• Wireless chargers provide an easy and convenient way to charge your phone without the hassle of using a cable.
• I've tested about 40 wireless chargers over the past few years to find the best ones.
• Our guide has picks for every need and budget, whether affordability or having a charger that powers multiple devices at once is your top priority.
• The Moshi Otto Q is the best wireless charger you can buy in 2021 thanks to its stylish design, solid safety features, and ability to deliver up to 10W of power.  

To put it simply: no one likes charging their phone. Whether you're chatting in a video call, reading the news, or listening to music during a run, there's nothing like the panic that comes with seeing your battery dip below 20%.

Wireless chargers are a great way to power up your phone with little hassle, making it easy to juice up your device without fumbling with a power cord. In the early days, wireless chargers only offered slow speeds, were hampered by competing compatibility standards, and required precise placement in order to work. 

Plus, not all major smartphones supported wireless charging initially; it only became standard across the iPhone lineup in 2017, for example. But that's all been largely resolved by 2021, making wireless chargers a worthwhile addition to any nightstand.

As an early adopter and tech reporter with more than a decade of experience, I've tested around 40 different wireless chargers over the years, so I'm well placed to recommend the best picks to serve different needs. Later on in this guide, we breakdown things you should consider when shopping for a wireless charger.

Here are the best wireless chargers:

• Best wireless charger overall: Moshi Otto Q
• Best affordable wireless charger: RAVPower Fast Wireless Charging Pad 
• Best fast charging wireless charger: Anker PowerWave II Pad
• Best wireless charging stand: Belkin BOOST UP Wireless Charging Stand
• Best luxurious wireless charger: Bezalel Altair
• Best wireless charger for travel: Fuse Chicken
• Best wireless charger for multiple phones: Unravel Wireless Charger
• Best wireless charger for Apple devices: Belkin Boost Charge 3-in-1 charger

Updated on 1/11/21 by Lisa Eadicicco. Prices and links made current, and updated language in the section on how to choose a wireless charger to reflect more recent smartphone launches.

The best wireless charger overall

The Moshi Otto Q has a gray fabric design that looks good anywhere, it charges most phones at top speed, and it is sturdy.

Pros: Stylish look, non-slip, charges through cases

Cons: No adapter included, LED too bright for nightstand

With a smart design that combines style and function perfectly, the Moshi Otto Q is an excellent wireless charging pad. It supports fast wireless charging at up to 10W, which means it can charge up an iPhone and most Android phones at top speed.

Clever use of a metallic-looking silver plastic with a gray fabric cover helps this wireless charger stand out from the crowd in a good way. It looks at home on a wooden table, a nightstand, or a kitchen counter. 

The silicone ring on top both cushions your phone and prevents it from sliding off the charger. There's also a rubbery pad on the underside that prevents it from slipping, even if you bump the table or nightstand that it's on. Moshi supplies a USB-C to USB-A cable that's 3 feet long in the box, but the manufacturer does suggest that you will need an adapter rated at Quick Charge 2.0 (9V/2A) minimum to get the maximum speed from it. This one from RAVPower should work.

I've been using it with a Samsung Adaptive Fast Charger, and it has been happily charging up a variety of phones, including an iPhone X and a Pixel 4.

The Moshi Otto Q has foreign object detection, so if any metal gets in between it and the phone it's charging, it just turns off. You'll want to make sure any case you use is metal-free, but thickness isn't an issue. Moshi says it can charge through cases up to 5mm thick, and I've tested it with a variety, including some fairly thick protective cases, without any issues. Simply plug the USB-C cable into the back and plug the USB-A end into an adapter and you're set. 

There's a white LED at the front of the Moshi Otto Q that pulses gently while it's charging and stays on when your phone is fully charged. Unfortunately, this light can be annoying in the bedroom when you're trying to sleep, so the nightstand is not the best location for this wireless charger. I've placed mine on a side table in the dining room and it fits in nicely. 

My whole family has been using the Moshi Otto Q for a couple of years now and it's still going strong, so I can wholeheartedly recommend it. The lack of an adapter in the box is a bit disappointing, but the style and quality build justify the price tag. Moshi also offers a 10-year warranty. 

The best affordable wireless charger

Why spend more, when the RAVPower Fast Wireless Charging Pad matches all the best wireless chargers where it counts — on functionality?

Pros: Very affordable, non-slip, tiny LED 

Cons: No adapter included, basic design

This simple, no-frills, plastic wireless charging pad comes in black or gray and white. It's capable of delivering up to 10W, so it will charge up an iPhone and most Android phones at top speed. The design won't wow you, but it's a small, unobtrusive device that can blend in unnoticed on a nightstand or side table. 

There's a rubber pad on top of the RAVPower Fast Wireless Charging Pad with a beveled plastic surround. You'll also find an anti-slip silicone ring on the bottom to prevent any sliding around. It's very lightweight, so the non-slip coatings are vital.

RAVPower supplies a 3-foot Micro USB to USB-A cable in the box, but there's no adapter. You'll want an adapter rated at 15W or above for best results with this wireless charger. I tested it with an Anker PowerPort adapter and it was able to fast charge my Pixel 4 and an iPhone X. You could also try this one from RAVPower.

Foreign object detection means the charger will shut down if anything metal finds its way onto the pad. In terms of cases, RAVPower says a case of up to 3mm thick shouldn't pose a problem, and that was the case in my testing. If you have a thick case or a PopSocket on the back of your phone, you may want to go with a different wireless charger.

Although there is an LED, it's pleasingly low-key; it briefly lights up red when you plug in, goes green when it's fast charging, and turns orange for slower charging. Mercifully, it turns itself off when charging is complete. The LED is also tiny, so this is potentially a good wireless charger for the nightstand.

While I found I had to be a little more careful about placement than with the Moshi Otto Q, the RAVPower Fast Wireless Charging Pad does the job, and it costs far less. For a fully certified wireless charger with such a solid design, that's a bargain. 

The best fast-charging wireless charger

If you have a need for speed and a phone capable of charging at 15W or you want to future-proof, then the Anker PowerWave II Pad is best for you.

Pros: 15W charging, 5-foot power cord and adapter included, non-slip

Cons: Basic design

This black, plastic, puck may look just like any other wireless charger, but while most are capped at 10W, the Anker PowerWave II Pad can deliver up to 15W. That means it can fast charge most Qi-supporting Android phones and all iPhones at the top speed they support.

It's unobtrusive, but, it's probably fair to say Anker is more focused on function than style. The Anker PowerWave II is a sturdy, solid, weighted wireless charging pad with silicone rings on the top and bottom to prevent any slippage. Pop your phone on the center of this pad and it will stay in place and begin charging immediately. It comes with a 5-foot cable that's permanently attached to the power adapter, so just plug in and you're set.

Sadly, at the time of writing, there aren't many phones that can take full advantage of this charger's capabilities. It does support the Extended Power Profile, which means it can charge a Pixel 4 at top speed, and the same goes for some LG and Sony phones. It will also charge iPhones at 7.5W, which is their top speed right now. For Samsung devices, it maxes out at 10W. AirPods and other devices will likely charge at 5W.

Cases are nothing to worry about because the Anker PowerWave II can charge through cases up to 5mm thick. It also has safety features like temperature control and foreign object detection.

The downside of the Anker PowerWave II, beyond the dull design, is the presence of a blue LED at the front that lights up when it's charging your phone. This light is likely to irritate you if you plan on using this wireless charger on the nightstand. Its price is very reasonable, considering the adapter is included.

The best wireless charging stand

You can prop your phone up in landscape or portrait orientation while charging with the speedy Belkin BOOST UP Wireless Charging Stand.

Pros: Supports portrait or landscape, 4-foot power cord and adapter included, non-slip

Cons: Doesn't fast charge some phones, quite large

Sometimes wireless charging stands are better than pads because they allow you to prop your phone up, making it easy to see incoming notifications or to check the time. The downside with stands is that they can be a little unstable and easy to accidentally knock your phone off.

The Belkin Boost UP Wireless Charging Stand has a smart design with a circular charging pad and a wide frame that makes it extremely stable. It's also capable of charging your phone while it's propped in landscape or portrait orientation and it can deliver up to 10W.

The Belkin BOOST UP comes in black or white plastic and has a wide frame with non-slip rubber padding on the bottom edges and on the surfaces where you rest your phone. The design makes it easy to position your phone correctly so that it charges.

Many stands claim to offer charging in portrait or landscape, but in practice, it can be tricky to find the right spot in landscape. With the Belkin BOOST UP, the angled circular pad makes it easy, and I've found it works reliably with an iPhone X and Pixel 4.

Another advantage with the Belkin BOOST UP is that it comes with a cable and adapter. My version has a barrel connector and the cable is permanently attached to the adapter you plug into the wall. There is another version of this wireless charger that comes with a separate cable and adapter. Either way, it's nice to have the correct adapter included. 

It can charge through cases up to 3mm thick. There are also two pinprick LEDs in different positions, so that one is always visible whichever way you place your phone to charge. They light up white when charging and turn orange if there's a problem, like keys or another metal object being stuck on the pad. It also has overheating protection built in for peace of mind.

If you have an iPhone, the Belkin BOOST UP can charge at the top speed of 7.5W, and it can hit 9W for Samsung phones, but for every other device, including Google's Pixel phones it is capped at 5W. This isn't a problem if you use it for overnight charging, and I think the light is small enough here that the Belkin BOOST UP is a good choice for the nightstand. It usually costs $50.

The best luxurious wireless charger

A classy aluminum body with suede padding makes the Bezalel Altair a great looking, sturdy wireless charging stand for your phone.

Pros: Looks great, very stable, charges through cases

Cons: No adapter included, expensive

If you want a wireless charger that's solid and sturdy with good looks, whether there's a phone on it or not, then the Bezalel Altair is worth considering. It can deliver up to 10W of power, so it will charge iPhones and many Android phones at their maximum wireless charging speed. Carved from a single piece of aluminum, it's strong and it looks great. 

There are two rubber pegs that stick out to prop your phone on, and there's a white LED just beneath them. A suede pad, with a relatively subtle logo, allows you to rest your phone safely on the stand while it charges. A solid rubber base prevents it from sliding around on the desktop. Bezalel also provides a 3-foot, flat, non-tangle, USB-C to USB-A cable in the box. You'll have to buy your own adapter and you'll want one that's rated at QC 2.0 or higher, like this one from RAVPower.

One of the nice things about the design is that you can prop your phone in landscape or portrait orientation, and it will charge. It's also the perfect angle to have on your desk for face unlock and for video calls. I have it on my desk and use it with my Pixel 4 every day. It's not capable of charging the Pixel at top speed, but the style and utility make up for that. If you're ever in a rush and want to charge up via cable, the peg design allows easy access to the charging port on your phone, so you can prop your phone in portrait and plug in a charging cable.

It can charge through cases up to 5mm thick, but one downside here is that it doesn't automatically detect foreign objects between the phone and charger and shut itself off like many wireless chargers do. Because it's angled, this is less likely to be an issue than with a pad, but it's worth noting. 

Sadly, the white LED stays lit all the time when this charger is plugged in or charging, so it's not suitable for the nightstand if light is going to bother you. I think this style is better suited to a desk anyway. If you like the look of it, you can expect to pay $65.

The best wireless charger for travel

The multi-talented Fuse Chicken Universal All-in-One World Travel Charger is a battery pack, travel adapter, and wireless charger all at once, so it's perfect for jet-setters.

Pros: Clever multi-functional design, great for travel, compact

Cons: Expensive, bulky at outlet, power button required to turn on USB charging

The Fuse Chicken Universal All-in-One World Travel Charger makes it easy to charge your phone in a variety of ways while you travel. It's a battery pack, a wireless charger, and a travel adapter all wrapped into one portable device that's about the same size as a MacBook power adapter.

Set your phone down on the charger, and it acts like a quick-charging 10-watt wireless charger, but if you're on the move, you can also plug in a cable to use it as a battery pack. The 6,700mAh battery inside the charger is enough to fully charge most phones, though you'll find you can squeeze a little more from it if you plug in, rather than use the wireless charging function. 

I was able to fully charge a Pixel 4 with change using the USB-C port. It can deliver up to 18W, which is enough to charge an iPhone or Pixel at top speed. As a wireless charger, you can expect a fair bit less, because wireless charging is less efficient. Luckily, you can see how much battery life is left in the internal battery by pressing the power button. The percentage remaining will display on the tiny LED screen.

When it comes time to plug in the charger and re-juice the internal battery, you can plug it right into a regular wall outlet. If you're not in the US, and you happen to be traveling to the EU, UK, or Australia, Fuse Chicken has you covered with travel adapters for all those countries. Simply slide on the adapter you need, again, much like a MacBook power adapter. A small bag comes with the charger, so you have a place to safely store those adapters.

The USB-C port can also charge the battery up if you can't plug it in for some reason. It is a bit bulky, which can sometimes be a problem with some outlets or power strips. There's also a USB-A port that's capable of delivering 12W, so you can plug your phone's charging cable and juice up your device that way if you prefer. You can use both ports at the same time to charge multiple devices at once, should you need to. 

Downsides include the fact that you can't use the wireless charging function when it's plugged in, because it plugs in vertically. You also must press the power button sometimes when plugging in a cable or it won't start charging your device. Sadly, it can't charge a USB-C laptop like the MacBook, but you can charge any phone, tablet, ereader, or accessories like headphones with it.

This travel friendly, all-in-one wireless charger is also very expensive. However, if you travel to those countries a lot, it's worth it.

The best wireless charger for multiple phones

If you want to wirelessly charge up to three devices simultaneously, the clever Unravel Wireless Charger is the only one of its kind.

Pros: Clever fold-up design, wirelessly charges three devices at once, extra USB-C port

Cons: Expensive, looks a bit cheap

Whether Apple will ever revive its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was going to be capable of charging your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once, remains to be seen, but there are alternatives. The Unravel Wireless Charger offers three wireless charging pads linked together with hinges. 

There are two versions of the Unravel; there's the Unravel AW+ and the Unravel 3+1. The Unravel AW+ has two wireless charging pads that can deliver up to 10W for phones, AirPods, or another Qi device, and a third pad that's specially designed to charge an Apple Watch. The AW+ is obviously ideal for Apple fans. The Unravel 3+1 has three wireless charging pads offering up to 10W each, and it also has a second USB-C port that can be used to charge up a fourth device.

Both versions can fold up concertina style to stow neatly away for travel. You get a 30W charger in the box and a cable. Apart from the fact it folds up nicely, travel utility is expanded when you consider that you can potentially use the same USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger as your MacBook to power this wireless charger. However, it's important to note that you'll need a 60W charger if you want to get the fastest possible charging rate from all three pads at once. 

The clever design features don't end there. You can also configure the Unravel into a triangular shape, fold out a small perch to prop your phone in landscape orientation, and watch a movie while it charges. There are black and red versions, but I recommend the glow-in-the-dark model because it gives off just enough of a glow for you to position your phone on it in the dark, but not so much that it interrupts your shuteye. 

While I'm a big fan of the Unravel, it's not perfect. Finished in soft-touch plastic, this isn't the kind of charger that's going to subtly blend in with your décor. There are pinprick lights that turn on when it's charging, but most phones cover them, so they seem redundant. The fold-out perch for propping your phone in landscape orientation also feels quite flimsy. 

Still, this versatile wireless charger is ideal for busy families or people with multiple devices to pop on the charger at night. It's also a useful companion for travel if a single pad isn't going to meet your needs. Both versions of the Unravel are typically the same price, but read the descriptions to make sure you get the right one for you. The manufacturer, Ampere, also offers versions with world plug sets and different chargers on its website.

The best wireless charger for Apple devices

If you want to charge up your Apple Watch and AirPods alongside your iPhone, then this special edition of Belkin's Boost Charge 3-in-1 charger is for you.

Pros: Can simultaneously charge three devices, 4.5-foot power cord and adapter included, attractive design, non-slip

Cons: Expensive, large

This elegant wireless charging station from Belkin can wirelessly charge your iPhone at the current top rate of 7.5W, but it also has a magnetic Apple Watch dock built in, and there's a wireless charging pad for your AirPods or AirPods Pro. The ability to charge all three of your Apple devices simultaneously from a single outlet makes this accessory an ideal pick for placing on a nightstand or desk.

With a glossy plastic finish in black or white, this Belkin charger has a slightly futuristic feel. The base is solid and wide to aid stability, and there's a soft rubbery covering on the bottom that ensures it stays put. The round charger for the iPhone is angled, extending up on a shiny stainless steel pole, and there's a curved lip to guide your placement and keep the iPhone in place. 

The magnetic Apple Watch charger is built-in and sits at a 90-degree angle, which is perfect for Nightstand mode. The circular pad behind the Apple Watch charger provides a spot for your AirPods. The included AC adapter has a permanently attached cable and slots into the back neatly with a barrel connector. The cable has an ample 4.5-foot length, and the adapter provides enough power to charge your three devices at top speed.

Two, tiny, pin-sized LEDs light up white when an iPhone or AirPods are charging and turn amber if there's a problem with alignment or something has snuck in underneath your device. Thankfully, they are low-key and shouldn't disturb your slumber if you decide to use this charger on the nightstand. The iPhone pad can also handle cases up to 3mm thick, so you don't have to worry about removing your case to charge. 

I've been testing this charger with an iPhone X and an Apple Watch Series 5, and it has won a permanent place on the nightstand. If you like to use Nightstand mode and set alarms on your Apple Watch, then this charger is especially good. I'd prefer it didn't have the LEDs, but at least they are tiny.

The catch is that the Belkin Boost Charge 3-in-1 Special Edition for Apple Devices is expensive. It's a hefty investment, but I appreciate the fact that everything is included, and the Apple Watch charger is built-in, so all you need to do to get going with this is plug it into the wall. There is a cheaper version with similar functionality for a bit less, but it lacks classy touches like the stainless steel.

What else we considered

There are so many good wireless chargers available that it's impossible to cover them all. These are the wireless chargers that came closest to making the list, and they are all decent alternatives if you don't like what you've seen so far.

• Nomad Base Station Pro: With cutting edge technology inside, this wireless charger doesn't require careful placement of devices. Stick your phone down anywhere on the surface and it will charge. It has space and power enough for two phones and a set of AirPods to charge together. It's also beautifully crafted from aluminum with leather padding on top and comes with a braided cable and wall charger. The only reason it fails to make the list is the high price. Read our Nomad Base Station Pro review to learn more.
• AirUnleashed: This large wireless charging pad is designed to emulate Apple's ill-fated AirPower charger and has space for an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods. It has a minimal design in black or white with a soft touch finish. Sadly, there's no AC adapter included, it requires precise placement, and you must remove some Apple Watch bands to charge. I found it too easy to accidentally bump my iPhone off the sweet spot, and after testing for a few weeks this charger is starting to look shabby. 
• OtterBox OtterSpot: Bringing some genuine innovation to the table, OtterBox's wireless charging system starts with a simple round base charger that looks much like any other. What sets it apart is the fact you can put a battery pad with a 5,000mAh capacity on top; it can charge wirelessly, and it can serve as a wireless charger for your phone. You can even stack additional batteries to charge them all up at once, and then take them with you when you leave. The entry price gets you one base charger and one battery, but this system can get pricey fast.
• RAVPower Wireless Charging Stand: After a year's service, this unobtrusive black stand still works perfectly and can deliver up to 10W. It is Qi certified, has temperature controls to prevent overheating, and sports an LED that blinks green when everything is working and red when there's a problem. It only just misses out on a place above. 
• Google Pixel Stand: Capable of wirelessly charging your Pixel 4, 4 XL, 3, or 3 XL at top speed, the Pixel Stand also supports some interesting Google Assistant features. Use your Pixel as an alarm clock, get your daily schedule, or turn your Pixel into a digital photo frame. This will charge any Qi device, but it's only worth paying this much if you have a Pixel phone that can take advantage of the special features. 
• Mophie Charge Stream Pad+: With a dull, but practical design that includes a rubbery, non-slip finish, and a white LED light, this wireless charger can deliver up to 10W. It also comes with a 5-foot cable and a QC 2.0 adapter. It charges most phones at top speed, but can't charge through bulky cases. No major complaints about the functionality, but there simply isn't enough here to justify the high price. 
• Satechi Wireless Charger: The chamfered aluminum frame is smart, and there's a silicone cross in the middle of the shiny top surface to cushion your phone. Sadly, charging is slow at 5W, there's no adapter in the box, and the LED is far too bright to use on the nightstand. 
• Twelve South HiRise: With a clever design that includes a weighted leather base, with a pop-out puck that you can take with you for wireless charging on the go, the Twelve South HiRise is unusual. It can deliver up to 10W, but can't deal with thicker cases and ships without an adapter, making the price tough to swallow. 
• Courant Wireless Chargers: These fancy leather-clad 10W wireless chargers make nice gifts, but they are too expensive to recommend over our other picks — especially as the basic Catch:1 wireless chargers don't come with outlet adapters. The Catch:2 and Catch:3 do come with adapters, but cost $120 and $140, respectively when they're on sale.

How to choose a wireless charger

The wireless charger landscape has evolved in the last few years, with new features, faster charging speeds, and a range of different shapes and styles. To make sure your chosen charger is going to meet your expectations, it's important to pose a few questions before you shop. 

What device or devices do you want to charge?

Make sure that your smartphone — or other device — supports Qi wireless charging. Every entry on our list is a Qi wireless charger. Many Android phone manufacturers, like Samsung, have included wireless charging support in their flagship phones for years now. Apple introduced wireless charging support with the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X, and every iPhone since then has supported it.

Don't assume your phone supports it, though, take the time to check. A few manufacturers still haven't adopted wireless charging, and it's less common in mid-range and budget devices.

What is the top speed your device can charge at?

At first, wireless chargers were capped at 5W, but you can get 10W or even 15W chargers now. However, the speed you can wirelessly charge your phone at is set by the manufacturer. At the time of writing, for example, the iPhone 12 Pro tops out at 7.5W (or 15W through Apple's MagSafe charger), Google's Pixel 5 can charge at 12W, and Samsung's Galaxy S20 can charge at up to 15W.

Do you need a charging cable and adapter?

Many wireless chargers are sold without a wall adapter, though they generally include a cable. It's important to make sure that you have the right cable and adapter to enable the top charging speed. If you use a 5W adapter with a 10W charging pad, for example, you're only going to get 5W charging. Apple also no longer includes a power adapter in the box with its new iPhones, so you'll want to make sure you have the proper adapter handy if you're planning on buying a new phone. 

Where are you going to use it?

The nightstand will be the ideal location for some, but you may prefer to have a wireless charger on your desk at work, on the kitchen counter at home, or perhaps all three. Different kinds of chargers will work better in different locations. For example, if it's for the nightstand, you probably don't want a wireless charger with a bright flashing light. 

Over its 100 years, the NFL has seen some record-breaking, mind-boggling talent.

We determined the best-known football players from across the country based upon a number of factors, including records broken, stand-out game moments, presence in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and pop culture fame. We've named the most talented past and present football players born in every state — rather than those who have played for a certain state — for our ultimate list of the most famous athletes throughout the history of the game.

From Rob Gronkowski's record-smashing triumphs to Tom Brady's sixth Super Bowl trophy, these players were responsible for some truly memorable moments you may have been fortunate enough to witness. Keep reading to see the most famous football player from your state ... and whether or not you agree.

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ALABAMA: Terrell Owens

The former wide receiver, who was born in Alexander City, Alabama, smashed numerous records during his 15-season career, amassed 15,934 yards for five teams, and was selected to six Pro Bowls. T.O. was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 — but famously skipped the ceremony because of what he saw as a two-year delay in voting him in.

ALASKA: Mark Schlereth

The offensive lineman was the first Alaskan to win a Super Bowl when the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Football Team) won in 1992. He won the Lombardi Trophy twice more — with the Denver Broncos in 1998 and 1999. Born in Anchorage, Schlereth was nicknamed "Stink" after "stinkhead," an Alaskan dish of fermented fish heads — and his penchant for emptying his bladder while still in uniform didn't help. He's now an analyst for Fox Sports.

ARIZONA: Randall McDaniel

McDaniel, who was born in Phoenix, was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1988 draft and remained there until 1999, before finishing his career with the Buccaneers. He played 202 consecutive starts and was elected to 12 straight Pro Bowls. Considered one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history, McDaniel was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

ARKANSAS: Willie Roaf

Roaf, who was born in Pine Bluff, played 13 seasons in the NFL (for the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs), 11 Pro Bowls, and was named a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team in the '90s and 2000s before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

"He was the best player on our team during his entire tenure with us, one of the top players in the history of our franchise, and one of the NFL's greatest at his position," said Saints owner Tom Benson in a press release at the time.

CALIFORNIA: Tom Brady

With nine Super Bowls under his belt — and a record six wins — the former New England Patriots' quarterback is today's most recognizable name in the game and considered the best football player of all time by some.

Brady, who was born in San Mateo, California, is the NFL's all-time leader in playoff wins, touchdown passes, passing yards, and completion percentage. His many records include the most Super Bowl MVP awards of any player (four), most NFL MVP awards (three), and when the Patriots won Super Bowl LIII in 2019, he became the oldest quarterback to do so.

In 2020, he announced his departure from the Patriots, calling his time on the team "the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life." He now plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

COLORADO: Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey, who was born in Castle Rock, Colorado, has been the Carolina Panthers' running back since 2017 — and keeps breaking records. In 2019, he became the first player ever to reach 1,000 rushing and 500 receiving yards in the first 10 games of a season.

"McCaffrey has emerged as arguably the best all-purpose back in the NFL," ESPN's David Newton wrote in 2018.

CONNECTICUT: Dwight Freeney

Freeney, who was born in Hartford, was regarded as one of the NFL's best defensive linemen for most of the 2000s, and he's ranked the No. 1 Connecticut-born player by fans. He won the Super Bowl while playing with the Indianapolis Colts (over the Chicago Bears) in 2007.

DELAWARE: Tim Wilson

While the state isn't known for producing the best in NFL talent, Delaware native Tim Wilson made a name for himself as ferocious lead blocker for Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell while they played for the Houston Oilers in the late '70s and early '80s.

Wilson, who was born in New Castle, died in 1996, at the age of 42. His son, NFL player Josh Wilson, always carries his dad's 1981 football card with him (pictured).

FLORIDA: David 'Deacon' Jones

Jones, a defensive end born in Eatonville, was "without doubt the greatest defensive end to play in modern day football," according to former Rams' coach George Allen.

He was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year twice, in 1967 and 1968; was invited to eight Pro Bowls; and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. He passed away in 2013, at the age of 74.

GEORGIA: Jim Brown

Considered one of the best football players of all time, Brown was born on St. Simons. The running back was a first-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 1957, earned Rookie of the Year, was named MVP three times, and held a record career rushing total of 2,312 yards until it was broken by Walter Payton in the '80s.

He came in at No. 4 on USA Today's list of the greatest NFL players of all time.

HAWAII: Olin Kreutz

No Hawaii natives are in the Hall of Fame yet, but among its most famous football exports is Olin Kreutz, who spent most of his 14 seasons with the Chicago Bears. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and named to the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team before quitting the game.

Kreutz, who was born in Honolulu, later joined NBC Sports as a commentator.

IDAHO: Larry Wilson

Wilson, a free safety born in Rigby, spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1965, he famously intercepted a pass from the Steelers' Bill Nelson with casts on both his hands, a week after breaking his left hand and breaking a finger on his right. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978 and, in 2019, he was named to the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

ILLINOIS: Dick Butkus

The Chicago-native played for the Bears from 1965 to 1973 — and was known as one of history's most intimidating linebackers.

"Dick Butkus is a special kind of brute whose particular talent is mashing runners into curious shapes,"Sports Illustrated wrote during Butkus' senior season at Illinois.

He was selected for eight Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. When he retired in 1973, his fierce reputation helped land him TV and movie roles.

INDIANA: Rod Woodson

The defensive back played 17 seasons, including 10 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, before he retired as the NFL's then-leader in interception return yardage (1,483). He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. During his enshrinement speech, he credited his hometown, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with keeping him grounded.

"I think it kept me rooted in reality, honestly," he said. "I think it taught me what was truly real to me ... I really want to thank Fort Wayne for accepting me and embracing me throughout my lifetime."

IOWA: Kurt Warner

Warner, who was born in Burlington, Iowa, and raised in Cedar Rapids, is one of NFL history's favorite comeback stories. In 2000, the former grocery bagger became the only undrafted quarterback in NFL history to start and win a Super Bowl — and was even named MVP. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

"I think when you have an extraordinary player and one who is just as extraordinary off the field, then you realize you were in the presence of someone special," Cardinals general manager Rod Graves told ESPN.

KANSAS: Barry Sanders

One of the most agile runners in NFL history, Sanders was named Rookie of the Year after being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1989. The Wichita native won the Heisman trophy, was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice, and was invited to the Pro Bowl 10 times. He joined the Hall of Fame in 2004.

"He did something every single week, whether it would be in practice or a game, that would absolutely amaze you," said Sanders' former teammate, Chris Spielman, after news of Sanders' retirement. "How did he do that? He did it consistently. Barry is in a class by himself."

KENTUCKY: Champ Bailey

Bailey, who was born in Fort Campbell, played for the Denver Broncos and Washington. During his 15 seasons in the NFL, he was invited to 12 Pro Bowls — the most of any defensive back in NFL history — and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s. In 2019, he joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"I really do think Champ is a once-in-a-generation type of player. He was that gifted. But you combine that with the smarts [and] he's special," said former Broncos safety John Lynch.

LOUISIANA: Peyton Manning

The quarterback, who was born in New Orleans, spent his 18 NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos. The two-time Super Bowl winner is the only starting quarterback to win with two franchises in NFL history. After 71,940 regular-season passing yards and 539 touchdowns, he retired from the game in 2016.

"He's probably the hardest-working guy I've been around who has great ability,"said former Colts head coach, Tony Dungy. "Overachievers work hard because they have to. Peyton has rare talent, but chooses to push himself like he doesn't."

MAINE: John Huard

Maine is another state that's not famous for its football talent, but John Huard, who was born in Waterville, was once named among the top 20 athletes in the state's history by Sports Illustrated.

Selected by the Denver Broncos during the 1967 draft, he played four seasons with the Broncos — starting every game his first three years — and New Orleans Saints before playing in Canada. He embarked on a successful coaching career and was inducted into the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

MARYLAND: Cameron Wake

Wake, who was born in Beltsville, initially signed to the New York Giants as a free agent, before working as a mortgage broker for a year. After resuming his football career, the defensive end spent 10 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and played with the Tennessee Titans between 2019 and 2020. He's won five Pro Bowls and was named one the Dolphins 50 greatest players on its 50th Season All-Time Team.

MASSACHUSETTS: Nick Buoniconti

Nick Buoniconti, of Springfield, has been named an All-Pro five times, more than twice as many times as any other Massachusetts-born NFL player in history. Buoniconti won two back-to-back Super Bowls while playing with the Miami Dolphins and in 2001, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Throughout his life, Buoniconti championed medical research. According to The New York Times, after his son Marc Buoniconti was paralyzed from a college football injury, Nick Buoniconti helped raise nearly $500 million for spinal cord and brain research.

In his later life, Buoniconti suffered from dementia. After his death in July 2019, his brain was donated to Boston University to help determine if this was at all caused by his football career.

"I'm not mad at the game, I'm mad at the owners," he said in "The Many Lives of Nick Buoniconti," an HBO documentary. "I think that we paved the way for the NFL being what it is today. In other words, we, uh, we paved the way for them and they're, they're reaping all the benefits."

MICHIGAN: Paul Krause

Born in Flint, Michigan, on February 19, 1942, Paul Krause would go on to become one of the most highly regarded pro football players from the state. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Krause played for Washington and the Minnesota Vikings. His football career would eventually span 16 seasons. Between 1964 and 1979, Krause became the NFL's leading pass interceptor of all time with a whopping 81 steals. 

He was a starting free safety in four Super Bowls — Super Bowls IV, VIII, IX, and XI. 

MINNESOTA: Larry Fitzgerald

Larry Fitzgerald is a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals but was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Fitzgerald has been selected for the Pro Bowl eleven times and comes in second in NFL history for most receiving yards, second in career receptions, and sixth in receiving touchdowns.

MISSISSIPPI: Brett Favre

Brett Favre was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, in 1969, and played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Green Bay Packers, the New York Jets, and the Minnesota Vikings throughout his 20-year career.

Favre holds quite a few NFL records, including the most career pass completions and attempts. For a quarterback over the age of 40, Favre also has the most career passing yards and ties with Tom Brady for the most regular-season games with 300-plus passing yards.

Favre is the only player in NFL history to win the NFL MVP Award three consecutive times, between 1995 and 1997, and won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers. In 2016, Favre was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

MISSOURI: Kellen Winslow

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Kellen Winslow made 1,000 receiving yards and over 80 receptions in just three seasons. He spent his entire nine-season career as a tight end with the Chargers and finished his professional career with a total of 541 receptions, 6,741 yards, and 45 touchdowns. Winslow was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

MONTANA: Pat Donovan

Born in Helena, Montana, Pat Donovan is considered to be one of the greatest NFL players to ever hail from the Midwestern state.

The former offensive lineman never missed a game in his nine seasons in the NFL. He played in 20 playoff contests, including six NFC Championships and three Super Bowls. In Super Bowl XII, Donavan won a ring while playing against the Denver Broncos.

In 1999, Sports Illustrated named Donavan as the fourth-greatest athlete from Montana of the 20th century.

NEBRASKA: Danny Woodhead

Danny Woodhead was born in North Platte, Nebraska. As a former running back, Woodhead played for the New York Jets, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, and the Baltimore Ravens. 

Woodhead made a catch in the second quarter of Super Bowl XLVI to score the first touchdown in the game for the Patriots but didn't end up going home with a ring. Nevertheless, the Nebraskan finished the game with four catches for 42 yards. 

After Woodhead tore his ACL while playing for the Chargers, coach Mike McCoy said, "There's not another Danny Woodhead out there, with what he does in all aspects of the game ... He treats every day as if it's his last day. He's a great example of what it means to be a pro."

NEVADA: Steven Jackson

Las Vegas native Steven Jackson retired with 11,438 total rushing yards and 78 touchdowns under his belt. Jackson played for the Rams, the Atlanta Falcons, and the New England Patriots before retiring in 2015 after 11 years in the league. He played in the Pro Bowl a total of three times. 

Jackson is a member of the 10,000-yard rushing club, a feat only reached by 31 players.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Greg Landry

Greg Landry is one of the greatest football players to emerge from the Granite State. Landry was the 11th overall selection of the 1968 NFL Draft and played for the Detroit Lions for ten years. In 1976, Landry had 17 total touchdowns and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year. 

Landry went on to coach for the Detroit Lions, the Illinois Fighting Illini, the Chicago Bears, and the Cleveland Browns.

NEW JERSEY: Franco Harris

Born in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Franco Harris is regarded as one of New Jersey's most acclaimed athletes. Harris is a four-time Super Bowl champion, nine-time Pro Bowl selection, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

With 12,120 all-time rushing yards in his career history, it's no wonder this former Steelers and Seahawks player was ranked number 83 on The Sporting News' 1999 list of the 100 Greatest Football Players and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

NEW MEXICO: Ronnie Lott

Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers was known for his versatility and ability to dominate the field throughout his 14-year career. Lott was used as both a left and right cornerback and as a free and strong safety. 

Lott recorded 63 interceptions and held the league record for interceptions twice during his career. Lott played for the 49ers for a total of 10 seasons between 1981 and 1990, during which he won eight NFC Western Division titles and four Super Bowls.

"He's like a middle linebacker playing safety,"Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry said. "He's devastating."

NEW YORK: Rob Gronkowski

Born in Amherst, New York, Rob Gronkowski is perhaps the most famous NFL player to come from the state. One of the best tight ends in NFL history, Gronkowski has won three Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots, is a five-time Pro Bowler, and in 2011 broke the record for most touchdown catches by a tight end in a single season.

In March 2019, Rob Gronkowski announced he would be retiring from the NFL at the age of 29. 

"Rob will leave an indelible mark on the Patriots organization and the game as among the best, most complete players at his position to ever play,"Patriots coach Bill Belichick said after the announcement was released.

However, the following year, he came out of retirement and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NORTH CAROLINA: Bruce Matthews

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Bruce Matthews of Raleigh, North Carolina, played for the Houston Oilers franchise for a whopping nineteen seasons in the years 1983 to 2001. As a three-time Offensive Lineman of the Year, Matthews started 292 of the 296 games he played in throughout his decade-spanning career.

From 1988 up until his retirement, Matthews was invited to play in the Pro Bowl every season. He tied with Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen for most consecutive Pro Bowl wins at 14, nine of which he played guard and five at center.

NORTH DAKOTA: Gary Larsen

Gary Larsen was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and is remembered as a famous football player for the Minnesota Vikings during the 1960s and 1970s.

As a defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings between 1965 and 1974, Gary Larsen, then known as the "Norse Nightmare," became part of the famous defensive line known as the Purple People Eaters. He was chosen to take part in two Pro Bowls and played in Super Bowls IV, VIII, and IX.

OHIO: Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson, of Fremont, Ohio, is the only primarily defensive NFL player to win the Heisman trophy after playing both offensive and defensive sides. Woodson is also one of just a few players who have played in a Pro Bowl in three different decades — Woodson played in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s.

Woodson entered the NFL when he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1998. After starting with the team in 2006, Woodson helped lead the Green Bay Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV in 2010. In 2013, he returned to the Raiders for another two seasons before retiring in 2015.

OKLAHOMA: Wesley Carter Welker

Wesley "Wes" Carter Welker currently works as the 49ers wide receivers coach, but he was a player himself from 2004 to 2015 for a wide array of teams: the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and St. Louis Rams. He was born in Oklahoma City.

OREGON: Jerry Smith

Jerry Smith was born in Eugene, Oregon. He had 60 career touchdowns, and held the record for most touchdowns by a tight end for 27 years. The record was later broken by Shannon Sharpe in 2002, who had 62 career touchdowns.

PENNSYLVANIA: Joe Montana

Born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania, Joe Montana played as a quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. He earned the nicknames "Joe Cool" and "the Comeback Kid" for his extraordinary ability to bring a team back from defeat in the last quarter of a game with successful long passes. He also won Super Bowls XVI, XIX, XXIII, and XXIV.

Montana was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

RHODE ISLAND: Al Del Greco

Al Del Greco's football career spanned 17 years, during which he played as a placekicker for the Green Bay Packers, Phoenix Cardinals, and Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. He scored a total of 1,584 points during his career, making him 23rd on the NFL All-Time Points Scored List. After he retired from football, he became a sports commentator and radio personality. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Stephon Gilmore

Gilmore is currently a cornerback for the New England Patriots. He was named named AFC Defensive Player of the Month in October 2019. He played for the Buffalo Bills from 2012 to 2016.

He was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Adam Vinatieri

Born in Yankton, South Dakota, Adam Vinatieri was a placekicker for the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. 

Vinatieri has played in five Super Bowls and won four of them, making him the NFL record holder for the most Super Bowl wins by a kicker. He is also holds the record for top scorer in the NFL with 2,673 points.

TENNESSEE: Reggie White

Reggie White was nicknamed "The Minister of Defense" as both an ordained minister and a defensive football player. He began his career playing with the Philadelphia Eagles, and then signed with the Green Bay Packers in 1993. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and 1998.

He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

TEXAS: Drew Brees

Drew Brees started his NFL career playing with the San Diego Chargers in 2001, and has been playing with the New Orleans Saints since 2006. A renowned quarterback, he was Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year and Superbowl MVP in 2010. He was born in Austin, Texas.

UTAH: Steve Young

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Steve Young is best known for his 13 years as quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. He was named MVP of Super Bowl XXIX after leading the 49ers to victory in 1995. He became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

VERMONT: Steve Wisniewski

Steve Wisniewski played 13 seasons for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders and eight Pro Bowls before retiring in 2001. He was nicknamed "The Wiz" for his impenetrable moves as left guard. He was born in Rutland, Vermont.

VIRGINIA: Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor was born in Williamsburg, Virginia. He played 13 seasons as a linebacker with the New York Giants and is a two-time Super Bowl champion. He was also named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1986 — the first defensive player to win the title since 1971.

Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

WASHINGTON: John Elway

John Elway played 16 seasons as quarterback the Denver Broncos. The Broncos won two Super Bowls with his help, and he was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXIII. He was responsible for 82.2% of the Broncos' total points scored during his 16 years as quarterback.

Elway was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. He was born in Port Angeles, Washington.

WEST VIRGINIA: Randy Moss

Moss, who was born in Rand, West Virginia, was a first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. He immediately made an impact, setting a then-NFL record for the most touchdown receptions by a rookie (17) and being named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

During his record-setting 14 seasons, he was named to six Pro Bowls, made two Super Bowl appearances, and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s. Now an analyst, he was selected to join the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

WISCONSIN: John Matuszak

John Matuszak played as a defensive lineman for the Houston Oilers (1973), Houston Texans (1974), Kansas City Chiefs (1974-1975), (the renamed) Washington Football Team (1976), and the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1976-1982). He then left football and launched his acting career, eventually starring in "The Goonies" as Sloth and appearing in numerous other television roles.

Matuszak was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He died of an accidental drug overdose in 1989.

WYOMING: Chris Cooley

Chris Cooley played as a tight end and running back for Washington from 2004 to 2011. He became known as "Captain Chaos" after his teammates dared him to introduce himself to the opposing team as such, and the name stuck. He was born in Powell, Wyoming.

• Read more:
• The NFL is turning 100 — here are 13 vintage photos that show how much football has changed
• 20 professional athletes who identify as LGBTQ
• This is the first time the Super Bowl is streaming in 4K resolution, but it won't be true 4K

• There are seemingly endless apps to help improve your life, but sometimes they can make you more stressed out or glued to your phone.
• Below are six apps — from a cute reminder to drink water to a highly customizable yoga class — that are easy to use and can help organize your life without contributing to burnout. 
• Read more: It can be extra hard to make a career change during a pandemic, but right now could also be the perfect time to explore the possibilities. Here are 15 great resources to help you find a more fulfilling career or make your current job a little better.
• Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals

Like many people, I often consider my phone my worst well-being enemy. Between derailing my productivity and fueling my doomscrolling habit with near-constant notifications, it likes to politely inform me that my weekly screen time went up 17%. 

As such, I'm naturally cynical around apps that make me feel like I need to use my phone even more in order to live a more balanced life. There's something a little too on-the-nose about using a complicated scheduler to optimize my wellness habits; it defeats the purpose of self-care if I feel even more plugged into my device.

However, there are apps that actually do make my life simpler and take little to no effort to actually use. From improving my physical and mental health to helping me save money without even thinking about it, these six apps easily make my life better.

6 apps to optimize your life:

To wake up on time without grogginess:

This is one of those apps I told everyone about when I first started using it because I honestly couldn't believe how well it worked. The concept is simple: By accessing your microphone and listening to your movements as you sleep, the app knows to wake you up within the 30-minute time frame you set, so that you're not mid-heavy slumber when the alarm jerks you awake.

So, for example: If I need to wake up by 7:30 AM, it could wake me at 7:17 AM if I'm moving around more at that point. Even if I'm up a few minutes earlier, I feel more rested because I'm not in deep sleep. As a bonus, it also shows me stats on my overall sleep quality, so I can see firsthand how my nighttime social media scrolling habit is my own worst enemy.

The app comes with a free trial, but I opted to pay $29.99 for an annual Premium membership once it was over.

To feel personally invested in drinking more water:

I've always been bad at drinking water. I know I should do it for my health, but I can go an alarming number of hours without noticing I'm dehydrated. What got me into the habit of constantly refilling my glass, though, was Plant Nanny (now Plant Nanny 2).

The concept is simple: Every time you drink a glass of water, you "water" a virtual plant (conveniently drawn with big, sparkling eyes so that you feel very, very guilty if you let it die). Even if, like me, you could barely keep a Neopet alive in your youth, this app makes it easy by sending you gentle reminders to take a two-second water break. Safe to say: I'm much better at taking care of a cartoon flower (and by extension, myself) than any of the dry succulents in my actual home. 

To track your moods without overthinking them:

Once, my therapist recommended that I write down my mood multiple times a day for a week, but the task felt a little...big. How would I remember to do it? What if I couldn't find the right words for how I felt (which was kind of the whole point of the exercise)?

MindDoc simplified the process by sending me three daily reminders to take a moment and track how I was feeling at that time. There was a long list of adjectives I could choose from (or add to) and after logging in my emotions consistently, I'd get customized reports on suggestions of what to look out for.

The app made me realize that stress seemed to hum in the background of my life even in my happy moments, which in turn made me take it a lot more seriously. It also reinforced the idea that I could feel many emotions at once (like "anxious" and "having a good time with others"), and that coloring whole days as "good" or "bad" was often a misleading way to assess my life.

To stretch in a non-boring way:

During the pandemic, I knew my habit of working from the couch every single day needed to be balanced out with some kind of stretchy workout. But yoga classes seemed overwhelming — there were too many to choose from, and I would always conveniently lose track of time and miss a 6 PM session.

A friend told me about Down Dog, which lets you customize a yoga class around things like difficulty level, the area(s) you want to work on, and current time commitment, but also lets you choose smaller settings like background music, instruction speed, and even the teacher's voice. Within seconds, you get a unique yoga class with your exact specifications and audio and video instructions to guide you through.

I've used it when I feel ready to go for a full class, or had no time and just wanted a quick 15-minutes session. I've been given different poses each time, and the flexibility of the app made me more involved in doing yoga more frequently because of how accessible it is.

To save money without stress:

When left to my own devices, I throw money into my savings account when I feel like I can put a decent sum in there all at once. The problem, though, is that keeps me from doing it too often, so I might go months without putting anything away.

Digit, which analyzes your bank account, lets you choose something to save for (in my case, a rainy day fund) and automatically takes small increments out of your checking account. The amounts adjust according to how much money you're adding in (so if you're making less at the moment, it'll take out less), which can give you peace of mind that you won't suddenly be left with a drained account. The money is stored within Digit, where you can keep it untouched for as long as you want or quickly move it to your savings account whenever you want.

It's helped me save hundreds of dollars (even when I thought I had no wiggle room), and all without spending time looking through my spending history. 

To get the news without the nihilistic Twitter takes:

By the end of 2020, I blissfully re-deleted Twitter off my phone and hope to never look back. However, one of the main draws of the app is how quickly breaking news stories appear, as well as genuinely great feature stories or essays that are too good not to share. 

I want access to those things without scrolling through people telling me how I should feel about them or sift through negative pile-ons about minor drama I just don't care about. As a result, I've been leaning more on Nuzzel, which curates the top-shared stories on my feed. It means I can still dive into juicy reads or crucial news updates with minimal time wasted. 

(Now if someone could only invent such a utopic app exclusively for Twitter jokes, I'd have everything I'd need). 

If 2020 was the year for cannabis startups to tighten their belts, trim the fat, and focus on weathering the pandemic, then 2021 is set to be a boon for the companies that have emerged mostly unscathed, investors told Business Insider.

We asked the top private equity and venture investors in the cannabis industry to name the startups they believe are poised for major growth this year. The startups that made our list range from dispensary and cultivation chains, like Ascend Wellness Holdings, to cannabis software firms like Dutchie.

Most of the investors we talked to said that startups with strong management teams that made it through 2020 will have lots of opportunity in front of them next year, as more states open legal cannabis markets, and institutional investors start getting more comfortable with the industry. 

Read more: From LeafLink to Greenbits, meet the 8 buzzy cannabis startups that raised the most cash in 2020

There was a significant uptick in VC interest in cannabis startups in 2020, particularly on the software side, around August. Two tech startups that made our list — Dutchie and LeafLink — closed large funding rounds this year.

To put together this story, Business Insider asked a representative from each of the 17 investment firms that made our list of the top investors in the industry to name two companies that are poised for huge growth in 2021.

Each investor was asked to recommend one startup they invested in and one they hadn't. In total, investors gave us 27 names — the following five came up most often.

Here are the top five startups cannabis investors say will blow up in 2021:

LeafLink — 3 votes

Founded: 2015

Located: New York City (HQ), Los Angeles, Toronto

Post-money valuation: Declined to disclose.

Biggest funding round of 2020: $40 million closed in December 2020

Total raised to date: $91 million, according to LeafLink. The company also closed a $250 million debt facility earlier this year to support its payment product.

What the company does: LeafLink is a wholesale marketplace for the cannabis industry. The company says its e-commerce marketplace approach has "optimized and fueled the growth of the cannabis industry, creating new efficiencies in the wholesale buying process with supply-chain software and services."

Why VCs like the company: 

DCM Ventures partner Kyle Lui says LeafLink's payments product, LeafLink Financial, is "a much-needed solution that should see strong continued growth."

"LeafLink, a portfolio company since January 2017, is our top pick and best performing investment," Phyto Partners' Larry Schnurmacher told Business Insider. He says the startup is the largest business-to-business marketplace in the cannabis industry.

Schnurmacher says his firm made its initial investment in the company's seed round. "We believe LL [LeafLink] will be the most valuable ancillary company in cannabis," he added in an email.

Gron Ventures managing partner Wilder Ramsey says that he likes Leaflink because it powers a third of the cannabis wholesale market in the US. This, he said, is "an incredible, winning position that would be difficult or impossible to achieve in a mature industry."

"Their new lending and logistics products are solving critical problems in the space, allowing customers to scale compliantly with far more flexibility, and we expect the company's services to be so ubiquitous and foundational in the space that in 10 years it will be no exaggeration to say the industry was built on Leaflink," Ramsey continued.

Dutchie — 3 votes

Founded: 2017

Located: Bend, Oregon

Post-money valuation: $205 million, according to PitchBook. Dutchie declined to disclose a figure.

Biggest funding round of 2020: $35 million closed in August 2020. Read Business Insider's coverage of the round here, where we got an exclusive look at the pitch deck Dutchie used to close the round.

Total raised to date: $53 million, according to Dutchie. 

What the company does: Dutchie is an e-commerce software startup that connects cannabis consumers to dispensaries and allows them to order products from their homes. It also powers online ordering tools for the dispensaries themselves. 

Why VCs like the company: 

"Dutchie was an early mover in the B2C eCommerce space in cannabis, and while not a HALLEY portfolio company, B2C eCommerce is a large component of nearly every other product and service outside of cannabis,"HALLEY Venture Partners Managing Director Steve Schuman told Business Insider. "WeedMaps' recently announced $1.5 billion deal with Silver Spike SPAC is a validation of the growing importance of that piece of the puzzle."

In general, Schuman said, e-commerce feels fragmented and underdeveloped in the cannabis space, and his firm continues to look for solutions to help brands and dispensaries connect with consumers and patients online.

"Dutchie is the leading e-commerce platform in cannabis," says Gron Ventures managing partner Wilder Ramsey. "In three years it has grown from zero to more than $2.6 billion in annual GMV, making it one of the fastest-growing and most efficient commerce platforms of all time, in any vertical."

"This performance is testament to a remarkable team," Ramsey continued, "anchored by brothers Ross and Zach Lipson, who are setting pace for all of us in an industry characterized by torrid growth."

"Dutchie is already a success story and they are going big with their recent raise," said Panther Opportunity Fund's Jordan Tritt. "Their CEO, Ross Lipson, has already exited multiple businesses in the online ordering and delivery space and his timing is right with the increased digitization of cannabis favoring online ordering."

Grassdoor — 3 votes

Founded: 2018

Located: Commerce, California

Post-money valuation: Declined to disclose.

Biggest funding round of 2020: Declined to disclose.

Total raised to date: Declined to disclose.

What the company does: Grassdoor is a startup that sells and delivers cannabis products to consumers in Southern California. The company declined to comment for this article.

Why VCs like the company: 

Grassdoor has an impressive team and technology, Navy Capital's Sean Stiefel told Busness Insider. The company also has a "differentiated business model to go after the DTC delivery market," Stiefel said in an email.

"Because they developed their depot processes in parallel with their proprietary tech stack, they have been able to scale their business in an incredibly efficient manner," said AFI Capital Partners' Nico Richardson. "As a result, Grassdoor has become a leading delivery platform in less than two years of operation." 

"Operating in DTC (direct to consumer) cannabis delivery, Grassdoor has a lot of competition,"Measure 8 founding partner Boris Jordan told Business Insider. "In a short period of time, the company has earned top marks from customers as the 'go-to' platform for cannabis on demand."

With constant focus on efficiency and customer service, Jordan says his firm sees a bright future for the company.

We updated this article to clarify Grassdoor's business model on December 30.

Connected — 2 votes

Founded: 2009

Located: Sacramento, California

Post-money valuation: Decline to disclose.

Biggest funding round of 2020: N/A

Total raised to date: $25 million Series A round closed July 2019

What the company does: Connected is a craft California cannabis brand that sells high-end flower.

Why VCs like the company: 

Connected is "the leading flower company in California with a fantastic management team," said Navy Capital's Sean Stiefel.

The company dominates the premium flower market in California, Stiefel said. 

"Connected Cannabis grows and manufactures high-quality cannabis flower at scale," said Gotham Green Partners' Jason Adler."Compared to most craft brands in the state, Connected has differentiated itself with an ability to produce a consistent quality product at scale and seamlessly introduce new strains in a relatively short time frame."

"We believe that the high-end flower segment will continue to benefit from several tailwinds, particularly the maturation of the consumer palate and new recreational markets with greenfield opportunities for expansion," Adler continued.

Ascend Wellness — 2 votes

Founded: 2018

Located: New York, New York

Post-money valuation: Declined to disclose. 

Biggest funding round of 2020: $68.2 million closed in August.

Total raised to date: $208.63 million, according to PitchBook. Ascend Wellness declined to disclose a figure.

What the company does: Ascend Wellness is privately owned cannabis cultivation and dispensary chain, known in the industry as multi-state operators or MSOs. It operates in five states including Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Ohio.

The company said in an email to Business Insider that it focuses on limited license states east of the Rockies, "with flagship locations in desirable retail corridors serving key medical and adult-use markets."

Why VCs like the company: 

Salveo Capital's Michael Gruber says he believes Ascend Wellness's presence in key states like New Jersey means it will be well-positioned for growth.

"We are an investor in the company and had added additional capital to our investment this year. The passing of adult-use in NJ this November is a huge step, and with NJ in our belief will be an amazingly good market," Gruber said in an email. "This will also likely be key impetus to spur NY, PA, and CT to legalize adult-use as well."

Gruber added that Salveo is "bullish in general on private MSOs that are focused on key limited license states and where they have gone deep within a limited number of states, and where management has been able to execute in an efficient manner."

Silverleaf Venture Partners' Andre Haroche describes Ascend Wellness' growth as "astounding."

"They have a fantastic management team lead by industry-veteran Abner Kurtin and we wouldn't be surprised to see Ascend be publicly traded in the next year or so based on its momentum," Haroche said.

• At-home workouts are our new normal and, while bodyweight moves are great, adding resistance can help kick your heart rate up and build more muscle. 
• Outfitting a home gym can be as simple as buying the perfect set of dumbbells or as advanced as a full Bowflex workout machine. There's an option for every type of budget and space.
• We've tested at-home equipment for every workout and space constraint and come up with the top 13, including larger equipment like treadmills and stationary bikes to strength training gear such as resistance bands and dumbbells.

Whether the psychological refresh of January 1, 2021 has motivated you to get back into a fitness routine, or you've done all the bodyweight living room workouts you can possibly handle over the last few months of lockdowns, adding a few pieces of equipment to your home gym can make working out way more fun — and lead to way stronger results.

Outfitting your home gym doesn't have to cost a ton of money or take up a ton of space. Sure, if you have room and budget for a spin bike or a full treadmill, your cardiovascular system will certainly thank you. But stocking up on affordable pieces of high-quality gear like resistance bands and a single set of dumbbells can go a long way to getting more out of your squats and adding a muscle-building burn to your usual living room routine.

If you're new to working up a sweat at home, your main question is probably: Where do you even start when outfitting your own home gym? The easy answer is to first buy what you're familiar with while keeping in mind what exactly it is you want to accomplish (and what your fitness goals are), the kinds of workouts you want to do, and what your budget is. The entire process doesn't need to be a wallet-gouging affair, either, even if you're intending to stock an entire garage full of gear. What's more, you definitely don't need a garage or dedicated room — small devices that can be tucked under the coffee table or stored in the corner can go a long way to delivering a better burn.

Below is the equipment we've personally tested over several days, weeks, and months of adapting our own workout routines to being strictly home-based. The list is exhaustive and should be viewed as a customizable blueprint — i.e. you don't need everything on this list. Pick and choose what works best for you and rest assured that what's featured below is the equipment we're actually using in our own homes.

At the end of this guide, we've also provided some tips on how to make the most of your home gym, some insight on how to shop for home gym equipment, as well as how we tested all the gear.

Here's the best home gym equipment:

• Best training strap system: TRX GO System
• Best resistance band: TheraBands
• Best jump rope: Survival and Cross Jump Rope
• Best slam ball: Everlast Flex Slam Ball
• Best shoes for home workouts: Reebok Nano x WIT Training Shoes
• Best yoga set: Complete Yoga Kit Set from Clever Yoga
• Best dumbbells: PowerBlock Sport 24
• Best treadmill: ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
• Best stationary bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
• Best workout machine: Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
• Best exercise ball: TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball 
• Best foam roller: LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller
• Best pull-up bar: Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar

Updated on 1/11/2021 by Rachael Schultz: Updated intro, checked the availability of all featured products, and updated the prices and links where necessary.

Best training strap system

If you're looking for a reasonably priced whole-body workout that uses your own weight to provide resistance, check out the TRX GO System.

Pros: Great for travel, offers a versatile, effective muscle strengthening workout

Cons: Might be hard to use in smaller living spaces

The TRX GO system is essentially a series of sturdy straps, handles, and hooks. But fasten it to a door, rafter, beam, or even a thick tree branch, and you have the equivalent of a full-on gym. Not only does the system strengthen and build muscle but it also helps improve stability and flexibility. Best of all, you can apply as much resistance as you need, making the system suitable for beginners and fitness buffs alike.

You'll love the effectiveness and versatility of the system, along with the fact that it's easy to take with while traveling. It even comes with an extensive workout guide, as well as access to other workouts online.

Best resistance bands

TheraBands' resistance bands are thin and lightweight, yet offer a surprising amount of resistance perfect for a variety of home workouts — the fact that they're under $15 makes them even more valuable. 

Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, offers a wide range of resistance

Cons: Might not be suitable for someone looking for intense resistance

Resistance bands are simple pieces of workout equipment that offer a wide range of uses, and this kit from TheraBands is the perfect addition to any home gym. The kit allows for a weight range of 2.4 pounds on up to 21.3 pounds, giving you the ability to add minimal resistance to a high-intensity routine or ramp it up for deadlifts or upright rows.

Each resistance band is lightweight and thin, though still delivers durable performance (even if it feels like they might tear). Also, their latex-free design means anyone with a latex allergy needn't be worried. 

The TheraBands resistance band kit is also highly portable. Void of any handle or extra material, each band folds down compact enough to throw into a small gym back for easy transport or storage. And at $14, they're inexpensive, too. This makes them an easy addition to anyone's home gym, whether you're looking to add another layer to your strength training or increase the intensity of your cardio workouts. 

For workout inspiration, check out our favorite resistance band routines.

Read our full guide to the best resistance bands.

Best jump rope

The Crossrope Get Lean Set is a versatile jump rope that comes with two different ropes, ergonomic handles, and app compatibility for targeted workouts and weekly routines. 

Pros: A great workout, perfect for travel, smooth performance, multiple weight options of the rope

Cons: Jumping rope is high-impact, so if you have problems with your knees or back, it might be too intense for you.

According to the American Council on Exercise, jumping rope not only torches calories in the moment, but it also increases the resiliency of your lower-leg muscles, improves balance and coordination, and ups your cognitive skills. 

When it comes to getting one for your home gym setup, the Crossrope Get Lean Set is an excellent choice. Featuring ergonomic handles, two different weighted ropes (1/2-pound and 1/4-pound), and a companion smartphone application, the Get Lean Set is a great way to improve your cardio or add to an existing full-body or HIIT routine. 

If you're not taken with this jump rope, we also recommend the following:

• WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
• Fitskuad Jump Rope

Read our full guide to the best jump ropes

Best slam ball

The Flex Slam Ball provides an easy and effective method for improving your strength, flexibility, and explosiveness, and slam ball workouts can easily be incorporated into anyone's at-home fitness routine. 

Pros: Available in a variety of weights, easy to use, contributes to a full-body exercise when used properly

Cons: Buying multiple sizes can get expensive

Slam ball workouts may seem basic, but when done correctly it provides an excellent full-body workout. Whether this means adding weighted lunges to your routine, utilizing the ball as a base for side-to-side pushups, or just doing a few tried-and-true ball slams, a slam ball, in general, is a worthy addition to any at-home gym setup.

We like the Flex Slam Ball series from Everlast as the brand historically makes durable gear and here offers a range in available weights, from 6-pound, textured slam balls up to a 50-pound traditional ball. Each sand-filled ball provides a comfortable grip, durable exterior, and a shock-absorbing design.

Best shoes for home workouts

Reebok's Nano x WIT Training Shoes are a great at-home trainer that offer a solid, stable base no matter if you're lifting dumbbells, using resistance bands, or doing your favorite HIIT workout. 

Pros: Stable footbed offers plenty of support for lifting weights, comfortable fit, mid-height design gives some ankle support, as well

Cons: Expensive

Though it's likely you grab for any normal pair of runners or tennis shoes when keeping fit at home, buying a dedicated pair can help elevate your workouts — and the Nano x WIT trainers from Reebok and the fitness brand, WIT, are some of the best I've worn. Not only are they comfortable right out of the box but they have an incredibly stable footbed that works well for lifting weights, whether it's a set of dumbbells, a barbell, or when just using resistance bands.

That stability is important during HIIT or bodyweight exercises, too. Whereas a running shoe does also offer padding and support, it's meant for the kind of motion and impact of running either on a treadmill or outside. The Nano x WIT shoes seem to do really well in assisting more flat-footed workouts and the stable base it creates is great for generating power in your legs.

They're also incredibly comfortable. Though I expected there to be at least some period of breaking them in, they were comfortable right out of the box — and because of that, I was able to comfortably work out in them right away. No blisters, no hot spots, no rubbing, nothing. 

If there was something to nitpick, it would be their $150 price tag. But take a look at almost any premium workout shoe and you'll see similar prices (though that doesn't necessarily make it easier to actually shell out the money for them). They are a quality investment, though, especially if you intend to use them often, and they've become my daily go-to. -- Rick Stella 

Best yoga set

The Complete Yoga Kit Set from Clever Yoga includes all the equipment you need to reap the benefits of this ancient practice and comfortably make modifications for beginners.

Pros: A convenient and reasonably-priced way to buy everything you need for your beginning yoga practice

Cons: None to speak of unless yoga isn't your thing

Along with its proven abilities to reduce stress and improve mood, yoga is a wonderful way to develop your balance, flexibility, and muscle tone. 

If you're new to yoga, you'll appreciate the convenience of getting all the supplies you need in one kit— includes a handy carrying case. You'll also get a large, thick yoga mat, two foam positioning blocks, an eight-foot cotton strap, a hand towel, and a microfiber nonslip mat.  

If this set isn't for you, you can also check out our full buying guides to the best yoga mats, the best yoga blocks, and the best yoga socks.

Best dumbbells

PowerBlock's dumbbells offer weight up to 24 pounds in each hand, feature a comfortable, balanced grip, and allow for a variety of exercises.

Pros: Max weight of 24 pounds per hand, relatively affordable compared to similar dumbbells, sturdy and comfortable grip

Cons: Awkward weight-changing mechanism, can feel a bit long when at max weight, max of 24-lbs might not be enough for heavy lifters

Dumbbells are a crucial addition to any home gym. Not only do they do well for anyone trying to improve their curl form, but they also work well for a variety of lifts including squats, shoulder presses, lunges, and pushups (among others).

But snagging a pair of adjustable dumbbells is a smart way to save space and reap more versatility for your workouts. The key to finding a good set rests with how comfortable they are to use and how much available weight they allow. PowerBlock's dumbbells do well to check each of these boxes.

They feature a handle centered on the device to allow for a comfortable feel and grip, as well as a design that makes them incredibly easy to stow.

Though a set of PowerBlock dumbbells sets you back roughly $500, its ability to allow for multiple exercises across a large range in weight makes it one of the best options for any home gym. 

If these dumbbells are too expensive or sold out, you can also check out the following:

• Bowflex SelectTech 560
• Thompson Fat Bells

Read our full buying guide on the best dumbbells

Best treadmill

The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is a versatile at-home option that's great for racers, casual runners, and anyone looking to keep up with steady cardio exercise. 

Pros: Strong construction, great features, iFit compatibility, ProShox cushioning for soft landings

Cons: Expensive, takes up space

The beauty of a treadmill is that, no matter where you're starting from, it accommodates your current fitness level and will adapt as your capacity changes. You can walk, jog, or run all at your own speed and preference.

The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is an excellent choice no matter your fitness level or skill. It may remind you of the treadmills you see in a brick-and-mortar gym, as it has the same type of features. There's the ability to incline up to 15%, decline down to negative 3%, as well as a 7-inch color screen that's compatible with a range of interactive workouts from iFit. 

This treadmill also has a reliable 3.5-horsepower motor, a wide belt deck that's great for almost all runners, and a soft belt that helps reduce the impact of each stride. There's even a music port for plugging in a music player and fitness app access. 

If the ProForm Pro 2000 is too pricey for your budget, we also recommend the following: 

• Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill ($649.99)

Read our full buying guide to the best treadmills

Best stationary bike

NordicTrack's S22i Studio Cycle is like having your own personal cycling coach who's able to take you around the world to places like Mt. Fuji, Mallorca, or Moab, Utah — and the bike's auto-resistance and incline/decline means all you have to do is focus on the ride.

Pros: Globe-spanning video content; large variety of ride types, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and casual rides; automatic resistance and incline/decline control

Cons: Expensive

The S22i Studio Cycle from NordicTrack is our favorite at-home stationary bike for a number of reasons, mainly the fact it has an extensive library of globe-spanning rides and features automatic resistance and incline/decline control. This means that while you're riding, all you need to do is pedal away and the bike makes all the necessary changes for you.

Regarding its content library, NordicTrack features the iFit suite of workouts (same with its treadmills and row machines). What iFit offers is more than just the standard in-studio rides (though it does have that, too), but also the ability to choose a wide variety of locale-based routines. This means that you could bike up Mt. Fuji one day while following along a mountain bike course in Chile the next. And each ride is led by one of iFit's many trainers, most of which are professional cyclists. 

Not only does this add more variety and diversity than a trainer trying to motivate you from a dimly lit room while techno blasts in the background, but it's also a refreshing change of pace that allows you to still get a damn good workout. 

Its large onboard screen provides crisp video playback while showing you where you stand against other riders who've ridden the same course — and the interface keeps track of how many miles you've done each week, the number of hours you've been on the bike, and how much elevation you've gained. There's even a built-in fan you can use to keep you (mostly) cool while riding. 

Though the S22i Studio Cycle isn't exactly cheap (it retails for $1,999), it does offer a comprehensive solution for anyone who wants a full-featured cardio machine in their home. It's been one of our favorite stationary bikes for some time, and a staple of our at-home workouts.

If you want a more basic stationary bike, we also recommend the following: 

• Exerpeutic Folding Upright Bike

Read our full guide to the best exercise bikes

Best workout machine

If you want one machine that does it all — arms, legs, chest, back, and abs — with enough variation to work muscles you didn't even know you had, consider the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym.

Pros: Lots of variation, very sturdy and durable, easy to adjust resistance, reasonable price for a home gym.

Cons: Takes up a lot of space, expensive

Bowflex's all-in-one machine comes with up to 210 pounds of resistance, so whether you're just starting out or are already buff, you'll give your muscles a proper workout.

There are more than 60 possible exercises with the Blaze, including 16 arm exercises, 13 leg exercises, and five ab exercises — enough to keep your workouts fresh for a long time. 

The sliding seat also allows you to use the machine for an aerobic rowing workout, too. It's easy to adjust your resistance as you gain strength, and the wide variety of possible exercises not only provides strength training to your entire body, it also keeps things interesting.

If you prefer an interactive machine, take a look at our review of the Tempo Studio.

Best exercise ball

The TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball holds air better than most exercise balls with its thick-walled design.

Pros: Maintains its shape and holds air better than other exercise balls, includes a slow deflate technology if the ball is punctured, extremely firm, has a good surface for just the right amount of grip, offered in four sizes

Cons: Takes a long time to inflate, no inflation pump included, only one color per size

The TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball is one of the thickest-walled balls you can buy, so it holds air longer than most of the competition.

Even if it's punctured, the ball deflates slowly, allowing you to finish your exercise session without falling flat on the floor. Because the Theraband Exercise Ball retains air so well, you won't have to reinflate it that often, either. It does take quite a bit of time to inflate the first time around, though.

The TheraBand ball has just the right type of surface for grip-ability, so it won't move around while you're working out. It's available in four sizes from 45 cm to 75 cm and comes in several different colors.

If this exercise ball isn't the one for you, you might prefer the following:

• DynaPro Exercise Ball
• Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

For some workout inspiration, check out our favorite exercise ball routines

Read our full guide to the best exercise balls

Best foam roller

The LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller is an affordable and simple tool that gives your muscles relief before or after you work out.

Pros: Affordable, three size options, one-year warranty

Cons: Certain materials may slide along the surface without rolling

The LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller is made of polyethylene foam, which is easy to clean. The roller has a 6-inch diameter and is lightweight enough for easy transport or storage. 

The roller comes in three different lengths: 12, 18, and 36 inches. The longest option is ideal for tall or heavy individuals, the medium is good for working all parts of the body, and the small is good for targeted areas, like the neck. Whichever you choose, they're covered by a one-year limited warranty.

This high-quality foam roller is affordable, too, starting at just $9 for the small on up to $25 for the large. The roller has a slight texture to prevent sliding and the foam is just dense enough to massage your muscles and support your body. Users noted that the roller is effective on the back, upper chest, and abs. 

Read our full buying guide to the best foam rollers

Best pull up bar

The Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar is easy to install and gives you a great workout.

Pros: Comfortable foam grips, unobtrusive, solidly built

Cons: Installation requires drilling into a door jamb, foam grips may wear from heavy-duty use

The Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar is made of chrome steel and comes with three sets of mounting hardware with two of the sets able to support up to 300 pounds of weight. The medium-duty door mount supports 150 pounds and is not recommended for use above waist height.

You can also use the bar without door mounts for sit-up foot support and other light exercises. It's adjustable and fits doorways between 26 and 36 inches wide, and can be installed so that you can still close the door.

The bar features non-slip, extra-long foam grips to ensure you won't easily lose your grip. You shouldn't have any trouble with installation, though it may take a little work to get it to the right length.

If you want a different option, we also recommend:

• Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull Up Bar
• Stamina 1690 Power Tower

Read our full buying guide to the best pull up bars

How to make the most of your home gym

Just because you're not visiting a brick-and-mortar gym or fitness studio, doesn't mean you can't replicate the workouts they offer. Everything from high-intensity interval training and strength workouts to cardio routines and resistance training can easily be done at home.

Here are a few basic exercise categories to familiarize yourself with before jumping into any workout routine. 

Cardio exercise

Cardio — which comes from cardiovascular — exercise is defined by the American College of Sports Medicine as any exercise that raises your heart rate and breaths per minute while repetitively and rhythmically using large muscle groups. That's a fancy way of saying that cardio or aerobic exercise is anything that gets you moving fast and hard enough to break a sweat. Typical cardio exercises include running, biking, jumping rope, etc. 

The benefits of aerobic exercise are many, including weight loss, stronger bones and muscles, better sleep, lowered levels of depression and anxiety, and even the reduced risk of many types of cancer, to name a few.

The ACSM recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, which can be broken down into multiple sessions as short as ten minutes.

Strength training 

Strength training — also called resistance training — is the use of exercise against resistance to build and strengthen muscle. That resistance might come from your own body weight, a dumbbell or other hand-held weight, or a wide range of resistance machines.

Along with improved muscle strength and definition, resistance training helps develop bone density and assists with weight loss.

The ACSM recommends healthy adults do strength training two or three times per week, engaging in eight to 10 different exercises focusing on a variety of muscle groups. Beginners should aim for eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise, using the amount of weight that leads to muscle fatigue within that set of reps.

Balance and flexibility training

While various cardio and strength-training exercises help improve balance and flexibility, it's important to incorporate training that specifically targets these two functions. They make daily living much easier and help improve your overall health and mental well-being. Aim for at least two balance or flexibility workouts each week.

How to shop for home gym equipment

When shopping, it's smart to first develop a workout plan detailing what you want to attain. Though workouts of all varieties do well to work together to improve one's overall fitness, starting out by focusing on one or two areas helps you refine your goals. Perhaps you want to strength train; purchasing a set of resistance bands or dumbbells is likely where you want to start. If it's cardio or full-body toning you're after, maybe a treadmill or row machine is more appropriate.

This initial research is important because there's so much more to stocking a home gym properly than attempting to mimic the studios you're used to. Study the differences between resistance bands and dumbbells to find what suits you best, download and stream a few at-home workout apps, or figure out the best time to work out each day. Doing this not only informs how exactly you prefer keeping fit and the best methods for doing so but it ultimately teaches you which equipment is right for you and your home gym. 

How we test home gym equipment

Each piece of home gym equipment recommended in this guide went through a series of tests to help determine its effectiveness. We considered each piece's feasibility for use in a home, whether there was a steep learning curve, its relative value, how portable or easy to stow it might be, and how practical it is for every day or every week use.

We understand that not all home gyms have the ability to be created in an equal fashion, so the equipment tested covers a wide array of use cases that anyone can pick and choose to their liking (and, perhaps most importantly, for what fits their home workout space). This means that if you have the space for a treadmill, you likely won't also be in the market for a stationary bike or a full-on Bowflex workout machine. 

Some of the testings also took place during the creation of other guides (like best treadmills or best dumbbells), so that experience carried over for input here, as well. Where necessary, we included similar equipment that was also tested, as well as links to our more focused equipment buying guides. 

• Adding a treadmill to your home gym setup allows you to get some cardio exercise from the comfort of your home, and is a great option for people of any fitness level. 
• Most treadmills have a varying list of features depending on specific makes and models but the most important qualities to look for are power, reliability, and comfort.
• Our top pick, the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill, is great for racers and casual runners, offering workouts from iFit that stream to its 7-inch onboard monitor, a cushioned tread that reduces impact, and a convenient fold-up design. 

Editor's note: Due to high demand, some of the selections are either limited in stock or back-ordered. We will update this piece with new picks or purchase options as best we can. 

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 (prior to the pandemic, of course) and current fitness editor, I've run my fair share of miles on treadmills advanced, basic, or otherwise. For every mile ran on something like Peloton's Tread or ProForm's Pro 2000, I've logged an equal amount (if not many more) on treadmills without an interactive screen attached to them and those a bit more typical of a standard fitness center or gym.

This experience proved vital when combing through and testing the allotment of treadmills currently available — and helped me better understand why someone may prefer a certain model over another. 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 end of this guide, I've also included some tips on how to shop for a treadmill as well as insight into the testing methodology used for deciding which made the cut.

Here are the best treadmills: 

• Best treadmill overall: ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
• Best treadmill for quiet workouts: 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
• Best connected treadmill: Peloton Tread+
• Best budget treadmill: Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill
• Best shock-absorbing treadmill: LifeSpan TR3000i Folding Treadmill
• Best under desk treadmill: Cubii Pro

Updated on 1/11/2021 by Rick Stella: Updated the introduction for relevancy, included more testing feedback into each pick, updated the sections on how to shop for a treadmill and the testing methodology used, checked the availability of each recommended treadmill, and updated the prices and links where necessary.

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

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 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 an excellent way 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.

Best treadmill for quiet workouts

The 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill delivers excellent performance and runs quieter than most treadmills.

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 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.

Best connected treadmill

The Peloton Tread+ has a steep price tag but offers the same high-quality daily workout classes and a deep well of content fans of its popular stationary bike have come to expect.

Pros: Intuitive design, easy-to-use speed and incline dials, beautiful 32-inch touchscreen display with built-in soundbar, and access to Peloton's deep library of workout content

Cons: Expensive initial investment and recurring subscription fee

Peloton's made its name by peddling (and quite literally pedaling) its popular stationary bike and companion workout classes for the last several years. With the Tread+, the company used that same tried-and-true formula to deliver a high-quality treadmill experience. 

Where the Tread+ differs from traditional treadmills is both with its intuitive design and built-in display. On either arm of the unit are two dials, one to increase or decrease speed and another to increase or decrease the incline angle. Each dial turns smoothly enough that you're able to easily adjust either metric with the speed or incline quickly following suit. 

Peloton's thoughtful design also extends to its low-impact slat belt that works well to absorb shock while also not being terribly loud as you run. This also means that it allows for a much smoother and comfortable run experience.

A Peloton workout unit wouldn't be complete without a massive display sitting front and center, and the Tread+ is no different, sporting a gorgeous 32-inch touchscreen monitor. The display is where the Peloton magic happens, as it's able to stream the live and pre-recorded classes, shows your in-class stats such as time and distance ran, and is your navigation tool for Peloton's content library. There's even a 20-watt built-in soundbar that flanks the bottom of the screen capable of pumping out impressive quality sound. 

Then there's the price. Starting at $4,295 for the basic package, the Tread+ is no drop in the bucket. Factor in the recurring $39 subscription package for access to Peloton's content and you end up with quite the investment. Still, if you're able to afford it, the quality of the Tread, as well as the benefit of its workout and wide range of content, make it one of our favorite treadmills on the market. 

Best budget treadmill

Compared to other budget fold-up treadmills, the Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill has nice features and good performance.

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.

Best shock-absorbing 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.

Best under-desk 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. 

Though the Cubii Pro isn't exactly a treadmill in the traditional sense (and is more of an elliptical style machine than anything else), it's 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 it's 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: 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

How to shop for a treadmill

Types of treadmills

According to Consumer Reports, treadmills fit into three basic categories based on the type of workouts they handle.

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 long 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 will consist of the highest-quality materials. You'll receive Wi-Fi connectivity and extensive pre-set exercise programs with these models.

Key treadmill features and terms

As treadmills evolved, companies began adding a suite of high-tech features. However, don't focus entirely on the bells and whistles of expensive treadmills. Pay attention to its physical parts, too, to find the best possible unit for your needs.

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.

Horsepower: Any treadmill motor with a continuous duty measurement of at least 2.0 should be sufficient for most people, says Precor. Smaller motors will work better for walkers and larger motors work better for runners.

Incline and decline: 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%.

Length: 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.

Safety line: Treadmills will contain a safety line that hooks into the unit. You'll clip the safety line to your shirt. Should you stumble, the safety line will disconnect from the treadmill, causing it to shut down immediately. This is a nice safety feature, and it prevents those common TV and movie gags where the person using the treadmill falls and gets launched into a wall. Trust us, this gag looks funny, but it also really, really hurts, so the safety line will save you some pain.

Speed: The speed with which the bed rotates on the treadmill is measured in miles per hour. Most people don't need anything over 10 mph, but those seeking heavy-duty interval workouts can find speeds up to 15 mph in a top-end treadmill.

Support rails: A treadmill made for walkers, especially elderly walkers, should have long support rails on the sides that you can grip while using the treadmill to steady yourself.

Touch screen controls: 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, distanced traveled, your heart rate, and more. 

Weight limit: Based on the size of the motor and on the shock absorption capabilities, a treadmill may give you a maximum user weight recommendation. 

Wi-Fi connection: Through a Wi-Fi connection, you can gain access to simulated video workouts. Or you can play streaming movies on the display screen, giving you some entertainment as you're workout out on the treadmill.

Width: 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.

How we test treadmills

Each treadmill featured in this guide went through a series of extensive tests (i.e. we 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 Peloton 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, we 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 feature 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. We 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. 

• Good sheets help you sleep better, which is why it's important to buy a set that's comfortable and long-lasting. 
• Our top pick, the L.L.Bean Percale Sheet Set, is the best for most people because it's crisp and breathable, with a very soft feel and durable, 100% extra-long-staple cotton construction. It's also affordably priced for the quality.
• Read more: The best duvet covers
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Even if you have the perfect mattress, it can be hard to fully enjoy your time in bed without a comfortable set of sheets. 

Though bedding brands are often quick to show off high thread counts, they're less important than you might think. The type of fiber and weave are also important because they help determine the sheet's texture, breathability, and durability. Percale and sateen, for example, are both made of cotton but have different weave structures, resulting in different feels.

"When finding sheets that will last and provide comfort and a relaxing night's sleep, take a look at the material first and thread count second," said Ave Bradley, senior vice president of design and creative director at Kimpton Hotels. Kimpton uses 200-300 thread count cotton sheets from Frette in its rooms. 

Dennis Chan, director of retail product at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said his team looks at the fabric drape (the way the fabric hangs), hand feel, and construction of weave when sourcing bedding for hotels worldwide. Four Seasons produces its own line of bedding in its Four Seasons at Home collection, featuring 350-thread count sateen weave cotton sheets. 

For more on thread count, materials and fiber types, and fabric care, including input from a textiles scientist, see our FAQs section. 

Top hotel brands like Four Seasons and Kimpton outfit their rooms in 100% long-staple cotton sheets because they're soft, breathable, and durable, resulting in luxurious and memorable sleep experiences for their guests. Long-staple cotton has longer fibers, so it's stronger and softer than shorter-staple cotton, which is why we also generally recommend 100% long-staple cotton in our best picks. However, we've also included options like flannel and linen, which hold heat differently and may be more appropriate for specific seasons or those who tend to sleep cold or hot. 

To test the best sheets, we washed and dried each set according to its respective instructions at least three times, looked at how each set fit on a 10-inch-thick mattress, and slept on each set to note texture, overall comfort, breathability, and coolness. For more on how we tested, see our methodology.

Here are the best sheets for your bed

• Best overall: L.L.Bean Percale Sheet Set
• Best flannel sheets for winter: Pinzon Flannel Sheet Set
• Best cooling sheets for summer: MagicLinen Sheet Set
• Best hotel sheets: H by Frette Classic Sheet Set
• Best on a budget: Threshold Solid Performance Sheet Set

Prices and details are accurate as of 1/11/21. We're continuing to sleep on and wash our top picks below to test long-term durability. Next up, we'll be testing percale sheets from online startups Riley and Bespoke Post. As the weather starts to warm up in the upcoming months, we'll also be focusing on cool, lightweight, and breathable sheet sets. 

The best sheets overall

The L.L.Bean percale sheets feel amazing on your skin — simultaneously light, crisp, and soft — and prove that quality materials are more important than thread count.

Pros: High-quality construction, very soft and comfortable, fitted sheet is labeled, accessible price

Cons: Lack of prints and patterns, fitted sheet may be loose on thinner mattresses

Of all the percale cotton sheets I tested, L.L.Bean's set stood out for its ultra softness and comfort. It's our overall best pick because it boasts a bit of everything that most shoppers are looking for: lightweight, breathable, and cool fabric; crisp yet soft feel; and strong construction that can reliably stand up to multiple washes. 

The sheets are made from pima cotton, which is a high-quality, extra long-staple cotton. Karen Leonas, who holds a doctorate in textile chemistry and is a professor of textile sciences at the Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University told us extra long-staple cotton is even stronger and more resistant to abrasion than long-staple cotton. That's likely why the L.L.Bean sheets are extra soft and durable, even though the 280-thread count is on the lower end of the spectrum. They also had a great feel even after many washes and experienced no loose threads or shrinkage in the last three months.

The fitted sheet fit generally well and never slipped off, but there was a little excess (it fits up to 15-inch mattresses) on my IKEA Haugesund mattress. I loved that the long and short sides were labeled, a thoughtful touch that always sped up the annoying task of putting on my sheets. (When you're constantly trying and washing different sheets, you notice and appreciate these things.) 

The sheets are available in a handful of light colors and they have hemstitched detailing (decorative threading at the edges). If you prefer a simple look that fits into pretty much any room style, the L.L.Bean sheets won't disappoint. If you like fun prints and patterns, try Brooklinen's sheets. They came in a close second to L.L.Bean for comfort and durability and are also reasonably priced.  

There's nothing gimmicky or "special" about these L.L.Bean sheets and that's what makes them so great. They're simply well-made, extremely comfortable, and dependable — the best you could want out of something you're sleeping on every night. 

The best flannel sheets for winter

It's hard to imagine snuggling in anything but Pinzon's thick flannel sheets on a cold winter night. They'll keep you warm and cozy without causing you to overheat.

Pros: Plush and cozy feel, heavyweight, breathable, affordable 

Cons: Lots of dryer lint, only available in solid colors, may be too warm for hot sleepers

Imagine you're nestled in a cabin in the woods, far, far away from the people and bustle of regular life. There's a fire crackling nearby and you have a book in one hand and a mug of tea in the other. That's what it feels like sleeping in these flannel sheets, even if the reality is that you're laying your head to rest in a modern city high-rise. 

There's no better fabric than flannel to bundle your body in during fall and winter (and even beyond, if you don't sleep hot). Pinzon's flannel is thick, soft, and cozy from the very first use and the comforting feeling only gets better over time. They're velvety and a little fuzzy, but were never itchy and uncomfortable. Though the sheets are very warm, they never felt stifling or unbreathable, despite the fact that I sometimes sleep warm. However, if you regularly sleep hot, the flannel sheets may be too stifling.

These sheets make it dangerously tempting to take midday naps curled up like a cat or to sleep in every day as if it were a Sunday free of commitments and appointments. I consistently felt like I slept better and deeper because of how warm and comfortable these sheets are. Fortunately, there's been no shrinkage or pilling to get in the way of that comfort.

Still, there are a few small inconveniences. Out of the package, they have a slight chemical odor, so you'll need to wash them before the first use. Also, be prepared to empty out a thick layer of fuzz from your dryer lint trap every time you wash them. If you have thicker or high-loft pillows, the pillowcases may be a tight fit. I used them on my Casper and Leesa pillows (both moderately-sized pillows), and the pillowcases were a bit difficult to pull on.

The best cooling sheets for summer

The cool, airy, and beautiful linen sheets from MagicLinen will be your summer favorite, or if you regularly sleep hot, a durable yearlong standby.

Pros: Stays dry and cool, casually wrinkled style, many beautiful color options

Cons: Slightly rough texture doesn't get much softer until many washes, two fitted sheet options are either too small or too big, may experience shedding

Linen is a contentious textile. It wrinkles very easily, feels a bit rough, and is notoriously expensive. On the other hand, some prefer the casual, lived-in look, and it does get softer with time and use. Most importantly, because it's made from hollow flax fibers, which absorb moisture and quickly pass air through, linen is breathable and stays dry even on the warmest, stuffiest nights. 

MagicLinen sheets are the best linen sheets I've tried because they strike the right balance of comfort, coolness, durability, and price. They have the signature grainy texture of linen, but they also feel somewhat soft thanks to a stone washing process. I noticed they gradually felt even softer after multiple washes. Though they won't be winning the title of softest sheets, they're still very comfortable and enjoyable to sleep in since they remain cool and dry all night long. 

I personally loved the wrinkled look, especially combined with the soothing Sage Green color. Other eye-catching colors you can choose include a dusky rose and bright moss yellow. The color and overall construction have held up well so far, and the fabric continues to feel both substantial and lightweight. 

Expect some shedding in the first few washes — it's a natural part of the process but a little annoying to pick off your bed if you notice the bits of fabric. Depending on your mattress size, you may have some sizing issues and have to tuck extra fabric under your bed. I tested the deep size (18"D) because the standard size (10"D) would've been too tight, but I wish there was a size in between the two extremes. The standard pillowcases were the right size for my Casper and Leesa pillows but often slipped off because they have an open end instead of an envelope pocket. 

Read our full MagicLinen review

The best hotel sheets

When you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars a night to sleep at a luxury hotel, H by Frette's smooth and luxurious sateen sheets will take you there instead.

Pros: Luxury hotel-approved, quality materials, washes well, brand has long manufacturing history

Cons: Only available in white

Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Kimpton hotels worldwide turn to this iconic name for their bedding needs. We're talking about none other than Italian luxury brand Frette, once the official maker of linens for the Italian royal family. 

Sleeping in Frette's soft and smooth sateen sheets, you'll certainly feel like royalty. H by Frette is Frette's consumer line of linens and whisks you away into the sumptuous hotel bed of your dreams. But rather than paying for just a single night in a high-end hotel, you're dropping $300 for years of hotel luxury in your own room. 

The sheets are, of course, only available in white, and you can get them in sateen or percale depending on your preference. The resulting bed looks simple, clean, and fresh, and while housekeeping staff isn't included with your purchase, you'll probably feel motivated anyway to maintain the signature hotel style yourself because of how sleek and composed the all-white look is.

Frette uses 100% extra long-staple cotton, so even though the set doesn't have the extraordinarily high thread count (300) you might expect from hotel sheets, it feels very soft. Extra long-staple cotton is also very durable — important for hotels where housekeeping teams are washing each room's sheets constantly, and important for you as a consumer if you want to be sure your investment goes a long way. 

Sateen sheets can be too warm for me sometimes, but Frette's felt perfect and cooler than other sateen sets I've tried. The sheets have a subtle gloss and a silky feel and they remain comfortable after every wash. 

You'll find less expensive and equally comfortable sheets in the rest of this guide, but if you specifically want the sheets used in and approved by hundreds of hotels, then you'll be very happy with Frette's. Whenever I rotate through my sheets, I look forward to this set because I know it'll feel like a treat.

Pro tip: "When recreating this [hotel] experience at home, think about using high lofting pillows, quality sheets and a plush duvet with a duvet cover for the ultimate luxury experience," says Chan. 

The best sheets on a budget

Threshold's sheets are popular among Target shoppers because they're comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and best of all, affordable.

Pros: Affordable, great fit 

Cons: May trap body oils more, smell terrible out of the package

It's the price tag that'll catch your eye first, then the great fit and soft feel that'll sell you completely on these budget-friendly sheets from Target brand Threshold. Of all the sets I tested, Threshold's fitted sheet was the easiest to put on and fit my mattress the best, despite being designed for mattresses up to 18-inch deep. The extra stretch in the corners of the sheet made a big difference and helped the sheet cling to my mattress without showing excess material on top. It also has a top and bottom label to speed up the fitting process. 

Once on, the sateen sheets are smooth and silky. They're made from 100% cotton and have a 400-thread count, which is on the higher end of all the sets I tried. I noticed after some use, however, that they seem to trap body oils more readily and feel greasier than other sets, making them less pleasant to sleep on. I wondered if this was because Target uses a short-staple cotton, or if they applied some kind of treatment over the sheets to give them their "performance" qualities (wrinkle-resistant, bleach friendly), but the brand didn't respond to my requests for additional clarification. The problem does seem to go away if I wash the sheets more often.

Either way, I had a comfortable experience overall; they just weren't the best of all the sheets I tried. And though they're touted as "performance sheets," most notably as being wrinkle-free, they certainly wrinkle. The best way you can get rid of the wrinkles, as with all cotton sheets, is to iron them. 

Be warned — the sheets have a strong sour and chemical smell when you first take them out of their packaging. The smell lingers even after the sheets are aired out for a couple of days, so you'll definitely want to wash them first.

If you're on a budget, a college student, or a frequent host looking to outfit a guest bed, these sheets are a smart decision. We're continuing to test and wash them to look for any durability issues, but so far we haven't run into any. 

Our methodology

Here's how we tested the sheets over a period of three months. Knowing that this is a fairly short amount of time, we'll continue to follow these steps in the upcoming months and note any changes.

1. Washed and dried each set according to its respective instructions at least five times. Usually, we washed the sheets in a cold cycle with gentle detergent and dried them on a low tumble cycle. 
2. Put the fitted sheet on a 10-inch-thick mattress and noted slipping, sliding, post-wash shrinkage, and stretchiness of elastic. 
3. Slept on each set for at least one week and noted texture, overall comfort, breathability, and coolness.

Other sheets we recommend

Brooklinen: As I mentioned earlier, it was a tight race between Brooklinen and L.L.Bean. We still highly recommend Brooklinen because the brand offers incredible value for long-lasting, comfortable, and beautiful sheets. But the set we tested (Brooklinen's most popular) may be too warm for some people because of the sateen weave, which is why we ultimately picked L.L.Bean's cooler percale. Read our full review of Brooklinen sheets here.

Boll & Branch: Boll & Branch uses cotton that's both GOTS- and Fair Trade-certified, so if you live an organic lifestyle, or are trying to incorporate more organic products into your cart, you'll love these ethically and sustainably made sheets. The sheets are comfortable and durable but keep in mind that the manufacturing process and certifications do come at a cost. Read our full review of Boll & Branch sheets here.

What else we considered

Crane & Canopy: We enjoyed sleeping in these extra long-staple cotton sateen sheets and also loved the embroidery of this set in particular. In the end, Brooklinen and L.L.Bean still top it when it comes to value. 

Serena & Lily: The home brand has many pretty and composed sheet options, like this Classic Ring Sheet Set, which has a percale weave and a 310-thread count. The feel is indeed crisp and cool, but it's a bit pricey for what you get and our other sheet picks offer better value. We also noticed after the first wash that there were already some loose threads on the pillowcases. 

Italic: Long-staple cotton percale sheets made by the same manufacturer of Frette, Four Seasons, and St. Regis sheets for $75? The Slumber Cotton set is definitely enticing for this reason, and it's comfortable to sleep in. However, Italic has a $100/year membership model, so buying this set only makes sense if you plan on purchasing other goods from the site. We recommend first browsing the rest of the online shop to see if you're interested in the other home products, clothing, and accessories. Otherwise, you'll be paying $175, which isn't any more competitive than our picks above. 

Ettitude: Ettitude's claim to fame is using bamboo lyocell for its sheets. They're made from 100% organic bamboo with a water-efficient manufacturing process and the result is uniquely soft, silky, and cool. However, we noticed they're more delicate than other fabrics and the sheets showed more pilling and abrasion after we washed them.

What we look forward to testing

West Elm: West Elm's Fair Trade-certified linen sheets are popular among linen lovers. They come in around the same price as MagicLinen's and are also available in many beautiful colors, so we'll mainly be comparing their comfort and durability. 

Kassatex: These long-staple cotton, 300-thread count sateen sheets seem promising, especially considering a Queen set is only $100. We look forward to putting these inexpensive sheets through all our tests to see how they stand up over time and how they compare to our current picks. 

Riley: Riley's percale sheets are mentioned frequently in other sheet guides, and they're a favorite of our senior home and kitchen editor. Though percale tends to be crisp, we've heard Riley sheets also manage to feel incredibly soft. They appeared in a previous version of this guide, but we now want to put them through the same standards as the other sheets.

Bespoke Post: In addition to carrying cool startup brands like Brooklinen and Buffy, Bespoke Post makes its own products. Later in January 2021, it's introducing 300-thread count percale sheet sets, so we're testing them ahead of launch to let you know whether they're worth buying right away. Here's what we know: a Queen set will be only $85, and it'll be available in four neutral colors. 

Sheets FAQs

Does thread count matter?

Yes, to a certain extent. However, don't use it as your sole determining factor because its definition can be manipulated, and after a certain number, the difference in feel and durability is negligible. 

Thread count is the number of yarns per inch, horizontally and vertically. Leonas tells us that a ply yarn (two single yarns twisted together) has traditionally been considered one yarn, but in recent years, some brands have been using total ply yarn count as the thread count, resulting in an artificially high number. 

Remember that thread count only applies to cotton sheets and single yarn weaves. All of our best cotton sheets fall in the 300-500 range, and you likely won't need anything beyond that.

Types of sheets

The quality and type of material do matter. Below, we define, compare, and contrast different materials, fabrics, and terms you'll often run into while shopping for sheets. 

Drape: The fluidity or rigidity of a fabric. A fabric with high or fluid drape, such as silk, is flowy and clings more to the object. A fabric with low drape is stiffer and holds its shape more. 

Long-staple cotton: Cotton with longer-staple fibers that result in smoother and stronger yarn. This is compared to short-staple cotton, which has fiber ends that stick out and cause the sheets to be rougher and less abrasion-resistant. Brands will generally call out when they use long-staple cotton; otherwise, you can probably assume it's short-staple. Leonas says the industry definition of long-staple cotton is a fiber length of 1.15-1.22 inches.

Egyptian cotton: Cotton grown in Egypt. It's often assumed that Egyptian cotton is long-staple, but it could also be lower-quality, short-staple cotton that just happens to be from Egypt, so be careful of this labeling, and look specifically for "long-staple cotton." 

Pima cotton: Also known by its trademark name, Supima cotton. Extra long-staple cotton that is grown only in the US and has a fiber length of at least 1.5 inches. Extra long-staple cotton is even smoother, more flexible, and more resistant to pilling than long-staple cotton.

Percale: A type of cotton weave where one thread is woven another thread into a tight, grid pattern. It has a matte, crisp feel. It's airy and more breathable. 

Sateen: A type of cotton weave where three or four threads are woven over one thread into a looser grid pattern. It has a smooth, silky feel and a slight sheen to it. Compared to percale, it's less breathable and may not be suitable for sleepers who run hot. According to Leonas, sateen has a tendency to snag more easily and also show dirt more readily, due to its unique "float" weave. If you enjoy the feel and look of sateen, keep in mind that sheets made using this weave require a little more care and maintenance. 

Polyester: A type of synthetic fiber that may be blended with cotton or used to make microfiber. It's less breathable and traps moisture more easily, and it may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin. 

Microfiber: A type of synthetic material made with very fine polyester fibers. It's very soft and drapeable, but doesn't breathe well. 

Lyocell: Also known as tencel. A type of fiber made from wood (often eucalyptus) pulp. It's soft, silky, and breathable. 

Linen: A type of fiber made from flax plants. It's slightly rigid, with a rougher texture, and it feels cool and breathable. It wrinkles easily. 

Flannel: A type of fabric made with thickly woven wool or cotton. It's brushed to give it a slight soft and fuzzy texture, and it feels warm.

Sheet safety and standards

You may notice that some of our best picks have a Standard 100 by Oeko Tex certification. This label means the final sheet product has been independently tested for more than 100 harmful chemical substances and is safe for human use. While it's not the only certification out there, it's widely used and known in the textiles industry. Our experts say you should look for the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for basic safety, but if you also care about manufacturing, look for STeP by Oeko Tex. It checks for environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and safe practices all along the production process.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is another certification, used specifically for organic textiles. GOTS-certified sheets contain at least 95% certified organic fibers and meet environmental and social standards at every stage of processing and manufacturing.

Taking care of your sheets

According to various bedding brands, you should wash your sheets every 1-2 weeks, and alternate sets to preserve their quality. We recommend following the specific care instructions that come with the sheet set you buy. Based on our experience, brands generally advise washing the sheets in a cold or warm cycle with gentle detergent, then drying in a low tumble cycle. Hot water can make colors bleed, cause shrinkage, and weaken fibers. Drying at a high heat can also weaken fibers and cause pilling.

How to prevent wrinkles

For all its great properties, cotton naturally wrinkles, and that's thanks to its molecular structure. Leonas explained to us that wrinkles basically happen when hydrogen bonds form as your sheets bump around in the dryer. "The only way to get rid of those bonds is to flip some water on it, or apply high heat. That's why we use a lot of steam when we press things," she says. 

If you want to get rid of wrinkles, the best way is to iron them before fitting them onto your bed, or removing them from your dryer a little before the cycle ends and fitting them onto your bed while slightly damp.

Check out our other great bedding guides

• The best pillows
• The best pillowcases
• The best duvet covers
• The best mattresses
• The best weighted blanket

• If your doctor has concerns about your blood pressure, they may recommend you get a blood pressure monitor for home use. 
• Studies show that being able to read your blood pressure daily allows you to both better manage it and lower it over time.
• Our top pick, the Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor, features an easy-to-read digital screen for blood pressure readouts, lets you track readings over time, and allows for multiple users.
• This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Velimir Petkov, DPM, a Podiatrist and board-certified wound specialist physician, practicing at Premier Podiatry.

Owning a blood pressure monitor for home use is becoming a growing trend — and for good reason. Not only are these devices more affordable and easy to use, but they're an important tool for keeping tabs on your overall health. Some doctors even recommend their patients use a monitor on a daily basis in an effort to get a more accurate profile of their status. 

Generally speaking, the only time that most of us have our blood pressure taken is at the doctor's office, but this one-time reading isn't necessarily indicative of what our blood pressure is day-to-day. Going to the doctor's office can be stressful for many people, causing their blood pressure to spike. As a result, this snapshot approach could lead to artificially elevated readings. 

One way to get a more accurate picture of our average blood pressure is to take our own readings at home using a personal blood pressure monitor. By recording our results several times a day for several months, we can provide our doctors with a larger set of data for examining chronic health issues or determining our current level of physical fitness.

Using a blood pressure monitor at home could have another positive impact on our health. Studies show that by being more aware of our blood pressure on a daily basis, we can learn to control it and even lower it over time. It can have a dramatic impact on those who suffer from hypertension, by helping to increase awareness of the condition and how to help keep it under control. 

Below you'll find five of the best blood pressure monitors currently available. At the bottom of this guide, we've also included some insight into which blood pressure monitors are better between wrist-based or arm-based options, as well as the overall accuracy of at-home monitors.

Here are the best blood pressure monitors:

• Best blood pressure monitor overall: Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor 
• Best digital upper arm blood pressure monitor: Beurer BM47 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
• Best aneroid upper arm blood pressure monitor: Paramed Professional Manual Blood Pressure Cuff
• Best wrist blood pressure monitor: Paramed Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
• Best budget blood pressure monitor: Hyology Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

Updated on 1/11/2021 by Rick Stella: Updated the sections on the accuracy of at-home blood pressure monitors and whether wrist- or arm-based models are better, checked the availability of each recommended product, and updated the prices and links where necessary.

Best blood pressure monitor overall

The Omron Platinum has an easy-to-read digital screen, support for multiple users, and the ability to track how your blood pressure changes over time.

Pros: Fast and easy to use, wireless cuff, rechargeable battery, multi-user support, saved historical data, and irregular heartbeat alerts

Cons: Smartphone app not user friendly

Thanks to its ease of use and numerous features, the Omron Platinum tops our list as the best at-home blood pressure monitor on the market. The device has a cuff that is designed to fit most individuals and it can wirelessly share its readings with the base unit. It doesn't have any cables or pumps that can get tangled or in the way while measuring your blood pressure. You can easily strap the monitor onto a patient while they are in a chair or even in bed for quick and easy checks. 

The Omron Platinum can also support two users and keep track of the results for each person individually. The device can save 100 blood pressure readings per user in its memory and that information can easily be shared with doctors as well.

Thanks to the Platinum's built-in Bluetooth, the base unit can be paired with a smartphone as well. You can add even more users and results and save them in Omron's free app for iOS and Android. The app isn't as user friendly as it could be, but it is usable once you get the hang of it.

One of the more unique features of this particular monitor is its ability to compare current blood pressure results with those stored in the memory and issue an alert if something is amiss. The device can tell if the systolic or diastolic measurements are abnormal, which is especially helpful in the morning when there is a higher risk for heart attack or stroke. By raising the users' awareness of their condition, it gives them time to see medical assistance for what could be a potentially life-threatening problem. 

Well built and easy to use, the Omron Platinum's dual backlit screens are bright and easy to read from any angle. This dual-screen approach allows the device to display the user's current blood pressure readings on one side, and show historical data on the second screen. This can be extremely helpful for giving patients a better understanding of how their blood pressure varies from day to day and how stress, anxiety, and other factors can influence it. 

Best digital upper arm blood pressure monitor

The Beurer BM47 is easy to use thanks to its digital screen, adjustable cuff, and ability to track four patients' blood pressure over time.

Pros: Accurate, simple to use, multi-user support for up to four people, large LED screen

Cons: Only saves historical data for seven days

Inexpensive, easy to use, and feature-packed, the Beurer BM47 upper arm blood pressure monitor will suit the needs of most people. The compact device includes a soft, adjustable cuff designed to fit small and large arms. The monitor supports up to four users.

One of the BM47's best features is its simplicity. Once the cuff is securely in place, all you need to do is tap a single button to activate the device. Within a matter of seconds, the cuff will constrict and measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The readings are then displayed on the large LED screen along with the patient's heart rate. A series of colored lights along the edge of the unit serves as an indicator of a patient's current danger level, making it easy to tell at a glance if their blood pressure is too high. 

The BM47 is lauded for its accuracy and it has the ability to save up to 30 blood pressure measurements for four unique users in its onboard memory. When checking an individual's current blood pressure, the device can then compare the results to the readings that have been taken over the previous seven days. This can be useful for tracking short-term variances, but if you want to compare data for a period longer than a week, you'll need to save the data manually. 

Because the BM47 tracks a user's pulse, it also has the ability to identify unusual heart rhythms. This is yet another safety feature that could give users a warning if the device detects arrhythmia.

Best aneroid upper arm blood pressure monitor

The Paramed Professional Manual Blood Pressure Cuff is a traditional monitor that uses a cuff and a small air pump to measure blood pressure on an analog gauge.

Pros: Traditional analog design may appeal to some, easy to use, affordable price, accurate readings, comes with a case

Cons: Analog dial may not be as easy to read as a digital screen, no alerts or digital monitoring system

Some would describe the Paramed Professional Manual Blood Pressure Cuff as an old-school method for monitoring your blood pressure. We'd prefer to refer to it as a tried-and-true approach instead. This monitor resembles the ones that were used by doctors for decades before high-tech, digital devices came along. The traditional method continues to work well, particularly for those who just want as simple a monitor as possible. 

Technically defined as a sphygmomanometer, this monitor features a traditional cuff that wraps around the upper arm. The user then squeezes a small air pump that causes the cuff to inflate and constrict. As the pressure is released through an air valve it will equalize at approximately the same level of the current systolic pressure in the body. It then provides the blood pressure reading, which is indicated by a needle pointing to a number on an analog gauge rather than a digital screen. 

This model is a no-frills, simple, and very accurate way to monitor your blood pressure. That said, all of its components are very durable and made of high-quality materials which makes it feel like a premium product, even though it has an affordable price tag. The sphygmomanometer even comes with a handy case for storage and transport, making it easy to take with you when traveling. 

Obviously, this low-tech monitor lacks a lot of features that you'll find in other models. It doesn't keep track of your blood pressure results for instance, nor is it capable of providing any kind of alerts if a patient's blood pressure is too low or too high. Instead, it is a simple, proven method for keeping track of this important indicator of your health, and for many people, that's all it needs to be. 

Best wrist blood pressure monitor

If you're looking for a wrist blood pressure monitor, the Paramed Automatic is a good choice because it is easy to operate and more accurate than most wrist-based monitors.

Pros: Small, lightweight, easy to carry, accurate for a wrist monitor, large LCD screen, can store up to 90 results

Cons: Screen can be hard to read in some lighting conditions, only single-user support

Compact and lightweight, the Paramed Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor is a good alternative to the more traditional upper arm cuff models. The FDA-approved device wraps around the user's wrist and is activated with the touch of a single button. You can see results for the systolic and diastolic numbers and the patient's current heart rate within 30 seconds.

With its surprisingly large display, this wrist-worn blood pressure monitor presents information in a clear, easy-to-understand fashion. The monochrome screen works well in most circumstances but can get a little washed out in direct sunlight. It can be hard to read while outdoors, but it functions just fine under most other circumstances.

Only one person can use this monitor, but its onboard memory is capable of storing the results of up to 90 blood pressure readings. Those numbers can be used to analyze current and past blood pressure trends to help users better understand what causes spikes or dips in their results. A wrist monitor such as this one can be incredibly useful in that regard simply because it is so easy to use and can be kept close at hand.

Because this monitor is so small, it is very easy to carry with you wherever you go. That makes it a good choice for frequent travelers or those who simply need to check their blood pressure on a regular basis throughout the day. When stashed inside its included carrying case, this device can be safely transported in a commuter bag, backpack, luggage, or the glove compartment of a car. That brings a level of convenience that isn't always found in the larger monitors designed for the upper arm. 

As already mentioned, wrist blood pressure monitors can be a bit more finicky and lack the level of accuracy found in the bulkier upper-arm models. That said, this particular unit is quite accurate and dependable, making it easy to recommend. 

Best budget blood pressure monitor

Blood pressure monitors can be expensive, but Hyology's digital arm monitor is an affordable option that is still accurate and feature-packed.

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, supports two users, stores 90 readings per user, can be powered by batteries or wall outlet

Cons: Slower than some other models

There are a number of inexpensive blood pressure monitors to choose from, many of which will perform adequately when it comes to monitoring your health. But few models offer the same level of value that you'll find in the Hyology Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, a device that packs in a lot of features for an easy-to-swallow price.

It has a large, bright LCD screen that displays both systolic or diastolic readings, along with heart rate. It offers a simple one-button operation, supports two users, and can store 90 readings for each individual. It can even detect an irregular heartbeat and alert the user if something seems amiss. 

Unlike the other models we recommend, this device can operate with either standard AAA batteries or charge up with a USB-C cable and power adapter. 

This model isn't the fastest blood pressure monitor around, and it takes about one minute for it to collect data for its readings, but it's a good deal at this price. Hyology created an affordable monitor that gives anyone the ability to add an accurate and handy blood pressure monitor to their home. 

Which is better: Wrist or arm blood pressure monitor?

When shopping for a blood pressure monitor of your own, you're likely to come across two distinct types: those that wrap around the upper arm and those that go around the wrist. Generally speaking, the monitors that take their readings from the upper arm tend to be more accurate and consistent. That's not to say that wrist monitors can't be reliable too, they are just a bit more finicky to use. 

Arm monitors fall into two distinct categories: aneroid or digital. An aneroid model features a more traditional design with a cuff that wraps around the upper arm and is inflated by squeezing on a bulb. The blood pressure is then read from a mechanical gauge. These types of monitors are slower and can be less accurate, but they are also more affordable. 

Alternatively, a digital monitor inflates the cuff either with a bulb or automatically from the device depending on the individual model. The results are displayed on an easy-to-read screen. Digital monitors are simple and straightforward to use. That simplicity comes at a price, though, as digital models are usually more expensive than their aneroid counterparts. 

Are at-home blood pressure monitors accurate?

Good quality at-home blood pressure monitors are accurate, but it's important to do the research to find the best option for your needs. No matter which type of blood pressure device you choose, it is a good idea to check its accuracy before relying on it too closely. 

You can check its accuracy by bringing the monitor along with you on a visit to your doctor's office and comparing the numbers between your monitor and the one that is used by the healthcare professionals. Slight variances in accuracy are normal, but if the numbers vary dramatically, you should return the one you purchased for a different model. 

When deciding which specific blood pressure monitor is right for you, you'll want to be sure that the cuff fits properly before purchasing. Most devices have a fairly universal fit, but some arm cuffs can be too large or too small. If the cuff is too loose or too tight, the blood pressure readings may not be accurate, invalidating any tests. It helps to try a few of the monitors out ahead of time to ensure that they'll work for you and to get a sense of the other features they offer as well. 

• The best towels should absorb water quickly, feel pleasant on your skin, and hold up after frequent washes. 
• The Kassatex Atelier Bath Towel is our favorite bath towel. Although the thick, 800-GSM towel can take a while to dry completely, it's very absorbent and soft. 
• We also tested bath towels of different textures and weights to help you find the best one for your preferences.
• See also: The best bath mats

It's something you use every day and probably don't think twice about: your bath towel. But dry off with a thin and scratchy towel, and you'll definitely notice. When shopping for a new towel, always keep comfort and durability in mind. 

"A towel is a deeply personal decision," said Emily Forrest, the director of communications and resident towel expert at wedding registry site Zola. "The main factors to consider are size, material or type of cotton (Egyptian, Pima, and Supima cotton are all very fluffy), and also GSM [a measurement of the towel's weight], which will define how luxurious and also durable the towel is. Price and color are of course other factors to consider." 

For more on different materials and towel terms — including a deeper explanation of GSM — check out our FAQ slide. 

Since not everyone wants a heavy, plush towel, our final selection represents a variety of textures, weights, and budgets. To test the best towels, we evaluated the durability, feel, and absorption of each contender. Read more about our methodology here. 

Here are the best bath towels:

• Best overall: Kassatex Atelier Bath Towel
• Best quick-dry towel: Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Bath Towel
• Best waffle towel: Onsen Bath Towel
• Best towel on a budget: JCPenney Home Quick Dri Textured Solid Bath Towel
• Best Turkish towel: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel

Prices and details are accurate as of 1/11/21. We're continuing to use and wash our best picks to test their durability and provide long-term testing notes. Up next, we're trying towels from Brooklinen, Boll & Branch, and Riley. 

SEE ALSO: The best bathroom cleaning products

The best towel overall

Kassatex's Atelier Towels are the most dense and absorbent of all the towels we tried. They remain soft after several washes, and the hanging loops are a thoughtful touch. 

Pros: Soft, heavyweight, absorbent, durable, has a hanging loop, monogramming is available

Cons: Dries slowly, limited color selection 

This thick towel made me look forward to getting out of a long, hot shower, and that's not an easy feat. It's heavy and absorbent, with an 800 GSM (a measurement of a towel's weight), and takes a while to dry (about four to six hours in my experience) but it's all worth it if you want to wrap yourself in the equivalent of a comforting hug. 

Made from combed cotton, which is cotton that goes through an additional process that combs out shorter fibers and impurities, the towel feels soft and sumptuous. While other towels I tested tended to get rougher after multiple washes, the Kassatex towel remained as soft as it was at first use. Even though it wasn't as plush as a close contender from Frontgate, I loved Kassatex's towel the most because of its long-term softness potential. 

It measures 30 by 56 inches, is available in six colors, and has an attractive dobby border — the decorative weave above the edge of the towel — that's not too big or small. You can also add a 16-character monogram in a variety of colors and fonts for $7. If you don't like to hang your towels on a bar, you have options: each towel has a sturdy sewn-in hanging loop. 

I tested the towel in the color Chalk, which was a little lighter in person than the photo on the brand's website indicated, so if you're choosing a specific shade to go with your bathroom style, keep this discrepancy in mind. The good news is that Kassatex offers 60-day free returns on non-monogrammed towels.

The best quick-dry towel

The Hydrocotton Organic Bath Towel from Pottery Barn has a soft, extra fluffy, and substantial feel and it dries surprisingly quickly despite its weight. 

Pros: Fluffy, made from organic cotton, dries quickly, comes in many colors, monogramming is available

Cons: Loose threads may emerge after multiple washes 

I usually associate quick-drying towels with thin or textured construction, but this towel from Pottery Barn proves you can enjoy a fluffy, moderately thick feel without compromising drying ability. The 28" by 55" towel is not so heavy and plush as the Kassatex, but it has enough weight to convince you it won't fall apart after a few uses. 

It retains its softness after multiple washes because it's made from 100% Turkish, GOTS-certified cotton and with untwisted yarns. Forrest said, "To make a towel, the yarns are twisted together, and the more the yarn is twisted the harder and less absorbent the towel becomes. But, if the towel is constructed with very little twist or with no twist, the outcome is a fluffier towel that will dry more efficiently because there is simply space between the yarn so each strand can dry."

That being said, I did notice a few loose threads emerge after I took it out of the dryer. We'll continue to do more washing and drying tests and monitor whether more threads come out. 

On average, the towel took between 3 and 3.5 hours to air dry. Our picks for best waffle towel and best Turkish towel below actually dried faster. However, we're designating the Pottery Barn our best quick-dry pick because it also has the traditionally soft and fluffy cotton terry feel that most people are looking for. 

Plus, you can add up to a three-character monogram (for $12) and it's available in over a dozen neutral and muted colors. Based on our testing, the towel was the most well-rounded quick-drying towel. 

The best waffle towel

The Onsen Bath Towel is a lightweight and resilient waffle-weave option that absorbs water well but doesn't drag or hang heavy like other waffle towels. 

Pros: Light, dries quickly, comfortable texture, durable

Cons: Thinner and less soft than traditional towels

Fluffy, thick terry towels can sometimes feel stifling, especially if your body temperature naturally runs hot or you live in a warm climate. Onsen's bath towel is a great alternative because it's thin, light, and quick-drying, but still highly absorbent and comfortable. 

It's made from 100% Supima cotton, which is a fiber that's strong yet soft. Adding to the towel's durability is a relaxed waffle weave construction that seems to stretch and adapt to however you handle the towel. Though I could see the thin, individual fibers, I was impressed with how the towel never came out of the wash with frayed or loose threads. It also never snagged on my jewelry, which was a joyous revelation since I keep my earrings and nose ring on in the shower and they can catch even on terry towels. Meanwhile, the bonded 2-inch edges provide structure to the flexible fabric.

Though it has the measurements of an average-sized bath towel — 31 by 57 inches — it dries quickly and takes up much less space, making it a good travel towel. And unlike other waffle weave products we've tried, the Onsen towel doesn't shrink in the wash. 

The lattice texture can take some getting used to, but overall the material feels pleasant and springy. The towel also absorbed water off of my skin without clinging to it, a combination that's especially welcome in humid weather. 

The best towel on a budget

The JCPenney Home Bath Towel is light and thin (but not too thin), and it's much softer than typical towels in this price range.

Pros: Soft, mid-weight, absorbent, frequently on sale 

Cons: Traps lint, may not hold up long term

I didn't have high expectations for an $8 towel (and it's usually even cheaper due to frequent sales) — I thought it'd be rough, threadbare, and mildew-prone. Instead, I found this popular towel from JCPenney was soft, comfortable, durable, and quick-drying. At 400 GSM, it's a good middle-of-the-spectrum option for thickness and absorption, and it won't cling to wet skin. It dries quickly, within a couple of hours.

The towel has a textured pattern, which helps make it feel more substantial. However, little specks of dust or lint get stuck easily in the nooks and crannies, and since my towel sample was a dark gray color, these random bits and pieces were noticeable. You may have to pat down your towel periodically. 

The long-term durability may be questionable; after the first wash, there were already a few loose threads, especially around the edges. Although the next few washes didn't result in more loose threads, I don't see the towel being one you hold on to for years and years. 

However, as a towel for frequent hosts, or those on a budget, this one is still your best bet thanks to its softness and absorbency. It's also Made in Green by Oeko Tex-certified, so it's been tested for harmful chemical substances and was created using sustainable processes, with responsible working conditions. 

The best Turkish towel

The Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel is a lightweight, tightly woven towel made from organic Turkish cotton that not only looks great but also ticks all the boxes for comfort, absorption, and thoughtful production standards. 

Pros: Lightweight, absorbent, durable, stylish, sustainably made, doubles as beach towel

Cons: Thin, fringed edges can tangle or unravel 

Turkish (also known as Hammam or Fouta) towels are characterized by their traditional flat weave and knotted fringes. Coyuchi's Mediterranean towel is a thoughtful and beautiful interpretation, made from Turkish-grown and woven organic cotton and available in five coastal-inspired colors. Its fringes are soft, thick, and hand-knotted. 

While thin, the towel is tightly woven and sturdy. It's not soft or fluffy like a cotton terry towel, which means it can also double as an effective beach towel, since sand slides right off the woven surface.

Turkish towels aren't for everyone, but they dry quickly and are very lightweight and packable, making them ideal for vacations. Coyuchi's only has a 320 GSM and is slightly smaller than other towels we tested at 28" by 54". I brought along this towel on many recent road trips, and it barely took up any space. 

The main con I discovered is that the fringed edges, though eye-catching, can get tangled in the wash or unravel. Compared to other towels, this one may require a little more maintenance to keep its decorative appearance. It also seems to bleach more easily than the other towels I tested; if I could go back, I'd probably choose the white color to hide any potential bleach stains. 

Coyuchi only uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, which certifies that every part of the supply chain is free of toxic chemicals and meets social standards for worker conditions. It also takes back products to be mended, cleaned, and resold, in order to reduce textile waste. Thanks to practices like this, the towel is sold at a premium price, but you'll know exactly what your money is going towards.  

What else we recommend

Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towel: This towel is soft, thick, and plush, with a luxurious and almost spongy feel. It's absorbent and doesn't cling to the skin, and there are a ton of colors to choose from. After a few washes, it started to feel less fluffy, although it was still comfortable. The dobby border may be too big for some people's tastes. 

Sand Cloud Towel: I've used this durable Turkish-style towel for a couple of years now, and I love its versatility as a regular bath towel or beach towel. Its price and GSM are pretty close to Coyuchi's, it comes in various sizes, and it has a social initiative too, with 10% of profits going towards marine conservation efforts. Ultimately, Coyuchi's towel and fringed edges felt a bit more substantial, though.  

What else we considered

Weezie Piped Edge Bath Towel: Weezie's towel is soft and fluffy, but it's expensive for what you get. However, it's a nice option for gifts or special occasions because Weezie offers a large variety of custom embroidery styles. 

Wamsutta Micro Cotton Bath Towel: Though the price and large color selection are tempting, these towels weren't that soft or comfortable. However, they are absorbent. 

What we look forward to testing

Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towel: This towel has all the certifications that matter: Fair Trade, GOTS, and Oeko-Tex. It's on the more dense side at 700 GSM and comes in six versatile, earthy colors. 

Brooklinen Classic Bath Towel: These mid-weight 550 GSM towels only come in a set of two and are made from 100% Turkish cotton. If our experience with Brooklinen's sheets are an indication, we think that these towels will also deliver strong performance for great value.

Riley Spa Bath Towel: This 700-GSM towel is made with combed, long-staple cotton and has a hanging loop for convenient drying and storage. It can also be personalized for an extra $10. 

Methodology

Here's how we tested the towels over a period of three weeks. Knowing that this is a fairly short amount of time, we'll continue to follow these steps in the upcoming months and note any changes.

1. Washed each towel three times and evaluated it for shrinkage, fraying, color loss, and roughness. 
2. Dried my entire body after a shower. 
3. Used each towel to wring out water from my wet hair (I have thick, medium-coarse hair).
4. Timed how long each towel took to dry completely when hung normally on a towel bar. 
5. Noted softness, fluffiness, thickness, and how the towel clung to or wicked water off damp skin. 

Towels FAQs

What is GSM? 

GSM stands for grams per square meter and is a measure of towel density. The higher the GSM, the heavier and more absorbent the towel is, and the longer it will take to dry. "Typically, the higher the GSM (900 is considered very high), the more luxe and plush the towel. A lower GSM (300 would be pretty low) indicates a lighter weight and more quick-drying towel," said Emily Forrest, an expert on towels at the wedding registry site Zola. "A safe bet is a towel with a GSM that is between 400-600 for a towel that's not on either end of the sumptuous to thin spectrum."

Why do my towels smell? 

If a wet towel is left bunched up in the hamper or on the ground, mildew starts to grow, and no one likes a germy, musty-smelling towel. To avoid mildew, hang your towel right after use so it has the space and time to dry completely. If it still smells, wash it in a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar, and then run it in a second wash cycle with half a cup of baking soda. Dry it in a machine or hang it up to line-dry. 

Why do my towels stain or become discolored? 

There are a couple of possible culprits for stains and discoloration:

• Skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide. People who regularly use benzoyl peroxide products may want to consider sticking to white or light-colored towels.
• Using fabric softener or bleach in the washing machine. Even if you don't actively add bleach, leftover bleach in the dispenser can sometimes leak into the current load, so check that your dispenser is working properly. 

Bath sheets vs. bath towels 

The towels we test and review here are bath towels and typically measure around 28 to 31-inches wide and 54 to 58-inches long. Bath towels are designed to drape around your shoulders or wrap around your body comfortably, but if you find you want even more coverage, you'll want the much larger bath sheet. Bath sheets typically measure around 35 to 40-inches wide and 68 to 72-inches long. Keep in mind that the increase in size also means bath sheets are more expensive and take longer to dry than bath towels. 

Common terms

Long-staple cotton: Cotton with longer-staple fibers that result in smoother and stronger yarn. Short-staple cotton, on the other hand, has fiber ends that stick out and cause the towel to be rougher and less abrasion-resistant.

Egyptian cotton: Cotton grown in Egypt. It's often assumed that Egyptian cotton is long-staple, but it could also be lower-quality, short-staple cotton that just happens to be from Egypt, so be careful of this labeling, and look specifically for "long-staple cotton." 

Pima cotton: Also known by its trademark name, Supima cotton. Extra long-staple cotton that is grown only in the US and has a fiber length of at least 1.5 inches. Extra long-staple cotton is even smoother, more flexible, and more resistant to pilling than long-staple cotton.

Turkish cotton: Extra long-staple cotton that is grown in Turkey, usually in the Aegean region.

Combed cotton: Cotton that has been combed through to remove impurities and shorter fibers. The fibers left over are the longest, resulting in an ultra-soft yarn once woven. 

Ringspun cotton: While regular cotton fibers are twisted together into yarn and then woven, ringspun cotton is continuously twisted and thinned to make a smoother yarn. 

Zero twist cotton: Cotton made with yarns that are not twisted together and are instead held by a wrapping thread, which lets them be woven without breaking. The thread is removed after weaving and the final cotton is softer than twisted cotton. 

Microfiber: A thin, synthetic fiber usually made from polyester. It's gentle and highly absorbent. 

Dobby border: The decorative weave near the edge of a towel. 

Towel safety and standards

You may notice that some of our best picks have an Oeko Tex certification. This label means the final product has been independently tested for more than 100 harmful chemical substances and is safe for human use. While it's not the only certification out there, it's widely used and known in the textile industry. Our experts say you should look for the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for basic safety, but if you also care about manufacturing, look for STeP by Oeko Tex. It checks for environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and safe practices all along the production process.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is another certification, used specifically for organic textiles. GOTS-certified sheets contain at least 95% certified organic fibers and meet environmental and social standards at every stage of processing and manufacturing. 

Taking care of your towels

Wash your towels before you use them for the first time. Manufacturers often add finishes or softeners to the towel and this buildup can make the towel less effective and absorbent. 

"Go easy on the detergent," Forrest said. "Because too much can lead to residue buildup, which diminishes the fluff factor." 

Wash your towels frequently."Think about when you dry yourself off with your towel — you are collecting oils and skin, and so you want to wash your towels every few uses. [That's also] why it's important to have a stocked linen closet," Forrest said.

Check out our other bathroom accessory guides

• The best shower heads
• The best bath mats
• The best shower curtains
• The best shower curtain liners

• A good cat carrier should be comfortable for your pet and easy for you to safely transport them by foot, mass transit, car, or plane.
• We tested 23 cat carriers, including soft carriers, hard-sided kennels, budget options, and backpack-style carriers. 
• The best cat carrier overall is Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier, which unzips to give your cat additional space during travel.

The right cat carrier can make getting a feisty feline from Point A to Point B less stressful. Whether you're headed to the vet or the airport, a good carrier should have a handful of essential features for the convenience and comfort of both cat and human. 

To determine the most important qualities to look for in a cat carrier, I consulted with Lindsey Wolko, the founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety in Reston, Virginia, and Dr. Gwen Gadd, a fear-free certified veterinarian at East Bay SPCA in Oakland, California. To start, look for more than one loading door, plenty of ventilation, exterior pockets, and easy-to-carry straps or handles.

Over the last nine months, I evaluated 23 different cat carriers, including airline-friendly, budget, and backpack styles. All but one, the Good2Go Expandable Carrier, were provided as editorial review samples by their manufacturers. My two cats, Osito and Phoebe, submitted their opinions on the carriers, both at home and on visits to the vet. 

At the end of this guide, read more about how we tested the carriers as well as how to introduce your cat to their new carrier and how to safely travel by car with your cat.

Here are the best cat carriers you can buy:

• Best cat carrier overall: Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier
• Best budget cat carrier: Frisco Travel Carrier
• Best cat carrier for car travel: Away Pet Carrier 
• Best hard-shell cat carrier: Frisco Two-Door Top-Load Kennel
• Best backpack cat carrier: Gen7Pets Geometric Roller-Carrier

Prices and links are current as of 1/11/2021. We rewrote this buying guide after interviewing experts and conducting extensive research and testing.

The best cat carrier overall

The durable Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier is designed for convenient, comfortable travel with an extendable compartment that provides your cat with more space on the road.

Pros: Front- and top-loading, expandable compartment increases carrier's size by more than 50%, secure luggage strap, padded detachable shoulder strap, washable interior bolster bed, five colors options, folds flat for storage

Cons: Not third-party crash-tested, no official warranty

Whether you're traveling with your cat by plane, car, or public transportation, Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier helps take the hassle out of the journey. It strikes just the right balance between the needs of a cat and those of their guardian.

This front- and top-loading Gold Series has nearly all of the features we considered for this guide. For your feline companion, it is outfitted with a plush bolster bed, privacy flap, and zip-out atrium that expands the carrier's width by more than 50%. For the cat sherpa, there is a padded shoulder strap, comfortable carry handle, exterior pocket, and sturdy luggage strap. The carrier also has a detachable name tag and an interior safety tether to prevent your cat from bolting.

My favorite thing about this carrier, however, is its expandable mesh atrium. When unzipped, it increases the width of the carrier by 7.6 inches to a total width of 18.6 inches. My cats liked this feature, stretching out into the extra space while napping inside. Although this additional section can't be used in flight or while driving, you can give your cat more space while waiting at the airport or vet's office.

The Gold Series excelled in our luggage and walk tests too. With a 10-pound weight inside, it remained well balanced on top of a carry-on when pulled over a city block. The padded shoulder strap was easy to adjust, and during a 15-minute walk, the weighted carrier was comfortable on my shoulder. 

Approximately 18% of the bag is made up of mesh ventilation, which was perfectly intact after our scratch test with the exception of some slight discoloration. In our drop, stomp, and roll test, the Gold Series suffered no structural damage. Stomping on the bag multiple times flattened its interior frame slightly, but it took just a few seconds to push it back out to its original form. Zipping and unzipping the front-loading entrance was smooth throughout 50 repetitions.

In our goop test, the interior and exterior of the bag wiped completely clean. On a vet visit, my cat unleashed his own goop test on the removable faux fur bed. Though the bed is labeled hand-wash only, I was too grossed out and threw it in the washer and air-dried it. The bed not only came completely clean, but it also looked essentially brand new.

Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier comes in five colors and is designed for pets up to 15 pounds. At 17.5 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches tall, it adheres to most in-cabin airline restrictions. The frame is not flexible, but it has enough give to fit beneath slightly lower seats. When your trip is at an end, unzip the carrier to fold it flat and store it in the included drawstring bag.

Although Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier has safety seat belt attachments, it has not been third-party crash-tested. For this reason, the most secure spot to place your cat is at the foot of the backseat on the passenger side. It fit snugly there in my compact car.

The carrier does not include an official warranty, but the family-owned company offers a satisfaction guarantee and will refund or replace carriers on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Peanut's also donates their carriers and a portion of sales to animal rescues and aid organizations through their Pay a Shelter Pet Forward program.

The best budget cat carrier

Frisco's Travel Carrier has most of the essential features of a high-quality, airline-friendly carrier at an affordable price.

Pros: Front- and top-loading, secure luggage strap, washable interior sherpa bed, folds flat for storage, affordable, one-year warranty

Cons: Less ventilation than other carriers, shoulder strap is uncomfortable for shorter individuals to carry long distances

For a reliable soft-sided carrier that will keep your cat safe and comfortable on short journeys and long-distance travel days alike, Frisco's Travel Carrier fits the bill. This top- and front-entry bag is fitted with a soft sherpa mat and D-ring safety tether attachment and has privacy flaps on the front and back mesh to keep frightened cats calm. A luggage strap, detachable shoulder strap, and carry handle make getting your cat to their destination easy. Best of all, this carrier costs less than $25.

In testing, the Frisco Travel Carrier proved to be as durable as our best overall pick. It suffered no structural damage and its frame held up during our drop, stomp, and roll test. In our goop test, the interior and exterior of the bag wiped completely clean and the sherpa mat came out of the washer looking like new. Our scratch test resulted in slight discoloration but no other damage, and the zipper remained smooth and easy to pull throughout our zip test. My cats liked this carrier, too, and I found them napping inside it several times during our testing period.

There are some ways in which Frisco's Travel Carrier falls short of its more expensive competitors. Of the dozen bags that made it to the testing round, this one has the least ventilation. Just 12% of the bag's surface area is covered in mesh, compared to our top pick's 18% coverage.

The shoulder strap also lacks the padding found on pricier carriers, which may pose an issue for shorter people. Adjusting the shoulder strap to the correct length for comfortable carrying on my 5-foot-4 frame placed the buckle right at my shoulder. During our walk test, the buckle dug in and caused some discomfort. The thick carry handles, however, are relatively comfortable to hold, and in our luggage test, the 10-pound weight stayed well balanced thanks to its wide, tight luggage strap.

At 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 10.5 inches tall and with significant flexibility in its frame, the Frisco Travel Carrier fits the dimensions of most in-cabin airline restrictions for pets up to 16 pounds. This carrier has not been third-party crash-tested for car travel, but it fit snugly at the foot of the back seat on the passenger side of my compact car. It also folds flat for storage and comes with a one-year warranty. All in all, while this carrier isn't perfect, its durable, comfortable design is a great deal.

The best cat carrier for car travel

The third-party crash-tested Away Pet Carrier is loaded with features for the safety, comfort, and convenience of you and your cat.

Pros: Front- and top-loading carrier, third-party crash-tested and safety certified, secure luggage strap, washable interior sherpa bed, padded shoulder strap, excellent ventilation,  one-year warranty

Cons: Pricey, does not fold flat for storage

Having earned a five-star crash-test certification from the Center for Pet Safety, the Away Pet Carrier is an ideal choice for frequent travel or long car rides. Although it is the most expensive carrier we tested for this guide, it has all of the features we deemed essential, including a luggage strap, excellent ventilation, a padded shoulder strap, and two exterior pockets. Because it also fits the dimensions of most in-cabin airline requirements, the comfortable, convenient carrier is versatile enough for journeys requiring multiple modes of transportation.

The top- and front-loading Away Carrier has a washable sherpa bolster bed and safety tether inside, and 22% of the bag's surface area is covered in mesh for ventilation. On its exterior, there is a roll-down privacy flap on the front door, luggage strap, and two zipper pockets, one of which runs the entire length of the right side. 

Perhaps the carrier's most important feature, though, is the seat belt attachment. While many carriers have seat belt straps or latches, relatively few have been third-party crash-tested. Away's bag was not only crash tested in 2020, it earned a five-star safety certification for pets up to 18 pounds.

In our testing, the Away Carrier proved durable. Our scratch test left no mark and dropping and rolling it didn't make a dent. Neither did stomping on it a dozen times or zipping and unzipping its front opening 50 times in a row. After having been smeared with goop, the interior and exterior wiped clean in a flash and the removable sherpa mat came out of the washer completely spot-free.

The carrier measures 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 10 inches tall, which is plenty spacious for even the larger of my two cats, a zaftig 12-pounder. It was also easy to transport. Using the luggage strap, the carrier balanced well on top of a suitcase and it retained its shape when carried on my shoulder. The padded shoulder strap is a little slippery and did have to be readjusted occasionally. Because it's made from leather, the handle is not as comfortable to hold as some of the other carriers I tested, which have thicker nylon handles.

The water-resistant nylon Away Carrier comes in two colors, black and coast (a blue-gray shade), and has leather accents. Although it doesn't fold flat for storage, it comes with a drawstring bag to keep it free from dust and debris, as well as a few additional goodies, including a small plush airplane, a bandana, and a collapsible silicone water bowl. Away offers a 100-day return policy and a one-year limited warranty. The carrier can be monogrammed for an additional $35.

The best hard-shell cat carrier

The sturdy, spacious Frisco Two-Door Top-Load Kennel has self-locking doors on its front and top sides for easy loading and unloading.

Pros: Made from heavy-duty 95% recycled plastic; strong, sturdy design with bolts lining three sides of carrier; self-locking wire mesh doors on front and top; affordable

Cons: Requires assembly, somewhat heavy at 3.8 pounds for the 19-inch kennel and 6.43 pounds for the 24-inch; no mat or safety tether; only two color options; not safety-tested for car travel

If you have a cat that fears the tight confinement of a soft-sided carrier or a feline that's too large to fly in the cabin of an airplane, the Frisco Two-Door Top-Load Kennel is an excellent option for transporting them from Point A to Point B. This hard-shell carrier has a simple two-piece design that secures together with nine bolts around its exterior. There is a folding plastic handle at the top. 

As its name suggests, the Two-Door Top-Load Kennel has a wire mesh door on both its top and front side. Both doors have spring-loaded latches that lock them securely in place and, along with holes that wrap around the top half of the carrier, provide ventilation. The carrier is sold in two sizes and comes in two colors, pink and blue. The 19-inch kennel is intended for pets up to 10 pounds and the 24-inch accommodates pets up to 20 pounds

The 24-inch carrier was extremely spacious for even my 12-pound cat. Both doors were large enough for stress-free entry and were easy to open and close one-handed. The kennel also passed the goop test with flying colors. The mess I smeared on its interior and exterior, then left to dry for 48 hours, wiped completely clean in an instant. 

When dropped, this kennel did not fare as well as its soft-sided counterparts. Although it didn't suffer any structural damage, the back panel of its top half cracked and the handle popped off the top door. The handle was rescued and snapped back in place, and while the damage to the back is permanent, it remains intact enough to prevent a pet from escaping. It's important to note that this kennel's competitor, the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Kennel, broke in almost the same way, losing a piece a few inches long from the cracked plastic but holding on to its handle. 

In fact, everything about this kennel is so similar to the Petmate that they may as well be the same product. Both arrive in two separate pieces that must be bolted together using the hand-turning nuts and bolts provided, both are sold in 19- and 24-inch sizes, and both employ the same self-locking design for their top- and front-loading doors. I was able to pinpoint only three differences between them: Frisco's carrier comes in two colors instead of four, it costs almost $10 less, and it is slightly heavier — a little over a half pound each for the 19- and 24-inch models.

While this kennel is missing a few of the features I looked for in the soft carriers, namely a safety tether, soft interior mat, and ID tag, it's a well-made, affordable option for cats who need more space during travel. 

The best backpack cat carrier

The Gen7Pets Geometric Roller-Carrier is comfortable to wear and converts instantly into a rolling suitcase when your shoulders need a break.

Pros: Combination backpack and rolling carrier, two zippered doors for loading, machine-washable sherpa mats, telescoping suitcase handle, available in two sizes, folds flat for storage, one-year limited warranty

Cons: Does not fit in-cabin airline requirements, not safety-tested for car travel, heavier than other backpack carriers we tested

Gen7Pets Geometric Roller-Carrier takes the hassle out of traveling with a cat by providing two convenient ways for them to get around: on your back or rolling at your side. The sturdy carrier has two zippered mesh loading doors at the front and its sides are half mesh ventilation, half zippered pockets. There is a reinforced handle at the top of the bag for quick lifting and four wheels at the bottom. Inside, soft machine-washable sherpa mats attach to the base and back of the bag with hook-and-loop closures.

In backpack mode, this carrier has two adjustable shoulder straps that clip to D-rings at the bottom of the back side. It takes just a few seconds to convert the bag into rolling mode by unclipping the backpack straps, tucking them into their padded storage pocket, and pulling out the telescoping suitcase handle. I was surprised to find that, despite the size and weigh of the large carrier, it was equally as comfortable on my back as the other backpack carriers I tested. Its padded straps were easy to adjust and it did not bounce against my lower back during a 15-minute walk while loaded with a 10-pound weight.

When rolling, the pack is also comfortable to pull behind you or at your side. On my walk, it skidded occasionally on a rock or stick but mostly moved smoothly over sidewalks, pavement, and ramps. For cat comfort when rolling, the bag has a "smart-level platform" consisting of two adjustable clips and a hook-and-loop strip on the front to change the angle of the carrier's base. 

With 17% of its surface area covered in mesh, the Geometric Roller Backpack has plenty of ventilation. It also has an interior tether and its front mesh panels can be rolled down for easy feeding and watering. Although there are seat belt straps on the back, this carrier has not been third-party crash-tested, so they should not be used. 

In testing, this backpack proved durable. No damage resulted from the drop and roll tests, and while the stomp test did reshape the internal wire frame somewhat, I was able to push it back in place in under a minute. In the scratch test, the carrier's mesh showed no signs of breakage and the loading door continued to zip and unzip smoothly throughout 50 trials. The goop I spread on the bag cleaned up quickly and easily, leaving only a small spot of discoloration on the red exterior, and the interior mat came out of the washing machine looking like new. 

The large carrier for pets up to 20 pounds was very spacious and comfortable for my cats, but at 6.8 pounds, it was a bit heavy to carry by the plastic handle at its top. At 19 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 9 inches deep, it is also too large to fit under the seat in the cabin of an airplane. The smaller carrier, with advertised dimensions of 19 inches tall, 16.5 inches wide, and 10.5 inches deep, is also too large to fit in an airplane cabin. 

The Gen7Pets Backpack Carrier unzips along its seams to fold flat for storage and comes with a one-year limited warranty. While some may find this carrier too bulky, its size, shape, and versatility make frequent travel with a cat convenient and comfortable for both of you.

What else we considered

Carriers for air and car travel

• Petmate Soft-Sided Carrier: This bag has a lot of good features, including top- and front-loading entries and a design that folds flat for storage. However, on our walk test, this was the only carrier of the bunch where the floor mat dislodged and flipped up, leaving the 10-pound weight in the bottom of the bag to drop almost to my knees without any support, a serious safety hazard if it had occurred with an actual cat. 
• Neocoichi Ultralite Pop-Up Cat Carrier: This cleverly designed pop-up carrier is feather light and super cute, to boot. Unfortunately, its thin walls are extremely flimsy compared to the other carriers we tested and could be easily breached by a set of determined claws. 
• Mr. Peanut's Platinum Series Double Expandable Carrier: I love the expandability of this carrier, which nearly triples in size when fully unzipped. It performed just as well as our top pick, the Gold Series Expandable Carrier, in our tests and had all of the same features but with slightly less ventilation, just 17% of the bag versus 18% for the Gold Series. It also costs about $4 more.
• Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Carrier: Like the Gold Series Expandable, this carrier has nearly all of the features I consider essential: two points of entry, safety tether, luggage strap, padded shoulder strap, ID tag, and more. But it lacks an expandable section to increase the carrier's size on long travel days, one of my favorite features of our best overall choice.
• Mr. Peanut's Soft Sided Carrier: This carrier is the same as the Gold Series model but without the privacy flap over the top mesh door.
• Gen7Pets Commuter Carrier: Crash-tested and fitting the dimensions of most in-cabin airline requirements, this carrier has almost all of the features I consider essential. It's missing two big things that a pricey $100 bag ought to have, though: a shoulder strap for convenient carrying and exterior pockets for holding essentials. It also does not fold flat for storage. 
• Good2Go Expandable Pet Carrier: I like this expandable carrier. A few years ago, I twice traveled 1,000 miles by car with my cats each tucked safely inside one. It is top- and front-loading and has an interior tether and large zipper back pocket. Unfortunately, it's relatively pricey compared to Mr. Peanut's carriers and does not collapse for storage. 
• Bergan Comfort Carrier: This affordable carrier is quite comfortable according to my cats, with a cozy fleece bolster bed and two no-escape petting holes. And while it has no interior tether, its exterior zippers have buckles to keep them from accidentally opening. However, this carrier was one of two to earn the lowest score on the luggage test. I had to stop and rebalance the bag four separate times on top of my suitcase as I rolled it a single city block. It also does not fold for storage. 
• Frisco Basic Carrier: The Basic Carrier has multiple pockets, an interior D-ring for attaching a safety tether, and comes with an ID tag. However, unlike the Mr. Peanut's carriers, it has only one point of entry at the front of the bag and is not equipped with a luggage strap.
• Sherpa Ultimate on Wheels Carrier: I like this carrier that can be carried like a traditional soft-sided kennel or converted into a rolling bag by rearranging the shoulder strap into a luggage pull. I also appreciate the privacy flaps over the mesh ventilation on the carrier's sides and back. However, it does not come with an interior safety tether or ID tag, and at 20 inches long and 12.25 inches wide, it's too big to fit most in-cabin airline requirements. 
• Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier: This is a solid cat carrier with most of the essentials, including a fleece mat, two doors for loading, large back pocket, and luggage strap. Unfortunately, it lacks a safety tether and padded shoulder strap. Because I'm only 5-foot-4, when I adjusted the strap for long-distance carrying, the buckle landed right at my shoulder where it dug in. This carrier also had less ventilation than our top pick and failed to balance during the luggage test, especially when stepping off of a curb. Because I had to stop and reset the bag four separate times during our one-block walk, it was one of two to earn the lowest score in the trial. 
• Sherpa Element Carrier: For nearly the same price, this carrier offers little more than the Sherpa Original Deluxe. Like the Original Deluxe, it has no interior safety tether and no padding in the shoulder strap, causing the buckle to dig into my shoulder on our walk test. It has only a single tiny zip pocket and the second least ventilation of the bags that went on to the second phase of testing — just 15.5% of its surface area is mesh. It is also tiny compared to the other carriers, measuring 14.75 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 10.5 inches tall.
• Sherpa To-Go Carrier: Of all the Sherpa bags, I liked this no-frills bag the least. With only a single tiny zip pocket and sans luggage strap, not to mention the lack of a safety tether and ID tag, this carrier did not make it to the second round of testing.
• Petmate See and Extend Carrier: This top- and front-loading carrier was just okay, especially for the price. I like the expandable section that nearly doubles the size of its interior, but the carrier has only a single mesh pocket and no safety tether, ID tag, and luggage strap.
• K&H Lookout Pet Carrier: The worst of the carriers I evaluated, the K&H Lookout's design consists of a single zipper that wraps all the way around the carrier and serves to open and close its entry door. If it breaks or becomes stuck, the entire carrier would be unusable. The Lookout also lacks pockets and has a slim tent-like interior. While I was able to pop its plastic bubble window back out after it arrived collapsed, it left permanent unsightly evidence of its collapse.

Hard-shell cat carrier

• Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Kennel: Petmate's kennel is great. In fact, it is the same as the Frisco Two-Door Top-Load Kennel in nearly every way — it even broke the same way in our drop test. But while this kennel weighs slightly less than the Frisco version and is available in four colors instead of two, it costs almost $10 more. 

Backpack cat carriers

• Mr. Peanut's Backpack Carrier: With multiple pockets, an interior tether, and a shoulder strap that converts the backpack to a standard carrier, Mr. Peanut's earned a high score in our features comparisons. However, its interior may be too small for many cats to be comfortable for long periods of time. 
• Sherpa 2-in-1 Backpack Carrier: The shape and size of Sherpa's backpack is very similar to Mr. Peanut's, but it has ingenious removable backpack straps, one of which converts into a shoulder strap to turn the whole thing into a traditional carrier. The Sherpa backpack, however, lacks a luggage tag, includes a smaller mat, and has only a safety tether D-ring instead of a full tether. Unlike Mr. Peanut's backpack, it was missing safety buckles on the zippers, a privacy flap over the top, and a chest strap to help balance the pack's weight.

What we're looking forward to

We are looking forward to testing additional carriers that have earned certifications from the Center for Pet Safety including:

• Sleepypod Air: This Center for Pet Safety certified and crash-tested carrier fits pets up to 17.5 pounds and comes in six colors.
• Sleepypod Atom: This Sleepypod carrier, which earned five stars from the Center for Pet Safety, is somewhat smaller than the Air and comes in five colors.

How we tested

All of the carriers evaluated in this guide went through four tests: a basic comparison of features, a drop test, a goop test, and a cat-approval test. 

Feature comparison: Interviews with Wolko and Gadd helped me determine the essential features a cat carrier should have. I created a scoring system for the 23 soft-sided carriers based on the qualities listed below. Hard-sided carriers were subject to slightly different criteria. The 12 bags that scored the highest went on to additional testing.

In the "What to consider when shopping for a pet carrier" slide, I describe each of these features in more detail:

• Shape and design
• Interior mat
• Loading doors
• Carrying straps and handles
• Pockets
• Ventilation
• Interior safety tether
• No-escape petting hole
• ID tag
• Luggage strap
• Dimensions and in-cabin airline capability
• Safety certifications
• Storage

Drop, stomp, and roll test: In this test, I brought the 12 carriers that did best in the features comparison to a local park. I placed a 10-pound weight inside each bag and, with the help of my partner, dropped each one twice from a 10-foot-tall play structure, first releasing it straight down, then flipping it end on end.

Once on the ground, I rolled the bags several times with the weight still inside, looking for any damage to the stitching, mesh, or zippers. Later, I conducted the stomp test at home, placing each carrier on a rug, then stomping on it a dozen times with bare feet, noting whether the frame changed shape or the bag showed any damage.

Goop test: Because it's not uncommon for cats to vomit or defecate in their carrier, I devised the goop test to determine how easy the carriers were to clean. I made my goop by mashing together cat kibble, canned food, and water with a mortar and pestle, then spread a tablespoon on the exterior walls, the interior walls, and the mats of the contenders. After 48 hours, I used dish soap and water to wipe the goop from the walls and cleaned the mats in the washing machine or by hand, depending on care instructions. 

In-cabin airline fit test: I measured the exterior of each carrier to determine whether it would fit under the seat in the cabin of most major airlines. I used United Airlines' recommended maximum dimensions for a soft-sided pet carrier of 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches tall as the standard by which to assess them.

Ventilation test: Wolko explained that a carrier's ventilation is important for preventing a cat from overheating during travel. I measured the mesh panels on each carrier and calculated the percentage of the total surface area they comprised. Those with more ventilation were scored higher than those with limited mesh. 

Walk test: I took each of the top soft-sided carriers on a 15-minute walk around my neighborhood, carrying a 10-pound weight inside. Each was carried using its shoulder strap and held at the front of my body, as if I had precious cat cargo inside. The last block of the walk, I switched to using the bags' hand-carry straps.

Throughout the walk, I paid attention to how comfortable the carrier was to carry by shoulder and by hand, as well as how well it held its shape as it bounced against my legs. I took the same walk with the backpack carriers, noting how well the backpack fit against my back and how comfortable its straps were. 

Luggage test: I placed each of the top carriers with luggage straps on top of a standard rolling suitcase and walked a single city block, pulling them off of a curb and going up a steeply ramped driveway entrance along the way. I watched closely to see how well the carrier remained balanced with a 10-pound weight inside.

Scrape test: To test the durability of the mesh, I scraped a section of each bag 50 times with a fork, noting any damage or discoloration.

Zip test: I tested the durability of each carrier's zipper by completely zipping and unzipping one of its loading entrances 50 times, noting any changes in the zipper's ability to smoothly run its course.

Cat-approval test: Over a period of several weeks, I left the top 12 carriers sitting open around the house to assess their comfort. I frequently found my cats nestled inside fast asleep. Any carrier they didn't choose to enter on their own, I baited with treats to encourage their entry and relaxation to see how well they fit inside. 

Vet test: A few of the carriers — Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier, Bergan Comfort Carrier, Good2Go Expandable Carrier, and Mr. Peanut's Backpack Carrier — were put to the test on trips to the vet. Because I was unable to test all of the top carriers in this way, I considered what I learned from these trips to be supplemental information. This included how well they fit at the foot of my car's back seat on the passenger side, how well my cat fit inside the carrier, and in one case, how it held up to cleaning when one of my cats vomited and defecated on the trip.

What to consider when shopping for a pet carrier

A high-quality cat carrier needs to be comfortable, convenient, and safe for use by both human and cat. After speaking with Wolko and Gadd, I determined the following features to be the most important:

Shape and design: A carrier should be large enough for a cat to comfortably lie down and turn around but not so large that they don't feel secure, according to Gadd. Because they are made with airline cabin dimensions in mind, most cat carriers nail this, but some vary in how cramped or spacious they are. Some cat carriers have built-in expandable sections that can double or even triple the size of a carrier. These are ideal for giving your pet the opportunity to safely stretch out on long travel days.

Loading doors: Gadd recommends carriers that have two doors. Because cats like options, they may prefer to enter and exit out of different openings. And if they refuse to come out, it may be easier to gently lift them from a door in the top of the carrier than to drag them out the door in the front, Gadd said.

Floor mat: Most carriers come with some type of soft floor mat. Ideally, a floor mat will be machine washable and can be attached to the interior of the bag to prevent it from sliding around.

Pockets: Pockets are essential for keeping your cat's gear as well as yours close at hand. A good cat carrier should have more than one pocket and at least one should be secured by a zipper, button, or hook-and-loop closure. 

Straps and handles: A quality carrier should have both a removable shoulder strap, preferably padded for comfort, and a double handle for lifting. A button or hook-and-loop strap that wraps around and secures the handles is helpful for keeping them balanced and out of the way.

Ventilation: Mesh panels fitted into the sides or top of a carrier provide much-needed ventilation. Too many of them, though, can make a frightened cat feel overly exposed. Wolko said a good general rule of thumb is for mesh to cover approximately half of the carrier. Some carriers feature a privacy flap that can be lifted or lowered depending on temperature and a cat's specific needs.

Interior safety tether: A cat that does not want to be in a carrier may shoot out of its open door when it's time for a break. An interior safety tether can prevent them from door dashing. "We recommend only connecting to the collar or harness when you stop to feed or water your pet," Wolko said. "The tether inside the carrier should not be used during active travel, as the pet can become tangled." Some carriers that do not have a full safety tether have an interior D-ring to which a leash can be secured.

Luggage strap: For easy airport maneuvering, look for a carrier with a luggage strap that can be slipped over a telescoping suitcase handle. "That's a huge convenience," said Wolko, and something she likes to see. Some carriers also have exterior straps for securing to a car seat belt. However, Wolko explained that unless the carrier has been crash-tested and third-party safety certified by an organization like the Center for Pet Safety, a cat carrier should always be placed on the floor of a vehicle beneath the back seat instead of on the seat, itself. "It minimizes the impact and provides a lot of protection," she said. "If you do get into a sudden stop, they're not going to fly all over the place."

Airline-friendly dimensions: Most carriers these days are made with airline cabin regulations in mind. However, airlines differ in the carrier sizes they'll accept on a flight. For example, on Southwest Airlines a carrier can only be 18.5 inches by 8.5 inches by 13.5 inches whereas on United Airlines a carrier must be no larger than 18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches. If you plan to fly with your pet, investigate your preferred airline's requirements before purchasing a carrier.

Crash-tested safety certification: A crash-tested safety certification is important if you plan to travel by car with your cat's carrier placed on the seat. Just because a carrier has a seat belt strap doesn't mean it's safe to transport them that way. While independent companies may crash-test their products, the Center for Pet Safety is the leader in crash-testing and safety-certifying pet carriers. In collaboration with Subaru of America, Inc., the Center for Pet Safety conducts specially designed crash tests with dummy dogs to study a carrier's structural integrity and the reliability of its doors and latches. 

Storage: Unless you're frequently traveling with your cat, look for a carrier that can be quickly and easily deconstructed to fold flat for storage.

ID tag: Because you never know when you might accidentally end up separated from your best friend. It's also crucial for any traveling pet to wear a collar with ID tags in case they become separated from their carrier.

How to encourage a cat to like their carrier

To get a cat to love their carrier, it's important that pulling it out of a closet doesn't predict something your cat would prefer to avoid, like a visit to the vet. By leaving the carrier accessible at all times, it can be paired with the positive experiences that turn a carrier into a safe, snuggly, magical place to be.

Begin by giving the open carrier a permanent spot in an area of the home where your cat likes to relax. "Make it comfortable," Gadd said. "Leave the door open or even take the top off, then play games around the carrier so it isn't scary to them." Wolko also suggests throwing treats and toys into the carrier to make the space rewarding.

When your cat is no longer intimidated by the carrier, begin closing the door while they are inside for short periods of time, just a few seconds or a few minutes, depending on the cat. Over time, gradually increase the period for which they are enclosed. Pairing these sessions with a Lickimat spread with a cat-friendly treat paste like Churu can help them to feel better about confinement. Spritzing the carrier with a pheromone spray 15 to 30 minutes before the cat enters can also help promote calm, according to Gadd.

When it's time to actually travel, Gadd recommends placing a piece of clothing with your scent on it inside the carrier and covering the exterior with a towel or blanket. Instead of dangling the carrier by its handles, lift it from the bottom and hold it against your body for a more secure ride. 

If your cat experiences anxiety in the carrier, talk to your vet about an anxiety-decreasing medication for travel. Signs of anxiety include crying, panting, vomiting, defecating, or pushing their face against the carrier's interior. Some cats who experience these symptoms may be suffering from car sickness in addition to, or instead of, anxiety. The vet can help there, too, by prescribing an anti-nausea medication.

Best safety practices for car travel

Although several of the cat carriers tested for this guide were outfitted with straps for attaching to a car seat belt, Wolko recommends against using them unless the carrier has been crash-tested and safety certified. "It's counterintuitive, but you do not want to strap them in with a seat belt," she explained. This is especially important if you are using a hard-sided carrier. When strapped in, a collision or sudden stop can cause a plastic kennel to flex, fracture, or even break apart.

If your carrier has not been crash-tested or safety certified, the safest way to travel with a cat in the car is to place them on the floor behind the driver or passenger seat, said Wolko. In that location they are less likely to shift around or take a tumble if you have to stop short or get into a collision.

For car travel, Wolko also recommends selecting a carrier that is not a dark color and has plenty of ventilation. "We don't recommend black carriers in general because when you're in the sunshine, it absorbs heat," she explained. All but our budget pick, the Frisco Travel Carrier, are available in colors other than black.

• A laptop stand can make your home workstation more comfortable and ergonomic, especially if you have a secondary monitor.
• The Rain Design mStand360 is the best laptop stand of all the models we considered, with its 360-degree swivel base and sturdy design.
• But choosing the right laptop stand for you all comes down to your specific needs and workflow. 
• Some stands are more portable and better-suited for travelers, for example.

For some people, using a laptop equals back pain, neck pain, and headaches. If this describes you, don't blame the laptop. 

Instead, these problems are almost certainly related more to your work setup, which includes your desk, chair, and other factors in addition to your laptop setup.

To deal with these problems, we'd suggest swapping the ibuprofen for a laptop stand (also called a laptop riser). The stand will make the laptop more comfortable to use, limiting the aches and pains. According to Dohrmann Consulting, making workstations more ergonomic helps people stay pain-free, leading to fewer missed workdays and more productivity during work times.

Now think about how you sit at a desk and work on a laptop. As Wirecutter points out, you're probably hunched over, tilting your head downward to see the screen. This will not be comfortable during a long working session, leading to aches in the neck, back, and shoulders. 

UCLA Ergonomics says you want the top of the screen to be a few inches above your eye level when you are seated. Having the keyboard and the display screen connected makes it nearly impossible to use the laptop at a desk in a proper ergonomic position because the monitor will be too low. The laptop stand will raise the level of the screen to eye level, making it more comfortable for you to use.

Here are the best laptop stands:

• Best overall: Rain Design mStand360
• Best on a budget: Steklo X-Stand
• Best for travel: Roost Laptop Stand
• Best alternative stand for travel: Goldtouch Go! Travel Laptop and Tablet Stand
• Best stand for flexibility:Avantree Neetto Height Adjustable Laptop Bed Table

Updated by Lisa Eadicicco on 1/11/21. Added a new pick to suit flexible working situations, updated language, and added a section on what to consider when buying a laptop stand. Prices and links checked for accuracy.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of 2020

The best overall

The Rain Design mStand360 gives you the ergonomic benefits you need and the base swivels a full 360 degrees.

Pros: Three different colors available to match Apple laptops, base can swivel 360 degrees to show screen to others, stand contains rubber feet to maintain stability, aluminum panel's construction will help cool the laptop

Cons: Some issues with longevity, the laptop could slide off the stand if glued pads on laptop stand surface fail, height not adjustable

The stylish Rain Design mStand360 will look great on your desk, while also holding your laptop at the ideal angle for good ergonomics. It can also swivel 360-degrees, which is a fun bonus that not many laptop stands offer.

The laptop stand is made out of a single piece of aluminum for added stability and strength. Aluminum also dissipates heat from your laptop so it doesn't overheat mid spreadsheet. You can slide all the cables through the circular hole in the back to keep your desk clutter-free.

Although it's primarily designed to work with Apple MacBooks, the laptop stand will work with any brand of laptop. The mStand360 has soft rubber feet and pads that ensure the laptop won't slip around as you're working on it.

The only huge downside is that this is a fixed stand that is not adjustable, so if the height is wrong for you, you should get a different adjustable stand like our next pick.

The best on a budget

The Steklo X-Stand has a simple design that's lightweight and portable, plus, it's very affordable.

Pros: Great price point for a laptop stand, good option for allowing air to flow around the unit to keep the laptop cooler, extremely lightweight and portable for use while traveling, comfortable to use

Cons: Hard plastic design doesn't grip laptop, doesn't provide many ergonomic benefits, materials don't seem like they'll hold up for extended use

The Steklo X-Stand laptop stand is inexpensive when compared to other options. It also does a nice job of lifting the laptop a couple of inches above your desk to keep it cool by allowing air to flow around it.

However, this small size means the Steklo stand may not work well for those of you who need a laptop stand that will elevate the laptop screen to your eye level. The lightweight aluminum stand is quite portable, though, so it may be good for students or frequent travelers.

You can use the Steklo stand with laptops that range in size from 12 to 17-inches. It folds down to a very small size and weighs just 5.8 ounces.

The best for travel

The fully adjustable Roost Laptop Stand collapses down to a small size when you're not using it, plus, it's lightweight and sturdy.

Pros: Folds down to a small size for carrying anywhere, lightweight laptop stand that provides a sturdy base, rubber grips will hold most laptops in place tightly, works with many different models of laptops

Cons: Expensive laptop stand, difficult to adjust height

If you feel a little leery about trusting your laptop to the Roost Laptop Stand, it's understandable. This fold-down stand weighs less than half a pound, which may have you questioning its toughness. But have no fear — this is actually a very sturdy and strong laptop stand that can hold your precious PC.

The Roost stand gives you the option of adjusting the height of the top of the laptop screen from 6 to 12 inches, so you can position the screen for your exact needs. Note: Many found it difficult to adjust the height, including testers at Wirecutter.

At only 5.8 ounces, this stand ranks as one of the lightest in our guide. Even so, it's very tough and sturdy. The rubber grips ensure that it won't move around on your desk and your laptop will stay safely in place.

It can hold most laptops with ease. According to Roost, as long as the keyboard section of the laptop measures 0.75 inches in thickness or less, this laptop stand will support it successfully.

The best travel stand alternative

With six levels of height adjustment, the Goldtouch Go! Travel Laptop and Tablet Stand allows you to adjust the height of your screen, no matter where you're working.

Pros: Has six height adjustment options for good versatility while traveling, folds down to a small size, ships inside neoprene bag for easy carrying while traveling, lightweight unit can handle large laptops

Cons: Requires an external keyboard and mouse for best working conditions, doesn't fit well on airplane tray tables

The versatile Goldtouch Go! Travel Laptop and Tablet Stand is perfect for people who travel a lot for work because it's compact, lightweight, and adjustable.

The stand folds down to a small size that's great for traveling, and it has six levels of height adjustments that are useful when you don't quite know where you'll be working. It only weighs one pound, so it's easy enough to stow in your carry-on bag or suitcase.

Goldtouch's stand is made of aluminum and although it's small, it can hold laptops up to 17-inches in size. It's durable and quite sturdy, too.

The best for flexibility

The Avantree Neetto Height Adjustable Laptop Bed Table's tray-like design and adjustable height make it the perfect work-from-bed companion, making it possible to work comfortably even without a desk. 

Pros: Large enough to rest elbows, available in multiple sizes, designed for multiple use cases

Cons: Some complaints that the legs aren't sturdy enough 

In the work-from-home era, many people may find themselves working anywhere but an actual desk, whether that's the bed, the sofa, or the kitchen table.That's where this stand can come in handy, since it essentially serves as a mini-table that you can use to work from almost anywhere.

Not only is the Avantree Neetto Height Adjustable Laptop Bed Table large enough to double as a regular bedside table when not in use, but it also has enough space to comfortably rest your elbows as you're typing away from the comfort of your bed. If you don't have a dedicated workspace and primarily work out of your bedroom, a stand like this could help reduce neck and shoulder pain, as The Strategist's Liz Carey found after using it. The stand can also double as a makeshift standing desk for those who do have a more traditional workspace. 

The stand is currently available in two sizes, standard and large, with the normal size recommended for laptops under 17 inches. Most laptops have screens that measure around 13 inches or 15 inches in size, so this size is probably right for most people. The height is adjustable between 9.4 and 12.6 inches tall, and you can also tilt the surface to a 35-degree angle. 

The product has received more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon, the majority of which are five stars. But a few owners have pointed out some gripes that could be worth considering. Some reviews have indicated that the legs are either too long, not as sturdy as they had hoped, or are spaced too far apart to accommodate their situation.

How to buy a laptop stand

When buying a laptop stand, there's a lot more to think about than just its height and whether it's the right size for your computer. You'll also want to consider how it fits into your workflow. Those without a dedicated home workspace, for example, may want a stand that's lighter and more portable so that they can easily rearrange their setup when necessary. 

Depending on your needs, you'll want to get a laptop stand that's fixed or has an adjustable height, a good-looking design, strong build quality, and easy portability. Some stands also have slots for cable management or bases that swivel.

And of course, budget is also a factor, especially since a laptop stand alone usually isn't enough to build a work-from-home setup. With the laptop stand, you almost certainly will need to purchase an external keyboard and mouse, because the keyboard on the laptop may not be comfortable to use once the laptop is positioned on the stand. 

You also could use an external monitor on a stand attached to the laptop instead of a laptop stand to raise the display to eye level, but this is a much more expensive option.

All told, it's worth taking a minute to examine your workspace and daily routine before investing in a laptop stand. Do you work at a table or desk, or are you usually working from bed or the couch? Do you travel a lot? Are you looking for something that blends in with your home office decor? All of these questions are important.

Working from home? Check out our other home office guides

The best standing desks

The best active seating for your office

The best office chairs

The best desk lamps for your office

The best computer mice

The best computer monitors

The best keyboards

We rounded up the best sales and deals happening online today, with savings at Lovehoney, Chewy, and more. 

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 Business Insider Coupons.

The best deals available right now

• Visit Insider Reviews' deals page for more sales.

The best on-going sales and exclusive discounts happening right now

Get up to 60% off at Lovehoney

Shop the Lovehoney sale now.

Valentine's Day is coming, and Lovehoney is ready to help you prep with deep discounts on sex toys, lingerie, and more. Sales from the retailer aren't very common, and with deals as good as only $24 for a 4-piece vibrator set, it's hard to pass. For more shopping inspo, check out our guides to the best vibrators and the best sex toys. 

Save on pet essentials at Chewy

Shop the Chewy End of Season Sale now.

Though Chewy may not be your first thought for seasonal goods, right now the retailer is ringing in the new year with deals on essentials for cats, dogs, and more. Some of the ongoing specials include 25% off orders of $50 or more and buy 3 get one free select toys. Chewy has sales pretty regularly throughout the year, but if you own a pet, you know that it's always a good time to stock up on food and toys. 

Get up to 50% off at Adidas

Shop the Adidas End of Season Sale now.

Right now, Adidas is offering up to 50% off a selection of shoes, tops, activewear, and more for the end of the season. It's one of many sales from the brand, and it's worth a look if you're in the market for some new apparel. We've reviewed a ton of different Adidas styles, including the Pulseboost HD, and found them to be among the most comfortable shoes you can buy. 

Get 40% off at Madewell

Shop the Madewell End of Season Sale now.

Now through January 13, Madewell is offering 40% off tops, bottoms, shoes, and more with promo code GIGANTIC. Sales from Madewell aren't uncommon, but these are still some worthwhile deals on styles that will be rotating out with the season. If you see something you like in your size, don't miss out on the sale. Madewell has some great indie brands we love, and you can even recycle your jeans for a discount on new ones. 

Get men's outerwear from JACHS NY for $29

Shop the Outerwear Blowout Sale now.

Winter has only just begun and JACHS NY is offering a big sale to keep you warm. Right now, you can get select men's outerwear — including sherpa jackets and puffer vests — for only $29 apiece with promo code OT29. It's not the first sale we've seen from JACHS NY, but it's one of the deepest discounts for sure, with some items up to 85% off. If you're not in the market for a new jacket, the rest of the site is also 70% off with promo code NEWYEAR. 

Get up to 60% off at Lululemon

Shop the We Made Too Much Sale now.

Lululemon made too much this year and has been offering athleisure apparel for men and women at discounts all season. Right now, you can save big on everything from the brand, including tops, leggings, socks, and much more. It's one of our favorite athleisure brands for women, and we don't expect to see sales as good as this throughout the rest of 2021, so don't miss out. 

Get up to 70% off at Cole Haan

Shop the Cole Haan End of Season sale now.

We've reviewed and loved multiple Cole Haan styles, including breathable sneakers for men and ultra-comfy flats for women. Right now you can find similar styles and more up to 70% off during the brand's End of Season sale. Sales from Cole Haan aren't uncommon; we see them pretty regularly throughout the year. However, if you find a style you like in your size, 70% off is a hefty discount and a deal well-worth considering. 

Get 30% off graphic hoodies, tees, and more from The North Face

Shop The North Face's Winter Sale now.

Though the sale features discounts on graphic hoodies and tees, The North Face's Winter Sale also includes 30% off select jackets, pants, and other cold-weather gear for the whole family. Stock is limited, so even though the sale doesn't end until January 20, make sure to act fast if you see something you like. 

• On average, it takes 1,500 liters (about 396 gallons) of water to produce a single pair of jeans.
• Along with the massive amount of pesticides used to grow cotton and the energy consumption in factories, jeans are one of the least eco-friendly clothing items to produce.
• As consumers become more concerned with how the products they buy affect the environment, brands are continually finding new ways to make jeans more sustainably.
• Below you'll find seven brands using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and sustainable production methods that use less water, energy, and toxic chemicals. You'll find familiar faces like Levi's along with relative newcomers like Warp + Weft. 

The way I see it, jeans are the cornerstone of any wardrobe worth having. People of all ages, styles, professions, and income levels wear them, but as common as the popular pant style is, they're actually rather harmful to the environment. 

From the pesticides and insecticides used to grow cotton to the massive amounts of water, energy, and chemicals used to process the materials and turn them into denim, jeans rank as one of the least eco-friendly clothing items to make. According to Everlane, it takes about 1,500 liters (that's roughly 396 gallons) of water to produce a single pair of jeans.

Realistically, those stats aren't going to prevent anyone from buying jeans. But as responsible consumers, we can do our part by shopping brands that value sustainability in their production methods. So, to point you in the right direction, we rounded up seven brands that are making jeans more sustainably by implementing less wasteful manufacturing techniques and more effective recycling programs. 

From startups like Frank And Oak and Outerknown to legacy brands like Levi's, you won't have a problem finding denim with high-impact style and low-impact everything else.

7 brands making sustainable denim:

Everlane

Learn more about Everlane denim and shop for men and women here.

Everlane has always been about transparency. In addition to prioritizing ethical labor practices, it has made sustainability a major tenet of it its production process.

You'll find apparel made from recycled plastic in the ReNew Collection along with what the brand calls the "world's lowest-impact sneakers" from its shoe line, Tread. But jeans are another area Everlane has made huge strides in as far as sustainability goes. 

The jeans are made in Saitex, the world's cleanest denim factory. The facility recycles 98% of its water and uses clean energy. After the water is recycled, Everlane's jeans use 0.4 liters of water compared to the whopping 1,500 liters of water per pair when using traditional production methods.

Outerknown S.E.A. Jeans

Shop Outerknown S.E.A. Jeans here.

Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is self-described as "For the people and the planet." The brand makes every decision with the highest regard for people that manufacture their products and planet on which they're produced.

Outerknown's S.E.A. Jeans are made with 100% organic cotton and are also produced in Saitex's clean factories. Despite putting a lot of focus on being eco-friendly, Outerknown didn't cut any corners in terms of quality — and the brand fully stands behind its products with a lifetime guarantee.

If your S.E.A. Jeans ever wear or break, you can send them back and Outerknown will repair or replace them for free.

Read our reviews on the Outerknown S.E.A. Jeans here.

Warp + Weft

Shop Warp + Weft jeans here.

Founded by Sarah Ahmed, Warp + Weft has made an impact on the apparel industry with its ultra-inclusive range of sizes and inseams, but it's also touted as the world's cleanest vertically integrated denim company (meaning it owns its own factory).

Since the brand's launch in 2017, they've sold more than 477,000 pairs of jeans and saved more than 572.4 million gallons of water. 

To be completely transparent about its manufacturing process, Warp + Weft gives a look inside its factory, highlighting elements like responsibly sourced cotton, eco-friendly dye, water-saving techniques, and solar power.

Read more: Warp + Weft makes women's jeans in sizes 00-24 for under $100 

Levi's

Shop all jeans at Levi's here.

In 2010, Levi's launched the Better Cotton Initiative, which trains farmers to use less water, pesticides, insecticides, and synthetic fertilizers when growing cotton plants. Currently, more than 20% of the cotton Levi's uses — not just for its denim, but for its apparel as well — is qualified as Better Cotton, and they're rapidly growing that percentage. By 2020, the brand hopes to use cotton from sustainable sources in 100% of its products.

In terms of manufacturing, Levi's Water < Less techniques have done a lot to benefit the environment. So far, Levi's has saved more than 3 billion liters of water and recycled more than 2 billion liters of water. To date, more than 67% of Levi's products are made with Water < Less techniques and by 2020, the goal is to increase that to 80%.

The brand also recently teamed up with Cotton's Blue Jeans Go Green program to save old denim from landfills by turning it into insulation for homes and buildings. 

Taylor Stitch Organic '68 Denim

Shop Taylor Stitch Organic '68 Denim here.

When Taylor Stitch first started producing its signature '68 Denim in 2011, the brand teamed up with Cone Mills in Greensboro, North Carolina. By relying on the legendary cotton textile company, Taylor Stitch was guaranteed the highest quality American-made selvedge denim for its jeans — but when Cone Mills closed doors to its last White Oak plant and the existing supply finally ran out, Taylor Stitch went back to the drawing board with the goal to reproduce the jeans to be more sustainable and better than before.

After spending more than a year looking for the right materials and manufacturer, Taylor Stitch collaborated with ISKO mill, the world's largest producer of denim in the world, and re-released the '68 Denim — this time using 100% organic cotton (no pesticides) and sustainable production methods that use far less water, energy, and chemicals.

If you love traditional selvedge denim (like myself), the Taylor Stitch Organic '68 Denim will give you the same exact look and feel you're after — and you won't feel bad about wearing them.

Read more: Taylor Stitch recreated its popular $148 Selvedge jeans using 100% organic cotton and sustainable production methods

Frank And Oak

Shop Frank And Oak denim here.

In 2012, childhood friends Ethan Song and Hicham Ratnani founded Frank And Oak with the simple goal of helping men dress better with affordably priced clothing. After far exceeding its initial goal, the brand launched a women's line and set out to actively reduce its carbon footprint — and denim is one of its main areas of focus.

By teaming up with Hydro-Less Laundry, an eco-certified factory in Dubai, Frank And Oak's denim production uses 79% less energy, 50% fewer chemicals, and 95% less water than traditional manufacturing techniques. While its conservation efforts are comparable to other brands making sustainable jeans, Frank And Oak stands out with its affordable price.

Regardless of what fit or wash you choose, you can get a pair of Frank And Oak jeans for $89.50 or less. 

Readmore: We reviewed Frank And Oak's high-quality sustainable jeans for men and women

J.Crew and Madewell

Shop jeans on J.Crew here.

Shop jeans on Madewell here.

Back in February, J.Crew (and its sister brand Madewell) teamed up with Fair Trade USA, a non-profit organization that helps brands create better working conditions for employees and implement environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

In doing so, both J.Crew and Madewell launched their first Fair Trade Certified denim collections. Also made in Saitex factories, the jeans use 75% less water, 65% fewer chemicals, and less energy. 

Beyond the sustainability benefits, J.Crew and Madewell's jeans provide Saitex factory workers with benefits, equal pay for women, and additional donations to support infrastructure in their local communities in Vietnam. 

And if you've got old jeans that you no longer want or need, you can donate them to J.Crew and they'll work with nonprofits that turn them into housing insulation that can be used by organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

Read more: J.Crew and Madewell's Fair Trade Certified Denim is good for employees and the environment — here's how

• Chicago is a year-round gem with attractive deals during the low season, though summer is best for enjoying the lake and Millennium Park.
• Booking a private home via Airbnb may offer a safer option over hotels right now during the ongoing pandemic.
• We found top-rated Airbnbs throughout the city at affordable prices ranging from $78 to $175 nightly.
• Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home.

Though the pandemic continues, many Americans are seeking affordable domestic travel options within driving easy distance, or looking to do staycations in their own backyard for a change of pace.

With its impressive urban landscape, innovative food and drink, ample art and architecture, and friendly residents, Chicago is a popular destination for those in the Midwest.

However, it's vital to keep in mind that even with vaccines beginning to roll out, travel comes with a lot of risks right now. We always recommend following guidelines from local governments, the CDC, and WHO. You should also practice social distancing, hand washing, and wear a mask when in public. Additionally, always read up on local guidelines and practice extra care when traveling to or from a hot spot area.

With that said, if are planning a trip to the Windy City, there are great deals to found on Airbnbs, especially right now in the winter off-season.

We combed Airbnb listings and chose the best options based on the following criteria:

1. Airbnb listing is for the entire home, per current expert recommendations.
2. Listings are all affordably priced and start at under $200 per night. 
3. All are highly-rated Airbnb listings with a review score of 4.7 or higher.
4. Properties have standout decor, amenities, and locations that set them apart. 

Read on for the best affordable Airbnbs in Chicago, listed by price from low to high.

SEE ALSO: 11 rustic Airbnb cabins in the Catskills you can book for under $200 a night

SEE ALSO: 12 cozy and affordable Airbnb cabins in Upstate New York you can book for next month

Cozy one-bedroom apartment in Smith Park, $89

Book this one-bedroom starting at $89 per night

They had me at king-size Tempurpedic mattress. Though, I'm also swayed by the upscale look, rave reviews, and a great price under $100 per night.

One review writes, "Lesley's place was great! Super clean and private, and much larger than it looks in the photos ... Seriously, the bed was very comfortable and right combo of soft/firm, and King size ... The neighborhood was really fun to explore; we walked to Humboldt Park and checked out a bunch of local shops, as well as had an easy walk to the Wicker Park area. The only downside of Lesley's place is that it was so comfortable and homey that we almost didn't want to go out and explore the city."

This property has availability starting in mid-February.

Rating: 4.96

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Rock n roll suite in Ukrainian Village, $99

Book this suite starting at $99 per night

Music lovers (so, everyone?) will adore this themed home with a whimsical, interactive design. Grab and play a vinyl record right off the wall, or practice your musical skills on one of the many available instruments, such as the piano in the master bedroom. Other funky touches include a black light room, miniature game room, and plenty of ways to churn out tunes. 

This listing still has open dates available in January and February and is wide open starting in March.

Rating: 4.89

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Modern one-bedroom in Boystown, $115

Book this modern apartment starting at $115 per night

This immaculate listing brims with photogenic decor, including a burnt orange velvet sofa, zebra print rug under the round dining table, and sleek gray and white kitchen. Plus, it's in a great location. Bonus: there's a free parking spot included, making it an ideal option for those within driving distance of Chicago.

Confirms one reviewer, "This apartment is gorgeous and in a nice, quiet part of Boystown. The location is perfect. Couldn't have picked a better spot."

This property has full availability over the next few months.

Rating: 4.73

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Historic coach house in Old Town, $117

Book this coach house starting at $117 per night

Located in historic and central Old Town, this duplex with two bedrooms was originally built in 1887, but today boasts a comfortable, modern feel.

It has loads of five-star reviews, including this high praise, "This Airbnb is in a prime location! Only a hop, skip, and jump away from the heart of the city. Also great amenities, cleanliness, and service!"

This listing has limited availability over the next few months, but inventory is subject to change.

Rating: 4.97

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Stylish apartment in Ukrainian Village, $128

Book this apartment starting at $128 per night

While the premise of a basement apartment certainly could sound dreary, this home is light and bright. I love the exposed brick, colorful art, and kitchen with a farmhouse feel. With one double bed, it's perfect for a solo traveler or couple, with close proximity to Logan Square and Wicker Park.

This home has limited availability for the next few months, but is wide open starting in April.

Rating: 4.91

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Two-bedroom farmhouse in Noble Square, $129

Book this farmhouse starting at $129 per night

Another Airbnb Plus home, this offering has stunning bedrooms and a gorgeous bath. A tranquil backyard, rave reviews, and price tag under $130 per night means it's also a total deal.

"Beautiful home with lots of thoughtful touches. The garden was the real highlight, a green oasis to escape the urban environment ... Reasonably close to public transport and an easy trip into the center of town. Very much enjoyed," writes one reviewer.

Almost every date is open over the next several months.

Rating: 4.99

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

One-bedroom home with outdoor space in River West, $144

Book this home starting at $144 per night

I always particularly enjoy booking an Airbnb Plus Verified home, as I can rest easy knowing every need has been anticipated, with impeccable design, service, and amenities. This home is especially welcoming, with an HD cinema projector and 100-inch screen, modern artwork, and a private patio for cozy evenings by the fire. 

This home has wide availability from February onward.

Rating: 4.91

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Apartment with scenic views in River North, $177

Book this apartment starting at $177 per night

If city views are your goal, this is the spot for you. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning cityscape scenes from every room and the balcony. Plus, there's even a rooftop pool that overlooks the nearby skyscrapers.

The one-bedroom apartment is elegantly furnished in crisp, neutral tones and the fully stocked kitchen features an elegant, oversized island. The location is tough to beat with some of the city's best offerings and easy public transportation right at your doorstep.  

This property has full availability over the next several months.

Rating: 4.91

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Lakeview greystone near Wrigley Field, $175

Book this Lakeview apartment starting at $175 per night

This Airbnb Plus listing is impeccably designed from the brick fireplace and cozy reading nook to the quirky wall art and rainfall shower. With three full bedrooms, there's plenty of room for families or groups since it sleeps up to six guests.

Baseball fans will be particularly happy with the apartment's Lakeview location since it is right next to Wrigley Field. 

One recent guest gave the property a glowing review, saying "Our family really enjoyed our stay. The unit was clean, thoughtfully stocked, comfortable, stylishly fun and in a great location. The parking was an added bonus that made getting in and out very convenient."

This property is popular but still has a few open dates at the end of March and into early April.

Rating: 4.93

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Two-bedroom duplex in Ukrainian Village, $190

Book this duplex starting at $190 per night

With two large bedrooms, cathedral ceilings, and an open, airy loft layout, this home base is ideal for a small group or two couples. Everything looks modern and bright, the kitchen is brand new, and reviews promise the pictures don't do it full justice. 

This property is available almost every day for the next few months. 

Rating: 4.94

COVID policies: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Tencent, the Chinese tech behemoth, has backed self-driving software startup Oxbotica in a $47 million funding round.

Since being spun out of the University of Oxford in 2014, Oxbotica has grown from a small-time robotics firm to become one of the world's leading autonomous driving software companies.

Rather than producing autonomous vehicles itself, the firm offers self-driving software which can be installed in all kinds of vehicles, from taxis to delivery trucks. Its sensor technology was even used in NASA's Mars Rover. 

Despite lofty aspirations, the autonomous vehicle industry has been forced into something of a reality check in recent years: Ford promised to produce a vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, General Motors said it would launch a self-driving taxi service by the end of 2019, and Uber said it would give customers rides in self-driving vehicles around the same time.

All three companies have since backed off of those predictions.

Insider recently revealed details of the battle between Google and Uber to dominate the self-driving space, with chaotic results. 

Oxbotica's latest funding round suggests there's still plenty of mileage in the industry, however, after the firm won the backing of a host of big name investors, including BGF, BP Ventures, and Venture Science.

"This round of investment marks a key chapter in Oxbotica's continued growth and pushes us forward in commercialising our autonomous software today, through key strategic go-to-market partnerships," said CEO Ozgur Tohumcu.

"The high-quality and global footprint of our investors cements our position as a leader in autonomy. We will use funds raised to accelerate the global deployment of our transformative technology."

Insider got an exclusive look at the pitch deck Oxbotica used to bring investors on board. Check it out below: 

2021 has kicked off with some big executive moves.

Univision hired ad-sales veteran and former WarnerMedia exec Donna Speciale, studio Warner Bros. named former Universal exec Josh Goldstein as its marketing chief, Masterclass brought in former Disney streaming exec Vanna Krantz as its CFO, and Ava DuVernay's Array expanded it executive team.

The new hires come after media's massive restructurings and pandemic-driven business troubles took axes to media jobs in 2020 and thrust experienced talent in the TV and film industries onto the job market.

Across the US media landscape, a staggering 28,637 jobs were slashed in 2020 through October, compared with around 9,198 during the same period in 2019, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

Still, companies inside and outside the media industry are searching for talent with media skillsets, top headhunters told Business Insider last year. Apple and Disney also each recently hired key former execs from shuttering streaming startup Quibi, as another example.

Read more: Quibi poached top talent from Netflix, Snap, and Hulu. Meet 9 leaders and content execs who are now free agents as the startup winds down.

One of the headhunters also told Business Insider in December that recruiting was picking up across the TV and film industries for operational roles like distribution and legal, and that hiring for those positions tends to precede creative jobs.

For many in those sectors, however, the reality is they won't end up in the same jobs they had before. Some may return to traditional media companies in different capacities, after management has reassessed its needs and started hiring again.

Others may try to transition to different industries. The cliché that every company is a content company now seems to be a reality, particularly as more consumer brands build their own content operations and advertisers whose budgets were squeezed by the pandemic look for others ways to connect with consumers. Brands like job-search platform The Muse and healthy food startup Daily Harvest are blurring the lines between consumer and content companies.

In the past year, some TV, film, and streaming execs have successfully jumped to jobs in other industries. TikTok hired former Hulu exec Nick Tran to head up marketing, former Disney exec Kevin Mayer also went to TikTok for a stint before hopping to an investment firm, and Adidas snapped up former Disney and BET marketer Vicky Free. 

Business Insider identified 24 respected TV, film, and streaming-video execs on the job market who leaders should know as they revamp their media and content leadership in 2021. All have helped their companies through transformational moments, or transitioned in the industry themselves. 

The list is based on our reporting and nominations we received. It includes industry veterans and rising stars, like Blair Rich, Kay Madati, Jane Wiseman, Joe Marchese, Kevin Reilly, and more. 

Some were laid off in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic or as part of ongoing consolidation among big media, others recently left their jobs for different reasons, and some are independents looking for their next opportunity.

SEE ALSO: Quibi poached top talent from Netflix, Snap, and Hulu. Meet 9 leaders and content execs who are now free agents as the startup winds down.

Derek Chang

Derek Chang was the chief executive of the NBA's China business until he left the league in May. 

At the NBA, Chang was responsible for growing basketball and the league's business development in China, where the sport has become very popular. He helped expand the league's retail presence and struck more deals with Chinese media partners on the job. He also presided over the NBA's relationship with China during a challenging period that included a fallout with the Chinese government over a tweet by former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey backing anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, and the coronavirus pandemic that halted live sports.

Chang was a prominent cable exec before he joined the NBA in 2018. He was the head of Scripps Networks Interactive's international lifestyle channels and led the expansion of those brands. He also oversaw until 2012 content strategy and development at DirecTV, where he managed the cable company's sports business and its relationship with the NBA.

Chang held exec roles at Charter Communications and regional-sports network YES Network as well. 

Brian Colbert

Brian Colbert is a rising star in the sports and entertainment sectors, coming up at companies like ESPN, Pandora, About.com, and Viacom. 

Colbert was mostly recently a senior VP at the NHL team the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he was responsible for all the team's revenue streams, including ticket sales, corporate deals, TV, rights, licensing, and more. Colbert exited the team last year after three years on the job. 

He was an early mover into the digital sector after marketing gigs at the NBA and MTV as well as an ad-sales job at MusicChoice. Colbert joined ESPN in 2007 and led its mobile-advertising strategy during his five years at the cable network. He was also music-streamer Pandora's first head of mobile strategy, and was the chief revenue officer at About.com for six years.

Vicki Dummer

Vicki Dummer spent more than 20 years at ABC Entertainment, most recently as head of current programming at ABC Entertainment.

She oversaw in that role all of ABC's scripted shows, from soap operas like "General Hospital" to primetime dramas like "Grey's Anatomy."

She also developed or oversaw shows like "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,""Shark Tank," and Wipeout," in an earlier position as SVP, alternative series, specials, and late-night.

Dummer joined ABC in 1996. She started in the comedy department, working on shows like "8 Simple Rules,""According to Jim," and "The Drew Carey Show."

Randy Freer

Randy Freer was most recently at the helm of Hulu as its star rose in streaming and joint ownership structure shifted.

Freer joined Hulu as CEO in the fall 2017, just after the company won its first Emmy and started selling a streaming live-TV package that grew to become one of dominant offerings in its category. During his time there, Freer reorganized the management structure, doubled Hulu's employee base to 2,500, and negotiated deals with talent like Elizabeth Moss and J.J. Abrams. He exited in March, after Disney took full control of Hulu's operations and moved to bring the company closer to its other streaming endeavors.

Before Hulu, Freer spent nearly 20 years at Fox, where his most recent role was president and operating chief of the Fox Networks Group, which included FOX, Fox Sports, FX, and National Geographic. He also led Fox Sports and held other leadership positions at the media group's sports networks.

Since leaving Hulu, Freer has been running his own consultancy, The Freer Company, and advising clients on streaming, ad tech, sports betting, as well as working with private-equity companies.

Sophie Goldschmidt

Sophie Goldschmidt has spent much of her career in roles that blend sports with media. 

As CEO of the World Surfing League, she pushed the league to expand into original content and events, and aggressively grew its distribution around the world. The league inked live broadcast deals with Fox Sports and Facebook Watch under her leadership, and sold an upcoming reality show to ABC called "Ultimate Surfer," which is produced by Pilgrim Media.

Goldschmidt was previously chief strategy and commercial officer at UK-based marketing group Chime, and the chief commercial and marketing officer at the Rugby Football Union in England before that.

She also managed the NBA's Europe, Middle East, and Africa business; oversaw marketing and sponsorships at Women's Tennis Association Tour; and worked in soccer sports marketing at Adidas earlier in her career.

Cindy Holland

Besides Ted Sarandos, no one has left a larger mark on Netflix's content business than Cindy Holland.

Holland, who was Netflix's vice president of original content up until recently, helped build the streamer into a sought-after creator of TV and film, as Sarandos' top deputy. She exited as Sarandos began restructuring the content team last year.

Holland joined Netflix in 2002, when its main business was hawking DVDs. She took the lead on its original programming strategy as Netflix launched its early slate of exclusives that would come to set the streamer apart, shows like "House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black." She also oversaw later hits like "The Crown" and "Stranger Things."

Before Netflix, the Stanford-educated exec worked at the internet startup Kozmo, as well as a few film and production companies. 

She's currently on the board of Horizon Acquisition Corporation, a special-purpose acquisition company focused on media and entertainment.

Dan Kupetz

CBS Veteran Dan Kupetz most recently ran business affairs and operations for 20th Century Fox TV (now 20th TV) after it was acquired by Disney.

Kupetz joined the House of Mouse early last year to help smooth Fox TV's transition to part of Disney TV Studios.

He previously spent 15 years at CBS TV Studios, where ran business affairs as an SVP and then as an EVP. In the roles, he oversaw deals with top creatives tied to CBS shows like "Blue Bloods,""CSI," and "The Good Wife," as well as series made for other platforms like "Dead to Me" on Netflix. He oversaw overall deals with writers, producers, and directors, as well. 

Before CBS TV Studios, Kupetz held other business affairs roles at CBS. He also worked earlier in his career as an attorney in the legal affairs department at Disney's Touchstone Television.

David Levy

David Levy ran Turner Broadcasting's sports and entertainment networks as president until shortly after the company was acquired by AT&T through its acquisition of Time Warner.

Levy was president of Turner Sports for a decade before taking on the bigger job in 2013.

During his tenure at Turner, Levy led deals like Turner Sports' acquisition of Bleacher Report, which became the company's first digital sports destination. He spearheaded a pact with CBS that brought the March Madness finals to cable TV. And the company launched new niche streaming services that leveraged the classic catalogs Turner owned, such as Boomerang for traditional animation and FilmStruck, which was popular among cinephiles for streaming the Criterion Collection before it was shuttered in 2018. He left Turner in March 2019, after 33 years at the company. 

Since then, Levy has advised firms including The Raine Group, an investment bank in the media, tech, and telecom sectors, and founded Back Nine Venture, which invests in early-stage startups.

Blossom Lefcourt

Blossom Lefcourt's expertise lies in production legal.

Her most recent post was at ViacomCBS, where she led business and legal affairs for the development and production businesses at ViacomCBS's entertainment and youth networks, including Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Paramount Network, and Smithsonian Channel. Lefcourt took on the executive VP and deputy general counsel post in March, and left the company in November.

She was previously a senior VP at Viacom, where she spent five years handling similar duties for entertainment brands Comedy Central, TV Land, Paramount Network, and Bellator.

Lefcourt also spent nearly a decade before Viacom climbing the business and legal affairs ranks at Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video Entertainment, where she was most recently an exec VP.

Chris Linn

Chris Linn put WarnerMedia's reality network truTV on the map as president of the cable network. 

Under his leadership, the reality-focused network that used be Court TV found its lane with hit franchises like "Impractical Jokers," which helped it reach a younger and more affluent audiences. Linn left truTV in May 2019, after its operations were merged with Turner's other entertainment networks TBS and TNT.

He joined truTV from Viacom, where he oversaw programming and production for eight years, and developed reality shows like "Jersey Shore" and "Catfish." He also worked at Spike TV and Nickelodeon. 

John Martin

Former Turner chief and chairman John Martin ran the cable-network group for four years, as the traditional TV landscape was being upended. His tenure at Turner ended after parent Time Warner was acquired by AT&T in 2018.

During his time at the helm, Martin oversaw Turner's full suite of news, sports, and entertainment brands, including CNN, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, and Turner Sports, and helped kicked start their digital transitions. He also vocally defended the AT&T-Time Warner deal as the Department of Justice was moving to block it. 

Martin spent more than two decades at Time Warner, even as the company spun off cable business Time Warner Cable in 2009 and print division Time Inc. in 2014. He was chief financial officer of Time Warner, from 2008 to 2013, under former chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes. Martin was the financial chief of Time Warner Cable before that.

Martin joined Time Warner in 1993, and left for a two-year stint at the equity-research firm ABN AMRO Securities. He was a senior accountant at Ernst and Young earlier in his career.

Kay Madati

Kay Madati was a key Twitter exec, steering its content deals for more than two years as global vice president and head of content partnerships, before departing at the end of 2019.

Madati drove Twitter to avoid the fray of tech companies building their own content operations like Facebook and Snap, and leaned into partnerships with publishers like BuzzFeed, Bloomberg, and MTV to bring more clips, highlights, and live events onto the platform. 

He brought in news, sports, and entertainment deals including a pact with NBC to air some live coverage and highlights of the 2020 Summer Olympics and special streams of live events like the MTV's Video Music Awards.

Madati was a seasoned media and advertising exec before Twitter. He was BET Networks' digital chief, and he previously oversaw digital for CNN. He also led Facebook's media and entertainment business and worked in marketing at  BMW of North America. 

Joe Marchese

Joe Marchese has focused his career on finding where consumer attentions are shifting next. 

The former Fox executive has spent the past five or so years running his own ventures, including media-and-tech holding company Attention Capital and venture fund and startup studio Human Ventures, both of which he cofounded.

While Human Ventures focused on early-stage companies and Attention Capital on later-stage ventures, both had an eye toward businesses centered around community and how people spend their time, including investments in Tribeca Film Festival parent Tribeca Enterprises and women-focused media company GirlBoss.

During that time, Marchese was also an executive at Fox Networks Group, most recently as president of advertising revenue. He exited in March 2019 when Disney bought the company. 

Marchese, a serial entrepreneur, founded in 2007 ad-tech company TrueX, which let people watch interactive ads instead of standard ads in exchange for content. He sold it to Fox for $200 million in 2014.

Christina Miller

Christina Miller was a top Turner Broadcasting exec.

She most recently led Turner's kids and young adults networks as president of Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Boomerang for five years. She took on oversight of Turner Classic Movies during that time, as well.

She helped build shows like "Rick and Morty,""Steven Universe," and "Adventure Time" into blockbuster franchises during her run there, which ended in late 2019.

Over her 15 years at Turner, Miller was also digital manger of the NBA digital portfolio and senior VP in charge of Turner Sports' marketing programming an strategy. She started her career at the company at Cartoon Network, where she built the network's first global consumer products business. 

She was also an executive at children's TV distributor HIT Entertainment, where she was responsible for brand management and licensing, before Turner.

Gary Newman

Gary Newman knows how to find and foster TV hitmakers.

Newman presided over the Fox's TV studio and broadcast network operations with partner Dana Walden during a plum period for traditional TV.

During his 20 years co-running the TV-studio division, Newman led longstanding relationships with key creators including "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane and "Simpsons" scribe Jim Brooks. He ushered in groundbreaking hits like Ryan Murphy's first big series, "Glee," and Steve Levitan and Chris Lloyd's "Modern Family." He and Walden also grew the studio into a major producer of content for streamers including Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu toward the end of his tenure.

Newman exited Fox in March 2019, after the TV studio was acquired by Disney.

He's since done consulting work in media and entertainment with the firm Attention Capital.

Newman also practiced real-estate law earlier in his career. 

Steve Pamon

Steven Pamon had a hand in some of the biggest entertainment moments of the last decade.

Pamon was president and chief operating officer of Beyonce's Parkwood Entertainment for nearly five years, during which time he worked on projects such as the halftime show at Super Bowl 50, the visual album for "Lemonade," The Formation World Tour, and Netflix's "Homecoming" documentary.

Pamon was previously head of sports and entertainment marketing at Chase, where he led the bank's sponsorship of Beyonce and Jay-Z's 2014 "One the Run" Tour, and handled other corporate sponsorships and helped secure exclusive access to marquee events and rights. 

He also held senior executive roles at the NFL, HBO, and Time Warner during his career. 

Recently, Pamon joined the board of the WWE, and has advised startups like ed-tech company Encantos.

D'Angela Proctor

D'Angela Proctor is an entertainment industry consultant, exec, and entrepreneur.

She runs, as CEO, Wayfarer Entertainment, a production company cofounded by "Jane the Virgin" star Justin Baldoni that's focused on projects aiming to create social change. She's overseeing its asset sale to Baldoni's new TV and film company Wayfarer Studios, which formed after he sold a majority stake in the entertainment company to a private investor.

In 2019, Proctor also consulted Ava DuVernay's Array Filmworks as it prepared for its production pact with Warner Bros. TV, and she led production and business development for Lionsgate's CodeBlack Films. She previously consulted for BET's original programming lead and executive produced projects for the cable network. 

Proctor was head of original programming and production at cable network TV One for five years. And she cofounded and ran her own production company, Strange Fruit Media, earlier on.

Kevin Reilly

Kevin Reilly developed HBO Max's early content strategy before exiting WarnerMedia in August as part of the legacy-media company's ongoing management shakeup.

Reilly, the former chief content officer at HBO Max, ushered in projects for the fledgling streaming service including its first successful original,"The Flight Attendant."

He also led Turner's entertainment networks, TBS and TNT, during his time at Turner and later added truTV to his purview. Reilly spearheaded an effort to cut back on the number of commercials in shows when he was president of TNT and TBS, and chief creative officer of Turner Entertainment.

Before Turner, Reilly headed up entertainment programming at major TV networks including Fox, FX, and NBC, for several years each. He oversaw the launch of shows like "Glee,""Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and "Empire" at Fox; championed series like "The Office" at NBC; and shepherded in series like "The Shield" and "Nip/Tuck" at FX.

Blair Rich

Warner Bros. marketing exec Blair Rich is exiting at the end of last year the Hollywood studio where she spent much of her career. 

Rich oversees worldwide marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures Group's theatrical and home entertainment divisions in the current post of president. She helped boost some of the studio's biggest recent successes, like "The Joker" and "Crazy Rich Asians," since taking on that role in 2018.

As live events stalled this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Rich also helped launch the virtual DC fan convention, DC FanDome, which included star-studded panels and new details about "Wonder Woman 1984," the upcoming Synder Cut of the "Justice League," and other DC titles.

Rich helped drive franchises like Harry Potter and the DC film universe during her more than 20-year tenure at the studio. She began her career at Warner Bros. as a marketing trainee in international marketing.

Rich, based in Los Angeles, is also on the board of the non-profit LA Family Housing.

Adam Stotsky

Adam Stotsky is an NBCUniversal veteran who most recently led E! Entertainment as global president, until he departed the company in 2019.

Stotsky oversaw shows like "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" at E!. He also helped build out the multi-platform publishing operations for celebrity-news brand E! News, which in 2020 stopped airing its TV newscast and moved fully online.

Before E!, Stotsky was president of the Esquire Network, a cable-channel created by NBCUniversal and Hearst that Stotsky helped build in 2012. Stotsky was also NBC Entertainment's marketing chief for three years, where he helped launch US version of "The Voice" and worked on shows like "Parks and Recreation." And he was Syfy's EVP of global marketing.

Stotsky started last year his own consultancy, Pine Hill Industries, which advises the media, entertainment, and consumer sectors. 

David Tochterman

David Tochterman consults on content strategy and digital marketing in the consumer and tech sectors.  

He began his career in TV, producing network shows for The Carsey-Werner Company including "That 70s Show" and "3rd Rock From The Sun," and then for Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment.

Tochterman pivoted to digital early on, as YouTube was exploding in the mid-2000s. He launched a branded-entertainment startup in 2006, and went on to build a digital practice for talent agency Innovative Artists. He also consulted networks like PBS and ABC on their digital strategies. 

In 2016, Tochterman raised venture-capital funding to start Canvas Media Studios, which creates content mainly for media and tech companies, as well as major advertisers like P&G and Maybelline NY.

Rosemary Tarquinio

Rosemary Tarquinio is a former senior content executive who spent 16 years developing shows for CBS before departing the broadcaster last year.

Tarquinio was most recently senior VP, overseeing current programming at CBS Entertainment. She managed dramas, comedies, and late-night talk show series in that role, including the Dick Wolf-produced crime dramas "FBI" and "FBI: Most Wanted." 

In earlier posts at CBS, she supported shows like "The Good Wife," and championed series including "The Mentalist."

Before joining CBS in 2013, Tarquinio was a TV exec at Wolfgang Petersen's Radiant Productions, the Kushner-Locke Company, and NBC Studios.

Jane Wiseman

Former Netflix content exec Jane Wiseman led the scripted-comedy team that launched shows like "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,""Grace and Frankie,""BoJack Horseman," and "Dead To Me" during her nearly seven years at the streaming company. 

Wiseman, who joined in January 2014, built Netflix's scripted-comedy department, which tallied more than 20 people by the time she left in October.

She also developed and managed dramas including "Narcos" and "Ozark" during her run. She served as vice president of original programming for much of her time at the company. 

Before Netflix, Wiseman worked on "New Girl" as an exec at Chernin Entertainment, developed shows such as "Parks and Recreation" at NBC, and developed "Arrested Development" at Fox.

Nina Wolarsky

Nina Wolarksy, a former vice president of original series at Netflix, led a drama team at the streaming company that was responsible for hits like "The Crown,""Orange Is the New Black," and "When They See Us."

Her focus at Netflix was on non-genre dramas. She also worked on high-profile production deals with Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland, Jenji Kohan, and Peter Morgan.

Wolarsky joined Netflix in 2012 from Smokehouse Pictures, the studio founded by George Clooney and Grant Heslov that was behind critically acclaimed films like "Argo" and "The Ides of March."

Wolarsky was vice president of development and production at former indie-film shingle Harp Sharp Entertainment earlier in her career. 
 

Every day, we round up the 5 best deals and bargains available on tech, home goods, fashion, and more. 

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Happy birthday, Jeff Bezos: the Amazon CEO turns 57 on Tuesday. 

Bezos, who incorporated the company in 1994, has had a tumultuous 18 months, beginning with a divorce and a leak of his personal messages to the National Enquirer. 

But it hasn't been all bad for Bezos: he's jetted across the globe with his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, he's attended the exclusive Met Gala, and, last year, he celebrated another successful Prime Day with Katy Perry, Lil Nas X, and 45,000 Amazon employees. Over the last several months, Amazon has seen a surge in demand as the coronavirus outbreak has forced people to shop online more than ever. And as Amazon's stock has hit new highs, Bezos' net worth has jumped as well: These days, he's worth $183 billion, according to Bloomberg.

That success hasn't come overnight, however. Bezos began his career in the hedge fund world in the '90s, then left a cushy job to launch his own startup. 

Here's how Bezos got his start, and built one of the largest tech companies in the world.

Allana Akhtar contributed to an earlier version of this story.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk made a jab at Facebook, linking the rampage at the Capitol to the social network. It's the latest insult in a years-long feud between Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

Jeff Bezos' mom, Jackie, was a teenager when she had him in January 1964. She had recently married Cuban immigrant Miguel Bezos, who adopted Jeff. Jeff didn't learn that Miguel wasn't his real father until he was 10, but says he was more fazed about learning he needed to get glasses than he was about the news.

Source: Wired

When Bezos was 4, his mother told his biological father, who previously had worked as a circus performer, to stay out of their lives. When Brad Stone interviewed Bezos' biological father for Stone's book "The Everything Store," Bezos' dad had no idea who his son had become.

Source: The Everything Store

Bezos showed signs of brilliance from an early age. When he was a toddler, he took apart his crib with a screwdriver because he wanted to sleep in a real bed.

Source: The Everything Store

From ages 4 to 16, Bezos spent summers on his grandparents' ranch in Texas, doing things like repairing windmills and castrating bulls.

Source: The Everything Store

His grandfather, Preston Gise, was a huge inspiration for Bezos and helped kindle his passion for intellectual pursuits. At a commencement address in 2010, Bezos said Gise taught him "it's harder to be kind than clever."

Source: Business Insider

Bezos fell in love with reruns of the original "Star Trek" and became a fan of later versions too. Early on, he considered naming Amazon MakeItSo.com, a reference to a line from Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Source: The Everything Store

In school, Bezos told teachers "the future of mankind is not on this planet." As a kid, he wanted to be a space entrepreneur — now, he owns a space-exploration company called Blue Origin.

Source: Wired

After spending a miserable summer working at McDonald's as a teen, Bezos, together with his girlfriend, started the Dream Institute, a 10-day summer camp for kids. They charged $600 a kid and managed to sign up six students. The "Lord of the Rings" series made the required reading list.

Source: Wired

Bezos eventually went to college at Princeton University and majored in computer science. Upon graduation, he turned down job offers from Intel and Bell Labs to join a startup called Fitel.

Source: The Everything Store

After he quit Fitel, Bezos considered partnering with Halsey Minor — who would later found CNET — to launch a startup that would deliver news by fax.

Source: Wired

Instead, he got a job at the hedge fund D.E. Shaw. He became a senior vice president after only four years.

Source: The Everything Store

Meanwhile, Bezos was taking ballroom dancing classes as part of a scheme to increase his "women flow." Just as Wall Streeters have a process for increasing their "deal flow," Bezos thought analytically about meeting women.

Source: The Everything Store

He married MacKenzie Tuttle, a D.E. Shaw research associate, in 1993. She's now a novelist. The couple had four kids together.

Source: The Everything Store

In 1994, Bezos read that the web had grown 2,300% in one year. This number astounded him, and he decided he needed to find some way to take advantage of its rapid growth. He made a list of 20 possible products to sell online and decided books were the best option.

Source: The Everything Store

Bezos decided to leave D.E. Shaw even though he had a great job. His boss at the firm, David E. Shaw, tried to persuade Bezos to stay. But Bezos was already determined to start his own company — he felt he'd rather try and fail at a startup than never try at all.

"When you are in the thick of things, you can get confused by small stuff,"he said later. "I knew when I was 80 that I would never, for example, think about why I walked away from my 1994 Wall Street bonus right in the middle of the year at the worst possible time. That kind of thing just isn't something you worry about when you're 80 years old."

"At the same time, I knew that I might sincerely regret not having participated in this thing called the Internet that I thought was going to be a revolutionizing event," he added. "When I thought about it that way … it was incredibly easy to make the decision."

Source: Wired

And so Amazon was born. MacKenzie and Jeff flew to Texas to borrow a car from his father, and then they drove to Seattle. Bezos was making revenue projections in the passenger seat the whole way, though the couple did stop to watch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon.

Source: The Everything Store

Bezos started Amazon.com in a garage with a potbelly stove. He held most of his meetings at the neighborhood Barnes & Noble.

Source: Wired

In the early days, a bell would ring in the office every time someone made a purchase, and everyone would gather around to see whether anyone knew the customer. It took only a few weeks before it was ringing so often they had to make it stop.

Learn more about some of Amazon's early employees here. 

In the first month of its launch, Amazon sold books to people in all 50 states and in 45 different countries. And it continued to grow: Amazon went public on May 15, 1997.

Source: Business Insider

When the dot-com crash came, analysts called the company "Amazon.bomb." But it weathered the storm and ended up being one of the few startups that wasn't wiped out by the dot-com bust.

Amazon has now gone beyond selling books to offering almost everything you can imagine, including appliances, clothing, and even cloud computing services.

In the early days, Bezos was a demanding boss and could explode at employees. Rumor has it he hired a leadership coach to help him tone it down.

Here are some of the strategies Bezos used in building his Amazon empire. 

Bezos is known for banning PowerPoint presentations at Amazon. Instead, he requires his staff to turn in papers of a specific length on their proposals to encourage critical thinking over simplistic bullet points.

Source: The Everything Store

Bezos is also known for creating a frugal company culture that doesn't offer perks like free food or massages.

In 1998, Bezos became an early investor in Google. He invested $250,000, which was worth about 3.3 million shares when the company went public in 2004. Those would be worth billions today (Bezos hasn't said whether he kept any of his stock after the initial public offering).

Source: All Things D

What does Bezos do with all his money? In 2012, he donated $2.5 million to defend gay marriage in Washington.

Source: The Washington Post

Bezos has also donated $42 million and part of his land in Texas to the construction of The Clock Of The Long Now, an underground timepiece designed to work for 10,000 years.

Source: Business Insider

In August 2013, Bezos bought The Washington Post for $250 million.

Source: The Washington Post

His space company Blue Origin made history in 2015 when it became one of the first commercial companies to successfully launch a reusable rocket.

Source: Business Insider

Bezos' interest in flying has gotten him into trouble in the past. In 2003, Bezos almost died in a helicopter crash in Texas while scouting a site for a test-launch facility for Blue Origin.

Source: CNN

But in early 2016, he flew his personal jet to Germany to pick up and bring home Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post reporter who had been detained by Iran.

Source: Business Insider

Bezos is said to own a 5.35-acre estate on Seattle's Lake Washington that includes 200 yards of shoreline.

Source: Curbed Seattle

He bought a seven-bedroom, $24.5 million mansion in Beverly Hills in 2007. There's a greenhouse, tennis court, pool, and guest house on the property, and it neighbors Tom Cruise's estate.

Source: Forbes

In January 2017, Bezos purchased the Textile Museum, a pair of mansions in Washington, D.C.'s Kalorama neighborhood. The property sold for $23 million and is the largest in Washington. He's currently spending $12 million to renovate the place.

Source: The Washington Post, Business Insider

Here's another look at the mansions.

Bezos also owns four apartments at 212 Fifth Avenue in New York City. His most recent purchase in the building was last April, when he paid a reported $16 million for a three-bedroom unit, bringing his total real estate holdings in the building to nearly $100 million.

Source: Forbes,Business Insider

In February 2020, Bezos became the new owner of the Warner estate, a sprawling compound in Beverly Hills, California, that he reportedly purchased for $165 million. A few months later, Bezos added to the compound with an adjacent house worth $10 million.

Source: Business Insider

Now, more than 20 years after going public, Amazon has a market cap of over $1.56 trillion.

Source: Markets Insider

In August 2017, Amazon officially acquired Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. The Amazon influence became immediately clear: Customers who are Amazon Prime subscribers can get 10% of sale prices, and you'll see some Amazon branded items offered, including tech products like the popular Amazon Echo line.

Source: Business Insider

In July 2017, Bezos became the world's richest person for the first time, surpassing Microsoft founder Bill Gates. At the time, his net worth was more than $90 billion.

Source: Markets Insider, Forbes

Despite his high net worth, Bezos doesn't actually take home a high salary, comparatively speaking: His annual salary comes out to $81,840, according to Bloomberg.

Source: Bloomberg

In January 2019, Bezos and his wife of 25 years, novelist MacKenzie Bezos, announced they were divorcing. "As our family and close friends know, after a long period of loving exploration and trial separation, we have decided to divorce and continue our shared lives as friends," the couple wrote in the statement. "If we had known we would separate after 25 years, we would do it all again."

Tweet Embed:
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Shortly after the Bezoses announced their divorce last January, news broke that Bezos was dating TV host and helicopter pilot Lauren Sanchez.

At the time, the National Enquirer said it had conducted a four-month investigation into Bezos and Sanchez's relationship and had obtained texts and explicit photos the couple had sent to each other.

Almost immediately, questions arose about the Enquirer's motives for investigating Bezos and Sanchez and the tabloid's connection to President Trump — Bezos immediately launched an investigation into who had leaked his personal messages.

Then, in February, Bezos dropped a bombshell of his own: an explosive blog post titled "No thank you, Mr. Pecker," in which he accused Pecker and AMI of trying to blackmail him. As a result, Bezos published the emails he'd received from AMI.

"Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I've decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten," Bezos wrote.

The Bezoses announced on Twitter they had finalized the term of their divorce in April 2019. MacKenzie retained more than $35 billion in Amazon stock, making her one of the world's richest women.

Source: Business Insider

Since then, Bezos and Sanchez have had a whirlwind two years, attending Wimbledon together, yachting with other moguls and celebrities, and vacationing in Saint-Tropez and St. Barths.

Source: Business Insider

During the coronavirus outbreak, Amazon saw a surge in demand as more people were forced to shop online. Amazon created more jobs and raised pay for workers, but Bezos and the company faced scrutiny over worker safety during the outbreak.

Source: Business Insider

The company is also facing antitrust concerns, particularly the company's practices when it comes to third-party sellers on its platform. Bezos and other major tech CEOs will testified in front of Congress at the end of July.

Source: Business Insider

Read more:America wanted its first unfiltered look at Jeff Bezos, the world's richest person. The Amazon CEO used caution and skill to stay out of the spotlight.

After the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed, Bezos was outspoken about his support for the Black Lives Matter movement, publicly shaming customers who sent racist emails about his and Amazon's support. In an Instagram post, he posted a screenshot of a customer email and described the man as "the kind of customer I'm happy to lose."

Source: Business Insider

In recent weeks, Bezos and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have seen their respective net worths spike. The two moguls have flip-flopped for the spot of world's richest person, though it appears Bezos is staying on top with a fortune worth $183 billion.

Source: Business Insider, Bloomberg

Jeff Bezos is known as the founder, CEO, and president of Amazon and as one of the internet age's biggest success stories.

However, before becoming the richest person in the world, Bezos came from humble beginnings. The son of a teenage mother and absent father, Bezos showed promise at an early age. After graduating from Princeton University and leaving his finance career, Bezos launched Amazon from his garage in Seattle.

As he celebrates his birthday on January 12, here are 13 things you probably didn't know about Jeff Bezos.

SEE ALSO: 'Amazon' wasn't the original name of Jeff Bezos' company, and 14 other little-known facts about the early days of Amazon

His mother, Jacklyn Bezos, gave birth to him when she was a teenager.

According to CNBC, Bezos, then Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen, was barely 17 years old and a junior in high school when she gave birth to her son in 1964. At the time, her high school administrators told her she would not be permitted to finish her education there. 

After she was allowed to return under strict conditions, Jacklyn Bezos graduated and later divorced from Jeff Bezos' biological father, Ted Jorgensen, after less than a year of marriage. Jeff Bezos was just over a year old at the time. She struggled to make ends meet while working as a secretary and, at one point, didn't even have enough income to afford a phone, CNBC reported.

Determined to make life better for her and her son, Bezos enrolled in college classes with professors who permitted her to bring her infant along. It was there that she met and eventually married Mike Bezos, a Cuban immigrant who would give Jeff Bezos his last name and step in as his father.

Bezos' biological father was once a circus performer.

According to the 2013 biography of Jeff Bezos by Brad Stone, "The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon," the now-billionaire's biological father was a unicyclist and circus performer.

When Stone tracked down Jorgensen to interview him for his biography, he had reportedly not seen his son in decades and hadn't realized he was his biological father. Jorgensen reached out to his son and the two made amends, with Bezos telling him "he harbored no ill will towards Jorgensen at all," according to Stone.

Ted Jorgensen died March 16, 2015, at the age of 71.

Bezos was interested in how things work and engineering even as a child.

When Bezos was a toddler, he reportedly felt he was "too old" to sleep in a crib and managed to take it apart with a screwdriver all by himself. By the time he entered high school, Bezos had transformed his home garage into a laboratory for his own inventions, Harvard Business School wrote, citing Angela Duckworth's "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance."

He started his first business when he was in high school.

While he was in high school, Bezos launched his very first business, an educational summer camp for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders called the Dream Institute. According to Insider, Bezos and his girlfriend at the time both worked on the camp and charged its six attendees $600 per person.

Prior to starting the camp, Bezos also worked at McDonald's for a summer.

Bezos worked on Wall Street in the early 1990s.

After graduating from Princeton University with a degree in computer science and electrical engineering, Bezos worked at several financial firms on Wall Street in New York City, including Fitel and investment firm D.E. Shaw, Insider previously reported.

Bezos worked his way up to become D.E. Shaw's youngest vice president in 1990 but left four years later to launch an online bookstore.

Bezos founded Amazon in his garage.

After launching a prototype of the Amazon website and asking 300 friends to beta test it, Bezos and a few early employees began developing software for the site in Bezos' garage. The space was so small that Bezos was forced to hold meetings at a local Barnes & Noble, according to Insider. The small team later expanded their operations and began working out of a two-bedroom house.

Jeff Bezos' wife, MacKenzie Bezos, also played a large role in the founding of Amazon during the company's early years. After the couple divorced in 2019 after 25 years of marriage, MacKenzie Bezos received 25% of the couple's stock in Amazon, which was worth about $38 billion at the time.

Jeff Bezos almost named his company "Cadabra" instead of Amazon.

Jeff Bezos originally wanted to give his company the more magical-sounding name but was warned against doing so by Amazon's first lawyer, Todd Tarbert, according to a previous article by Insider.

Tarbert explained that the name "Cadabra" sounded a little too similar to "cadaver," especially over the phone. In the end, the founder and future billionaire went with Amazon, named after the largest river in the world because he was building the largest bookstore in the world.

Bezos was a passenger in a helicopter crash in 2003.

While onboard an Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter with his attorney, guide Ty Holland, and pilot Charles Bella, Bezos was involved in a serious helicopter crash in west Texas after wind blew the helicopter off course.

According to Insider, the helicopter landed upside-down in a creek and partially filled with water. Bella, Bezos, and Holland all escaped the wreck with only minor injuries. However, Bezos' attorney, Elizabeth Korrell, suffered a broken vertebra from the accident.

"Avoid helicopters whenever possible," Bezos told Fast Company in 2004. "They're not as reliable as fixed-wing aircraft."

Bezos is the owner of the Washington Post.

Bezos purchased the newspaper company in 2013 for $250 million. At the time, Bezos' net worth was estimated to be over $25 billion. Immediately following the purchase, The Post Company shares rose 5.5% in after-hours trading. 

Under Bezos' ownership, the once-struggling newspaper turned a profit in 2016, 2017, and 2018, according to CNN.

The billionaire also runs his own privately funded rocket ship company, Blue Origin.

The aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Kent, Washington, which is also Bezos' home state. 

"Blue Origin believes that in order to preserve Earth, our home, for our grandchildren's grandchildren, we must go to space to tap its unlimited resources and energy,"the company's mission statement reads.

Read more:SpaceX and Blue Origin gave big bucks to Ted Cruz and 7 other legislators who can help them expand commercial space flight and land key government contracts

Bezos had a cameo role in "Star Trek Beyond."

Bezos played an alien in the 2016 movie reboot, and reportedly made quite an impression on set, with movie star Chris Pine saying the CEO arrived to set with three limousines and accompanied by nine bodyguards. 

"For years, I have been begging Paramount, which is owned by Viacom, to let me be in a 'Star Trek' movie. I was very persistent, and you can imagine the poor director who got the call, you know, 'You have to let Bezos be in your "Star Trek" movie,'" Bezos said at the 2016 Pathfinder Awards at Seattle's Museum of Flight. "It was super fun for me. It was a bucket list item."

He became a self-made billionaire in 1999 at 35 years old.

The same year that Bezos first registered on the Forbes Billionaires list, Amazon's headquarters was on the same street as a pawn shop and an adult film store, according to CNBC.

Since the turn of the millennium, Bezos' net worth has drastically grown ...

In August 2020, Bezos became the first person in modern history to accumulate a fortune of over $200 billion.

As of January 12, 2021, he's worth $181.7 billion, according to Forbes, officially making him the richest person in the world.

Read more: Jeff Bezos is the first person ever to be worth $200 billion. This is how the Amazon CEO's immense wealth stacks up to the average US worker, the British monarchy, and entire countries' GDP.

Since Dara Khosrowshahi took over as CEO of Uber in 2017, making the ride-hailing giant profitable has been one of his top priorities. Though the company has earned an annual profit during his tenure once, in 2018, it was driven by one-off proceeds from a joint venture it formed in Russia and the sale of its Southeast Asia business. (The company's day-to-day operations lost money that year.)

Since the company went public in 2019, it has lost money in every quarter, leading some to question whether Uber can reverse that trend.

Uber thinks it can. Despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus, the company expects to hit a measure of adjusted profitability (earnings before interest payments, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) by the end of this year.

To move Uber closer to that goal, Khosrowshahi has been slimming the company down and narrowing its focus on the services and markets he believes have the most potential.

These are the pillars of Khosrowshahi's cost-cutting strategy.

SEE ALSO: Tesla bounced back better than ever after the worst mistake Elon Musk ever made

Reducing discounts and incentives

In its early years, Uber focused on growth above all else. To attract as many riders and drivers as possible and fend off competitors, Uber offered low prices, discounts, and bonuses.

But as Uber and Lyft have solidified their positions as the US' ride-hailing leaders and attracted more financial scrutiny following their 2019 IPOs, both companies have raised prices, lowered driver pay, and cut back on discounts and incentives.

"The era of growth at all costs is over," Khosrowshahi said last year.

Exiting markets where it can't win

To limit the number of price wars Uber has to fight, Khosrowshahi sold the company's Southeast Asia business in 2018 and has pulled its delivery service out of countries, like Egypt and Ukraine, where he doesn't see a path to becoming a leader. In some cases, Uber has invested in competitors that are in a better position to succeed.

That gives Uber the potential to benefit from the growing popularity of on-demand rides and deliveries across the globe, while limiting costly battles with well-funded rivals.

Read more: Read the pitch deck that Uber founder Garrett Camp created for the ride-hailing giant back in 2008 – before the company became the $120 billion giant it is today

Selling off or shutting down secondary businesses

In 2019, Khosrowshahi laid out a vision to turn Uber into the "Amazon of transportation"— the go-to option for people who want to travel nearby or order food, groceries, or other items from a local business. At times, the company has also expanded beyond transportation into areas like credit cards and short-term staffing.

But of late, Uber has scaled back its ambitions. In 2020, the company sold its bike and scooter business to Lime, its autonomous-vehicle unit to Aurora Innovation, and its flying-taxi project to Joby Aviation while taking stakes in each of those companies.

Bringing in outside investors to fund long-term projects

While the vast majority of Uber's revenue comes from ride-hailing and food deliveries, the company also has a logistics app that allows shippers to find truck drivers who can haul their goods from their warehouses to stores. Last year, Uber sold part of its logistics business, Uber Freight, to Greenbriar Equity to help fund the division while it's still losing money.

Uber used a similar strategy with ATG, its autonomous-vehicle program, before offloading the unit.

Read more: Travis Kalanick believed mastering self-driving cars was a matter of life-or-death for Uber. His replacement just sold the ride-hailing giant's autonomy unit.

Shrinking its workforce

Uber has undergone multiple rounds of layoffs over the past two years. Last spring, the company cut more than 20% of its employees, citing the impact of the coronavirus and uncertainty around when its ride-hailing business would fully recover. That followed a series of workforce reductions in 2019 that were aimed at making Uber more efficient.

Correction: A prior version of this story said Uber hasn't made a profit in a single quarter. The company was profitable in 2018. A prior version of this story also indicated that Uber is no longer operating in Egypt. Though Uber removed its delivery business from Egypt in 2020, its ride-hailing business still operates in the country.

Are you a current or former Uber employee? Do you have a news tip or opinion you'd like to share? Contact this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com, on Signal at 646-768-4712, or via his encrypted email address mmatousek@protonmail.com.

• Read more:
• Read a leaked copy of Uber's employee handbook that reveals how its CEO has reshaped its culture
• Google paid a star self-driving engineer $120 million. Then he quit, joined a rival, and headed to prison.
• Uber salaries revealed: From $85,000 to $330,000, here's how much the ride-hailing giant pays some of its employees
• The DC to Silicon Valley pipeline: Meet the former Washington power-players who joined the ranks at tech companies like Amazon and Airbnb