...kind of like a mason jar).
A gift card to buy the best set of sheets they’ve ever slept on
Our executive editor calls Brooklinen's sheets one of the best purchases she's ever made, and many of us at Insider Reviews feel the same way. They'll be able to choose from quite a few weaves and materials as well as a huge selection of fun prints and colors. A basic full set costs around $130, for reference.
A personalized trinket tray for all their odds and ends
Catch-all trays are the kind of gift that may seem underwhelming until you realize how useful they are. That was certainly the case when I was gifted one after college. Now I have a few of them around my apartment — one for keys and sunglasses by the door, one for my rings and jewelry by the bed, and another in the living room for lip balm, candle matches, and other small items. This one is customizable with their initials as an extra sweet touch.
A single-serve blender for smoothies and small batches
They're likely not going to need a full-sized blender for any reason other than making large batches of frozen margaritas. Gift them a personal-sized blender for making healthy smoothies at home — and if they want to make a few frosty cocktails, they'll just have to put in a little extra work.
Vacuuming is one of the great time-sucks in life — literally. Give them back their Sunday afternoons with the gift of a robot vacuum that'll take the work out of cleaning the house. We love this vacuum as a budget option that still performs well on carpet and hardwood. You can read a more thorough review this vacuum and our other favorites here.
If they're living the big city life in a small city apartment, they'll appreciate any extra storage they can get. These wall hooks can be hung up by the door to hold coats, keys, and bags, or they could go in the bedroom to store additional items that won't fit in the closet.
A Dutch oven they’ll have for the rest of their life
A Le Creuset Dutch oven is one of those coveted kitchen items that most people don't get until their weddings, if ever. It's a special gift I only recommend giving to someone who really loves to cook. If you want to get them something a little less expensive but equally as useful, go for an eight- or nine-inch cast-iron skillet.
They can brew tons of coffee in this classic coffee maker — a priceless gift, if you ask me. For under $50, this machine has helpful features like brew-pause and a digitial display.
If they're moving in the near future, their first apartment will likely be doubling as an office. This desk can be used while sitting or standing, and its complete portability allows it to move with them from room to room.
Likewise, a welcome mat is another home basic they're going to need but aren't going to want to purchase. This simple one is fun enough without bordering on tacky.
Otherland's candles have the most beautiful packaging and intriguing scents (think: sandalwood and amber, or champagne and saffron). This is one gift you'll love giving as much as they'll love getting, and it'll add a sweet touch to their space.
A jumbo pack of removable hooks that won’t damage the wall
You can never have enough Command Hooks — especially if you're a renter who can't nail anything into the wall. This multi-pack makes a great stocking stuffer.
Whether they have a proper bar cart or not, one simple way to add sophistication to space is to store liquor and/or barware on a pretty tray. This neutral option is great for anyone who entertains a lot — they can use it as a serving platter or hold their at-home minibar.
Unless they absolutely love to cook, a utensil crock probably won't be the first thing on their mind when they move into a new space, so this is a smart and useful kitchen gift they'll appreciate.
A cool canvas art print to personalize their space
Redbubble helps more than 700,000 independent artists and designers share their work with the world through its online marketplace — all while committing to sustainable and socially responsible practices. The marketplace promises something for everyone with its "uncommon designs on awesome stuff."
We love Redbubble's original, quirky art printed on products ranging from canvas prints to cell phone cases to bath mats. This canvas print is a perfect piece of wall art for any Hitchcock film buff.
This is the blanket we fight over in my house — it's cozy, warm, breathable, and supremely soft. You'll find it in a few different colors at Crane & Canopy.
A curated set of pots and pans that won’t fall apart
Help them get their kitchen fully stocked with the right tools. Potluck makes cookware comparable to brands like All-Clad and Calphalon, but at direct-to-consumer prices that won't break the bank. Shop from a selection of well-curated bundles that fit all of their cooking needs. You can read a more in-depth review here.
Coat racks can go overlooked, but they need a place to hang their hat (and coat) just like everyone else, especially now that they have a place to call their own. Rustic and modern at once, this one will work almost anywhere.
Casper makes three equally excellent comforters, but this one is the more basic option. Its stitched compartments keep the ethically-sourced down from spreading through the blanket, and the organic cotton shell is gentle and cooling.
Hand towels are a necessity made all the more fun when embroidered or monogrammed. Crane & Canopy offers a variety of colors and styles for a personalized touch.
A beautiful set of coasters they’ll actually want to use
Hopefully, it's a lesson they won't ever have to learn the hard way: always use a coaster. If you get them this beautiful set, they'll actually want to.
A laundry basket is another much-appreciated gift they'll be thankful to not have to buy themselves. The lining of this one is removable, and if they already have a laundry basket, they can use it to store extra sets of sheets and towels.
Most people's first apartments (and the next few after that, if we're being honest) feature cabinets full of mismatched plates, glasses, and mugs they've collected over their time in college. Get them a new set of dishes, glasses, or flatware from Year & Day, one of our favorite new startups out there. If you're not ready to commit, you can read a full review of their dinnerware here.
A room spray is a fun twist on the classic gift of scented candles — and you can't go wrong with anything from Diptyque. During the cooler months, there's nothing more gorgeous than the iconic, floral Baies (roses and blackcurrant leaves) scent, which you'll find concentrated in this beautiful mist.
A smart device that can answer almost any question and play music
You can't go wrong when it comes to gifting the Echo Dot. It's a small speaker with major power, and Alexa can answer all their questions about the weather, traffic, and more. They'll also be able to play music, games, and control other smart devices around the house.
A cost-effective investment in their seltzer habit
If La Croix sparkling water is their main source of hydration, they'll love having a SodaStream around to make seltzer on demand. They can flavor it with drops meant to taste just like the real thing or create their own infusions — either way, they'll save a lot of money over time.
Note: The more expensive of the two options comes with two soda bottles and two CO2 cylinders, while the less expensive one only comes with one bottle and one CO2 filter.
Every extra ounce of storage space matters in a small apartment, which is why this storage ottoman makes a perfect (and decor-neutral) gift. The lid lifts to reveal enough space for throw blankets and a pair of slippers.
Summary List PlacementTable of Contents: Masthead Sticky
If you think learning to surf is too difficult, think again. I started surfing in the Atlantic at the age of 40, and more than a decade later, I still hit the waves whenever I can.
A good instructor can teach anyone to surf, and many beach hotels located near top surf spots have outstanding on-site schools and lessons. I've personally been to all the surfing beaches below and visited a number of their adjacent resorts; if you're thinking about getting out on the water anytime soon, these are the best hotels whether you want to try it for the first or fiftieth time.
And if you don't want to hang ten, these hotels come with an array of amenities for all ages and travelers, from outdoor pools to water parks and romantic oceanfront dining.
Browse all the best hotels below, or jump to a specific area.
A popular summer destination for East Coast families, especially folks from NYC and Philly, the 18-mile Long Beach Island is tucked between Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean reachable by a bridge from the mainland. Swimming, sunbathing, and amusement parks are top activities here, but there's also decent surfing, though the best time for bigger waves is in winter.
This new property resembles a classic coastal hotel with its shingle-clad facade and wide, wraparound front porch. Inside, modern furnishings are accented by nautical flourishes like a full-size boat suspended from the lobby ceiling and hallways lined with blue-and-white-striped wallpaper.
All 101 rooms in this all-suite hotel are huge, ranging in size from 600 to 1,200 square feet, and are smartly decorated with wood floors, contemporary furnishings, and artwork in varying shades of beachy blue. Depending on the room, it may come with a kitchenette or a full kitchen.
Entry-level King Standards on the first floor face the interior pool area and those facing outward overlook busy streets and can be noisy. Only the top-of-the-line suites have views of Barnegat Bay, including the Lavish Bay Suite, which comes with a separate dual-sided fireplace and an oversized balcony.
Suites can be combined to accommodate families and large groups and there's also a Bunk Suite that sleeps up to eight with two sets of twin bunk beds and a King-sized bed.
The concierge can assist with surfing rentals and lessons, as well as numerous other water sports including windsurfing, kayaking, boating, and sport-fishing.
Galveston's 32 miles of beaches and warm Gulf Coast waters make it a top spot for beach vacationers, while its relatively small waves are perfect for beginners.
One of the most popular surfing spots is around Pleasure Pier, which is just an eight-minute walk (or two minutes by bike) from the Hotel Galvez & Spa. The property partnered with local outfit Ohana Surf & Skate for surf lessons.
The only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas coast, Hotel Galvez opened in 1911 and has welcomed such icons as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. A vast green lawn dotted with flowers and towering palms provides a fitting entrance to this elegant property.
Inside, light pours into the vast lobby through enormous arched windows, with wicker seating positioned to soak up the sun and sea views. Come evening, head to the bar for live piano tunes.
The 224 neutral-toned rooms aren't particularly exciting design-wise, but they suit the hotel's traditional atmosphere. City View rooms, with one King or two Double beds, overlook Galveston's pretty Victorian architecture but you'll definitely want a Gulf View room for water and sunrise views.
The sixth-floor Spa Rooms are larger with a seating area, mini-fridge, and a rainforest shower. Six additional suites on the upper two floors feature one or two bedrooms with separate living rooms, a wet bar, and premium toiletries.
With its big swells, California's coast can be intimidating for beginner surfers, and especially for little kids just learning the basics. But San Diego's Mission Beach (along with nearby South Mission Beach) is ideal with waves averaging 3 to 4 feet year-round and water temps around 69 degrees in summer.
Bahia Resort Hotel is opposite the ocean on Mission Bay, about a 10-minute walk or a short shuttle ride away. The hotel partners with a local company to offer a whole host of water sports rentals and lessons, including surfboards and surfing lessons at Mission Beach.
Set on 14 acres on a peninsula, this wonderfully secluded, family-friendly property offers just about every vacation perk: a private bay-front beach, a junior Olympic-sized outdoor pool, a 30-person hot tub, tennis courts, a huge playground, movie nights, and live poolside entertainment. There are even a few unexpected ones, like an arcade with old-school video games and a stern wheeler boat for evening sightseeing cruises of the bay ($10 for guests).
Rooms vary in size and views; those with garden views are less expensive while pricier Bay Front rooms are smaller (just 288 square feet) but look right out onto the beach. For more space, opt for a 460-square-foot Studio with one King or two Queen beds, a seating area, a kitchenette with a breakfast bar, and a patio or balcony with bay or garden views. The suites are about double the size of most rooms, with sofa beds, bigger seating areas, and kitchens. Prices vary depending on the size and view, which will either be of the gardens, bay, or marina.
Nicknamed Surf City, Santa Cruz is home to a whopping 11 world-class breaks; the most famous is the point break at Steamer Lane, fit for only the most experienced of surfers.
Just to the north are the gentler waves of Cowell's Beach, where beginners can learn the basics from a number of area surf schools, while more seasoned surfers can rent boards and wetsuits right on the beach.
The Dream Inn takes full advantage of its location on Cowell's Beach with an oceanfront pool, beachfront restaurant, and ocean views from all of its 165 rooms. In keeping with the original 1960s building, the three-star property has been renovated in a colorful, retro-beach style with vintage surfboards hanging throughout the property, and even being repurposed for menus at the surf-shack style pool bar.
Rooms feel groovy with geometric-patterned wallpaper, striped curtains, mod wood furnishings, and brightly tiled bathrooms. All have balconies or patios (though some are only semi-private) and entry-level Ocean View Infinity rooms overlook the pool. For better views, and private balconies, trade up to an Ocean View Cloud room on floors 7–10.
The Ocean View Tower Suites are best for families or groups with a King-sized bed and a separate living room with a Queen sleeper sofa.
COVID-19 procedures include enhanced cleaning measures, social distancing, hand sanitizer stations, and the requirement to wear masks indoors except when eating and drinking.
You probably don't think of Newport, with its enormous gilded mansions, for its surfing scene, but the adjacent rocky Atlantic coast has drawn local surfers for decades. If you're ready to (wet)suit up and tackle the chilly waves, there are several local outfits, including Rhody Surf, that offer board rentals as well as surf lessons.
Waterfront hotels in Newport tend to be quite expensive, especially those along the famed Cliff Walk. But inland you'll find friendlier prices like the Wayfinder in Newport's North End, which quickly gained a following thanks to its attractive rates and chic, contemporary take on coastal design.
From the stylish lobby with its low-slung seating surrounding a yellow circular gas fireplace to the pool with its colorful umbrellas and loungers, there are plenty of places for guests to gather. Locals are big fans too, whether for a cup of Rhode Island's Nitro Coffee at the cafe or drinks and dining at the retro-style Nomi Park specializing in creative and seasonal seafood.
The 197 rooms and suites are decorated in soothing gray, cream, and sea-green tones and feature custom wood furnishings and vintage pieces. Nice touches include toiletries from Newport-based Shore Co. and local art.
Entry-level King rooms measure 312 square feet; if you want a balcony, you'll need to book a room with two Queen-sized beds. One- and two-bedroom suites include a living room with a pull-out sofa for extra guests, and all rooms look out onto the city or neighboring park.
The Outer Banks, a 130-mile-long string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, is a popular summer vacation destination for families. It's also an excellent place to learn how to surf thanks to ideal conditions with fairly consistent breaks and waves that are just the right size for newbies.
The Sanderling Resort makes it easy to surf the Outer Banks with boards available for rent on-site and an activity kiosk that can arrange for surf lessons with a local outfit, Kitty Hawk Kites Adventure Experiences. Classes start at $69 for two hours for ages seven and up.
Set on 13 acres stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, this full-service resort appeals to couples and families alike, with a variety of room sizes, designated family and adults-only outdoor pools, oceanfront decks, and multiple restaurants and bars.
The 123 rooms and suites are decorated in a subtle beachy style with ecru furnishings and plush headboards, crisp white linens, and pops of orange. While all have private outdoor space, you'll pay more for views of the Sound or the Atlantic.
Entry-level Deluxe rooms have one King or two Queen beds and overlook the landscaped property. Premium rooms are a bit larger and have water views, while nine have direct access to the family pool, which is great for kids but noisy for romancing couples.
Suites are scattered throughout the Beach House, North Wing, and South Wing, and feature large furnished balconies or patios. Some have fabulous views of both the ocean and the sound, while others lead directly to the adults-only Tranquility pool.
Cocoa Beach, on Florida's Space Coast, is hailed as the East Coast Surfing Capital, birthing surfing greats like the 11-time world champion Kelly Slater and playing host to the annual Pro/Am Surfing Festival. Most of the surfing activity is centered around the Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can take lessons year-round and also check out all the restaurants and bars along the 800-foot-long jetty.
With free hourly shuttles to and from Cocoa Beach Pier a mile away, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort puts you close to the action. The three-star, all-suite property favors families and groups, with 120 spacious two- and four-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, two bathrooms, and living and dining areas.
Signature two-bedroom suites measure 812 square feet and can sleep up to six with a King-sized bed, two twin beds, and a Queen sleeper sofa. Luxury two-bedrooms are similar in size and configuration but also come with a patio or balcony.
If you want a break from the beach, at the heart of the resort — and complimentary to guests — is the Wakulla Falls Water Park with a lazy river, splash pad, and water slide built around tropical landscaping.
It may be a bit of a cliché, but Waikiki Beach truly is one of the best places in the world to surf. Year-round warm water (75-82 degrees) and consistent waves for all levels make for superb surfing conditions.
What makes surfing here even better, especially for beginners, is a ship channel carved into the ocean floor, which means you don't have to battle the waves to paddle out. There's also a rope along the channel to hang onto while you wait for your perfect wave.
This channel is right in front of Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, which offers top-notch surfing lessons through its on-property Hawaii Hot Spots Surf School.
Set on 22 acres of manicured tropical gardens, this massive beachfront resort (the biggest in Waikiki) counts 2,860 rooms across five towers, 18 restaurants and bars, 80 stores, a 10,000-square-foot beachfront pool, and so many amenities there isn't room to list them all here.
As expected with a resort of this size, there's a vast range of room sizes and configurations. You'll pay more for rooms in oceanfront buildings with partial or direct ocean views and the least for those overlooking the city or resort.
The fanciest, and best for couples, are rooms in The Ali'i, a beachfront tower that offers exclusivity with a separate registration desk, a private pool and whirlpool, poolside fitness classes with Peloton bikes, and rooms with direct ocean views.
The Rainbow Tower also has ocean view rooms, but at a lower price point. Recently renovated Tapa Collection one-bedroom suites in the Tapa Tower have a serene blue and gray palette and fantastic ocean views.
For those with little kids, consider staying in the Lagoon Tower for its quick access to the kid-friendly Paradise Pool (complete with waterslide) and the quiet beach surrounding the saltwater lagoon.
Set on the easternmost tip of Long Island's South Fork, Montauk has morphed from a sleepy fishing village to a low-key surfing haven to one of the most desirable enclaves for the moneyed Hamptons crowd.
Yet Montauk manages to retain its relaxed vibe, and you'll still see surfers flocking to its 13-mile-long-coast, especially Ditch Plains, famous for its wide beach and legendary offshore break.
Marram transformed a former beachfront motel into an effortlessly chic 96-room boutique hotel. Natural woods and a muted sand, gray, and blue hues mimic the hotel's surrounding dunes and the Atlantic waves.
Rooms range from 300 to 400 square feet and give off a contemporary, beach cottage vibe with wood-beamed ceilings, polished concrete floors, handwoven rugs, and bedside tables made from reclaimed wood. Black-and-photos of the beach and surf adorn the walls, as do subtle line drawings from musician/artist Sean Spellman.
There are four categories with a variety of Queen or King bed configurations based on the views: Dune, Courtyard, Oceanview, and Beachfront, with the latter being the priciest. Entry-level Dune King rooms face the parking lot, while Courtyard rooms overlook a pretty, dune-landscaped area.
Best is the one-bedroom Beachfront Balcony suite with an en-suite steam shower, a living room with breakfast nook and wet bar, and a large balcony with direct ocean views. None of the rooms have a television set, so be sure to pack your tablet or iPad.
The family-run surf school Engstrom Surf is located right on property and guests can easily take advantage of one of Montauk's best breaks just in front of the hotel.
The hotel is open seasonally, from April to just after Thanksgiving.
COVID-19 procedures include: social distancing, masks in indoor public spaces, hand sanitizer stations, disinfection of high-touch areas.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows — Santa Monica, California
One of the top SoCal surfing spots, Santa Monica has waves for every level, from powerful surf at Bay Beach to smaller breaks at Santa Monica Beach. The latter is just in front of this century-old landmark hotel, which has partnered with several surf schools to offer lessons for guests.
Spread across two distinct buildings (the midcentury-modern Ocean Tower and the early 20th-century Palisades wing) are 297 rooms and suites. Rooms in the tower have a breezy retro style, while Palisades rooms have a more classic vibe with leather furnishings and dark wood. For the best ocean views and outdoor space, choose a Tower room; for more square footage, opt for a Palisades room.
There are also 31 freestanding 1930s bungalows scattered among the beautifully landscaped gardens. All have cool modern decor and range from cozy, 350- to 425-square-foot Signature Bungalows to a sprawling 2,500-square-foot three-bedroom bungalow with a huge patio.
Where is the best place in the US to learn how to surf?
Hawaii offers the best all-around surfing experience by far, with year-round warm waters and consistent waves for every level. The drawback is a long, fairly expensive flight from much of the US.
If you want to surf in the mainland US, consider destinations in Southern California, which also have dependable surf and fairly temperate waters year-round.
For the budget-minded, try New Jersey's Long Beach Island, with decent waves and pleasant ocean temps (but only in summer).
Are there any travel restrictions for the destinations on this list?
Currently, the only state with travel restrictions is Hawaii.
To enter Hawaii, you will need to set up a State of Hawaii Safe Travels account. Go to travel.hawaii.gov, then complete the mandatory form.
You will also need to provide proof of vaccination, which must be at least 15 days before entering Hawaii, or present a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before the departure of your flight by an approved Hawaii testing partner. Review all State of Hawaii travel guidance information and check back frequently, as information is updated regularly.
Is it safe to stay in hotels?
Hotels and resorts are implementing new cleaning policies to help guests rest easier. We've linked to the most up-to-date COVID policies for each of the properties so you can assess your risk level.
However, because the pandemic situation continues to evolve, it's wise to read up on hotel cancellation policies and consider purchasing trip insurance to safeguard your travel investments.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and their ability to change, it is best to check ahead of time before booking if a particular amenity, such as a spa, restaurant, or fitness center, will be open during your visit or require advance reservations.
How we selected the best surf hotels
All are in close proximity to major surfing spots along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf, with waves that are suitable for beginners to experienced surfers.
Many hotels on the list have on-site surf schools/board rentals or partnered with local outfits to make planning your surfing vacation a breeze. Others can arrange for surf lessons and rentals through the front desk or concierge.
Properties appeal to many different travelers, from couples to families to groups of friends, and include mid-range, boutique, and luxury options.
Properties represent a range of budgets, with prices starting between $149 and $439 per night, depending on the time of year.
Each resort or hotel holds a Trip Advisor Trip Advisor rating of 3.5 or above with significant, honest recent reviews, and is also well-reviewed on Booking.com.
All hotels have coveted on-site amenities such as outdoor pools, spas, and nearly every hotel on the list is located on the beach.
All hotels have stringent COVID-19 policies to prioritize the health and safety of guests, which we've linked to or described below.
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There's no question that gathering around a fire with friends and family is a fun and communal outdoor experience. Whether you're making s'mores and telling ghost stories with the kids, catching up with the neighbors over a few drinks, or just stargazing with a partner, the warmth and light of fire are incredibly relaxing.
These kinds of experiences are so popular now that buying a fire pit has nearly become a mandatory practice for homeowners. But with so many different options to choose from, it's not always easy to know which ones are worth investing in.
Having spent many a night huddled around my own assortment of fire pits, I've learned what does (and doesn't) make a good one. And there's certainly no shortage of variety, too. So, no matter if you want one that runs on propane, is highly portable, or burns wood, there's something for every preference or desired use.
The fire pits that ultimately earned a spot here are some of the most versatile, well-built, and efficient models I've used. I've also included insight into how to shop for a fire pit, as well as how I tested each of the models featured, at the end of this guide.
Each fire pit featured in this guide went through a series of tests to see how it compared across these four categories: Ease of use, versatility, design, and value. Specifically, here's how each category factored into which fire pits we ultimately included:
Ease of use: If you're unable to easily start a fire, what good is a fire pit really? While no fire pit is as easy as snapping your fingers, some are designed not just for easy fire starting but also in keeping the flame lit and full for several hours. If it feels like a chore to get it lit and to stay burning, you're less likely to want to use it very often.
Versatility: A fire pit's sole job is to, well, be a fire pit but there are some (i.e. BioLite's aptly named, FirePit) that come with additional functionality such as being able to throw a grill on them and barbecue some food or pack down small enough to be portable enough for camping trips. Of course, we still considered home-specific fire pits that excelled at their lone purpose but did make not of multi-faceted options where necessary.
Design: The design of a fire pit affects which models made this guide in a number of ways. First, a poor design could mean that the fire may burn out more quickly or that it doesn't quite ration the wood as well. A bad design can also just be an eye-sore, and if it's something you're looking to keep in your backyard, it's likely you prefer one that not only maintains fire but looks good doing it.
Value: Value is the sum of the categories above, as well as some attention toward its actual price. Though it's ideal to not have to spend a fortune on a simple fire pit, it's smart to invest in something that's premium and high quality as opposed to spending less money more often on a cheaply-built model.
The best fire pit overall
Durable, versatile, and beautiful, the Breeo X Series 24 is an outstanding fire pit that serves as a hub for outdoor entertainment, can help you cook dinner, and looks like a piece of art all at the same time.
Pros: Looks great, incredibly well-built, doubles as a wood-fired grill, high-quality components, and lifetime warranty.
Cons: Heavy
When Breeo created its new X Series line of fire pits, a lot of time was spent on design and engineering. The result is a fantastic model that includes integrated airflow technology that makes it easier to get a blaze going while keeping the level of smoke that's produced to a minimum.
The company also chose to manufacture the X line from high-quality Corten steel, which allows it to naturally weather over time. This gives it a unique, timeless look that isn't found in most other fire pits. In fact, the level of craftsmanship on display here is head and shoulders above just about anything else on the market, which in turn allows Breeo to confidently back its products with a lifetime warranty.
Large enough to accept big logs, the X Series 24 keeps a flame going for hours. Its 24-inch opening makes it easy to continue to feed the blaze for as long as you like. And since this model is nearly 30 inches in diameter, there's plenty of room for people to gather around it to bask in warmth and comfort.
As good as the X Series 24 is as a fire pit, it might be even better as a wood-fired grill. The stainless-steel outer ring makes for a nice cosmetic touch, but it actually doubles as a sear plate, sizzling steaks, burgers, chicken, or just about anything else you'd want to grill.
This model is also compatible with Breeo's Outpost Grill add-on (which we didn't test at this time) that opens up the possibilities for cooking a meal even further. This optional accessory seamlessly connects to the fire pit while cooking but can just as easily be removed once the meal is done.
Breeo's X Series 24 is incredibly well-built and is an upscale product in every way. Unsurprisingly, this makes it one of the more expensive models in our guide at $579. Because it's made with premium materials, it's also a bit heavy, weighing in at 78 pounds — so, don't expect this model to be especially portable. That said, if you're looking for a quality and dependable fire pit designed to last — that also doubles as a reliable grill —the X Series 24 from Breeo is what you seek.
The best wood-burning fire pit
Technology and design come together in the BioLite FirePit+, a model that not only excels at grilling but comes equipped with an onboard rechargeable battery pack and a unique airflow design.
Pros: Great for grilling, burns both wood and charcoal efficiently, integrated fan and battery pack make starting a fire easy and keeps the FirePit+ relatively smoke-free.
Cons: The battery pack needs to be recharged regularly.
BioLite's original FirePit has been a staple in this guide, so it should come as no surprise that I'm equally as thrilled about its second-generation FirePit+. And it's not just a carbon copy of the first iteration with a new colorway — it actually features some significant upgrades.
Most notable among the FirePit+'s upgrades is a new body design that helps radiate more heat outward, something that's been much appreciated during colder shoulder season nights (and even during a few ambitious winter evenings when it was frigid). It also now has a new enamel coating that better holds up to high temperatures and allows for easy cleaning.
Even the onboard battery pack got an upgrade, as it's now a 12,800 mAh battery capable of running the fan for far longer compared to the first FirePit.
And why would a fire pit need a fan, you ask? For starters, it helps keep air flowing inside the unit itself, which not only allows the fire to burn more efficiently but keeps the amount of smoke produced at a minimum. FirePit+ owners can control the speed of the fan using a button on the device itself or via their smartphone over Bluetooth.
Made from a material BioLite calls X-Ray Mesh, the FirePit+ is unique and stylish looking, too. Its mesh sides allow it to keep the fire — and any errant embers — from escaping, while still providing a 360-degree view of the flames.
In addition to making a great fire pit, the FirePit+ also doubles nicely as a grill. Because it burns wood and charcoal, it has a high level of versatility. The FirePit+ even comes with a removable grill grate that facilitates hibachi-style cooking. Simply slide the grate into place and you'll be cooking up burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and a variety of other items in no time.
And since the FirePit+ weighs less than 20 pounds — and comes with folding legs — it's easy to take with you on camping trips, to the beach, or while tailgating.
But do remember to keep the battery charged. If you forget to recharge the power cell on a regular basis, you run the risk of the fan running out of juice. This isn't the end of the world but it does take away some of the shine that helps the FirePit+ rise above its competition.
The best propane fire pit
For the ultimate in convenience, it's tough to top the Outland Living Fire Bowl, a propane-powered fire pit that looks great, burns efficiently, and can produce a flame in seconds.
Pros: Uses propane as a fuel source, looks great, fast and easy to use, and is smoke-free
Cons: Not as versatile as wood-burning models and if you run out of propane you won't be able to maintain a fire
With its sleek, modern design, low profile, and efficient helios burner, the Outland Fire Bowl is a fire pit built for anyone who places a high value on convenience. Thanks to its ability to use propane as a fuel source, this unit can have a flame going in a manner of seconds. This makes it an ideal choice for someone who doesn't have the skills, patience, or inclination to build a fire by hand.
It also opens the door for more frequent use simply because it is so easy to start the Fire Bowl up, enjoy a fire for a short time, then shut it off again. Something that a regular wood-burning model simply can't match.
Propane fire pits have other benefits above and beyond just speed and convenience. They also happen to burn more cleanly, which means you won't be dealing with smoke, ash, or soot. This not only makes them easier to keep clean, but also more fun to use, whether it's in the backyard, while car camping, or tailgating at the game.
Unlike some propane fire pits, the Fire Bowl doesn't have a push-button ignition which means you'll still have to use matches whenever you want to get a fire going. Once the flames start burning, however, you can adjust the size and intensity of the blaze with the simple turn of a knob. Having this level of control over your fire pit is a real game-changer, although you'll want to make sure you always have an extra propane tank around to avoid running out of gas in the middle of a gathering.
Outland ships the Fire Bowl with some handy accessories, including a pre-attached 10-foot hose and regulator, a stabilizing ring for the propane tank, and lava rocks to put inside the fire pit itself. The unit also comes with a cover and a carrying case, both of which are nice additions when it comes to keeping the Fire Bowl well protected from the elements.
Lightweight, easy to set up and use, and affordable, the Outland Fire Bowl is an excellent option for those who want a fire pit without having to deal with the actual fire. While it isn't as versatile as some of the wood-burning options on this list, it does its job very well.
The best portable fire pit
When it comes to portability, the Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace is our go-to option. This model is lightweight and collapses down for ease of transport while offering excellent durability and performance wherever you take it.
Pros: Lightweight and collapsible, the Snow Peak Fireplace is very easy to transport
Cons: Limited features out of the box
Most companies that manufacture fire pits don't take into account weight and portability when designing them. After all, the vast majority of these products will be installed in a backyard and likely aren't moved very far after that. But if you do happen to need a fire pit that you can take with you, you're in luck. Snow Peak's Pack & Carry Fireplace is exactly what you're looking for.
Snow Peak is a Japanese outdoor brand that is well known for making clever and well-built products for camping. The Fireplace is a perfect example of this, as it features a design that is both simple and brilliant at the same time. This fire pit actually has the ability to collapse down and fold flat, which makes it extremely easy to carry with you to any outdoor setting. And since it weighs just 11.9 pounds and comes with its own carrying case, there really isn't any excuse to leave it behind.
Once you reach your destination, the Fireplace expands back into its regular shape in a matter of seconds, with wide, rounded-off legs securely holding it in place even when resting on uneven terrain. A series of small holes in the fire pit's frame help to facilitate airflow, while its bucket-like receptacle can hold moderate-sized pieces of wood. Because it has a wide opening, visibility is great from all angles, and adding more wood to the fire is safe and easy.
Despite its ability to collapse flat, the Fireplace is well-engineered and very durable. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this model is designed to withstand the elements and be transported from one location to another on a regular basis. Because it is made of rugged metal, however, it does take a bit of time to cool down after the party is over.
Out of the box, the Fireplace doesn't have a lot of features or frills, although Snow Peak makes a number of accessories that extend its use even further. The company offers an array of cooking utensils for instance, and a grill top allows owners to cook over the fire. Without spending extra money on those add-ons, however, this model isn't quite a versatile as some other options.
The best budget fire pit
Sturdy and durable, the no-frills Kingso Outdoor Fire Pit is affordable enough that anyone can add one to their backyard.
Pros: Attractive, inexpensive, and comes with some handy accessories
Cons: Not weather-resistant, requires some assembly, not a lot of frills
Who says you need to spend a lot of money to get a quality fire pit for your backyard? The Kingso Outdoor Fire Pit may not have all of the bells and whistles found on the other models on this list, but it is durable, good looking, and gets the job done. It also happens to be so affordable that it won't do much damage to your wallet.
Even though this model is priced surprisingly low, the Outdoor Fire Pit isn't entirely without its amenities. Kingso does ship this model with a mesh cover that prevents sparks from escaping the flames without obstructing the view in any way. It also comes with a metal poker that makes it easy to safely remove that lid and adjust logs while the fire is going.
Lightweight and relatively compact, the Outdoor Fire Pit is made of rugged, heat-resistant steel. This makes it easy to move around or even take with you on a camping trip should you choose. Sadly, however, the metal used in its construction is not particularly well suited for resisting the elements. In fact, the manufacturer recommends that you take it inside when not in use in order to avoid rusting.
This model isn't fully assembled out of the box, although it doesn't take particularly long to put it together. Once all of the parts are locked firmly into place, the fire pit proves to be very stable, even on uneven ground. Its 22-inch bucket can hold a surprising amount of wood and can comfortably accommodate a small gathering of people. That said, this unit is a bit smaller than the others on this list, which makes it a good choice for those with a smaller deck or patio.
The real selling point of this particular model is without a doubt the price. For less than $60 you can own a reasonably well-made, portable, and attractive fire pit. While not as well constructed or feature-rich as more expensive options, as long as you're aware of its limitations going in, the Outdoor Fire Pit is a good buy.
How to shop for a fire pit
While the concept of a fire pit has been around for centuries, modern versions elevated the concept to new heights. Thanks to a blend of innovative engineering and thoughtful design, today's fire pits not only look great but are highly functional, too.
Strategically placed vents, air holes, and tubes make starting a fire easier than ever, while at the same time channel away excess smoke. This makes for a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, while allowing you to walk away without the smell of smoke on your clothes or in your hair
Modern fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, too, ranging from small, portable, wood-burning models, up to massive propane-powered structures permanently installed on a patio.
No matter which size or model you choose, it's likely to become the centerpiece of your outdoor space anytime a fire is lit. It also provides plenty of heat and light, allowing you to enjoy being outdoors even during the colder times of the year.
Some fire pits even make excellent grills, allowing you to cook entire meals over a flame. But most important of all, they're a safe way to enjoy a bonfire in your backyard, without fear of the fire getting out of control.
Fire pit safety tips
You should always take proper care when starting a fire, as well as putting one out. We strongly advise against using any of these fire pits if you lack the experience and recommend consulting an expert before using them.
You should also double-check where you can and can't start a fire, be it in a residential setting or while camping. Not all campgrounds allow fires but in those that do, it's important to understand the guidelines. It doesn't hurt to take note of Smokey Bear's fire safety rules, either.
FAQs
How do you clean a fire pit?
It's important that you first wait until your fire pit is completely cooled off before attempting to clean any part of it. Ideally, you'd clean it on a day when you haven't used it at all.
Actually cleaning the pit is a straightforward process. First, unhook any propane tanks or unplug any cords, and then remove all ash, burned wood, and debris from inside. You can then use some dishwashing soap (the grease-cutting kind tends to work best) and a warm cloth or scrub brush to scrub the inside of the pit.
It's recommended you wear some kind of protective gloves, and be careful not to get any electronics wet in the process. Let the fire pit fully dry (especially for those that plug into a wall or use some sort of battery) before using them again. Fire pits that just use wood can be used immediately.
How do you put out a fire in a fire pit?
If you're using a fire pit that burns actual wood, you'll want to make sure you effectively extinguish the blaze before leaving it. To do so, douse the flame with water and stir the ashes with a poker or stick. You should see the coals start to cool off. If they're still lit (and the pit still feels warm), pour more water over them. Don't leave the pit until it's entirely cooled off.
For propane fire pits, many just require you to turn off the propane (or turn off the pit via a built-in switch) and they'll completely turn off. Check the owner's manual for proper operation as some may differ from others.
You'll always want to have some sort of emergency extinguisher nearby should any fire get out of control, too. This could be anything from a bucket of water set somewhere close, a nearby hose turned on and ready to use, or even a fire extinguisher. If a fire becomes unruly, call 911 immediately.
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Amazon Alexa is a reliable and feature-packed smart home assistant. Alexa can answer your questions, enable hands-free voice control, set alarms, and even connect with other compatible smart devices.
Amazon's Echo speakers all feature Alexa built-in, including the fourth-generation Echo and Echo Dot. Amazon has also partnered with dozens of other manufacturers to bring Alexa to speakers outside the Echo brand, including models from Sonos, Yamaha, Ultimate Ears, and more.
These third-party models deliver the same key digital assistant functions and skills you'd expect from an Alexa device, while offering buyers more options when it comes to sound performance and design. For instance, there are portable Alexa speakers for outdoor use, and there are even soundbars with Alexa for customers who want a smart speaker in their home theater.
Though Amazon's Echo and Echo Dot remain top choices for their convenience and reliability, third-party Alexa speakers could be a better solution for specific features.
The latest Amazon Echo features Alexa, an updated design, improved sound, and Zigbee integration.
Pros: Affordable, integrated Zigbee hub, 3.5mm port, modern design
Cons: Audio performance not as good as more expensive speakers
The fourth-generation Echo is Amazon's best Alexa speaker yet. For most buyers, it delivers the perfect balance between audio quality, price, and smart-home capabilities.
The new Echo is shaped like a sphere instead of a cylinder. This gives the speaker a unique design that makes it look like a glowing orb.
Audio quality has also been improved compared to older models thanks to the addition of a second tweeter and new front-firing placement. That said, sound performance still can't match the quality you'd get on a Sonos speaker.
Full Alexa capabilities are integrated for easy access to Amazon's reliable digital assistant. A blue light glows on the bottom when Alexa is listening. Amazon also implemented its new, first-generation AZ1 neural edge processor to enable more responsive performance.
A microphone mute button is included for people concerned about privacy. On the downside, Amazon still uses your voice recordings by default to help improve Alexa's functionality, but you can disable this from the Alexa app.
Buyers who want easy compatibility with other smart devices should like the Echo's Zigbee hub integration. Zigbee is a smart-home standard that accessories use to pair with one another. A third-generation Echo would have to talk to a separate smart-home hub to access some devices, like light bulbs. The latest Echo can create a direct link.
The best high-end Alexa speaker
The Sonos One is perfect for the serious audiophile, and it also supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Apple AirPlay 2.
Pros: Great sound quality, well-designed, Google Assistant support in addition to Alexa, AirPlay 2
Cons: A little expensive, doesn't support Bluetooth streaming
The Sonos One is one of the best smart speakers out there today. The device works with Alexa, to be sure, but it also has Google Assistant support and it works with Apple's AirPlay 2 for users of iOS devices. In other words, while you may buy the speaker for its Alexa support, you'll be getting a ton of other smart features, too.
You can ask Alexa questions, have her play music, set reminders, buy items on Amazon, check your shipments, control your compatible smart home gadgets, and more on the Sonos One. On top of that, you can access third-party services like Spotify.
Smart features aside, what really sets the Sonos One apart from Amazon's own lineup of Echo speakers is its excellent sound quality. It boasts plenty of volume without distorting, plus it delivers solid bass response for a speaker this size. There's also plenty of clarity in the high end, helping things like cymbals shimmer, and vocals cut through a mix.
If you can afford to buy two, you can get an even more balanced and sweet sound with stereo pairing.
On the downside, unlike the Echo, there's no Bluetooth support or auxiliary port, so it's a closed system that locks you into the Sonos ecosystem. The speaker is also a little more expensive than some of the others on this list, but it earns its higher price by delivering better audio performance than those cheaper options.
The best portable Alexa speaker
The UE Blast sounds good and has a nice design, plus it's one of the only portable speakers with Alexa.
Pros: Good battery life, nice sound quality for size, relatively durable, waterproof
Cons: Alexa needs Wi-Fi to properly function
If you're looking for an Alexa-enabled speaker that you can take on the go, then the UE Blast speaker is an ideal buy. In addition to Alexa support, the speaker features an integrated battery for portable use and it also boasts a waterproof design.
Alexa support does require internet so you'll need to be in range of a Wi-Fi connection to use the speaker's digital assistant. But, as long as you're connected, you'll get all the essential Alexa features you'd expect, including hands-free control and most digital assistant functions.
The speaker is also well-built for portable use with a solid 12 hours of battery life. Plus, it carries a water-resistance rating of IP67. That makes it great for taking to the beach without having to worry about it getting too wet.
On top of that, the speaker also sounds great for its size, offering decent bass response and a nice, cutting sound to deliver 360-degree music no matter where you are. That said, low frequencies aren't as deep as you'd get on a larger speaker. Bluetooth is integrated as well so you can easily connect a mobile device to stream music from.
The best Alexa soundbar
Yamaha's YAS-209 delivers great sound for movies and TV, and it features built-in Alexa support for hands-free control.
Pros: Room-filling sound, wireless subwoofer, diverse connection options, sleek appearance
Cons: No onboard display, doesn't support Dolby Vision passthrough
The YAS-209 soundbar mixes home theater audio quality with Alexa features for a reasonable price. This space-saving audio option makes for a great upgrade to most built-in TV speakers, and it can double as a digital assistant.
The 2.1-channel soundbar delivers impressive stereo playback and the system includes a wireless subwoofer for dedicated bass. DTS Virtual:X technology is also included for a simulated surround sound effect.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity are included as well for simple music streaming. Wired connections to a TV can be handled via the bar's HDMI ARC or optical audio ports. An additional HDMI port is also included to connect a media device, like a Blu-ray player or game console.
Of course, the YAS-209 also boasts integrated support for Amazon Alexa thanks to built-in microphones, enabling digital assistant features and hands-free control for functions like volume.
Though we think the YAS-209 is the best soundbar with Alexa built-in, buyers who want a soundbar with multiple digital assistants and a more compact design should also consider the Sonos Beam. Its home theater performance isn't as good as the Yamaha, but it includes Alexa and Google Assistant support so you can choose which platform you want to use.
The best budget Alexa speaker
The Echo Dot is the best speaker for people who want a compact and affordable Alexa device.
Pros: Small, smart, affordable
Cons: Audio quality isn't as good as the standard Echo
The Echo Dot is the best entry-level Alexa speaker you can buy. For around half the cost of the standard Echo, you get a tiny, orb-shaped gadget that can answer questions, play music, set alarms, control other smart devices, and more.
The Echo Dot's best feature is definitely its small size. You can stick it just about anywhere, and because it has the same microphone array as its bigger siblings, it won't have a problem hearing your requests. Whether you're going for subtlety or want the best way to dip your toe into the smart-home ocean, this is your best choice.
The latest Dot features a spherical design and slightly improved sound quality over the previous third-generation model, but overall performance is very similar. There's currently only about a $10 difference between both models, so we recommend the newer version. That said, if you prefer the puck-shaped look and want to save some money, the third-gen Echo Dot is still a good buy.
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PlayStation 5 (small)Playstation 5 (All-Digital) (small)
The PlayStation 5 is Sony's fastest-selling video game console ever, with more than 10 million systems sold since its launch in November 2020. However, the record demand and an international chip shortage have made the PS5 one of the hardest items to buy in stores or online.
The high demand for PS5 also makes it a target for resellers, many of whom use automated tools to purchase consoles online as soon as they're available. Sony acknowledged the supply challenges in a July 2021 statement, but it remains unclear when the console will become readily available.
We've seen weekly restocks of the PS5 ($500) and PS5 Digital Edition ($400) at retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and Sony's own PlayStation Direct store. Nearly all PlayStation 5 sales are handled online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and overall demand, but some GameStop locations have made consoles available for in-store purchase.
According to CNET, Walmart will offer a batch of PlayStation 5 consoles online at 9 p.m. ET on August 25. Walmart usually announces PS5 restocks a few hours before consoles are available online, and another batch was available earlier in the day on August 25.
GameStop sends emails to subscribers ahead of PS5 restocks but typically only makes the PS5 available in bundles. Amazon and Newegg have also made PS5 consoles available, though on a less consistent basis. Newegg uses a raffle system to give shoppers a chance to buy rare items like the PS5.
We'll keep this post updated as we get more information about PS5 restocks, but ultimately you'll need to keep checking multiple stores and get a bit lucky with timing to secure the console.
Where to buy a PS5: stores and price
Several stores, including Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Newegg, have regularly restocked PlayStation 5 consoles since launch, but they typically sell out as soon as they're available online. Some GameStops have had consoles for sale in-store, but availability depends on when they're shipped.
The PlayStation 5 comes in two different models — one that has a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive and a "digital edition" with no disc drive at all. The standard model is priced at $500, and the digital edition is priced at $400.
At popular sites for resellers, like eBay and StockX, you can expect to pay between $700 or $800 for the PlayStation 5.
You can check the links below to see if the PS5 is currently available at each retailer; we'll update this post if a specific store announces a restock.
PlayStation 5 (Standard Edition)
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PlayStation 5 (Digital Edition)
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Tips for buying the PS5
Buying the PlayStation 5 has been a struggle since release, but retailers have been making a steady stream of consoles available. If you have a preferred store, you should look into setting stock alerts with their online tools.
Third-party stock-tracking websites like HotStock.io can tell you when a store last had the PlayStation 5 in stock and let you set alerts for multiple retailers. A reseller who made more than $40,000 reselling PS5 consoles last year shared more specific tips on how to find the console online.
If you encounter issues while trying to check out with an online retailer, keep trying to refresh the product page to add the console and make sure the PS5 is available and in your cart. If possible, create an account with your preferred retailer and enter your payment and shipping information in advance to help the checkout process move quickly.
PlayStation 5 specifications
The PlayStation 5 boasts much more powerful hardware than the PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro. Upgrades include a solid state hard drive and a graphics card capable of ray-tracing technology.
The new PlayStation 5 family of peripherals haven't been nearly as hard to find as the console itself, though they're not of much use without the main course. That said, they do complement the features of the PlayStation 5, so we've taken to the time to explain what they all do.
Sony's $70 DualSense controller is a worthy successor to the PS4's popular DualShock, implementing a built-in microphone, haptic feedback for adjustable trigger tension, and advanced rumble features while also improving the battery life and adopting a USB-C charging cable.
Wireless Controller for PS5 (small)
The $100 Pulse 3D headset is a direct successor to the gold and platinum wireless headsets Sony released for the PlayStation 4. The headset has an adjustable band, built-in microphone, and hardware buttons for mute, voice monitoring, and volume. While the Pulse 3D headset is worth the investment, PS5's 3D audio features will also work with any third-party headset that's been licensed for use on PS4.
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (small)
The $30 PlayStation media remote might look appealing, but for $30 you can find a better or cheaper universal remote to control the console. Several smart TV brands also let you control the PS5 with your standard TV remote too, so it's worth giving that a try before making this investment.
PlayStation 5 Media Remote (small)
The $30 DualSense charging stand can charge two controllers and makes for a nice stand alongside the PS5, but it doesn't actually charge your controllers any faster than using a regular cable.
PlayStation 5 DualSense Charging Station (small)
The $60 HD camera can be used for streaming in full 1080p and even has a background removal tool, but it cannot be used as a microphone like the PlayStation 4 camera. Luckily, you can just use the DualSense's built-in mic to communicate while playing.
PlayStation 5 HD Camera (small)
PlayStation 5 exclusive games
Sony is committed to creating a full lineup of exclusive games for the PlayStation 5, repeating the same strategy that helped make the PS4 a massive success. Because there are still so many gamers waiting to upgrade to PS5, many of the games released on the new console will also work on PlayStation 4, like "Spider-Man: Miles Morales" and "Sackboy: A Big Adventure."
Keep in mind that new games like "Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War" have been designed to run better on PS5, even if they're available on the PS4. Below, we've listed all the games that require a PlayStation 5 to play, including upcoming titles that don't have release dates yet.
Over the last few months, Black US Representatives have been applying pressure on their counterparts in the Senate to pass sweeping voting rights laws. Many of those protesting have been arrested as they seek to send a message.
An additional bill, the For the People Act, passed in the House in March but was killed in the Senate in June.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Act focuses on restoring the Voting Rights Act that was gutted following two major Supreme Court decisions. The For the People Act focuses on making it easier to vote in a federal election, reforms campaign finance laws, and is meant to protect US elections from foreign interference. If passed, the institutional changes would begin to take place by the 2022 midterm elections.
The members of Congress organizing and participating in the actions have invoked the legacy of the late Civil Rights icon Rep. John Lewis, who passed in July 2020.
Lewis held a crucial role in the passage of voting rights during the Civil Rights movement. Lewis, alongside activist Hosea Williams, organized a peaceful demonstration in support of voting rights. Nearly 60 of 600 attendees were injured — Lewis suffered from a fractured skull. The demonstration was named Bloody Sunday.
As of August, GOP lawmakers across a total of 17 states have passed over 28 bills tightening access to the ballot box, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. At the federal level, Republicans are continuing to mount a legislative strategy of blocking voting rights legislation, after Trump and his allies in office attempted to overturn the 2020 election results based on lies.
A demonstration outside the Capitol earlier in August "centered on voting rights, immigration reform, a $15 an hour federal minimum wage and eliminating the Senate filibuster that has stymied passage of related federal legislation" and led to over 200 arrests, according to Religion News.
Here are the lawmakers who have been arrested this year protesting for voting rights:
Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio
Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio was arrested by Capitol Police on July 15, while leading a demonstration advocating for voting rights at a Senate office building.
Beatty chairs the Congressional Black Caucus and called for passage of the For the People Act as well as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
"I stand in solidarity with Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote. We have come too far and fought too hard to see everything systematically dismantled and restricted by those who wish to silence us," Rep. Beatty said in a statement after her arrest. "Be assured that this is just the beginning. This is Our Power, Our Message."
Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia
Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia has attended multiple demonstrations in support of voting rights at the Capitol, and he was arrested at a demonstration on July 22.
Following his arrest, he tweeted: "@BlackCaucus I was arrested today protesting against Senate inaction on voting rights legislation & filibuster reform. In the spirit of my dear friend and mentor – the late Congressman John Lewis – I was getting in #goodtrouble."
Tweet Embed: //twitter.com/mims/statuses/1418300330555625475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw .@BlackCaucus I was arrested today protesting against Senate inaction on voting rights legislation & filibuster reform. In the spirit of my dear friend and mentor – the late Congressman John Lewis – I was getting in #goodtroublepic.twitter.com/JjN51mRpaC
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas was the third Black member of Congress to be arrested at a similar action supporting voting rights on July 29 outside of the Hart Senate Office Building.
"Any action that is a peaceful action of civil disobedience is worthy and more, to push all of us to do better," Jackson said in a video posted to Twitter after her arrest.
Tweet Embed: //twitter.com/mims/statuses/1420877157501489154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw I engaged in civil disobedience today in the spirit of John Lewis in front of the Senate Hart Building and was arrested. #GoodTroublepic.twitter.com/1CTpfiIQeu
Rep. Al Green of Texas
Rep. Al Green, who has long taken part in various civil rights protests, was arrested at a voting rights demonstration alongside Texas lawmakers on August 3.
Rep. Green posted a video on Twitter next to Democratic Texas state Rep. Ron Reynolds as they were both arrested by Capitol Police. His caption "Good trouble, necessary trouble," lends homage to one of John Lewis' famous sayings.
Table of Contents: Masthead StickySummary List Placement
Choosing a kid's mattress is different from choosing one for an adult. Because children weigh less, they're less likely to suffer from aches and pains as a result of a mattress that's too firm or too soft, said Daniel Ganjian, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
Craig Canapari, MD, the director of the pediatric Sleep Medicine Program at Yale Medicine, agrees. Because kids don't put as much pressure on a bed, most won't need a high-priced mattress. "For a child, unless they are complaining that they are uncomfortable or that their joints hurt, I would not spend a lot of money on a children's mattress," Canapari said.
In addition to speaking with three experts, I researched reviews, including Insider's mattress guides. The mattresses in this guide are supportive and comfortable but still affordable.
Here are our top picks for the best mattress for kids
To find the best mattresses for kids, I spoke with three experts to figure out what a child needs to sleep comfortably. Daniel Ganjian, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center; Craig Canapari, MD, the director of the pediatric Sleep Medicine Program at Yale Medicine; and Lisa Klaus, DC, a faculty clinician at Palmer Chiropractic Clinics, all offered advice on how to choose a good mattress for kids.
Based on their input, I researched reviews to find mattresses kids and parents will both like. I also consulted Insider Reviews' rigorously tested mattress guides to find reliable brands that make comfortable, supportive products.
Because of kids' size and resilience, most of our mattress picks are priced under $500.
The best kids' mattress overall
Made for kids graduating from a toddler bed, the Nest My BKB Big Kids Bed uses a safe, comfortable, supportive foam.
Pros: Supportive, good edge support, affordable, ventilated foam design
Cons: Weight limit is 120 pounds
Foam-based mattresses discourage jumping on the bed, but they can sink in too much for small bodies. That's not the case with the Nest My BKB. Rather than buying an adult mattress in a twin size, the Big Kids Bed is made specifically for children. The mattress is a bit on the firmer side, which is ideal for kids graduating from a toddler bed and older kids who often sleep on their sides or back.
Foam mattresses tend to sleep a bit hot, however. Nest worked to alleviate that issue by using a breathable Energex foam. While that may not allow as much air movement as a coil-based mattress, reviewers note that the bed doesn't sleep too hot. Foam mattresses also tend to lack support towards the edge, which could make it easier for kids to roll out of bed. However, the My BKB has an edge that's more supportive than most foam mattresses.
Another downside of foam mattresses is that they typically have a smell to them and require airing out for a few days — a process called off-gassing. Nest off-gasses the foam in the factory. Many parents say that the BKB doesn't have the typical strong odor that you get with a foam mattress. Nest says that the mattress uses a natural fire barrier rather than chemicals.
The best kids' memory foam mattress
The Nectar Original is a reasonably priced memory foam mattress that conforms to the hips and shoulders of side sleepers and reduces motion transfer.
Pros: Soft memory foam, good edge support, reduces motion transfer
Cons: Heavier kids may sink in too much
Memory foam conforms to the body, making it a good fit for kids who tend to sleep on their sides. The Nectar Original is a reasonably priced memory foam mattress, selling for under $400 for a twin. But the mattress is also thicker than many budget options.
The medium firmness also helps kids from sinking in too much and prevents the edge from collapsing too easily. Wirecutter notes that the Original feels cushiony without too much sink. The mattress is constructed with a quilted top layer designed for cooling. While this isn't going to be as cool as an innerspring mattress, it may help compared to foam mattresses without a breathable layer.
Because this mattress is made for adults, it should still work well for kids as they become teenagers.
The cons to the Nectar Original are the cons to every foam mattress and bed-in-a-box. The mattress will off-gas and should be aired out for two to three days. After being in a box, the mattress will also need that time to fully expand.
The best firm mattress for kids
The Novaform ComfortGrande is a denser, firmer memory foam that helps prevent back and stomach sleepers from sinking too much.
Pros: Dense memory foam, 14 inches thick
Cons: Tends to sleep hot, no trial period
The natural sink that comes with memory foam isn't always best for those who sleep on their back and stomach. The Novaform ComfortGrande is a firmer memory foam mattress that doesn't sink as much. Wirecutter recommends the mattress for back and stomach sleepers who weigh under 200 pounds.
The top layer is built with a cooling memory foam designed to also wick sweat and sits underneath a quilted cover. Despite its $400 cost for a twin, the mattress is still 14 inches thick. Available from Costco, it's made from denser foam not often found with budget mattresses.
The downsides to the Novaform ComfortGrande are those common among every memory foam mattress: heat. Memory foam traps heat more than a mattress with springs, so it may not be the best choice for kids who sleep sweaty or have a hard time falling asleep on warm days. Some may also find the mattress too firm, so it's not ideal for side sleepers and kids who change sleep positions often.
One major drawback is that you can't test this mattress like you can with the others on our list.
Pros: Hybrid mattress sleeps cooler, springs offer more support, choice of thickness
Cons: Hybrid design may encourage more jumping than all foam
Even memory foam mattresses with cooling layers tend to sleep hotter than the options made with coils. The Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive Hybrid mattress is made with both an innerspring base and a memory foam top. That allows for more airflow than cooling layer foam. A similar Zinus Cooling Gel Memory foam mattress made our top choice for the best budget mattress on our overall mattress guide.
The foam-with-coil construction offers a mix of firmness with a little bit of bounce. Wirecutter's pick for a budget mattress, the Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive is versatile enough for any sleeping position. The 12-inch version is made from a 3-inch copper-infused memory foam layer, an inch of high-density foam, 7.5 inches of pocket coil springs, and a final 0.5-inch high-density foam layer.
As a hybrid mattress, however, it's going to have more bounce than an all-foam option. Bouncier mattresses are more tempting to bounce on than foam. It's also going to need to be off-gassed.
For kids who sleep hot, as well as stomach sleepers and heavier kids that need more support, the hybrid design may be well worth considering.
The best mattress for teens
The Casper Element is a firm, affordable mattress that should last until your teen moves out.
Pros: More supportive for big kids, ventilated foam, limited motion transfer, zip-off cover
Cons: Not as comfortable for side sleepers, bad heat dissipation
Weight plays a major role in how a mattress feels. Bigger kids and teenagers will sink into a bed more than younger or lighter children. That means that a bed that feels medium-firm to a lightweight child may feel too soft for a teenager. The Casper Element is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers a good balance of support and softness for heavier kids and teenagers.
The Element is made from a top layer that's dotted with small holes to allow heat to escape and a base foam layer. However, Insider Reviews' James Brains found that the heat dissipation was pretty poor. The design does minimize motion transfer, which would make it a great choice for kids who share a bed.
The top includes a zip-off cover for easier washing. As a mattress that's made for adults, the Element could last some teenagers into young adulthood. Like other foam mattresses, expect to let the mattress off-gas for a few days.
Brains has tested every Casper mattress and recommends the Nova Hybrid as his top pick, especially for side sleepers. It's far pricier than the Element but could be worth the investment if your teen is looking for something softer.
A couple of brands we recommend make mattresses for kids:
Saatva Youth Mattress: Saatva makes our favorite spring mattress. The kids' version comes in twin, twin XL, and full and is flippable. One side is geared towards three-to-seven-year-olds and the other is for kids who are between eight and 12.
Purple Kid Mattress: With many of the same features as its mattresses for adults, Purple added a washable cover for the kids' model. We like the Premier Hybrid's pressure-relieving grid, which is great for all sleeping types. This is pricier than any of the mattresses on our list, but Purple claims it will last 14 years.
Here are some models we recommend for adults that you may want to consider for older kids and teens:
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress: This is our pick for the best mattress overall. It has an average firmness that's appealing for most sleeping styles. Along with its good motion isolation and edge support, it's great at dissipating heat.
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress: From the same company as our cooling pick above, this model has a gel memory foam and is our reviewer's pick for the best budget mattress. The twin doesn't come in as many thicknesses as the other sizes, but it's a sub-$300 mattress that has a lot to offer.
Nest Bedding Flip Hybrid Mattress: Our recommendation for side sleepers on a budget, Nest's hybrid mattress has two firmness based on which side you flip up. That makes it great for all sleeping styles, plus it gives you some versatility if your child suddenly prefers a softer or firmer mattress.
Tuft & Needle Original: If your kid prefers a firm mattress, we like Tuft & Needle's original mattress. It's more suited to stomach and back sleepers than side sleepers, though.
FAQs
What is the best type of mattress for a child?
Because children weigh less than adults, a mattress will feel different to a child than it does to an adult. A parent may sink too far into a mattress, while a child may find that same mattress has the perfect feel. That can make it difficult for parents to pick out the appropriate mattress for their children.
Parents shouldn't stress too much about mattress selection because kids tend to be more comfortable sleeping on a variety of different surfaces. "Kids are lighter than adults," said Canapari, "... they are super comfortable on anything." Parents shouldn't feel that they need to spend a lot of money on a kid's mattress, he said. Other factors are more important than a fancy mattress.
"Thinking about your child's sleep is an important and valuable thing to do as a parent," said Capanari. "Ensure your kid has a quiet, dark sleeping area [and] consistent bedtime habits, and if you have any concerns, talk to your child's pediatrician."
How often should a kid's mattress be replaced?
Ganjian says that kids' mattresses generally need to be replaced every five to seven years. But some will wear out sooner while others will retain their shape longer. Lay down on the mattress and feel for any dips and inspect the top for indents that remain after the child has climbed out of bed.
Should parents use a cover for a kid's mattress?
Canapari says that changing the mattress doesn't typically solve issues that he sees in his sleep clinic. One of the things that he often recommends, however, is a mattress cover designed to prevent dust mites.
However, these covers are often either pricey or too plastic feeling, so he mostly recommends the covers for kids who have tested positive for certain allergies such as dust mites. Besides allergies, mattress covers can keep mattresses fresh longer, particularly for children prone to bedwetting or sweating. (You can read more about them in our guide to best mattress protectors.)
Should a kid's mattress be firm or soft?
The heavier the person sleeping on the mattress is, the firmer the mattress should be, said Lisa Klaus, DC, a faculty clinician at Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. That means young kids will typically prefer a softer mattress, while older kids and teenagers may want a firmer mattress with more support. (The same is not true for infants, however. Due to the risk of SIDs, babies need to sleep on a firm mattress that's specially designed for infants.)
Kids who sleep on their side will typically want something a little softer. "Memory foam is the best choice for side sleepers because it offers support but also cushions areas of pressure points like shoulders, hips, and ankles," said Klaus.
She also added that memory foam is great for restless sleepers. Memory foam doesn't bounce like a traditional mattress, which can help kids from waking themselves up when they roll over.
What type of mattress is best for kids?
Like in the nursery rhyme about monkeys, Ganjian receives a lot of calls from parents about kids getting injured jumping on the bed. He said that foam mattresses are his favorite because they absorb the jump, discouraging kids from bouncing.
On the flipside, foam mattresses tend to sleep hot and aren't ideal for kids that tend to wake sweaty.
The different types of mattresses all have their pros and cons. When it comes to kids, consider what each type has to offer:
Innerspring. Innerspring mattresses are the more traditional mattress with, as the name suggests, springs inside. These mattresses are often more affordable. Because of the space between coils, they also tend to be more breathable, which is great for those who tend to sleep hot. The springs don't reduce motion transfer when tossing and turning, however.
Memory foam. A mattress made with memory foam or other types of foam tends to conform to the body more than a mattress with springs. That can help reduce pressure on the body and keep motion to a minimum, Klaus said. On the downside, the foam doesn't breathe as well as springs and retains more heat. These beds can also be more expensive.
Hybrid: A hybrid mattress has both coils and foam. That design makes this type better for more sleep positions, with more support, better breathability, and often more durability, Klaus said. The downside is that they're heavy and expensive.
What size is a kid's bed?
In the US, mattresses fall into the sizes in the chart below. We haven't included any toddler mattresses in this guide. Most children will only sleep in them for a few years, typically between the ages of two and five.
Twin-sized beds can work for kids until they leave home, but older children and teens may prefer a full- or queen-sized mattress.
Elopage, a startup that helps individuals and businesses set up and sell online courses, has raised $38 million in Series A funding.
The German startup raised funds from Target Global, with participation from Bolt backer Partech Ventures, and US-based Avid Ventures.
Founded in 2015, Elopage enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to manage and automate invoicing, billing, and membership for the sale of digital products like webinars, courses, and online consulting.
In its fundraising pitch deck, published in part below, Elopage describes the "rise of a new middle class", tapping into the idea that individuals have a growing roster of tools such as Substack to build paying audiences.
Cofounders Tolga Önal, chief growth officer, and Özkan Akkilic, chief executive, say they built the platform to solve pain points they had experienced when building their own businesses.
Akkilic previously launched and managed restaurants and built a portfolio of accompanying apps, while Önal started up and closed or exited from seven projects prior to Elopage.
Önal told Insider: "We saw where the bottlenecks were and I was like, oh my God, these bottlenecks are exactly the same ones that I have.
"We saw even companies doing multi-millions a year have issues with payments, simple checkout, and all of these solutions. We were like, huh, interesting … Let's fix it for ourselves."
The company said its growth has been fueled by trends in e-commerce, flexible working, and education technology, as well as the wider creator economy.
The fresh cash will be used to grow Elopage's presence across Europe. Headquartered in Berlin and with offices in Ukraine, the company has set its sights on the UK, followed by France and Italy. It is also growing its team from 70 to 190 by the end of the year.
With a stated user base of 40,000, the company hopes to have 1 million customers by 2025. The startup targets customers with annual sales between $5,800 (€5,000) to $47 million (€40 million). There are dozens of creators who have earned $1 million on Elopage, the company said.
Elopage says one differentiator is that its users can cancel subscriptions flexibly.
See the pitch deck Elopage used to raise from investors:
These are three among several new people who are now working on the criminal investigation into whether former President Donald Trump violated Georgia election laws — as well as whether he engaged in racketeering.
That investigation, launched in February by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, ranks among the most notable legal threats to Trump. Willis tapped her anti-corruption team, composed of seven people, to investigate this case.
The anti-corruption team, previously known as the public-integrity team, is designed to investigate public corruption cases and police-involved shootings. Since Willis took office in January, she has largely staffed this team with new people, according to records obtained by Insider through a Fulton County government public information request.
Only one employee who served under former District Attorney Paul Howard has remained.
Many of the people in this unit joined the district attorney's office this year, as recently as June, according to Fulton County government records obtained by Insider.
Willis' investigation involves a call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on January 2. Trump urged Raffensperger to "find" enough votes to overturn the state's 2020 presidential-election results.
Willis' investigation will also scrutinize a phone call that Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican of South Carolina, made to Raffensperger about the 2020 election.
The Fulton County district attorney said she would look into whether Georgia law was violated, as well as charges such as conspiracy and racketeering, according to letters she wrote to state officials in February.
Since her first announcement on the investigation, Willis has gone silent on the issue. She has repeatedly declined Insider's request to comment on the issue and appears to do media interviews only if it pertains to addressing the recent spike in crimes in the city.
But since she announced the investigation, Willis has nevertheless hired some big names who could consult with her office as it builds its case against Trump. They include John Floyd, an expert in racketeering law, and Michael Carlson, an expert in rules of evidence.
While Floyd and Carlson have not been hired to work specifically on Trump matters, they possess the expertise that could be beneficial for helping the seven people on Willis' Anti-Corruption Unit.
Trump's then-spokesperson, Jason Miller, downplayed the Fulton County investigation shortly after it was announced.
"There was nothing improper or untoward about a scheduled call between President Trump, Secretary Raffensperger, and lawyers on both sides,"Miller said, according to Reuters. "If Mr. Raffensperger didn't want to receive calls about the election, he shouldn't have run for secretary of state."
Here are the seven people on Willis' anti-corruption team, as well as two others who could advise the team, who are investigating a matter that could conceivably put the former president of the United States behind bars.
Sonya Allen, chief senior assistant district attorney in the Anti-Corruption Unit
Before Allen started her career in law enforcement, she was a French interpreter for three years, according to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
Allen is also a former police officer. She worked in the Cobb County Sheriff's Office in Georgia for more than 28 years and most recently served as a chief deputy.
During her time in the sheriff's office, Allen worked in several units, including detention, Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna narcotics, field operations, fugitive, and criminal investigations.
She grew up in Cobb County and graduated from Sprayberry High School in 1987, according to the county's website.
Allen obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of West Georgia and attended Atlanta's John Marshall Law School, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Raymond Baez, assistant chief of the Anti-Corruption Unit
Baez, 35, has lived in Atlanta for more than a decade. He grew up in Puerto Rico, according to the district attorney's office.
For more than 11 years, Baez has worked in different positions within law enforcement. Before joining the district attorney's office, he was a state felony probation officer, a police officer for the Atlanta Police Department, and an equal-employment-opportunity investigator for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Baez holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice with a minor in forensic science, according to the district attorney's office.
Baez came to the district attorney's office in February 2018 and worked in the Major Case Unit and Public Integrity Unit.
When The Daily Beast asked Willis why she kept him on the unit and promoted him to assistant chief, she responded, "I thought he was a man of integrity."
Elliott Brian Watkins, deputy on the Anti-Corruption Unit
In February, Willis hired Watkins to join the district attorney's office to help lead the unit, according to government records.
He also has represented defendants in cases involving personal injuries or workplace harassment.
He hails from Augusta, Georgia, but has lived in Atlanta for more than 20 years, according to the website.
He is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC, and received his law degree from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans.
Meighan Vargas, member of the Anti-Corruption Unit
In 2017, Vargas joined the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. She worked as the assistant district attorney, according to government data.
During that time, she prosecuted a wide variety of cases.
"I have prosecuted major felonies as well as misdemeanors," she said in a 2018 interview with Atlanta Metro Women Magazine.
In 2019, Vargas left the district attorney's office to join the boutique law firm Bexley & DeLoach LLC to practice immigration law.
She returned to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office this year, according to government data. The Daily Beast reported that she joined the unit right after she returned to the office.
Vargas in 2010 obtained her law degree at Stetson University College of Law, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Shannon Trotty, chief assistant district attorney on the Anti-Corruption Unit
For years, Trotty has worked at the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. Before joining the Anti-Corruption Unit, she worked as a deputy district attorney in the juvenile division for more than two years.
Her employment experience includes working as a staff attorney at the Metro Conflict Defender's Office in Georgia and, before that, at the Lucas County Child Support Enforcement Agency in Ohio.
Trotty obtained her bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1997, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Sau Chun Chan, a member of the Anti-Corruption Unit
In 2019, Chan became eligible to practice law in the state of Georgia. Chan attended the University of Richmond in Virginia.
The Daily Beast reported that Chan was a part of the unit. The Fulton County government said it was unable to confirm Chan's title to Insider.
Teberh Buggs, a legal assistant on the Anti-Corruption Unit
In June, Buggs joined the district attorney's office as a legal assistant for the Anti-Corruption Unit.
In 2020, she graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University, according to her LinkedIn page.
John Floyd, expert in racketeering law
In March, Willis hired Floyd to help assist in the Trump investigation, according to Reuters.
Floyd is a well-known Georgia attorney who wrote a book on prosecuting state racketeering cases called "RICO State By State: A Guide to Litigation Under the State Racketeering Statutes."
He is a partner at the Bondurant Mixson & Elmore law firm and works at the Fulton County District Attorney's office part time, according to CNN.
Floyd worked with Willis during her time as a federal prosecutor. They worked on high-profile cases together, including one involving a dozen Atlanta public-school teachers who were correcting their student's standardized test answers. In 2015, a jury convicted 11 of the 12 educators on racketeering charges, which carries a prison term of up to 20 years.
Bondurant Mixson & Elmore's website praised Floyd as someone with a "great depth of knowledge and experience" in racketeering-related cases.
Michael Carlson, executive district attorney of the Major Crimes Division for the Fulton County district attorney
In March, Carlson joined the Fulton County District Attorney's Office to lead the Major Crimes Division.
CNN reported that he was not specifically hired to work on the Trump case. But his knowledge of the rules of evidence in the state of Georgia could help the unit build a case against the former president.
He's also an author, having cowritten a book with his father, Ronald L. Carlson, examining Georgia's rules of evidence.
Before joining the district attorney's office, Carlson worked as the legal-services director and ethics officer at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He also was an adjunct professor at Emory University School of Law and Atlanta's John Marshall Law School.
Stocks have steadily sailed to record high after record high in 2021 on the back of blowout earnings growth and easy monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. But Goldman Sachs recently urged investors to take caution in what it called a "deteriorating stock-picking environment."
Mutual funds have delivered strong year-to-date returns, as a Goldman Sachs analysis of 573 equity mutual funds with a combined total of $3 trillion in assets under management found that 43% of large-cap funds have bested their benchmarks in 2021, which is well above the long-term average of 33%.
But picking winning stocks and avoiding losers is getting increasingly difficult, wrote Goldman Sachs Associate Cormac Conners in an August 23 note. About 57% of funds outperformed in Q1, but only 37% did the same in Q2, and so far just 33% of funds have topped benchmarks in Q3.
"High conviction mutual fund stock positions have lagged since the end of Q1 while return dispersion has also declined, suggesting the fertile stock-picking environment of earlier in the year has deteriorated," Conners wrote.
Mutual funds had the Midas touch early in the year and made prescient overweight bets that economically sensitive small-caps and value stocks would flourish. Nearly 90% of small-cap fund managers have topped the Russell 2000 this year, according to Goldman Sachs.
Investors took note and rewarded fund managers handsomely. Global equity funds have seen $664 billion of inflows this year — more than the cumulative inflows from 1996 through 2020, according to Goldman Sachs. Global equity mutual funds accounted for $133 billion of that total.
Tougher times for mutual funds have come as the rally slowed for small caps and value stocks. Out of the seven long/short factors that Goldman Sachs follows, those are the only two factors with negative returns since Q1, the note read.
"Managers cut exposure to these factors in favor of adding low volatility, high return on capital and strong balance sheet equities in Q2," Conners wrote.
In Q2, fund managers added exposure to quality stocks, including the tech giants that constitute the FAAMG group: Facebook (FB), Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT), and Alphabet (GOOGL).
The move was the largest increase in relative exposure to FAAMG stocks since 2017, Conners wrote, but context is vital: All five FAAMG stocks remain among the most underweight positions held by mutual funds.
Large-cap funds' overweight allocations to cyclical sectors like Energy and Financials have boosted year-to-date returns, Conners wrote, adding that the firms also have outsized bets on the "modestly underperforming"Industrials and Materials sectors. One missed opportunity for mutual funds has been their underweight position in the outperforming Real Estate sector.
Cash has been trash, in the eyes of mutual fund managers, who are allocating a record-low level of 1.6% of their portfolios to cash. It's been a good call so far this year and has boosted performance as stocks steadily rise.
Below are the 10 stocks that mutual funds are most overweight, according to Goldman Sachs, along with each name's ticker, market capitalization, and price-to-earnings ratio.
Goldman Sachs's basket of 50 stocks in the Russell 1000 that mutual funds are most overweight in is up 20% this year, topping its underweight position counterpart by 4%.
Fifty-five percent of people who bought homes during the pandemic regretted it. Enter Localize, an Israeli startup that wants you to actually make informed real estate decisions.
Localize, which serves as a listing aggregator, data company, and broker-tech platform, announced a $25 million Series C fundraise earlier this month, led by Israeli venture giant Pitango Ventures with additional funding from Israeli bank Mizrahi-Tefahot. This round brings the total capital raised by the firm to over $70 million.
House hunters — only in New York City, for now — can sort their property searches by all of the usual categories, such as price, location and size. But prospective buyers can also look for homes based on a raft of specialized data that Localize has compiled from disparate public sources, from the total amount of direct sunlight to the likelihood that a new skyscraper will get built next door to the condition of the building's elevator.
Another big differentiator is how the company connects home seekers to agents. Instead of other listing sites, which funnel interested buyers directly to brokers, Localize's software handles early-stage communications with prospective buyers to make sure that they're looking at homes that they'd legitimately want to purchase. Only then does it feed them to an agent.
COO Omer Granot walked Insider through the pitch deck that the company used to lead its latest round.
With the first slide, the company is already giving a sneak peek of the specialized information it can deliver for buyers.
The window on this slide is labeled as giving 10 hours of sunlight, just one piece of data that the company can provide prospective buyers.
Localize's core pitch is that it can automate much of the home search process for buyers and agents by bringing new layers of data to listing websites.
The new data attracts buyers, and then the company is able to handle the early-stage leads and interest that can take up a large amount of a broker's workload.
The company's three chief executives are highlighted on this slide.
The buzzy company is at the center of a lawsuit filed by another founder, Amir Winstok, against CEO Asaf Rubin, claiming that Winstok was forced out.
"At this time we don't have any comment about the case and prefer to respond to the claims in court," the company wrote in a statement to Insider about the suit. "We are focused on our mission of revolutionizing homebuying and bringing more value to the real estate industry."
Websites like Zillow aggregate listings, but it's still time-consuming to weed through them.
Home-buying is an exceedingly manual process. Anyone who has sifted through dozens of real-estate listings can relate.
The company's thesis is that real-estate data is not organized and hard to use.
Sure, a prospective buyer could search New York City's 311 database for any neighbor complaints about an apartment they're looking to buy, or could look up zoning rules to see what might end up being built nearby. But that requires a huge amount of work — and to truly understand how that could affect a property requires expertise.
Localize's pitch to buyers is that it has already done the work for them.
Buyer's remorse is all too common in real estate. The feeling has become even more ubiquitous during the pandemic run on the housing market.
Home-buying mistakes can't be easily reversed. The information that might help buyers make the right decision about which home to purchase may already be out there, but they don't know how to collect it.
Meanwhile, brokers who make money through commissions need to make calculated bets on which buyers will actually buy and the ones that are just wasting their time.
COO Omer Granot told Insider that the company's early-stage filtering is especially important to Localize's other main users: brokers. Real-estate agents make money off of successful sales. "They have to place their chips somewhere," Granot said.
Traditionally, brokers need to make their own decisions about which leads are serious, as the vast majority of inquiries they receive are from people who won't actually buy a home.
Localize found that brokers spend the majority of their time sorting through leads instead of on finding homes for those that are ready and able to buy.
If agents are able to outsource the work they spend fielding initial inquiries, they can focus on negotiating deals and pushing their late-stage buyers across the finish line.
The company's solution has been to create a smarter listings platform with thousands of data points per home that also promises to give brokers much higher-quality leads.
The company's revenue structure is based on selling homes, not just providing leads. Buyers can use the search service for free. Agents pay a small subscription fee to access the company's tech, then a larger referral fee once they sell a home. Brokers only pay out when leads have actually turned into income.
The company's mission statement has two parts, one for each of the company's major constituencies.
Localize promises to inform buyers and serve agents.
The company's most recent product creates a personalized early search funnel for home buyers.
Hunter matches buyers to agents once they've found suitable homes to buy.
Localize's vast array of data on listings allows agents and buyers to sort properties with hyper-specific information, like hours of direct sunlight. It also lets them prioritize must-haves over things they would like to have, but don't need.
The pandemic has rendered certain amenities essential that were previously just perks, Granot told Insider.
"People's preferences changed to some extent," Granot said. "People want space in their home to work from, and care about different features than they cared about before, like closeness to a park."
The company's data engine can also recommend homes based off of buyers' specific wants and needs
It uses dozens of different inputs.
This slide shows a broker's perspective of the app.
Agents can switch between letting Localize's AI handle communications with the client and messaging the client themselves.
The final slide highlights the company's achievements since being launched in Tel Aviv in 2012.
The list of high-profile brokerages that use Localize, from Compass to Brown Harris Stevens, is especially important in the competitive residential real estate tech world.
The company plans to roll out its search tool for other US cities beyond New York soon.
The final slide heralds Localize as the "future of real estate."
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