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The best indoor bike trainers

January 28, 2021, 1:03 pm
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Summary List Placement
  • Indoor bike trainers let you smoothly replicate the outdoor riding experience at home, allow you to reliably train all year long.
  • We tested and rounded up a number of models that were easy to use and set up, work with a variety of bike styles, and have proven to perform well.
  • Our top pick, the Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer, is a lightweight trainer that works with popular training apps and is intuitive to set up and ride. 
Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky

With an indoor bike trainer, I'm able to simulate what it's like to ride outdoors whenever the weather turns particularly nasty — or for when I just don't feel like throwing on my rain gear. Even if it is nice outside, it allows me to get in a quick workout before or after work, or whenever I have a few minutes to spare but not enough time for a full-on ride. 

They're also an excellent alternative to the expensive at-home stationary bikes offered by brands like NordicTrack or Peloton. While those deliver a highly interactive experience, indoor bike trainers put the onus of the workout on the rider. There are no instructors motivating you along the way or any tablet-sized monitors displaying your stats; it's just you, your bike, and the trainer — and some cyclists prefer it this way. 

The following guide features trainers I found to be easy to use, that are compatible with a variety of bike types, and have a track record of performance. When shopping for a trainer, make sure the model you ultimately purchase works with your specific bike. If not, you may need to buy additional parts.

At the end of this guide, I've included some tips on how to shop for an indoor bike trainer, as well as a rundown of how I tested each bike trainer and a few additional trainers I tested that didn't quite make the cut. 

Here are the best indoor bike trainers:

Best overall

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer provides an optimal balance of performance (with and without inclines), and an attractive price.

Pros: Accurate, lightweight, affordable, easy to set up, great for hill climbs

Cons: Runs loud, several features are only available through in-app purchases

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer uses an optical torque sensor (OTS) power meter to accurately measure power within 2% of the actual output. This combined with Direto's pedal analysis options helps you optimize your training. The smart trainer can also simulate inclines up to 14%. Wireless connectivity is through Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C, and it's compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.  

In our research, the only difference we could find between the Direto and the Direto 2 is that the newer version comes with a trainer block and features a slight internal upgrade for accuracy. The two are so similar that the Direto 2 sometimes gets delivered in the same box as the Direto and is simply labeled "Direto" without the "2."



Best smart trainer

If you're willing to spend a little extra for a trainer that closely captures the feel of riding on the road, the Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer is your best bet.

Pros: Excellent performance, accurate power meter, realistic road feel, runs quietly, works with several apps, two-year warranty

Cons: No-carry handle, complaints about the pedal analysis features, connectivity issues with the Tacx app

The Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer features dynamic inertia, which compensates for incline, speed, and weight to provide a smooth and realistic ride feel. It's even able to simulate acceleration on descents or riding over gravel and cobblestones.

Tacx focused on creating a silent trainer that keeps you and your bike completely still while mounted — a much-needed perk for cyclists who live in apartment buildings. The trainer also closely monitors the position of each leg to achieve a more precise pedal analysis.

The NEO 2 Smart can simulate climbs up to 25% and resists sprints up to 2,200 watts. Tacx backs the quality of this product with a two-year warranty. 



Best direct drive trainer

The Unisky Direct Drive Bike Trainer is a wheel-off trainer that delivers a smooth and stable ride experience and uses noise reduction fluid to keep whisper quiet.

Pros: Smooth, stable ride, use of noise reduction fluid makes it one of the quietest trainers available, compatible with road and mountain bikes

Cons: Cassette not included

Unisky's Direct Drive Bike Trainer just might be the quietest trainer in this guide, using noise reduction fluid to produce a near-silent ride every time. The stable base and durable construction allow each ride to feel steady, no matter if you're riding a road bike or a mountain bike (of which it's compatible with both). 

This trainer easily folds up when not in use, making it highly portable and easy to stow, and the rubber nubs on each leg allow it to stay stable even if it's placed on an uneven surface. At $429, it also won't break the bank.



Best entry-level trainer

The wheel-on design of the Wahoo Fitness Kickr Snap Bike Trainer provides app-controlled resistance, is compatible with both Bluetooth and ANT+, and offers incline up to a 12% grade.

Pros: Realistic road feel, pairs seamlessly with several apps, great customer service, one-year return policy

Cons: Advanced riders may want to look elsewhere

The Wahoo Fitness Kickr Snap Bike Trainer is designed to bring the outdoor riding experience indoors. Its wheel-on design accommodates road and mountain bikes, and app-controlled resistance lets you dial in exactly how hard of a ride you want. 

This trainer also uses Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility, is made of durable carbon steel, and can adjust its incline up to a 12% grade to better simulate climbing hills. It also delivers quiet performance and easily folds up for stowing in a closet or taking with you on the road.

The device is backed by REI's 100% satisfaction guarantee, too, meaning you get up to 90 days to return it if you're not satisfied.



Best budget trainer

The Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer is an affordable option if you don't need smart connectivity but still want an indoor ride. 

Pros: Affordable, heavy-duty construction, excellent customer service, lifetime warranty

Cons: No smart connectivity, not easily portable

Before the recent surge in smart trainers, the Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer was at the top of the heap. This heavy-duty beast features a 2-inch-round, 16-gauge steel frame made of 100% recyclable, nonrusting materials in the United States.

The trainer comes with a steel quick-release skewer, and the 2-inch resistant roller fits a wide array of road and mountain bike wheel sizes. CycleOps backs the quality of its trainer with a lifetime warranty, too. 



What else we considered

When researching this guide, we considered several models of bike trainers, and there are a few we almost included. The following two trainers barely missed the cut:

FeedBack Sports Omnium Portable Cycle Trainer ($429.99)

The Omnium is unique because you remove your front wheel, attach it to the stand, and your back wheel rests on two 4-inch magnetic drums that supply progressive resistance. This set also comes with a travel bag that fits in an airplane overhead bin.

Kinetic R1 Direct Drive Smart Trainer ($749.00)

Kinetic by Kurt is one of the top names in the bike trainer industry, and the R1 is its high-end direct drive trainer. It features compatibility with popular training apps, a 20% max slope, and a 2,000-watt max resistance at 30 mph. However, it's relatively new so the verdict is still out.



How to shop for an indoor bike trainer

However, they're no longer popular as modern trainers offer a more advanced and effective approach. Though most of today's trainers simply hold the bike in place, there is some variation. Here are the types of trainers you'll come across:

Friction trainers: Friction trainers used to be the go-to bike trainer (emphasis on used to). This type of trainer supplies fluid- or magnetic-resistance to the rear wheel via a small roller. 

Direct drive trainers: Overtaking friction trainers were direct drive trainers. With these, you remove your back wheel and attach the rear dropout to the trainer — they require a cassette compatible with your bike, too. Direct-drive trainers offer the highest level of resistance and are often the most accurate. They also happen to cost the most. Direct-drive trainers are smart, too, which means you can connect them to a mobile device and whatever virtual riding apps you use. You can control the resistance yourself or have it adjust automatically. 

Fluid trainers: Direct-drive trainers aren't the only smart trainers as there are also several fluid trainers with Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity. Even if you choose a non-smart trainer, you're still able to purchase accessories to make it smart. For instance, the Garmin Bike Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2 bundle provides you with valuable data when riding outdoors.



How we test indoor bike trainers

Each of the bike trainers featured in this guide went through a series of cycling tests to see how well they performed when judged against these four categories: Ease of use, ride experience, features, and value. Here's how we considered each category during testing:

Ease of use: Since an indoor bike trainer requires you to attach your actual bike to it, you'll ideally want one that's straightforward to use and set up — the last thing you want is for it to fall apart or for your bike to become unattached while riding. We looked at how easy each trainer was to assemble out of the box, as well as how much tinkering they required to get the bike attached just right. Thankfully, the guide features trainers that were all highly intuitive.

Ride experience: Regardless of whether you want to crank up the resistance or are just hopping on for a leisurely afternoon ride, you'll want the trainer to deliver a smooth ride every time. To judge this, we rode each of them both casually and aggressively (oftentimes in the same session) to see if there was any difference in output. Some, where noted, certainly offered a more consistently smooth ride than others. 

Features: The smart trainers featured in this guide get a bit of a leg up here but even the standard trainers we tested offered everything from resistance control to the ability to change the incline. The most basic of bike trainers let you just attach your bike and ride away but those that offer a deeper well of features allow you to hone in on exactly how you want to cycle. 

Value: Some of the bike trainers featured in this guide carry a relatively steep asking price, though their inherent value is more than just how much they cost. Of course, it's ideal to both spend as little as possible while still getting something considered high-quality, so value truly comes down to the combination of the three categories above, as well as if its sticker price is worth the investment. 



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The best smart plugs and outlets of 2021

January 28, 2021, 1:16 pm
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Summary List Placement
  • The best smart plugs give you more control over your non-connected devices.
  • Smart outlets let you control your devices remotely or with voice commands.
  • The best smart outlet is theCurrant Smart Plug, which has power-use monitoring features.

Smart outlets and plugs allow you to plug in anything from a lamp to a coffee maker and give you remote control. A smart outlet takes some wiring, while you just insert a plug into an existing outlet. Some have additional features, like the ability to track how much power individual devices are using. 

Being able to turn a light on or off from across the room may seem merely convenient but can be crucial for those with mobility issues. Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant work with many outlets and plugs, giving an added layer of ease with voice control.  

In choosing the best smart outlets and plugs, we opted for affordable devices that are easy to use but still have a range of features.  

Here are the best smart outlets you can buy: 

The best smart plug overall

For a smart outlet that can help you monitor your power usage, in addition to providing smart home control, theCurrant Smart Plug is the best option.

Pros: Power consumption analysis, attractive design, voice control

Cons: A little pricey, covers both receptacles

Currant's Smart Plug is a large brick that plugs into your wall. It has an attractive design but be aware that it will cover both outlets. However, you can still plug two devices into it.

The smart plug comes with an Autopilot feature that lets you create customized schedules and rules for how devices should operate. For instance, you can set it to turn on your lights at a specific time. With help from other smart-home devices, it can turn products on and off based on a set of actions. 

The Currant Smart Plug works with voice assistants, including Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use those assistants to control your smart plug with ease.

Arguably its most important feature, however, is the Currant app that gives you real-time insight into power consumption. You can see how much energy each of your products uses and view charts to approximate how much they cost you to be on. With any luck at all, Currant's plug will help you save a few bucks on your energy bill.



The best budget smart plug

TheKasa Smart Plug by TP-Link is a simple smart outlet that's affordable and intuitive. 

Pros: Simple design, affordable bundles

Cons: No surge protection

TP-Link's Kasa Smart Plug is a diminutive device that fits easily into most places around the house. Since it's so small, you could even put it in areas where receptacles are hard to reach, making it easier to control devices you regularly need to unplug.

Like other smart plugs, the Kasa works over Wi-Fi and requires just a 2.4GHz connection. It works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft Cortana, you can use voice commands to control the outlets around your home.

Arguably the Kasa's most important feature is how it's sold. In a bundle of three for a surprisingly affordable price — sometimes under $30 — you can easily set up the home with smart outlets and have a fully fledged smart home. If that's your goal, then start with TP-Link's Kasa Smart Plug. It's a winner for smart-home newcomers. I've used the Kasa extensively and found it to be reliable and simple to control. 



The best HomeKit smart plug

There aren't a ton of options for HomeKit plugs, but theWemo Mini Smart Plug is a solid choice.

Pros: Outstanding price, great HomeKit support, away mode, button for easy on-and-off use

Cons: Only one outlet per receptacle, bulky design

It's easier to find smart plugs that work with Alexa or Google than with Apple's HomeKit. However, there's a lot to like with the Wemo Mini Smart Plug. It also has a button on the front, so you can easily activate or deactivate it without needing to use your phone or voice to do so. This is an often-overlooked but useful feature.

Wemo's Mini Smart Plug works extremely well and is one of the more affordable smart outlets on the market, available for under $20. With away mode, the plug will randomly turn on and off your lights, offering some added security.

There's only one available outlet per receptacle, which might be a pain if you have multiple devices to connect. However, I have several of these Wemos, and for the price, it's hard to beat.



The best smart power strip

TheKasa Smart Plug Power Strip lets you control six devices independently.

Pros: Support for multiple devices, USB support, voice control, surge protection

Cons: More expensive than other options

Unlike the others in this roundup, the Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip from TP-Link is a power strip. Plug it into the wall like any other power strip, and you'll have the option of plugging in up to six other devices into it. There are also three USB ports in the strip, so you can charge several devices without needing an adapter.

Each outlet is smart, so you can control every plugged-in device independently. You can program your app to know which device to control at any time. Be aware, however, that you can't control USB-connected devices in the same way.

The Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip works with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa. While it is more expensive than individual plugs, it gives you control over three times as many devices as any other option on this list. 



The best smart outlet

TheGE Enbrighten is a smart outlet, so you'll need to install it, but it looks less obtrusive than many smart plugs.

Pros: Familiar design, voice control, comes with outdoor option

Cons: Must be installed, only one receptacle is smart, requires Z-Wave hub

The biggest difference between the GE Enbrighten and the others in this roundup is that it will require some electrical know-how. You'll need to fully replace your old outlet with the Enbrighten. That means fiddling with wires in your walls, which might require an electrician if you're not comfortable doing so.

Once it's set up, however, you'll find that it won't take up additional room. It works with Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa, and other smart home platforms, so you'll be able to control it with your voice. Oddly, just one of the outlets is a smart-home-equipped option. The other is an always-on receptacle that won't work with smart home services.

Still, if you're looking for a cleaner design and have some electrical knowledge, opting for the GE Enbrighten makes sense.



How to choose a smart plug or outlet

There are a few things to think about before buying a smart plug or outlet. 

Outlets versus plugs: Smart outlets completely replace the outlet that's already in your wall. You may want an electrician to help, if you're not comfortable messing with wires. A smart plug fits into your existing outlet, and you then plug lamps, fans, and other devices directly into it. For areas with lots of devices, you may want to consider a smart power strip. 

Safety: You'll want to check that the plug or outlet meets safety standards. Most devices on this list are UL listed, for example, though we couldn't find that information for the Currant plug. Before plugging in a device, you'll want to ensure you're not overloading it. Check the amperage and watts for small appliances, like hair dryers, to see if they'll work with the plug or outlet. 

Size: Some smart plugs are pretty bulky. If you're trying to fit them behind a piece of furniture that sits flush with the wall, you'll want to take that into consideration. You also want to make sure it doesn't obscure the other outlet, or that it allows you to plug in two devices at once. 

Easy of use: Apps that control smart plugs should be simple to use. Ideally, you should be able to find some schedules that work for you and rarely need to open the app. If you don't like the idea of always needing your phone, you might want to consider a plug with a power button. 

Other features: Not every smart plug or outlet comes with voice control, power monitoring, and other advanced features, so you'll want to decide ahead of time if those are must-haves.



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The best wine coolers and fridges in 2021

January 28, 2021, 1:38 pm
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Table of Contents: Masthead StickySummary List Placement

A wine fridge, also called a wine cooler or wine cellar, is a temperature-controlled device for storing wine for maximum flavor and shelf life. It can be a good investment if you have the space, especially if you're a collector or tend to buy wine in bulk. 

Luneau USA wine importer Pierre Haury told us that wine fridges are notorious for breaking prematurely, and often just outside of a typical one-year warranty. Haury recommends spending upwards of $500 for something that will truly last (somewhere between a few years and a decade or so, according to him).

This creates a bit of a conundrum: thermoelectric fridges are on the cheaper side, and tend not to last terribly long, according to Haury, while compressor fridges are not ideal for wine collectors, as vibration and a fan can disturb and degrade wine over time.

For now, we've narrowed our recommendations down to a mid-sized thermoelectric chiller (which can also go under your counter), a freestanding compressor one, and a smaller, more budget-friendly option. Short of a full cellar, we feel these three cover the bases.

Here are the best wine fridges in 2021

The best thermoelectric wine fridge

Because it's thermoelectric, the Koolatron WC20 20-Bottle Wine Cooler maintains accurate temperatures with minimal noise and zero vibration — something you and your wine will appreciate.

Pros: Runs quietly, holds accurate temperatures, removable shelves

Cons: Some users report difficulty switching from Celsius to Fahrenheit settings, no lock

The dark, mirrored glass door of the Koolatron WC20 20-Bottle Wine Cooler lends it some style while blocking UV rays, which can affect the flavor of complex wines. This single-zone fridge keeps temperatures between 46 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit. And, for proper aging and settling, a vibration-free thermoelectric fridge like this is the way to go.

It has clear controls to set the temperature and toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius, though some users report that it can get stuck in the Celsius setting. You might need to get used to mental conversions if this happens to you. 

There's interior LED lighting, which can be turned on or off without opening the fridge door. Conveniently, five of the shelves can be removed to accommodate oversized or irregularly shaped bottles. 

At just under 22 inches tall, the cooler is compact and can sit on or under your counter. However, it doesn't come with a built-in lock. 



The best compressor wine fridge

The Kalamera 46-Bottle Wine Refrigerator runs quietly for a compressor fridge, is large enough to store 46 bottles, and fits under your counter.

Pros: Runs quietly, dual temperature zones, accent lighting, fits 46 bottles

Cons: Pricey, some users notice unpleasant sounds

The Kalamera 46-Bottle Wine Refrigerator has all the bells and whistles: a lock, fun blue accent lighting, dual temperature zones, and yes, it does look nice. It also holds up to 46 bottles: eight on each of the five sliding beechwood shelves and six on the bottom.

Why two temperature zones? The upper zone keeps wines between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lower zone stays in the 50 to 66 degree range. Both zones' temperatures are easy to read on the fridge's digital displays, and can be adjusted by pushing the up and down arrows.

Freestanding, this model's dimensions are 23.4 by 33 by 22.4 inches, but it was also designed to work as a built-in appliance, should you be remodeling your kitchen anytime soon.



The best small wine fridge

While Nutrichef's 12-bottle wine fridge is a compressor fridge, and therefore not ideal for longterm storage of high-quality wine, it will do the trick if you want to keep a few bottles on hand for casual drinking. 

Pros: Compact size, stainless steel, can store open bottles

Cons: No lock, compressor fridges not ideal for long-term wine storage

Nutrichef's 12-bottle fridge is an excellent option for more casual wine drinkers — especially those who want to keep perfectly-chilled white wine on hand.

Since it's a compressor refrigerator, it's going to be a little noisier than most wine chillers. It's also going to vibrate more — thanks in part to its built-in circulation fan — which is, as we've mentioned, not ideal for wine storage.

As for design, it's more vertically inclined than our other picks, meaning it's a smart choice for a smaller kitchen. Just be sure to measure first if you plan to place it on your countertop; it may or may not fit underneath an overhanging cabinet.

Stainless steel blends in with most kitchens, and built-in LED lights for easy label-reading are a nice touch. We especially like the rack on the bottom, where you can place two open bottles without worrying about spillage. 

Again, any bottles you don't plan to drink within a couple of weeks should be stored horizontally to preserve the cork. If they have screw caps, that's not really as much of a concern.

We do wish the Nutrichef had a lock. If you've got young ones who might sneak into your wine fridge, you may want to look elsewhere or consider installing your own.



Wine fridge FAQs

Why buy a wine fridge?

All wine, according to a Masterclass held by wine critic James Suckling, should be stored at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and bottles with corks should be stored horizontally to keep the cork from dry-rotting and letting in oxygen (and whatever else). According to the World Food Logistics Organization, wine should be kept at a temperature between 50 and 60 degrees, and anything outside of the 50-to-75-degree range can cause damage. When it comes time for drinking, red wines are best served between 62 and 68 degrees, and whites between 49 and 55 degrees.

There are a few things to keep in mind when buying a fridge — that is, any fridge:

What makes a refrigerator a wine fridge?

Wine refrigerators, or chillers, can run on two different types of generators, or motors: compressor (like a regular refrigerator) or thermoelectric.

It's generally best to go for wine fridges powered by thermoelectric generators. The short of it is that thermoelectric generators are solid-state with no moving parts, so they're quiet, don't vibrate, and tend to not overheat as much. Thermoelectric fridges are also cheaper to purchase, but less efficient and more expensive to operate.

Compressor fridges, which are really just miniature fridges, vibrate (not good for wine) and are less environmentally friendly, but also less expensive to operate. While compressor fridges can reach colder temperatures, that's not necessary for a wine fridge, which really doesn't need to go below 55 for storage, or 49 for chilling white wines. However, if you live in an extreme climate, a compressor fridge might be your best bet; thermoelectric fridges tend to run better if they're kept in ambient temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees.

To read more on how wine fridges are made, we suggest this extremely thorough article from refrigerator blog New Air.



What to look for in a wine fridge

Convenience

How many bottles are you looking to store? Do you want dual temperature zones — one area for storing and one area for bringing reds up to temperature or whites down to temperature? How about locks to prevent kids from finding their way into your beloved stash? Is it going to catch any sunlight? You might look for a UV-treated door.

Noise

Wine chillers are on the noisy side, and since thermoelectric models require mild ambient temperatures to run (about 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit), you're probably going to have to keep them indoors and monitor your thermostat. 

Energy efficiency

Wine refrigerators are not energy efficient and are not even in the federal government's Energy Star program. Thermoelectric fridges are less energy-efficient than compressor fridges, but more environmentally friendly to produce. 



Check out our other wine lover guides

 



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The best iPhone accessories

January 28, 2021, 1:40 pm
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Summary List Placement
  • The best iPhone accessories can seriously improve your overall iPhone experience — and each and every product on this list is aimed at making your phone better, safer, and cleaner.
  • For example, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones will make your iPhone music-listening experience way better, thanks to their comfort and sound-quality.
  • And, Speck's iPhone cases will keep your device shiny and new, while adding a colorful flare to your phone.
Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky

Whether we are taking pictures of our pets for social media, fielding texts from friends, or making calls for work, an iPhone is likely our 24/7 companion. 

In many cases, accessories can protect and enhance our iPhone experience. There are hundreds of different add-ons for the phone — from cases to keep your phone safe to wireless chargers that make powering up your device more convenient. All of the options can be overwhelming, which is why we've put together this guide to help ensure that you only get the best iPhone accessories.

There are a few things to consider before buying accessories for your iPhone. For starters, you'll want to make sure that the accessories are compatible with your particular iPhone model. For example, if you're buying a phone case, you'll need a case that fits your specific device. The same is true for screen protectors and charging cables. 

And, if you're buying wireless charging accessories, you'll need an iPhone 8 or later. But you'll need the iPhone 12 if you are looking for wireless charging devices and other accessories that take advantage of Apple's new MagSafe connection. Apple's MagSafe chargers are great for iPhone 12 owners, but we don't list them here because we've found other more versatile charging solutions that we like just as much.

Here are our top picks for the best iPhone accessories:

The best iPhone wireless charging

The Moshi Otto Q is one of best-designed wireless chargers out there, plus it supports fast wireless charging and ensures your device won't slip with its silicone ring.

Pros: Nice design, fast-charging support, non-slip features

Cons: Doesn't come with an adapter

Wireless charging has been around for years, but Apple finally adopted the tech in the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Using a wireless charger, you can simply plop your device down on a charging mat, and it will — almost magically — start charging. There are a range of wireless charging mats out there, and the best all-round wireless charging mats is the Moshi Otto Q wireless charger.

There are a few things that make this such a great charger. It doesn't necessarily have the most features out there, but it's beautifully-designed and should easily blend into the rest of your home, thanks largely to the fabric covering. Generally, it just looks friendly — and should look great on any table, nightstand, or kitchen counter. The charger even has a silicone ring on the top of it to ensure that your phone stays firmly on the charger without slipping off.

The charger supports other helpful features, too. For example, with the right adapter, like a Quick Charge adapter, the pad supports up to 7.5-watt fast-charging on an iPhone. Safe to say, from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone 12, the Moshi Otto Q should easily charge your device.

So, what are the downsides? Well, the main one is that it doesn't come with an adapter, so you'll have to buy that separately. If you plan on using the wireless charger at night, you'll also have to deal with the relatively bright LED indicator light. 

Still, despite those issues, the vast majority of reviewers love the Moshi Otto Q wireless charger. For example, MacWorld hailed the charger as one of its top picks, thanks to the great design, USB-C connector, and fast charging support.



The best iPhone case

Speck's cases are well-designed, available in a range of colors and designs, and ultra durable — ensuring that your phone survives the majority of drops that it might go through.

Pros: Classy designs, lots of colors and styles, very protective

Cons: None

If you want a solid, reliable iPhone case that will keep your iPhone safe and sound no matter what model you have, then it's worth checking out Speck's lineup of phone cases. Speck offers a range of case models for all different iPhone devices, with a huge range of different colors, thicknesses, and more.

There are a few reasons why it's worth considering Speck cases. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages to Speck cases over other options is the fact that they have excellent grip, ensuring that you're less likely to drop your phone. 

Even if you do drop your phone, it'll likely survive unscathed. That's because of the fact that Speck cases are built for durability. For example, Speck's Presidio Grip case, according to Speck, is built to survive 10-foot drops — which is far further than most drops that are at around waist height. 

Most reviewers love Speck's cases too. Digital Trends included the Speck Presidio Grip case in its list of the best iPhone cases, thanks to the fact that they're rugged and well-designed. The price listed below is around what you can expect for cases made for Apple's newest iPhone models like the iPhone 12. Cases for older models are typically cheaper. 



The best iPhone wireless headphones

Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones are one of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. 

Pro: First-rate noise canceling, improved call quality, great battery life, amazing sound quality

Cons: Expensive, out-of-the-box sound needs to be tweaked using the app

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is one of the best pairs of noise-canceling headphones on the market today. They retain all the features of the highly rated previous model, while cutting the amount of ambient noise that leaks in during phone calls. These rival, and in some ways even surpass, the Bose 700, and are priced hundreds of dollars less than Apple's newly released Airpods Max. 

Sony nails all of the aspects that make for a great pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4: great sound quality that you can customize to your liking, a seamless wireless experience, and excellent noise cancellation. 

The XM4's are made from plastic, which perhaps doesn't offer the most luxurious finish, but are light and extremely comfortable. The plush leatherette ear cups offer an adjustable fit with a grip that is firm, but not headache-inducing. They have a rich sound and wide soundstage, which is made even better by the accompanying app. You can customize the equalizer however you see fit in Sony's app, which my colleague Antonio Villas-Boas found particularly helpful during his review since he was unimpressed with the sound right out of the box. 

The noise cancellation is also excellent and on par with the Bose 700. The MX4 did a great job of reducing background noise and making it possible to sink entirely into the music. 

Sony has made big improvements in reducing ambient noise during phone calls in the MX4. In our review, my colleague wrote that he was able to have a conversation sitting near a powerful generator without the person on the other end of the call realizing it. This is a big jump from the MX3, whose call quality was considerably lacking. 

Sony claims that the MX4 comes with 30 hours of battery life, and five hours of listening time with a 10-minute charge. They come in both a black and silver model and are currently on sale for $278.



The best iPhone fast-charging accessories

If you want fast charging on your iPhone, it's worth buying Apple's first-party accessories, thanks to their nice design and reliability.

Pros: Well-designed, work well with Apple products

Cons: Expensive

Along with wireless charging, newer iPhones also support fast charging — meaning you can plug your iPhone into its charger, and get hours of juice in only 30 minutes or so. Recent iPhone models can fast-charge at up to 18W, and Apple says that using fast charging you could get up to 50% of the battery back in 30 minutes. Any iPhone model that's an iPhone 8 or newer supports fast-charging.

The best way to take advantage of fast charging on your iPhone is by using Apple's own fast charging accessories — including the Apple 18W USB-C power adapter, and the Apple USB-C to Lightning charging cable. Together, these accessories will run you back around $42 in total.

There are plenty of reasons to buy Apple's first-party fast-charging accessories. For starters, with these accessories, you know that you're getting accessories that can truly supply enough power for the phone to use. On top of that, Apple's accessories are well-designed, and should blend right into any home.

Critics love Apple's own accessories, too. Digital Trends recommended the Apple USB-C to Lightning cable and 18W power adapter in its guide on iPhone fast-charging, arguing that the accessories were more advanced than what you'll get with most iPhones.

Note, if you have the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max, you already have the 18W charger accessories. Apple iPhone 12 users, sadly, would do well to pick this up if they don't already own one.

Apple USB-C to Lightning cable

Product Card Module: Lightning to USB-C Cable
Card size: button

Apple 18W power adapter



The best iPhone dock

The Twelve South HiRise 2 Deluxe is a simple, yet effective, stand that holds your iPhone upright while it charges so that your speakers – and home button, if you have one – aren't blocked.

Pros: Simple design, affordable, comes in a few colors, doesn't block your speakers 

Cons: You may need to remove your case

The Twelve South HiRise 2 Deluxe charging dock is a simple, no-frills iPhone accessory that offers a solid perch for your iPhone without blocking access to the bottom of your phone. This means that you can easily swipe up, use the home button – or if your phone is old enough – plug your headphones into the jack. 

The speakers are also unencumbered, so TikTok and YouTube videos will sound great while you're charging. Additionally, the dock is sturdy and well weighted so it won't tip over. 

You can keep almost any case on your iPhone and still use the dock to charge. Even bulky cases like Mophie's Juice Pack Plus work with it. Twelve South says it updated the clip heights to 0 millimeters, 3 millimeters, and 6 millimeters so that you can plug the Lightning (or Micro USB cable, if you're using a battery case) into even the most deeply recessed ports.

The dock is priced at $19.99 and is available in black, silver, and white. A Lightning cable is included in the box.



The best iPhone screen protector

The MaxBoost Tempered Glass screen protector is easy to install and extremely strong — plus its thin design ensures your device is still responsive to touch.

Pros: Strong, easy to install, relatively thin, inexpensive

Cons: None at this price

Are you prone to iPhone drops? Screen protectors are a smart way to ensure that your phone's screen never cracks — and the best out there is the MaxBoost Premium Tempered Glass screen protector. The protector is available in a range of sizes and for a range of models — so no matter what iPhone model you have, you should find something for your needs.

One of the best things about the MaxBoost screen protector is that it's relatively thin — meaning that your device will still be super responsive to your touch, and if you have an iPhone with 3D Touch, you'll still be able to use that feature. On top of that, the screen protector is designed to avoid fingerprints, and it's easy to install.

The protector is cheaper than many other models out there — and as a result, there really aren't any downsides to this protector, especially at this price. The Wirecutter even hailed the product as its favorite screen protector, thanks to its strength and ease-of-installation.



The best iPhone battery pack

Elecjet PowerPie can charge all your devices, is affordable, and comes with both USB-A and USB-C ports.

Pros: High capacity, affordable, versatile, supports fast charging

Cons: Cannot fast charge Huawei or OnePlus phones

The Elecjet PowerPie is a useful companion to any device that needs a charge on the go. Its 20,000 mAh capacity is enough to charge an iPhone many times over, and it can also comfortably power up tablets and even a laptop in a pinch. 

Our reviewer Simon Hill found this to be one of the best he's tested, making it the current top pick in our guide to the best portable chargers and power banks.

The USB-C port supports 45W of charging, while the USB-A port charges at 18W. This combination means that you can fast charge your devices that support it.

Unless, of course, you are also looking to fast charge a Huawei or OnePlus phone in addition to your iPhone. The PowerPie does not support the fast charging protocols for those phones. However, it does offer fast charge support for Samsung phones, so if someone in your household with a Galaxy or Note should get a fast charge too.

This black, rectangular battery pack is utilitarian in design. It has a power button that lights up four LED lights which indicate how much juice is left in the tank. It may not be pretty to look at, but the case is finished in soft-touch plastic that feels good to hold.

With its ability to hold a charge for a long time without heating up and its affordable price, it's definitely worth considering for those looking to keep their devices powered up on-the-go.



The best iPhone cleaning kit

The Whoosh! Screen Cleaning Kit is easy to use and comes with a range of accessories for keeping your device clean — including three microfiber cloths. 

Pros: Inexpensive, comes with everything you'll need, kills most bacteria

Cons: Mainly focused on screens

If you're looking to keep your phone nice and clean, then the Whoosh! Screen Cleaner Kit is the way to go. This kit comes with everything you'll need to ensure that your device is dirt-free, including three premium cloths and two bottles.

While the kit is built mostly for cleaning screens, you can use it to clean other parts of your device too — as long as you're careful not to spray the substance into your device's ports. And, it works with a range of devices, too — Whoosh! says you can use it with iPhones, iPads, Kindles, and more.

So, just how clean will your device get? According to the company, the kit will make your screen a hefty 99.99% cleaner, getting rid of the vast majority of dust and dirt. The product is alcohol and ammonia-free, too — so it's relatively safe to use. 

There really aren't any downsides to this product, except maybe that it's mainly focused on cleaning screens and not other parts of the phone. Others love it, too: Android Central included it in its list of best phone cleaning kits. 



The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive comes in a range of storage options, plus it works with a dedicated app to allow you to easily transfer files.

Pros: App works well, range of storage options, relatively easy to use

Cons: Don't expect it to add native storage to your iPhone

One of the biggest frustrations for iPhone users is the fact that they don't come with MicroSD card slots — meaning that you can't expand on the storage available in them. If you really want to expand on your phone's storage, however, there are other options, like the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive for iPhone.

The flash drive comes with storage capacities of 32, 64, 128, or 256GB of storage — meaning that no matter how much you need to add to your device, there should be something for your needs. The drive is pretty well-designed too — though it's not really built to keep plugged in at all times.

The drive works in conjunction with a dedicated app, which you can use to back up files from your phone. In other words, you shouldn't necessarily expect it to work like the built-in storage in your iPhone. Still, the app is pretty well-designed, and allows you to transfer a range of different files to the drive. 

So, what are the problems with the drive? Well, perhaps the main one is that, as mentioned, it doesn't truly expand on your device's storage as you might expect it to. Apart from that, for the price, the device works pretty much exactly as it should — as Lifewire noted in its 4-star rating of the device. 



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The best backpacks for students of 2021

January 28, 2021, 1:51 pm
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  • A good backpack will serve as an all-in-one carrier for every school essential.
  • They come in hundreds of different styles, shapes, sizes, and materials, and they should be durable enough to last for years.
  • Our top pick is the tried and true JanSport Big Student Backpack, a long-lasting bag appropriate for students of all ages.

As a high school teacher, I've seen backpacks in all states of disrepair, so I know how important it is to find a bag that is durable enough to be used day in and day out.

For kids and teenagers, it's much more about how the backpack looks than how functional it is, so the tough job as a parent is to find one that is durable and big enough for all your child's school supplies and lunch box, but that also looks cool. In elementary school, I was jealous of my best friend who had her initials monogrammed on her backpack, and in high school, I was dying for a messenger bag. Functionality clearly wasn't on the top of my priority list as a child.

If you find the right backpack, it can last your child quite a few years, but finding the right one is key. We've made the process a little bit easier for you with a few tips and some of our favorite backpacks.

Note: This school year is significantly different for families. Make sure to abide by the CDC COVID-19 guidelines for school settingsfor a safe and smart school year.

Tips for picking the right backpack:

  • Safety: It's sad that we live in a world where I need to make this recommendation, but I strongly advise against putting your child's name on the outside of their backpack. It provides a perfect avenue for child predators to make your child think they're friendly and familiar because they know their name. Monogramming initials on the outside is a safer bet. Another safety feature to keep an eye out for, especially for kids who wait at a bus stop or walk to school, is reflective material. 
  • Price and longevity: How long do you expect a backpack to last? If you buy a backpack of poor quality, it may not last as long and you'll have to replace it earlier than you would a pricier, but sturdier option. Our picks can last for years before your kid either outgrows them or wears them out.
  • Size and capacity: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that a backpack shouldn't "weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's total body weight." The size of the backpack should correspond accordingly. If you buy a backpack that's too big for your preschooler, it will be easy to accidentally overload it. 
  • Comfort and support: In recent years, there has been a big emphasis on support for the back. In fact, school backpacks are now built more like hiking backpacks because so many children were complaining about tingling in their arms and numbness after lugging around heavy backpacks. I remember my back hurting in high school from taking so many books to and from school. Look for a pack with a padded back and wide padded shoulder straps once your kid hits middle school and starts carting around textbooks. AAP advises against narrow straps that tend to dig into shoulders, as they can restrict circulation and cause pain.
  • Features and organization: Besides the main compartment, a good backpack should have multiple interior and exterior pockets for organizing items — especially for older kids. Popular features include water bottle holders, laptop pockets, key chains, and pencil pockets.

To help you find the best backpacks for your kids, I combined my experience as a teacher and student with expert and buyer reviews. From backpacks for preschoolers to college kids, these bags will help your child start the school year on the right foot.

Here are the best backpacks for students: 

The best overall

The JanSport Big Student Backpack has many pockets, comes in an array of colors, and is durable for every student.

Pros: Spacious, durable, two main pockets, multiple side and front pockets, comes in many colors and prints

Cons: May be too big for very young kids

I'll always be partial to JanSport.

I vividly remember when I was in elementary school, my sister's JanSport backpack broke and our parents sent it to get fixed. While it was gone, she got a postcard in the mail from her backpack with stories about zipper races and all the fun the zipper was having while it was gone. My sister and I thought it was so cool — it was such a simple and fun touch.

I don't know if JanSport will still send fun postcards, but it does offer a lifetime warranty on its backpacks, so you can send yours in for repairs. And if JanSport can't repair your broken backpack, it will replace it, ensuring you get true value out of your purchase.

This backpack comes in fun colors and designs like galaxy or polka dot prints, as well as solid black, so whether your child wants to stand out with a fun print or just wants a plain "normal" backpack, this one will do the trick.

It also includes a water bottle pocket on the side, two different main pockets, and three front pockets to hold smaller items. The ergonomic shoulder straps will help kids stay comfortable even while carrying their books, binders, and notebooks to and from class. 

This backpack is great for younger kids and older adults alike, which is one of the reasons it's our top overall pick.



The best for preschool

L.L.Bean's Junior Original Book Pack is just the perfect size for young kids for easy wear to prevent back injury.

Pros: Perfect size for young kids, reflective material for safety

Cons: Only features one additional pocket and a water bottle compartment aside from the main zipper

The Junior Original Book Pack combines durability, affordability, and the cuteness factor for the perfect backpack for your young scholar. It's available in a floral print or solid colors if you want to keep it simple.

This is a small backpack designed for kids ages four and up, so the shoulder straps and back panel are padded and comfortable. Your little kindergartner won't be overpowered by a massive backpack.

Although it's small enough for little backs, it's still big enough to fit standard-sized folders and notebooks — something that can't be said for all preschool-size backpacks. I love that this backpack has waterproof and reflective materials to help keep kids and their belongings safe at the bus stop. 

There's also something so adorable about a little kid wearing a backpack, and this is the perfect choice whether your child is actually starting school or just wants a backpack to be like their big sibling. 



The best for middle school

The JanSport Superbreak backpack holds just the right amount of supplies for elementary and middle schoolers, coming in diverse colors.

Pros: Tons of colors and patterns, good size, sturdy material

Cons: No additional interior compartments

The JanSport Superbreak Backpack is still the go-to for tons of school kids — just like it was for me in the '90s.

The Superbreak is sturdy, just the right size for elementary and middle school kids, and comes in tons of colors and patterns. The list of color and pattern options is epic, so you're guaranteed to find something your kid likes.

The backpack has a roomy main compartment that's perfect for notebooks, folders, and lunch boxes, while the small front pocket is handy for pencils and other small items. It's a lightweight bag, but it's sturdy enough to handle anything your kid can throw at it — which they will.

There's no laptop compartment, or padding in the back either, so don't overstuff it. 

Since younger kids typically don't need those extra compartments, the Superbreak is a good option for this crowd. If your child is approaching their later middle school years though, it would be a good idea to take a look at our high school pick instead. 



The best for high school

The iconic North Face Recon is comfortable, long-lasting, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros: Highly durable, ergonomically designed for comfort, many pockets and other organizing features, lifetime warranty

Cons: Relatively stiff material

Today's high school students are notoriously busy. Some of my students get to school at 6 a.m. for sports practice, then go to class, volunteer activities, or even part-time jobs, and don't get home until after dark. They need a backpack that can keep up with them, and the legendary The North Race Recon comes highly recommended.

High school students also need backpacks that are extremely durable. The number of heavy textbooks students need to carry around at one time can be excessive. As a high school teacher, I've seen students walk around with broken straps, zippers, and even holes in backpacks that just weren't up to the task. 

This durable pack features a 15-inch laptop sleeve in the back, tablet sleeve in the front, cord container, mesh stash pocket for sports equipment like helmets, two mesh water bottle pockets, and a padded back with extra support along the spine. It also has features commonly found in hiking bags like a removable waist belt for extra support, padded top haul handle, and multiple reflectors. 

Though the outer nylon material may feel stiff to some wearers, The North Face Recon Laptop Backpack comes in several different colors, and comes in men's and women's fits. The women's bag is a little bit smaller than the men's, and features custom injection-molded shoulder straps with flexible attachment points that are contoured for a smaller frame. The backpacks are covered by the North Face's lifetime warranty, so returns are simple and always free.



The best for college

The North Face Jester Backpack features a heavy-duty padded laptop compartment aside from it holding other essential supplies.

Pros: Perfect for carrying laptops around campus, large main compartment, two mesh water bottle pockets, secure-zip pockets, reflective bike-light loop for evening campus walking

Cons: None to speak of

College students typically have a mountain of textbooks on their desks, so having a backpack to carry some of the pile, as well as a laptop, notebook, and other supplies make The North Face Jester Backpack the gold standard for strolls on campus.

Aside from its large main compartment, it has a durably-padded laptop compartment that can fit up to 15-inch laptops. Aside from ensuring this college essential is safely stored within the backpack, the Jester has two external mesh pockets to store your water bottle, as well as a front compartment to store pencils, a pack of tissues, and other on-the-go items.

And, it even comes with safety features for evening walks on campus. Its reflective bike-light loop, water bottle tabs, and shoulder webbing are designed for 360-degree reflectivity for nighttime visibility.



Check out our other school supply guides



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The best flatware and silverware in 2021

January 28, 2021, 2:07 pm
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  • Good flatware should last you for several years; a high-quality set made from stainless steel will give you the most bang for your buck.
  • We researched the best flatware materials and spoke with two designers and a metal worker to choose our top picks.
  • The Olivia & Oliver Madison 20-Piece Flatware Set is our best overall pick because it's durable, affordable, and features a timeless design.

Flatware isn't something you replace frequently, so when it came time to choose my own, I wanted to pick a set that was timeless, durable, corrosion-free, affordable, and would last me for years to come. As a product reviewer who has tested hundreds of home products, I turned that same discerning eye to researching flatware. While individual tastes vary, I spoke with three experts — Courtney Whitmore, cookbook author and party hosting expert; Marian Parsons, interior designer and artist; and Jefferson Mack, a flatware and metal product designer — to learn what makes great flatware, regardless of personal style.

After many hours of research, we've rounded up our top picks based on expert recommendations, brand reputation, reported durability from consumer reviews, visual aesthetic, ease of use and care according to manufacturer directions, and affordability. We also included information about shopping for flatware, including deciding between sets versus open stock pieces, choosing the best metals, properly setting a table, and caring for flatware. 

Here are our top picks for the best flatware

SEE ALSO: The best dining tables you can buy

The best flatware overall

If you're looking for flatware for everyday use, the Olivia & Oliver Madison 20-Piece Flatware Set is durable, moderately-priced, and fits seamlessly with any table setting design.

Pros: Made from 18/10 stainless steel that's durable for everyday use, timeless yet contemporary design, comes in three finishes, reputable brand, 25-year manufacturer's warranty

Cons: Doesn't have a matching serveware set, handles are thinner and may be harder to grasp for some

Price per piece: $7.00

When it comes to everyday flatware, you'll want something that's durable, dishwasher-safe, and relatively affordable, with a timeless design — the Olivia & Oliver flatware set checks all those boxes and comes recommended by one of our experts. "I really like Olivia & Oliver for high-quality flatware that you can use for years," said Whitmore. Each box comes with utensils for service for four including salad forks, dinner forks, dinner knives, soup spoons, and teaspoons. 

The set comes in three different finishes to suit your decor: silver, gold, or matte black. I particularly like the mirrored silver finish, which combined with the elegantly tapered handles and curvy design provides a timeless look that works well for tablescape designs both rustic and modern. It's made from 18/10 stainless steel, so it's durable enough for everyday use, dishwasher-safe, and doesn't require any polishing. It also comes with a 25-year manufacturer's warranty. Many buyers mentioned it looks and feels well-made, has a moderate weight, and doesn't spot after washing. With 20 pieces per box, this set comes out to $7.00 per piece and makes a moderately-priced option. 

The set doesn't come with matching serveware, so if you want a cohesive look throughout your tablescape, you may want to look elsewhere. A few customer reviews also mentioned the handles feel a tad small in bigger hands.



The best high-end flatware

Each piece in the Laguiole 24-piece stainless steel flatware set is assembled by hand, affixed with a Napoleonic bee, and modeled after the high-quality knives made famous in the French town of Laguiole. 

Pros: Unique and timeless design, handcrafted, durable, reputable brand, can purchase matching serveware separately

Cons: Doesn't come with salad forks or a serveware set, hand-wash only

Price per piece: $16.63

Handcrafted in Thiers, France, the Laguiole 24-piece flatware set is durable, visually appealing, and will last you for years to come. The utensils are phthalate-, BPA-, and latex-free, and made from durable stainless steel with resin handles and a polished finish for a one-of-a-kind look. You can choose from ivory or black handles to fit your aesthetic. 

The set serves six people, and each serving comes with a dinner fork, dinner knife, soup spoon, and dessert spoon. The set is designed after the high-quality knives that have been produced in the French town of Laguiole since the 19th century. Each piece is debossed with "Laguiole Inox France" and finished with Laguiole's Napoleonic bee trademark at the top of the handle. (The Napoleonic imperial symbol was granted by Emperor Napoleon I in recognition of the local soldiers' courage.) The utensils arrive in an elegant, hinged-lid box made from pine, which features brass hardware; it's a conversation piece that will also bring a sophisticated look to your dinner table. 

The pieces are hand-wash only, so may not be a feasible option if you want a set for everyday use. This set also doesn't come with salad forks, though you can purchase serveware like ladles, meat forks, carving sets, and cheese knives in the same style to create an elegant, cohesive look.



The best flatware on a budget

The J.A. Henckels International Lani 65-Piece Flatware Set comes with everything you need for 12 people; it's made with durable 18/10 stainless steel for everyday use, and each piece is only about $1.50. 

Pros: Made from 18/10 stainless steel, comes with all essential pieces for 12 people, dishwasher-safe, reputable brand, comes with serveware, limited lifetime warranty

Cons: Some consumer reviews mentioned the handles are too slender

Price per piece: $1.53

Founded in 1731, J.A. Henckels is one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of kitchen flatware, knives, and cookware. Its 65-piece Lani flatware set comes with 12 dinner forks, salad forks, dinner knives, soup spoons, and dessert spoons, plus a serveware set that includes solid and slotted serving spoons, a serving fork, a butter knife, and a sugar spoon — everything you could possibly need for dinner for up to 12 people.

The pieces are made from durable 18/10 stainless steel and feature simple slender handles with a curve for an eye-catching and timeless look. The forged 18/10 stainless steel knife blades provide easy, precise cutting. Many customer reviews stated that the utensils are heavy and well-made, and at just about $1.50 per piece, we think this set is a great buy if you want quality on a budget. Plus, the pieces are dishwasher-safe and come with a limited lifetime warranty. 

However, like with our best overall pick, some buyers mentioned the slender handles are difficult for those with larger hands to hold.



The best open stock flatware

The Oneida Chef's Table Everyday Flatware is affordable, reliable, and features open stock pieces so you can buy exactly what you need; no more, no less.

Pros: Open stock allows you to buy exactly the number and type of pieces you need, simple design, dishwasher-safe, reputable brand, limited lifetime warranty

Cons: Made from less durable 18/0 stainless steel

Price per piece: $2.99

There are many circumstances where you'd opt for open stock flatware, which allows you to pick and buy only the individual utensils you need. Open stock is a great option if you're living alone and just need kitchen staples for one person, if you're a college student looking for a few basics, if you need to replace a few lost or broken utensils, or if you're looking to outfit a rental property with inexpensive, easily replaceable pieces. 

Chef's Table is a reputable product line from trusted flatware manufacturer Oneida that offers individual pieces and replacements. The utensil design is simple and will fit seamlessly with virtually any flatware you already own. At $2.99 a piece, you can stock your kitchen with what you need at a fraction of the price of most box sets.

The utensils in the collection are made from 18/0 stainless steel, meaning there is no nickel in the stainless steel. Nickel's presence usually helps prevents rust and corrosion. However, reviewers haven't reported any issues with rust, and many mentioned they like the shape and durability of the pieces.



The best flatware for special occasions

The Mikasa 65-Piece Regent Bead Flatware Set features an elegant design with 24-karat beaded gold accents and every utensil you'll need for service for 12.

Pros: Timeless design, made from durable 18/10 stainless steel, comes with serveware, reputable brand

Cons: Hand-wash only

Price per piece: $4.60

Not only is the Mikasa Regent Bead Flatware Set made of durable 18/10 stainless steel, but it also features 24-karat beaded gold accents that have more of a traditional feel and will elevate your tablescape. The dual silver and gold coloring blends well with any table setting or showpiece dinnerware, and comes with matching serveware to make your next occasion truly special.

The set contains flatware service for 12 with dinner forks, salad forks, dinner knives, soup spoons, and teaspoons. The serveware set includes solid and slotted serving spoons, a meat fork, a butter knife, and a sugar spoon, so you can keep a sophisticated and cohesive look throughout your tablescape.

Mikasa offers many sets in stainless steel with gold accents, so you can also mix and match this set with others for added visual appeal that still has a cohesive design. The only downside to this set is it's hand-wash only.



How to shop for flatware

While we've outlined top picks above that hopefully make shopping for flatware effortless, here is some guidance from experts about what to look for when you're on the hunt for flatware, along with what we considered when choosing our top picks. 

Narrow down your options before shopping

With so many options out there, it helps to start by deciding how many pieces you need and what your budget is. You should expect to pay upwards of $300 to outfit your home with a high-quality set with many pieces, but you can go as low as $30 if you're selective about the number and type of utensils you need.

No matter your budget, Whitmore recommends looking for products that contain the core five utensils used most often. "When shopping for flatware, you want to be sure each set comes with a dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, dinner spoon, and teaspoon; this will cover everything you'll need," said Whitmore. "I prefer to plan for large gatherings, so I like to buy sets of at least eight but often 10 or 12. It's never a bad idea to have extra because items like spoons are used more often (for cereal, coffee, etc)."

Next, decide if you want to buy individual pieces (also known as open stock), pieces by the place setting, or a box set that typically comes with service for four, six, eight, or 12 people. Here is some more information about each type:

Open stock: Buying individual pieces, also known as open stock, is great if you're missing only a couple utensils, if you're a college student, or if you live alone and only need a few pieces. It's also a great option if you're looking for a temporary or easily replaceable flatware, like if you need to stock a rental property you own or if you have extra mouths to feed for a special occasion. However, many open stock items aren't the most durable, so they may not last as long, especially if you're using them every day.

By the place setting: If you buy flatware by the place setting, each box usually comes with five pieces: a dinner fork, salad fork, a dessert spoon, a soup spoon, and a dinner knife. This is a great option if you want to choose the number of place settings to suit your household (since box sets usually come in set quantities), if you want to replace missing or damaged flatware, or would like a few extra place settings for backup when hosting guests. A quality product typically runs between $30 to $50 per setting. 

Box sets: You'll get more bang for your buck if you invest in a box set. A box set comes in services from four to up to 12 people (some retailers even have service for up to 16 people), and features the same five pieces found in individual place settings. A box set with service for four typically has 20 total pieces, a set for service for eight typically has 40 pieces, and so on. The sets for service for 12 or more also usually come with a "hostess set"— extra serveware like solid and slotted serving spoons, a meat fork, and soup ladle that match the design of the flatware. A box set is especially useful if you have a family of at least four people or often host dinner for a large number of guests. 

Select a reputable company

Regardless of whether you opt for open stock or box sets, experts said you'll get best results by selecting products from a known brand. "When shopping for flatware, always buy from a reputable flatware company," said Jefferson Mack, flatware and metal product designer with mackmetal.com. "You want to make sure you can buy replacements 10 years down the road." These companies are also usually forthcoming about materials and manufacturing methods, offer longer warranties, and have robust customer service. All the picks in our guide are vetted by experts, come with at least a 25-year warranty, or are produced by a well-known flatware brand that has been in business at least 50 years. 

Shop in person, if you can

To get a good feel for flatware, it's best if you can check out sets in person to see if the pieces are comfortable to hold and fit your aesthetic. "I have found that many modern patterns can have huge dinner forks and spoons," said Marian Parsons, artist and founder of Mustard Seed Interiors. "If possible, see a complete place setting in person to make sure the size feels right to you." If you do decide to shop online, make sure you buy from a reputable retailer that has a robust return policy, since you won't be able to evaluate the comfort and weight of your flatware until you try it out.



Different types of flatware metals

Flatware comes in a variety of materials including stainless steel, sterling silver, and metals combined with other materials like resin, wood, and plastic. 

Stainless steel

For everyday use, look for stainless steel flatware. Stainless steel flatware is primarily made from chromium and nickel, which are both durable and resistant to corrosion. When shopping for stainless steel flatware, you'll notice a number like 18/10, 18/8, or 18/0, which represents the percentage of chromium (the first number) and nickel (the second number) in the metal. 

Many experts recommend opting for 18/10 stainless steel since the nickel content boosts durability and adds a soft, silver-like luster to flatware. It's also what makes flatware more expensive. 

This number isn't everything, however, said Mack; most reputable manufacturers sell flatware that is durable and rust-resistant, regardless of the type of stainless steel used. If you are looking for something durable at a great value, 18/0 is still a good option; you just won't get the high-polish finish and superior rust-resistance nickel provides.

Stamped vs. forged stainless steel

You may also notice the product description mention whether the flatware is stamped or forged. Stamped stainless is cut out like a cookie cutter from a big piece of stainless steel, while forged flatware is made from a heated block of steel that's pounded into shape. Because of the heating process, forged flatware is much more durable than stamped. If the product description doesn't include if it's stamped or forged, compare the knife blade to the handle. If they're similar in thickness and if it's lightweight, it's most likely stamped, which won't hold up as well as forged for everyday use.

Sterling silver

Sterling silver is also durable, but is more expensive than stainless steel and requires polishing since it can tarnish, developing a dark-colored coat when exposed to gases in the air for a long time. We think stainless steel is the best bet for most people, but if you're a collector or like a vintage aesthetic, you may opt for sterling silver. With the right care, a sterling silver set can last you for years, increase in value, and become a family heirloom you can pass down from generation to generation. 

"I think there are far too many beautiful sets of silver flatware sitting in a box or drawer unused," Parsons said. "If silver is stored properly or used daily, it requires very little polishing."



How to set a table

If you're setting the table for a formal dinner with the family using your new flatware, knowing where to place everything will elevate the dining experience. We've outlined a full step-by-step guide to setting the table here, but these are the basics:

The general rule while dining is to start with flatware on the outside and work your way in with each course. The flatware for the first course (or salad course) sits farthest away from the plate while the flatware for the main course is closest to the plate. To set the table, first place the flatware for the main course on either side of the dinner plate — the dinner fork sits to the left while the dinner knife sits to the right with the blade facing towards the plate. 

Next, place the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork and the salad knife (if you have one) to the right of the dinner knife. Then, place the teaspoon to the right of the salad knife followed by a soup spoon. If you're having a dessert course, place the dessert spoon horizontally above the dinner plate with the handle pointing to the right.



How to care for stainless steel flatware

The best way to care for flatware is to hand-wash and dry it. "If a flatware set isn't dishwasher-safe, it's because of the high temperature of the water mixed with the dishwasher detergent," Mack said. "The dishwasher has an electric heating element at the bottom that heats up to almost boiling. That, along with dishwasher detergent, which is a high-temperature caustic detergent (stronger than dish detergent), gets rid of food and debris without having to scrub. The high temperature and detergent will get rid of the natural patina of the flatware and will discolor it."

Handwashing isn't realistic for many people, though. You can do a few things to make sure your flatware stays in the best shape possible even if you're using the dishwasher. Oneida, a flatware brand, offers a few tips on loading your flatware in a dishwasher:

  • Load forks and spoons with the handles down and tines and bowls up.
  • Place knives in a separate basket with the sharp side down to avoid potential scratching
  • Remove flatware after the last rinse cycle and hand dry, since hot air can cause corrosion over time. 
  • If your flatware has any discolorations from hard water, use and follow the instructions on a high-quality stainless polish.

According to Oneida, you shouldn't soak flatware in water for long periods of time, and avoid prolonged contact with tea, coffee, eggs, mayo, vinegar, and salt, since acids and proteins in these foods can erode the flatware. Avoid using heavy-duty cleaners, especially ones with citrus-scented additives, and don't pour detergent directly onto the flatware. Following these steps can help prolong the life of your flatware.



Check out our other buying guides to complete your table setting

The best knife sets

Where to buy tableware and dishes online

How to set the table properly for casual and formal meals



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The best ultrawide monitors of 2021

January 28, 2021, 2:10 pm
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Ultrawide monitors are a popular alternative to large 4K displays. With their large size and impressive visuals, the best ultrawide monitors can give you a more immersive gaming experience and provide more screen space to view multiple apps at once. 

A typical monitor or television has a 16:9 aspect ratio. Ultrawide monitors have a 21:9 aspect ratio, though a few are even wider. You can generally expect to pay more but you'll have more space, which is great for video editors and anyone using a lot of apps at once.   

I've tested dozens of monitors over the past decade, handled hundreds of monitors at trade shows, and I use an ultrawide monitor every day. This hands-on experience gives me the expertise to definitively rank the best ultrawide monitors available right now. 

My top pick right now is the Dell Ultrasharp 34 Curved 3419W, an ultrawide with outstanding image quality, tons of useful features, and a long warranty. While this model will work well for many people, there are also picks for gamers, video editors, and more.

Here are the best ultrawide monitors:

The best ultrawide monitor overall

Dell's Ultrasharp 34 Curved U3419W looks great, has excellent image quality, and its USB-C hub enables a one-cable connection for most laptops. 

Pros: Excellent color gamut and accuracy, USB-C for one-cable laptop connectivity, includes 9-watt speaker system, three-year warranty, good overall value 

Cons: Not great for fast-paced gaming

The Dell Ultrasharp 34 U3419W is an outstanding ultrawide that will fit most purposes and satisfy owners for many years. Its reasonable size and resolution keep the price outside the $1,000-plus range of the biggest and most expensive options. Yet this monitor has excellent image quality and future-proof features like USB-C connectivity. 

Buying the Dell U3419W gets you a 34-inch ultrawide display with 3440 x 1440 resolution and a noticeable, but modest, curve. The Dell 3419W has an IPS display panel that covers up to 99% of the sRGB color gamut, so it's a good pick for photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals. It also has great color accuracy, which helps in all content, including movies and games. 

The Dell 3419W works as a USB-C hub with power delivery up to an impressive 90 watts. Laptops that charge over USB-C can be powered directly by the monitor while also handling video, allowing a one-cable connection to the display. This monitor even has four additional USB 3.0 Type-A ports that can be used to connect peripherals. 

That's not all. This monitor comes with a 9-watt dual speaker system, a highly adjustable VESA monitor stand, an anti-glare display coating, and a three-year warranty. These features make the Dell 3419W a good long-term bet. 

The only notable omission is a high refresh rate or variable refresh rate support, two features that gamers desire. 

The Dell 3419W is $959.99, but it's often on sale for $800 or less. And here's a hot tip for bargain hunters. The Dell U3419W is only the newest in a line of ultrawides that extends back to the Dell Ultrasharp 34 3415W, first released in 2015. Older models can often be found on clearance at very low pricing. While they lack features like USB-C connectivity, they're a good budget pick if you can find one below $500. 



The best ultrawide monitor for gaming

The LG 38GL950G-B pairs excellent image quality with a 144Hz refresh rate for the best gaming experience. 

Pros: Excellent image quality; 144Hz refresh rate, 160Hz overclocked; AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatible; DisplayHDR 600 certified

Cons: No speakers or USB-C

Ultrawide monitors offer the ultimate gaming experience thanks to wide, immersive screens. The only downside is that gamers, who often demand a high refresh rate for smooth gameplay, need to look at top-tier options to snag all the features they desire. The LG 38GL950G-B delivers. 

This 38-inch monitor has 3840 x 1600 resolution, an overclocked refresh rate of up to 160Hz, and support for variable refresh rate standards including AMD's FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync. The specifications say it all. This monitor is massive, sharp, and smooth. 

As LG's flagship gaming ultrawide, the 38GL950G-B has the company's Nano IPS technology. This is LG's spin on Quantum Dots. It translates to an even wider color gamut than typical top-tier monitors, and out-of-box color accuracy is a highlight. While this is a gaming display first, it's also a good pick for creative professionals. This monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified to handle HDR signals. 

Unlike entry-level gaming displays, which usually skimp on build quality, the 38GL950G-B is attractive and feels solid. It has a good stand with height and tilt adjustments, though it can't pivot. The monitor has two USB 3.0 Type-A ports for connecting a wired keyboard, mouse, or anything else you need near your monitor. However, it doesn't have USB-C ports and lacks speakers. 

The bad news? The monitor's price is extremely high. Despite that, gamers quickly buy it whenever available, which can make it hard to find. This is also true of LG's similar Ultragear 38GN950G-B. While the LG 38GN950-B has better HDR support, the LG 38GL950G-B is also worth buying if you can only find that model in stock.



The best ultrawide monitor under $300

TheViotek GNV34CB is a 34-inch monitor with acceptable image quality at $299.99. 

Pros: Excellent value at $300, solid contrast ratio, immersive 1500R curve

Cons: Low pixel count, limited features, poor out-of-box calibration

Ultrawide monitors can be extremely expensive, but several budget brands have started to challenge that assumption with extreme pricing. The Viotek GNV34CB is an obvious example, delivering a 34-inch 2,560 x 1,080 screen for one penny less than $300. 

You might expect awful image quality given the price, but think again. The Viotek GNV34CB has a great contrast ratio and a respectable color gamut covering 92% of the sRGB spectrum. It also has a 100Hz refresh rate for an improved gaming experience over standard 60Hz monitors. It's AMD FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, though G-Sync must be manually enabled. 

Viotek makes three sacrifices to keep the price down. First, the resolution of 2560 x 1080 is not as sharp as the 3440 x 1440 found on more expensive 34-inch monitors. This monitor also skimps on features. It doesn't have speakers or USB ports for connecting additional devices. And, while the monitor can achieve reasonable color accuracy, you'll likely have to tweak it manually for best results.  

It's not perfect, but don't forget the headline feature. This is a 34-inch ultrawide for $300, which makes it price-competitive with many 27-inch monitors. The Viotek's sheer size is (literally) a big advantage. 



The best ultrawide monitor for video editing

TheLG 34BK95U-W combines an unusually high resolution with excellent color accuracy, making it perfect for editing photos and videos.

Pros: Extremely high 5120 x 2160 resolution, excellent color gamut and accuracy, hiigh brightness, with DisplayHDR 600 certification, USB-C with power delivery up to 85 watts

Cons: Expensive for its size

All ultrawide monitors are great for video editing. Their width lets you view more of the editing timeline and offers more space to preview an edit and manage files. However, the LG 34BK95U-W stands out from the pack.

This ultrawide has a 5120 x 2160 panel, while most 34-inch ultrawide monitors are 3440 x 1440. The difference in sharpness is noticeable, providing a level of detail that you won't see on competitors. A higher resolution also means a larger virtual desktop. You can simply fit more stuff on this monitor, which is important when juggling a variety of views in your favorite video-editing software. Finally, unlike its competition, this display lets you view the results of your edits at full 4K resolution. 

Aside from resolution, this monitor also scores high marks in brightness and color gamut, quoting up to 98% coverage of DCI-P3. It has solid out-of-box color accuracy, which can border on perfection after calibration. Other features include a 75Hz maximum refresh rate, Nano IPS technology, DisplayHDR 600 certification, and built-in speakers. Unlike many competitors, this display is not curved. 

Because it's targeted at professionals, this monitor includes Thunderbolt 3 with up to 85 watts of power delivery, enabling one-cable connections with most laptops. The display also has two USB 3.0 ports and DisplayPort 1.4. It technically has two HDMI inputs, but those max out at 4K resolution, so they're not ideal. 

There's only two downsides to this display. First, it's not great for gaming because it has a relatively low refresh rate for the price, so look elsewhere if that's even a secondary concern. Second, it's expensive, with most retailers asking at least $1,439 for it. That's pricey for a 34-inch ultrawide monitor. Most video editors could manage with our top pick, the Dell Ultrasharp 34, which is more affordable, but the LG 34BK95U-W is the king.



The best 49-inch super-ultrawide monitor

Samsung's beastlyOdyssey G9 is massively immersive and packs all the latest gaming tech. 

Pros: Wonderfully absurd size, class-leading image quality, extremely high 240Hz refresh rate 

Cons: Demands a cutting-edge video card, too large for many desks

If an ultrawide monitor is better, why not go even wider? That's the theory behind super-ultrawide monitors like Samsung's Odyssey G9. These 49-inch behemoths embrace a 32:9 aspect ratio that's equivalent to two 27-inch monitors side by side. 

While sheer size is the Odyssey G9's headline feature, Samsung throws everything in this display. It has a 5120 x 1440 resolution, Quantum Dots, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync support, a 240Hz refresh rate, DisplayHDR 1000 certification, and a more extreme curvature than most ultrawides, no matter their size. All these features will set you back $1,479.99. 

Samsung's Odyssey G9 delivers class-leading image quality. It has a solid contrast ratio, good color accuracy, a high maximum brightness, and is better than most monitors at displaying HDR content (though it still falls short of a decent HDTV). It's also extremely smooth, thanks to its high refresh rate and great motion clarity. 

The only problem? This monitor is so forward-looking that you need a beastly rig to power it. No video card available today can play the most demanding games at this monitor's full resolution and refresh rate. Also, you need a video card with Digital Stream Compression to drive this display at native resolution and full 240Hz. That means an Nvidia RTX 2000 series or newer, or an AMD Radeon RX 5000 series or newer. 

It's also massive, in both width and depth. Most desks are 30 to 36 inches deep. That's not enough room to place this monitor at an ideal viewing distance. Buying a monitor this extreme could mean upgrading not just your PC, but your entire gaming den. 

If you have the space for it, however, the Samsung Odyssey G9 is truly without peer. Several companies now offer competing monitors of similar size, and some are more affordable, but Samsung's feature set can't be beat. 



What else we considered

BenQ EX3501R ($649.99): This 35-inch ultrawide is a popular pick, but its panel is somewhat outdated for the price, despite its major discount over the original price. 

Alienware AW3420DW ($929.98): Although not a bad pick for gamers, this monitor's 120Hz refresh rate feels outdated next to newer 144Hz options.

Sceptre C355W ($379.99): Sceptre's budget 35-incher could be worth a look if you can't spend more than $400.

LG 34WN80C-B ($549.99): An affordable workhorse, the LG 34WN80C-B's might make sense for professionals with a slim budget.

HP 34f ($499.99): As with the LG, this HP is a perfectly reasonable pick, but its overall feature set is not on par with many newer monitors. It needs a higher refresh rate or USB-C support, to stand out.

AOC CU34G2X ($529.99): This monitor could be our pick for a mid-range gaming ultrawide, but AOC has struggled to keep up with demand. It's almost never in stock, and when it is, it's often sold above its suggested price, which makes it a poor choice.

Dell Ultrasharp 38 ($1,089.99): Dell's 38-inch ultrawide has many of the benefits of the 34-inch model, but its lack of an improved refresh rate is more difficult to excuse at this monitor's higher price. 



Our testing methodology

Our methodology can be broken up into two categories. Image quality, and everything else.

Image quality is impacted by color gamut, color accuracy, resolution, contrast ratio, refresh rate, and brightness. 

We place the highest emphasis on color gamut and color accuracy, because these have the broadest impact across the viewing experience. Displays that do better in these areas look their best across all forms of content. 

Resolution is a key specification for computer monitors. Monitors are often closer to a user than a television, which makes a difference in resolution easier to see. A higher resolution also translates to more potentially usable display space, which is never a factor for a TV. And best of all, this specification is easy to understand. More is always better. 

Contrast ratio is also important, because it determines the sense of depth a monitor can provide, and correlates to better black levels: a particularly important specification when watching movies. However, monitors often are used for tasks where contrast ratio is not that important, such as editing a document. As a result, contrast ratio is less important for a monitor than for a television. 

Next up is refresh rate. A 60Hz refresh rate is fine for most tasks, but we prefer to see a higher refresh rate when possibly. This is key for gamers, who crave a high refresh rate for a smooth game experience. If you only use a monitor for work, though, it's unimportant. 

While higher brightness is technically superior, most users don't need a maximum brightness much beyond 200 nits, which nearly all monitors can provide. As you may notice in your own use, an overly bright monitor can cause eye strain. That's why brightness contributes the least to our opinion of image quality. 

Which brings us to "everything else." This includes the many extra features that are part of a monitor: connectivity, VESA mount support, build quality, and the warranty, among other things. While no individual feature is more important than image quality, a combination of many additional features can sway us. We're particularly fond of USB-C connectivity and a longer-than-average warranty.



What we look forward to testing

Dell Ultrasharp 34 U3431WE ($1,199): Dell has announced the Ultrasharp 34 USB-C Hub Monitor U3431WE, a replacement to the U3419W that is currently our top pick. We expect it to perform extremely well, but it will be more expensive, retailing at $1,199. Editor note: No product link currently available 

Alienware 38 AW3821DW ($1,899): Alienware has a new curved ultrawide, the Alienware 38 AW3821DW. It has a 3840 x 1600 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and DisplayHDR 600 support. It also earns the rare Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate certification for butter-smooth gameplay. 

Acer Predator X34GS ($1,099): Acer has announced a new ultrawide gaming monitor, the Acer Predator X34 GS. It will have a 180Hz refresh rate and wide color gamut support at an MSRP for $1,099. Acer's past Predator ultrawide monitors were excellent, and Acer hopes to repeat the trick here. Editor note: No product link currently available



Check out our other guides for the best monitors available right now

The best computer monitor

Still not sure what type of monitor you should buy? Our best computer monitors guide will set you on the right track. It pulls in selections from every monitor category on the market today. 

The best 4K computer monitor

A 4K monitor is the obvious alternative if you're not sold on the benefits of an ultrawide display. These retain the more common widescreen aspect ratio but up the pixel count. In most cases, a 4K monitor will look sharper than an ultrawide.

The best gaming monitor

Ultrawide displays are great gaming monitors because they deliver an awesome, immersive experience. However, you can often find a higher refresh rate at a lower price if you buy a traditional widescreen. Ultrawide support is also limited in certain games, so make sure to check the hardware compatibility of your favorite title before buying.

The best FreeSync monitors

AMD's FreeSync is a popular standard for variable refresh rate displays because it's easy to implement. In most cases, G-Sync will also work with a FreeSync display, though it might require some tinkering. Competitive gamers looking for a tear-free, lag-free experience should check out the best FreeSync monitors. 

The best computer monitors under $500

Price is an obstacle between many shoppers and ultrawide bliss. Even the budget model is $300, and you'll need to drop at least $500 for a mid-range display. Our best ultrawide monitors guide has a range of widescreen alternatives, ranging from budget general use monitors to budget gaming displays. 

The best portable monitors

Portable monitors connect to a laptop or desktop through USB and don't require an additional, external power source. They're not meant to be used as a primary display, but they're the perfect way to add a second screen to a laptop.



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The best computer monitors under $500 of 2021

January 28, 2021, 4:18 pm
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  • A budget of $500 can buy an excellent monitor with image quality close to one priced twice as high.
  • We considered over a dozen monitors across this price range to make our list.
  • Dell's S2721QS has 4K resolution and impressive performance at a surprisingly low price.

While $500 won't buy the most luxurious monitors available, this budget is high enough to snag an outstanding monitor with modern features. Monitors in this price bracket offer the best overall bang for your buck.

I've reviewed hundreds of monitors and laptops over the past decade, keeping a log of my results. This history of performance provides a unique perspective into how monitors have improved over time. I can say with confidence that every monitor on this list is among the top five percent of monitors ever sold.

These monitors were selected through a combination of hands-on testing, which includes evaluation with a calibration tool, and comparisons with test results recorded by rigorous review websites, such as Rtings.com and TFT Central. I also compared these monitors to past versions of the same model, if previously tested, to ensure the newest version is the best pick.

The Dell 27 4K UHD S2721QS Monitor is not only our pick for best computer monitor under $500, it also tops Insider Review's list of best computer monitors, period.

Here are the best computer monitors for under $500:

The best monitor under $500 overall

The Dell 27 4K UHD S2721QS delivers 4K resolution and great image quality with no downside.

Pros: 4K resolution, great image quality, ergonomic stand, professional design

Cons: Poor HDR support

The Dell S2721QS is a fantastic monitor. It's so good, in fact, it also earns the nod as Insider Review's best computer monitor at any price point. You can spend a lot more on a monitor, but this Dell makes it difficult to justify. 

4K resolution is the headline feature. It works out to a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch, twice the pixel density of a 1080p monitor. That's the highest available aside from 24-inch and 25-inch 4K monitors which, in 2021, are rare. It also does well in color testing, covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut with respectable color accuracy. The monitor's contrast ratio of 1150:1 is strong for the category, providing a vibrant and dynamic image in movies and games. 

It's a looker even when it's off. Dell's reserved but professional white-and-silver design helps the monitor blend in. The attractive silver stand is hefty and provides significant ergonomic adjustment, including 150mm of height adjustment, 60 degrees of swivel, and 25 degrees of tilt. The monitor can even pivot 90 degrees for use in vertical orientation.

This monitor has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint gamers, but supports AMD FreeSync. Competitive gamers should buy our pick for the best gaming monitor under $500, the LG 27GL83A-B, which has a 144Hz refresh rate. However, the Dell S2721QS provides better image quality than the LG, making it a good choice for single-player, co-op, and strategy games. 

Poor HDR support is this monitor's only flaw. However, the monitor's measured peak brightness of 438 nits is excellent for a monitor at any price point. We can't recommend the Dell S2721QS for HDR, but many monitors in this price range don't offer the feature at all.

If the Dell S2721QS is out of stock, consider the S2721Q as an alternative. It lacks an ergonomic stand but is otherwise identical to the S2721QS. It even has a VESA mount, so you can add a third-party stand, or reuse one from a previous monitor.



The best gaming monitor under $500

The LG 27GL83A-B 27-Inch Ultragear is a responsive but attractive monitor that won't bust your budget.

Pros: Fast response times, 144Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync support, great image quality

Cons: Contrast, poor HDR support

LG's 27GL83A-B is the gaming monitor benchmark. Its excellent quality and attractive pricing make it a solid choice for players, no matter the genre of gaming they prefer. Plus, the monitor can pull double duty as a video- or photo-editing monitor.

The monitor's high-refresh IPS panel is the star of the show. It supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and is compatible with both AMD's FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync. That means it can synchronize its refresh rate with the frame rate of games, providing smooth motion with no stutter. The monitor has excellent response time performance, so fast-moving objects look relatively clear and show minimal ghosting. That's important if you play competitive games and rely on split-second decisions. 

Although built for speed, the LG 27GL83A-B provides vibrant color that spans 99% of the sRGB gamut. Its out-of-box color accuracy is competitive with entry-level professional monitors, so the monitor is acceptable for content creation outside the most demanding professional environments. The monitor's 2560 x 1440 resolution can't match the sharpness of our top pick, but it's high enough to look great in most situations. 

The monitor's main weakness is its contrast ratio of 900:1, which is towards the low end of monitors in this price range. That's bad news for HDR support, which falls way short of even the most affordable HDR televisions. 

LG has an upgrade to this monitor, the 27GL850-B, which includes a Nano IPS panel. This improves color gamut and accuracy, making it an awesome choice if you want to combine the qualities of a professional monitor and a gaming monitor in one display. Unfortunately, the 27GL850-B is $100 to $120 more expensive. It's not worth the extra cash, if you're only interested in gaming.  



The best professional monitor under $500

TheBenQ PD2700U 27-Inch 4K Monitordelivers the best color performance you'll find for less than $500, then throws in 4K as a bonus.

Pros: Excellent color performance, 4K resolution, ergonomic stand, anti-glare panel, plenty of ports

Cons: Poor HDR support, low contrast

BenQ's PD2700U is a stunning monitor that is certain to please anyone who needs a high-quality monitor for color-critical work. This monitor can cover over 100% of the sRGB and up to 100% of the Rec.709 color gamut. While I didn't test this model for color accuracy, I've tested multiple monitors from BenQ including the larger, more expensive BenQ PD3220U and older SW2700PT. BenQ professional monitors consistently provide excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy.

While great out-of-box performance is important, professionals also need customization. The BenQ PD2700U delivers with multiple adjustments for color temperature, saturation, and hue, as well as several gamma presets between a gamma curve of 1.8 and 2.6. These settings let you change the monitor's image to better match the type of content you're creating.

4K resolution is a nice perk, as it lets content creators view 4K media at full resolution, something not possible on a 1440p monitor. 4K also improves the sharpness of every web page you visit and document you open. 

This monitor shares flaws with LG's 27GL83A-B. Although it can hit nearly 400 nits of brightness, the BenQ PD2700U isn't bright enough to properly display HDR. Its real-world contrast ratio of 900:1 is acceptable for content creation but is noticeable when you take a Netflix break. The Dell S2721QS is a better monitor for entertainment despite its lower price. 

The BenQ PD2700U has a solid ergonomic stand with 140mm of height adjustment, 90 degrees of swivel adjustment, 25 degrees of tilt, and 90 degrees of pivot. It's hefty and has a large base, so the monitor stays planted while you move it. The PD2700U has plenty of connectivity, including not just HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 but also the less common Mini-DisplayPort 1.4.



The best ultrawide computer monitor under $500

Sceptre's C355W-3440UN 35-Inch Curved Ultrawide Monitor has a huge, immersive display at a low price.

Pros: Large display, high resolution, good image quality, 100Hz refresh rate

Cons: Poor build quality, cloudy image in dark scenes

A quality ultrawide monitor is hard to find under $500, but the Sceptre C355W-3440UN is a reliable pick that is often in stock at major retailers. That alone is the monitor's largest selling point. Many 34-inch, ultrawide monitors with 3440 x 1440 resolution typically sell north of $500, and some models approach $1,000. They're also frequently out of stock.

The C355W-3440UN has good image quality despite aggressive pricing. Unlike other monitors on this list, which use a panel technology called In-Plane Switching (IPS), this monitor has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel. What's that mean for you? A great contrast ratio of nearly 3000:1, with deeper, more realistic black levels. The C355W-3440UN can't match the color accuracy or gamut of other monitors on this list, but its superior contrast provides an immersive sense of depth in games and movies. 

The monitor's 3440 x 1440 resolution is important, too. You can find less expensive ultrawide monitors or price-comparable monitors from big brand names, but they reduce resolution to 2560 x 1080. That resolution is low for a monitor of this size. The Spectre's 1440p panel provides a sharper, clearer image. 

Gamers will be happy to hear this monitor has a 100Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync. Owners also report it will work with Nvidia G-Sync, though its lack of official support means you could encounter bugs, like image flicker.

What's the catch? Sceptre isn't known for its quality control. The monitor looks and feels cheap compared to alternatives from LG, Samsung, and Dell. You may end up with image uniformity issues, like significant backlight bleed in one corner of the screen, though this problem seems to vary from one monitor to the next. These problems are balanced by the monitor's good image quality and extremely low price.



The best 32-inch computer monitor under $500

The Dell 32 S3220DGF Curved Gaming Monitor has great image quality and a large display, making it ideal for movies and games 

Pros: Large display, great image quality, 165Hz refresh rate, sturdy build quality

Cons: Poor HDR support, only 1440p resolution

Do you want a big, curved monitor for entertainment? Dell's S3220DGF is easily your best option for less than $500. This 32-incher is sold as a gaming monitor, but its image quality and sturdy design make it a great general-purpose pick.

The Dell S3220DGF, like the Sceptre ultrawide, has a VA panel that delivers an excellent contrast ratio of nearly 3000:1. That's outstanding for a computer monitor of any size at any price point, and it gives the monitor a sense of depth and realism that can rival budget HDTVs. The monitor has a resolution of 2560 x 1440, which falls short of the 4K resolution offered by some competitors. Its color performance doesn't deliver the accuracy needed for professional work but does provide a vibrant, enjoyable image. 

This is a gaming monitor, so it has a 165Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync. Owners report that Nvidia's G-Sync works, though this support is unofficial. The Dell S3220DGF can't achieve the intense clarity of the best gaming monitor under $500, LG's 27GL83A-B, but it's a huge leap over a 60Hz monitor. Most gamers will be impressed. 

Like other monitors, the Dell's S3220DGF has trouble with HDR. It's VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified and can deliver slightly more than the 400 nits of brightness that certification requires, but it lacks local backlight dimming. The monitor has trouble when displaying a wide range of contrast in a single scene, such as stars in a night sky, because the entire backlight must remain on. 

Build quality is a highlight. Although its design is basic, the Dell S3220DGF feels solid and has a robust ergonomic stand that attaches via a standard VESA mount. The stand offers 150mm of height adjustment, 25 degrees of tilt, and 30 degrees swivel. 



What else we considered

There are hundreds of monitors that qualify for possible inclusion in this guide and dozens that are serious contenders. These alternatives didn't make the cut, but they could be worthwhile if they're on sale.

  • Acer Nitro XV272U ($449.99): This is an excellent gaming monitor that also could work as a professional display for many content creators, but its standard price is a bit high. The LG 27GL83A-B is nearly as good and generally more affordable. However, the Nitro XV272U occasionally receives discounts as low as $299.99, making it a great option for gamers.
  • LG 27UK850-W ($449.99): This LG is a 27-inch, 4K monitor that splits the difference between Dell's S2721QS and BenQ's PD2700U, landing between those picks in price and overall performance. It's a good choice for content creators who want excellent color accuracy but don't need the extreme precision and wide range of features found on the BenQ PD2700U.
  • HP U27 4K ($499.99): This monitor isn't a good value on paper, and we've not yet had a chance to test it. However, it could be a good pick if you want a luxurious, super-thin design. 
  • Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ ($429.00): The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a great gaming monitor but, at $429, it's not a great value compared to alternatives from LG and Acer. 


Our testing methodology

I benchmark monitors with Datacolor's SpyderX, a professional calibration tool that generates a detailed monitor quality report. This report objectively tests a monitor's contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, brightness, black level, gamma, and uniformity. 

These results are placed into a log of monitor quality data compiled through a decade of experience testing monitors and other displays, including those on laptops and smartphones. I pay close attention to a monitor's contrast, color accuracy, and gamma accuracy, as these have the most dramatic impact on image quality in normal, day-to-day use. 

There's more to a monitor than image quality, however. A great monitor should include a VESA-compatible stand with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, at the least. This lets you place the monitor in a comfortable position. All monitors sold between $300 to $500 should have this feature and, in fact, it's included with every monitor we picked. 

Of course, a monitor is no use if it can't connect to your devices. That's why I prefer monitors with HDMI and DisplayPort. That, thankfully, is easy to find on a $500 budget. 

I also prefer monitors with multiple USB ports, which makes them useful as a hub for your wired keyboard, mouse, or any other USB device you might use with a PC. USB-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, is a rare but great feature. Unfortunately, none of the monitors on this list include it. 

Build quality, though noted in my rankings, carries the least weight. A monitor is rarely handled, and most look the same from the front. Still, I prefer monitors that feel ready to handle a decade of use, and this becomes the tie breaker when comparing models with similar performance and connectivity. 



What we're looking forward to testing

This guide was last updated in January of 2021, and there's a long list of new models available. Here's what we have on the way or plan to test.

  • ViewSonic XG3220 ($499.99): This 32-inch, 4K monitor holds promise as a challenger to our 32-inch pick, the Dell S3220DGF. It swaps out a high refresh rate for 4K resolution, a trade that might prove better for most people. 
  • Acer Predator XB253Q GW ($279.99): This 24.5-inch 1080p gaming monitor has a 144Hz refresh rate and DisplayHDR 400 certification, a pair of features rarely found in monitors of this size. 
  • HP E27u G4 ($339.00): Announced at CES, the HP E27u G4 will be the company's new mainstream premium monitor. It has 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, but it supports USB-C with power delivery and has multiple USB ports. (Editor's note: There's no link available for this product yet.)


What to look for in a computer monitor

What's the difference between TN, IPS, and VA panel technology?

You'll frequently see the terms TN, IPS, and VA while shopping for a monitor. These terms describe the basic panel technology a monitor uses. Panel type impacts many aspects of image quality, including color gamut, contrast, and black levels.

TN stands for Twisted Nematic, and it's the oldest type of LCD panel technology still used today. Although inexpensive, TN panel technology struggles with color accuracy, color gamut, contrast, viewing angles, and maximum brightness. The falling price of newer technology has crowded TN panel technology out of the market. I recommend avoiding any monitor that still uses a TN panel.

IPS, or In-Plane Switching, surged in popularity after the turn of the millennium and is now the most common option in PC monitors and PC laptop displays. IPS panels have a solid color gamut and good color accuracy, and some are very bright. However, they can't display deep, inky blacks and instead depict dark scenes as a hazy gray. This is called "IPS glow." It's a problem if you intend to watch movies on a monitor but is much less noticeable in other situations.

VA, or Vertical Alignment, has surged in popularity over the past five years. VA panel technology is roughly equal to IPS in color gamut and accuracy but far superior in contrast ratio. A monitor using this technology can offer darker, more convincing black levels, eliminating the "IPS glow" problem. VA panels have a limited viewing angle, however, which can be a problem if the monitor is not always viewed straight-on.

Most monitors on this list use IPS panel technology. That doesn't mean IPS is superior, however. In general, IPS panel is best for productivity and general use, while VA is best for gaming and entertainment though there's significant overlap. In many cases, a monitor's recommendation is influenced by other factors that aren't connected to panel type, like resolution, brightness, and, of course, price. 

Do you really need a 4K display?

Our pick for best computer monitor under $500, the Dell S2721QS, has 4K resolution. To be precise, it provides a resolution of 3840 x 2160. This is identical to any 4K television. Computer monitors are much smaller than televisions, so even 1080p resolution is tolerable on a 27-inch monitor. A 4K monitor is far superior in sharpness, however, which does improve day-to-day use.

You might expect this only matters for movies or games, but the opposite is true. A sharp, clear image is most important for day-to-day use. A 4K monitor can display details, like small fonts or tiny interface buttons, without losing clarity. The result is a more versatile display. You can decrease the size of fonts or windows to fit more on your monitor or blow them up to make them more readable. Either way, the results will look better than 1080p or 1440p.

4K isn't a necessity, but it's a great feature to have.

Do you really need HDR?

HDR, or high dynamic range, is a standard designed to improve the contrast in movies, games, and other content. It can make bright areas of a scene brighter, and dark areas darker, creating a more dramatic, brilliant, and realistic image. But you don't need HDR on a monitor in 2021.

Unfortunately, the computer monitor market is struggling to embrace HDR. Even the best monitors achieve a peak brightness level below budget HDR televisions. Computer monitors also rarely offer effective local backlight dimming, a feature that lets an LCD display selectively turn off portions of its backlight. 

HDR content is more difficult to find and use on a computer than on a television. The PC versions of popular streaming services, like Netflix, often have limitations on HDR, and graphics hardware that's more than a few years old may not support the standard. Even the best HDR monitors struggle because of inconsistent software support. 

What is contrast ratio, color gamut, color accuracy, black level, and gamma?

These terms are often used to describe a monitor's image quality. They might sound intimidating, but they describe basic traits that anyone can appreciate. 

  • Contrast ratio: This is the range between the darkest black and brightest white. A higher contrast ratio leads to an image that appears more realistic and provides a greater illusion of depth. The higher, the better. 
  • Color gamut: This describes the total range of colors a monitor can display. The display industry uses several standard color spaces, like sRGB, as agreed benchmarks. A monitor's performance is described by the percentage of a color gamut the monitor can show. 
  • Color accuracy: This is a monitor's ability to show colors precisely as they should appear according to industry color standards. Here, a lower result is better, with higher results indicating a larger variance from the agreed standard. 
  • Gamma: This describes how a monitor handles luminance, with various gamma curves described by numbers. An image will appear darker as the gamma value increases. Monitors designed for everyday use generally target a gamma value between 2.0 and 2.4. 

 



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The best smart doorbells of 2021

January 28, 2021, 4:56 pm
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  • Smart doorbells send notifications to your phone, so you know who's at the door when you're not home. 
  • Smart doorbells allow you to stream live video from your front door and have two-way conversations.

Smart doorbells alert you when somebody is at your door, even when you're not at home. Video doorbells enable you to stream live video of your front door, so you can see who is there and even talk to them. Some smart doorbells can distinguish between people and other kinds of movement, so you only get the alerts you need.

To choose the best smart doorbell for your home, you'll want to consider whether you need something hardwired or battery operated, what type of recording features you want, and if it can integrate with an existing security system.   

We've been testing some of the best smart doorbells available, reading reviews from major tech publications, and perusing user reviews from verified owners to compile this guide. These are the best smart doorbells you can buy right now, and we explain all the pros and cons to help you find the right one for you.

Here are the best smart doorbells

SEE ALSO: The 12 best smart home devices you need to live like the Jetsons

The best smart doorbell overall

Easy to install, Google's Nest Hello supports streaming video and two-way conversations. A Nest Aware subscription adds video recording, AI-powered motion detection, and facial recognition. 

Pros: Easy wired installation, good quality video both night and day, two-way conversation, motion detection, facial recognition 

Cons: Expensive, some features require Nest Aware subscription

Google's Nest Hello is a very smart doorbell with a wide range of features. It's well built, offers advanced security, and can be installed quickly and easily using your existing doorbell wiring. It is on the expensive side, both in terms of the upfront cost and the ongoing subscription that you'll need for the advanced features. But it's the complete package, and the best smart doorbell for most people. 

The Nest Hello is relatively compact and lozenge shaped. When someone rings the doorbell, you can listen or talk through the device. There are some handy pre-recorded messages in the app for quick responses, such as "You can leave it" and "We'll be right there." You can also set quiet time, so the Nest Hello won't disturb you during your chosen hours.

Video quality is very good. The Nest Hello captures color video at a 1600 x 1200-pixel resolution at 30 frames per second. In low light, it switches to night vision in black and white. It has a 160-degree field of view and supports high dynamic range (HDR), which improves daytime clarity. Provided your Wi-Fi network is stable, you can see a live feed of your doorbell camera at any time, and there's a three-hour snapshot history of video clips you can review. The Nest Hello supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies for Wi-Fi. 

If you want to unlock advanced security features, you'll need a Nest Aware subscription, starting from $6 per month for 30 days of video. You can also pay $12 for 60 days of video, with 24/7 video recording. The Nest Aware subscription enables intelligent alerts, so your Nest Hello can detect motion, recognize regular visitors, and tell you when a package arrives. You can also set activity zones to reduce the risk of false alarms.

For installation, there are easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. If you have an existing doorbell and chime with the right transformer (16-24V AC), then you can put in the Nest Hello yourself in less than an hour. (Google has instructions on how to check if you have a compatible setup.) Alternatively, professional installation starts from $99.99, through OnTech. Everything you need to install it, including a special drill bit, is included in the box.

Nest Hello works with Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa, and you can use it in concert with your smart TV or smart locks, as well as any other Nest devices you own. 

With excellent review scores at Wired, CNET, TechRadar, and Digital Trends, among others, the Nest Hello is a top-rated smart doorbell. The big downside is the relatively high price at $229.99, with Nest Aware subscriptions -- an essential extra to unlock the smart features -- ranging from $6 to $12 per month. 



The best wireless smart doorbell

With motion detection, two-way audio, and streaming video support, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a full-featured option that doesn't have to be wired in.

Pros: Easy installation, can be wired or wireless, decent quality video, two-way conversation, motion detection

Cons: No video stored without subscription, quite large, Ring has some security and privacy concerns

If you want a smart doorbell that doesn't require any wiring at all, then the Ring Video Doorbell 3 could be ideal for you. This smart doorbell is very easy to install, offers good quality video streaming, and supports two-way audio. You'll need a subscription to record video, but the Ring Protect Plan is relatively affordable.

The doorbell is capable of recording color video at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and there's HDR support, and a night vision mode that records in black and white. The camera has a 160-degree field of view. The big upgrade for the Ring Video Doorbell 3, over its predecessor, the Ring Video Doorbell 2, is the support for 5 GHz frequency.

With motion detection, you'll get real-time notifications on your phone when someone approaches your door or rings the bell. You can jump straight to a live video feed, and you can listen and talk to visitors. The app is very easy to use. You can also set motion zones to reduce false alarms. Ring Video Doorbell 3 works seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa and any Echo devices you have in the home. That means you can talk to visitors through your Echo Dot and see visitors on an Echo Show's screen.

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is very easy to install. It comes with a battery pack, so there's no need to tangle with wires or remove your existing doorbell. You can wire this in using standard doorbell wiring if you want to, though. Almost everything you need is included in the box, and you can choose a silver or bronze face plate. It is quite wide, so you'll need to find a suitable spot to install it, and it may not fit on your door frame.

If you decide not to wire it in, then you'll need to charge up the battery periodically. The manufacturer suggests an average battery life of between six and 12 months, but much depends on how you use it and how busy your front door is. 

What we don't like about the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is the complete lack of any video storage unless you subscribe. If you miss an alert at the time, you can't go back and check the video without a subscription. The Ring Protect Plan costs $3 per month per device (or $30 for the year). That gets you video history for 60 days, with the ability to save, share, and capture snapshots.

There have also been some high-profile Ring camera hacks that may leave you concerned about how secure the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is, though the company has stepped up its security as a result of this. Ring's Neighbors program has also raised privacy concerns. 

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 costs $199.99. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, which costs an extra $30, adds four seconds of pre-roll to the video recording function, provided you have a subscription, to let you see the lead-up to each alert.

Read our full Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus review. 



The best value smart doorbell

Good quality video and two-way audio comes standard with the reasonably priced Arlo Video Doorbell. You can add advanced motion detection and video recording with a subscription.

Pros: Good video quality, wide field of view, two-way conversation, motion detection

Cons: Some features require Arlo Smart subscription, limited smart-home integration

Despite matching its competitors on features, the Arlo Video Doorbell is a lot cheaper. It's large but well-designed and offers good quality video streaming and two-way audio. It's compatible with many existing doorbell setups. You do need a subscription to record video, but the Arlo Smart subscription plan is relatively affordable.

The Arlo Video Doorbell can record color video at 1536 x 1536-pixel resolution, and it has an 180-degree field of view. There's also a night vision mode that records in black and white and support for HDR. One of its strongest features is that it records all the time, so when it detects motion or is pressed, it can include a few seconds before the event -- provided you have a subscription. Unfortunately, it only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

When you get an alert, you can jump into the live feed and have a two-way conversation with whomever is on your doorstep. There are pre-recorded replies for your convenience.

If you want to record video and access advanced features, like smart object detection, customized activity zones, and intelligent alerts, then you're looking at paying $3 per month for an Arlo Smart subscription. That gets you 30 days of video recordings in the cloud; the ability to detect people, vehicles, packages, and other objects; and the option of choosing activity zones to reduce false alerts.

You can arm or disarm your Arlo Video Doorbell, and you can set it on a schedule, so it doesn't disturb you when you're sleeping. It also has a built-in siren, which is an interesting option for emergencies that could come in handy to scare away package thieves. While it does work with Alexa, there's no integration with other smart devices and assistants yet. 

The Arlo is lozenge-shaped, but it's tall and a fair bit bigger than the Nest Hello. Everything you need for installation, apart from tools, is included, and it should work using the wiring and chime from your existing doorbell. Some users complained about tricky installation, so f you're not confident doing it yourself, you can always hire an electrician. 

You'll find very positive reviews of the Arlo Video Doorbell at CNET, Digital Trends, and Tom's Guide.

Downsides here include the limited smart home integration and the need for a subscription to record any video. Overall, the Arlo Video Doorbell is a bargain at $149.99 and the $2.99 per month subscription plan gives you access to a full 30 days of recordings.

Arlo just announced the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free, which we plan to get in for testing as soon as possible.



The best smart doorbell for apartments

With a clever design that replaces your door's peephole, the Ring Peephole Cam is ideal for some homes, such as apartments.

Pros: Compact design, fits into peepholes, motion and impact sensors

Cons: No video stored without subscription, limited view, false positives

If you live in an apartment or want to avoid an invasive installation, then the Ring Peephole Cam could be perfect for you. This smart doorbell is designed to fit into the existing peephole in your front door. You can still use it as a peephole, but it also detects motion, allows you to stream a video feed, and enables you to carry on two-way conversations via your smartphone. If you want to record video and review it later, you'll need to sign up for a subscription.

The Ring Peephole Cam records color video at 1920 x 1080 pixels and has a night mode that records in black and white. It has a 155-degree field of view, and there's support for HDR, which boosts video quality at the cost of shorter battery life. The Ring Peephole Cam only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. 

Functionality is very similar to the Ring Video Doorbell 3, so you can carry on two-way conversations, customize the motion detection, and jump to a live video feed from your phone. One unique feature for the Ring Peephole Cam is the knock detection, which is designed to alert you if someone knocks on the door rather than presses your bell.

If you want to record video, you need to subscribe to the Ring Protect Plan, which costs $3 per month per device (or $30 for the year). The subscription gives you video history for 60 days, with the ability to save, share, and capture snapshots.

Naturally, the Ring Peephole Cam works with Alexa and Echo devices, but that's the only voice assistant it supports. 

Perhaps the easiest smart doorbell to fit, the Ring Peephole Cam slots into the existing space that your traditional peephole occupies. There's no need to drill, mess with cables, or do anything else that will leave a lasting mark. The camera goes on the outside and connects to the battery on the inside.

Your battery life will vary depending on how you configure the Ring Peephole Cam and how busy your front door is, but you should get at least three weeks from a full charge. It charges via USB, and you can buy a spare battery for $30. 

The Ring Peephole Cam has positive reviews at CNET, Tom's Guide, and Digital Trends. While it doesn't score quite as highly as the other entries on our list, the unique design makes it the right choice for some people.

The fact there's no video storage without a subscription is an obvious downside. Reviews also complain about the flimsy construction of the plastic mount on the inside, the need to charge the battery, and the lack of Google Assistant or Siri support.

The Ring Peephole Cam costs $199, and it comes with a free 30-day trial of the Ring Protect subscription, which costs $3 per month thereafter. If you're unable to fit a different kind of smart doorbell, this may be your only choice. 



The best subscription-free smart doorbell

Offering high quality video and desirable features at a reasonable price, the Eufy 2K Video Doorbell can also be used without a subscription, as it stores video locally.

Pros: Local storage, low price, very high-quality video, two-way conversation, motion detection

Cons: Limited integration, software issues

Smart doorbells that can record video are rare, unless you sign up to a subscription service, so the Eufy 2K Video Doorbell is sure to be of interest. Not only does this smart doorbell record video locally, it also features a strong set of features, including high-resolution video, two-way audio, customized detection zones, human detection, and an indoor chime. 

There are currently two different versions of the Eufy Video Doorbell. The cheaper model must be wired in but can likely use your existing doorbell wiring. You get everything you need to fit it, but it is quite large, and it only comes in black. The more expensive model has a built-in battery, which makes it even bigger, but it can also be wired in if you prefer.

Before we go further, there's another important difference between the two models that leads us to recommend the more expensive one with the built-in battery. While they both store video locally, the cheaper version only has 4GB of storage and it's on the doorbell itself. This seems like a potential security issue, in that someone could steal the doorbell and take the video with them. The battery model offloads video wirelessly onto a HomeBase device you keep inside your home, which offers 16GB of storage. 

The HomeBase also doubles up as a chime that sounds when the doorbell is pressed. The cheaper model comes with its own plug-in chime. 

Video quality is excellent, with a top resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels and support for HDR. It records at 1600 x 1200 pixels by default, which keeps bandwidth and storage requirements down and is likely good enough for most people. The video is in color during the day and black and white at night. The camera has a 150-degree field of view. The Eufy 2K Video Doorbell only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. 

You can get alerts to the app on your phone triggered by motion or by someone ringing the bell. Then you can view the live feed and have a two-way conversation with whomever is there. The Eufy Video Doorbell has human detection, so it should be able to distinguish between a cat and a person, for example. You can also mark out specific activity zones to reduce false alerts. 

The big-selling point here is the local storage of video, which means no subscription is necessary. The smaller, 4GB model can record video for up to 30 days. How much video you have recorded, and how far it stretches back, depends on how you configure it, and how busy your front door is. The good news is that you can connect via the app wherever you are, provided the doorbell is powered up and connected to your Wi-Fi. 

The Eufy 2K Video Doorbell works with Alexa and Google Assistant but functionality is limited, and there isn't much smart home integration either. 

We are testing this smart doorbell right now and will add impressions and a full review very soon. In the meantime, you can find positive reviews of the Eufy 2K Video Doorbell at Digital Trends, Tom's Guide, and Tech Hive.

Potential cons, beyond the risk of losing footage if the cheaper model is stolen, include the lack of smart home support, and the fact that only one person can be logged into the app and connected to the doorbell at one time. Some reviews also mention reliability issues with streaming to the app. 

The cheaper version, which must be wired in, and has 4GB of storage in the doorbell itself, costs $159.99. The model with the built-in battery and 16GB of storage in the separate HomeBase, costs $199.99. If you don't want a subscription, the Eufy 2K Video Doorbell is a great option. 



What else we considered

The smart doorbell market is still expanding, so there are lots of other options that might be worthy of further investigation. Many of our old considerations are out of stock or have been phased out for newer versions by the manufacturers.

  • SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro ($169.99): Support for 1080p HDR video, two-way audio, motion detection, pan and zoom, and a 162-degree field of view make this sound tempting at such a low price. The downsides are that it lacks smart home and assistant support and the fact that it only connects on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. You get 30 days of video with a $4.99 per month subscription.


How to choose a smart doorbell

To find the right smart doorbell for your home, you'll need to ask yourself a few questions. 

Do you want a wired or wireless doorbell? Some smart doorbells take batteries, some can use your existing doorbell wiring, and others require a new power connection. Even if you have wiring, older doorbell chime transformers that are 16V or less often won't work with smart doorbells. Check your existing setup and the smart doorbell requirements before you buy.

What video quality do you need? It's a good idea to look for smart doorbells that support at least full high definition (HD) video; we'd recommend 1080p as a minimum, rather than 720p. It's also important that they have some sort of night mode, such as infrared, so they still work after sunset.

Do you need a subscription? Many smart doorbells require you to pay a monthly subscription in order to access advanced features and store video footage in the cloud. If you don't want to pay monthly, then make sure you're clear on precisely what's included without a subscription to avoid disappointment.

What security features do you need? Smart doorbells run the gamut, from simple doorbell replacements that stream live video to major security enhancements that will guard the front of your property, sense motion, trigger intelligent alerts, and even recognize repeat visitors.

What about connectivity? All smart doorbells are designed to connect to your home Wi-Fi network, so you will need Wi-Fi connectivity in range. Some smart doorbells support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, while others are limited to 2.4 GHz. In general, 2.4 GHz has better range but offers slower speeds than 5 GHz.



Check out more great smart home product guides

 



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The best SD cards in 2021

January 28, 2021, 5:15 pm
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  • SD cards are essential for file storage in small electronics, but choosing the right one can be confusing.
  • After in-depth research and usage experience, we find the SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SDHC UHS-I Card to be the best for most people.
  • Read more about what an SD card is.

Secure Digital (SD) cards are used by small electronics, mainly cameras, for storage purposes. Every camera needs an SD card, but many people may be tempted to skimp here and get the cheapest SD card; after all, SD cards can be had for less than $10.

But a bad memory card, particularly ones from undependable brands, can slow down your camera or even corrupt files. Whether you are shooting still photos or video, the best SD card, like the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I, allows your camera to reach full speed while safeguarding the files inside. This is crucial, especially if your job depends on it, like mine as a professional photographer.

I've used many types of memory cards from different brands, at various prices. In my experience, the worst SD cards slow my camera down, while the best can stash lots of files quickly and have even survived an accidental wash inside a pocket. But, the favorite SD card for a professional photographer may be overkill for a hobbyist. That's why considering the card type, capacity, and speed is essential — if you aren't shooting 4K video or action photography in burst mode, for example, you may not need a high-speed card. For this guide, I stuck with brands that are known to be dependable; they may cost more, but the peace of mind — that your media is protected — is worth it.

Looking for a microSD card? Check out our guide.

Here are the best SD cards

The best SD card overall

The SanDisk Extreme PRO blends high speeds and durability with an affordable price point.

Pros: Fast, durable, and affordable

Cons: You can faster SD cards but the price also jumps significantly

With the SanDisk Extreme PRO, the best features are right in the name — this SD card is fast enough for professionals, with a durable design for extreme conditions. Available in capacities up to a whopping 1TB, this card hits the sweet spot with the mix of features and price — the 32GB, shown above, sells for less than $20.

The 64GB-and-higher U3 cards can write files as fast as 90MB/s, with read speeds just a bit faster at up to 170MB/s (the 32GB SDHC card is a bit slower). That's enough to capture 4K video as well as RAW bursts of photos. I have half a dozen of these cards, and even in the SD slot of my pro-level, 45-megapixel Nikon D850, they don't have a problem keeping up with the big files that the camera captures.

The Extreme PRO line is also built to withstand water, shock, extreme temperatures, and X-rays. I've accidentally left an SD card in a pocket and sent it through the washer and dryer and the card was unfazed (though I don't recommend putting an SD card through a spin cycle). SanDisk includes a data-recovery program, RescuePro, for a year after purchase and also includes a limited lifetime warranty in the US.



The best budget SD card

The SanDisk Extreme is an affordable SD card with a design that won't wreck your data.

Pros: Low price, durable design

Cons: Slower than our top pick

Drop the Pro from the name of our top pick, and you have a slower but still reliable SD card. The SanDisk Extreme is easy to find for around $10 for a 32GB SDHC card (shown above) and around $50 for 256GB SDXC, making it good for users on a budget or for picking up multiple cards at once. 

The fastest SD cards are overkill for a lot of cameras, and if you buy a card that's faster than your camera, you're spending more without gaining more. The 40-60MB/s write speed isn't as ideal for 4K or those 50-megapixel RAW photos, but it's more than enough for hobbyists and lower-resolution devices.

While casual users won't notice a speed difference over the pricier cards, a durability difference would be glaringly obvious. Thankfully, SanDisk still makes this card resistant to water, shock, extreme temperatures, and X-rays — just not as robust as the Pro version.



The best rugged SD card

The Sony SF-G Tough is so fast, it's future proof — and it's water and dustproof too.

Pros: Extreme durability and speed

Cons: No write protection switch, expensive

Note: Sony noted issues with some memory cards, including those from the SF-G Tough series, that may damage files when it's being written in-camera. The company is offering free replacements until March 31, 2022. Go to Sony's website for more details.

Why settle for double-digit speeds when you can get triple? While the speeds of our top pick are more than enough for most photographers, the Sony SF-G Tough series hits write speeds of up to 299MB/s, which is good for even 8K video thanks to a V90 video speed class. There aren't many devices around today that require that much speed, but this card is so fast that, theoretically, you likely won't need to update years down the road when the megapixel counts continue to climb and consumers finally can record 8K video.

There's a reason that "tough" is right in the name — the card is built to not only survive a ride in the washing machine but to stick around even after three days under water. The card is also constructed to guard against dust, drops, bends, extreme temperatures, and more. That durability comes from an exterior that's made from one piece, and while the design is solid, it also means there's no write protection switch to keep you from accidentally deleting files on the card.

Another downside is the price. The 32GB version costs around $60 — which is fine if you need all that speed and durability, but is likely overkill for others.



The best high-capacity SD card

If you need space the size of a small external hard drive in a card that's about the size of your thumb, the Lexar 1 TB Professional 633x UHS-I SDXC is a good choice.

Pros: One of the more affordable 1 TB cards, fast read speeds

Cons: Less durable design with slower write speeds than our top pick

A 32GB card may be sufficient for most users, but the Lexar Professional 633x series offers capacities all the way up to a terabyte — that's a lot of data on a standard-sized SD card. You probably don't need to shoot a terabyte of video or photos at a time, but high-capacity SD cards are excellent ways to expand the space on your laptop and other devices without carrying around a bulky external hard drive.

The 95MB/s read speed will help when using the SD card for data storage, and when you do write to the card, it has a respectable — though not best-in-class — 70MB/s write speed. That's enough for 4K video, 3D video, and RAW bursts as well as handling other large files.

Lexar doesn't advertise any durability claims with this card outside of temperature, however, so it won't withstand abuse like the Sony Tough or SanDisk Extreme Pro. High-capacity cards are expensive, but this one is a little less so — the Lexar slides in at approximately $200 less than the 1 TB SanDisk Extreme Pro.

If 1TB is overkill, the 633x-series comes in many different capacities. As of this posting, a 64GB card costs just $12, making it a budget option. This is the card that Insider Reviews Senior Editor Les Shu has been using the past year in cameras like the Nikon Z5, and found it reliable and capable of shooting videos up to 4K without issues.



The best SD card for fast uploads

With a 150MB/s read speed, accessing files on the Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II is quick.

Pros: Fast read speeds

Cons: Slower write speeds and less durability

The 95MB/s speeds of our top pick is good, but it's not as great as the file-transfer speeds of the Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II, with a 150MB/s maximum read speed. The 60MB/s write speed is still enough to handle 4K and RAW bursts, while the higher read speed allows for faster transfers, which means quicker file transfers from camera to computer.

Like the Lexar Professional 633x on our list, this SD card doesn't offer the same durability as the SanDisk Extreme Pro or the Sony Tough series. A handful of reviewers claim they've lost data from card read-errors, but this is another card that I and many photographers have used without any issues.

This Lexar comes in capacities of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, starting at $40.



What to look for in an SD card

What is SDHC vs. SDXC?

When it comes to the card type, the two main kinds you'll want to consider are SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity). The difference between the two is how much storage they offer and speed. SDHC cards contain 4GB to 32GB, while SDXC cards typically range from 64GB to 2TB. 

How much capacity do I need?

Chances are, you'll want an SD card with more than 32GB of storage, so you'll be looking at SDXC cards. A 32GB card is fine for casual photographers or people who prefer to have multiple smaller-capacity cards for security (if you lose your card, you don't lose everything). We typically recommend 64GB cards in this guide because you'll want that extra space for high-resolution photographs and video, but you may want to get even more if you're shooting 4K video.

What is the right speed for an SD card?

Speed class is where things get complicated. SD cards for your average user come in four speed classes: 10, 6, 4, and 2. Class 2 cards are the slowest and class 10 cards are the fastest. The class number refers to the minimum write speeds in megabytes per second (MB/s), so Class 2 = 2MB/s, Class 4 = 4MB/s, Class 6 = 6MB/s, and Class 10 = 10MB/s. 

On the top high-end cards, the speed class rating is designated with a U symbol, instead of a C symbol. U1 supports at least a 10MB/s write speed (like a Class 10), and U3 cards offer at least a 30MB/s write speed. If you shoot in 4K, you need a U3 SD card. All the SD cards in this guide are U3 or U1.

UHS speed refers to the absolute top theoretical speed of each card, instead of the minimum speed indicated by the card class. It's a good way to gauge burst shot speeds. UHS-I Cards have a maximum speed of 104 MB/s, while UHS-II cards have a maximum speed of 312 MB/s. (A new UHS-III theoretically supports up to 624 MB/s, but isn't widely available yet.)

The SD Association also classifies cards by a video speed class standard, which currently ranges from V6 to V90. For 4K, a video speed class of V30 or more is ideal.

It's generally a good idea to get a high-speed SD card, especially if you are shooting in RAW or filming high-resolution video. In that case, you'll want a class 10 SD card or higher with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) classification.

You'll want to check to be sure your camera supports those speeds. Otherwise, you won't get the full effect of the card.

Is it safe to buy SD cards from no-name brands?

Avoid counterfeit cards by sticking with known brands and clicking on our links. We recently purchased a two-pack of no-name 32GB cards for $10, but one of our cameras consistently had issues recognizing them.

Read more about SD cards.



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A billionaire movie producer's 1-bedroom apartment in NYC's Ritz-Carlton just sold for $20 million — half its original price. Take a look inside.

January 28, 2021, 6:36 pm
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A one-bedroom apartment in New York City's iconic Ritz-Carlton building just sold for about $20 million— just over half of its original asking price, Jennifer Gould reported for The New York Post.

The residence, which hit the market for $39.5 million in December 2018, was sold by Sidney Kimmel, a movie producer worth an estimated $1.3 billion, according to Forbes.

Kimmel and his wife bought the apartment in 2001 for $22.3 million, according to Curbed, and commissioned architect Thierry Despont to redesign the space, which includes a 2,000-square-foot master suite, two terraces, two elegant dressing rooms, a full gym, and two onyx and marble bathrooms. It's one of 11 residences in the Ritz-Carlton across the street from Central Park.

The listing brokers were Steven Cohen, Timothy Malone, and James Lee Wall of Douglas Elliman, although Corcoran held an earlier listing.

Kimmel made his fortune in retail by founding Jones Group, an apparel company, that went on to sell brands including Stuart Weitzman and Nine West. More recently, he founded SK Global, an entertainment company, through which he was a producer for movies including the 2018 hit film "Crazy Rich Asians" along with "Moneyball" and "The Kite Runner."

Here's a look inside the home.

SEE ALSO: Billionaire casino mogul Steve Wynn just listed his Beverly Hills estate for $110 million — more than double what he paid for it 6 years ago. Look inside.

DON'T MISS: Inside a Russian billionaire's $200 million plan to transform the tiny Greek island where Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis into a luxury resort

The one-bedroom apartment is in the iconic Ritz-Carlton building, a luxury hotel that includes 11 permanent residences.

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Source: Ritz Carlton



The building at 50 Central Park South was originally the St. Moritz Hotel from 1930 to 1999. After extensive renovations, the hotel reopened in 2002 as the Ritz-Carlton.

Source: Ritz Carlton



Sidney Kimmel's one-bedroom apartment takes up the entire 27th floor of the building, spanning more than 8,000 square feet, according to a previous listing. The grand entryway offers an elegant welcome to the home.

Source: Corcoran



The living room features an antique marble fireplace and French doors that open up to a terrace.

Source: Corcoran



The 53-foot terrace offers sweeping views of Central Park.

Source: Corcoran



In the library, which is connected to the living room, you can spot a "Crazy Rich Asians" poster.

Source: Corcoran



The formal dining room occupies one corner of the floor, allowing for panoramic views of the park and Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Source: Corcoran



The 2,000-square-foot master suite, which occupies the entire East wing of the floor, is larger than many New York City apartments.

Source: Corcoran



It includes two onyx and marble bathrooms ...

Source: Corcoran



... two dressing rooms ...

Source: Corcoran



... as well as a private office and a sitting room.

Source: Corcoran



The top-of-the-line chef's kitchen has ample counter space and glass-doored cabinets. An additional terrace off the kitchen serves as a space for outdoor dining.

Source: Corcoran



The apartment also includes a staff suite that could be reconfigured to add more bedrooms.

Source: Corcoran



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The 10 fastest-growing workplace apps of 2020, according to $33 billion Okta

January 29, 2021, 10:27 am
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The $33 billion security and identity management company Okta has released its annual report on the fastest-growing business apps of the year.

This is the 7th year Okta has released the ranking, which is based on customer data it collects as an identity management and access tool for workplaces. It helps workers quickly and securely sign into a variety of cloud programs without having to remember passwords, which puts it in a good position to see which apps are on the rise in the workplace each year.

Its 2020 ranking reflects the massive pandemic-spurred shift to remote work. For the first time, nine of the 10 fastest-growing apps are new to the list, with only data warehousing firm Snowflake appearing in both the 2019 and 2020. One consistent feature, however, was that several cybersecurity tools made the cut.

"People are more worried about security in general, but then some of it I think is pandemic fueled," said Okta CEO Todd McKinnon. "People are really worried about getting hacked and users being compromised when they're out there on their home networks."

The fastest-growing app on Okta's list was Amazon Business, the ecommerce giant's tool for organizations to set up their own ecommerce sites for their employees. Usage of that app among Okta's customer base grew 341% in 2020, as  companies tried to make it easy for employees to get the gear they needed to work from home. 

While collaboration apps Slack and Zoom didn't appear on the top ten ranking, as they have in the past, they did rank as the two of the most popular apps in 2020, according to another list that Okta also publishes.

Here are the 10 fastest-growing apps of 2020, according to Okta:

10. 1Password

1Password is a password management system that stores users' different logins for various websites and allows them to sign into all of them using just one password, hence the name. The company was largely self-funded since launching in 2005, though it raised a $200 million Series A from Accel in 2019.

With people working from home and not protected by their employers' office networks, secure ways to log in to work applications are more important than ever.

 



9. Sentry

Sentry helps developers understand their code and mitigate the impacts of bugs or other problems when running it. Founder David Cramer first created the tool as an open source project while working at Dropbox from 2013 to 2015, though he left in 2015 to focus on Sentry full-time. 

Its most recent funding round took place in 2019, when it raised a $40 million Series C led by Accel, with participation from existing investor New Enterprise Associates.



8. VMware Carbon Black Cloud

Carbon Black, which VMWare acquired for $2.1 billion in 2019, provides security services for applications that run on the cloud or on private data centers. VMWare acquired it as part of its intensifying focus on cybersecurity.

With people working remotely and using more cloud applications, cybersecurity has been a key focus for IT departments. 

 



7. Snowflake

Snowflake is a cloud data warehousing startup that helps companies store, manage, and use huge amounts of data in the cloud. It went public last year in a blockbuster IPO that saw its shares spike 165% on its first day of trading; it now has a market cap of roughly $77 billion.

Snowflake has partnerships with the three major cloud vendors: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, and is drawing the attention of other cloud startups and data-focused enterprises. The rapidly growing cloud database market is projected to be worth $100 billion by 2025, Business Insider previously reported, and Snowflake is poised to be a dominant player in that space. 



6. Lattice

Lattice makes software for human resources departments, with tools to help managers develop teams and keep employees engaged. For example, its products help managers give employees feedback more regularly, draft their goals, and build an agenda for their next check-in. Its the first HR-related app on Okta's annual list since 2016. 

Last year, it raised a $45 million Series D led by Tiger Global Management at an estimated $445 million valuation, according to PitchBook. 



5. Fortinet FortiGate

Fortinet sells cybersecurity products, support, and services to small and midsize businesses, large enterprises, and government entities. The FortiGate app provides cloud-based firewalls to protect private networks, so employees can access their apps and tools securely. 

 

 



4. Monday.com

Monday.com is a productivity startup which sells customizable project management software. Its app allows people to track project progress and collaborate on tasks, and it's similar to tools like Asana, which went public last year, or Smartsheet. 

Monday.com raised a $150 million Series D round in 2019 at a $1.9 billion valuation. 



3. Figma

Figma makes cloud-based design software, which lets designers collaborate on projects. The popularity of well-designed apps like Instagram, Uber, Slack, and TikTok have raised people's standards for app user interface and experience overall, founder Dylan Field told Insider's Rosalie Chan last year. 

Figma has raised a total of $132.87 million at a $2.05 billion valuation, and is increasingly putting competitive pressure on Adobe, the leading incumbent in design software.



2. Miro

Miro is a collaborative virtual whiteboard platform for distributed teams. It can be used in tandem with video conferencing tools like Zoom to help teams build and develop ideas while having virtual meetings. Individual boards can also be saved for people to work on asynchronously in their available time. 

Last year, it raised a $50 million Series B round, giving it a $725 million valuation, according to PitchBook. 



1. Amazon Business

Amazon Business lets organizations set up virtual ecommerce stores for their employees to buy products and supplies. Employers can pre-set items employees can buy and connect the accounts to their expense systems and finance departments.

During the pandemic, organizations used it as an easy way to help employees get work-from-home tools like monitors, standing desks, webcams, keyboards, and more.



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The top 9 movies on Netflix this week, from 'Homefront' to 'The White Tiger'

January 29, 2021, 10:42 am
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The 2013 Jason Statham movie "Homefront" saw a surge in popularity on Netflix this week, while Robert Rodriguez's "We Can Be Heroes" is still holding strong.

Every week, the streaming search engine Reelgood compiles for Insider a list of which movies have been most prominent on Netflix's daily top-10 lists that week. On Reelgood, users can browse Netflix's entire movie library and sort by IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes ratings.

Below are Netflix's 9 most popular movies of the week in the US:

SEE ALSO: Netflix says 'Bridgerton' is its biggest series of all time, beating 'The Witcher'

9. "Pinkfong & Baby Shark's Space Adventure" (2019)

Description: "Joined by new friends from other planets, Pinkfong and Baby Shark explore outer space and search for missing star pieces to return home."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: N/A

What critics said: N/A



8. "We Can Be Heroes" (2020, Netflix original)

Description: "When alien invaders capture Earth's superheroes, their kids must learn to work together to save their parents — and the planet." 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 73%

What critics said: "'Heroes' is colorful and garish and relentlessly energized; as such, it's not designed to work for anyone who wouldn't be permitted into a PG-13 movie without a guardian."— The Playlist



7. "Outside the Wire" (2021, Netflix original)

Description: "In the near future, a drone pilot sent into a war zone finds himself paired with a top-secret android officer on a mission to stop a nuclear attack."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 37%

What critics said: "The half-brained drudgery that Håfström's delivers here only leaves you with the regret that this war wasn't more fun to watch."— Indiewire



6. "The White Tiger" (2021, Netflix original)

Description: "The ambitious driver for a rich Indian family uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and become an entrepreneur. Based on the bestselling novel."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 92%

What critics said: "The White Tiger feels like a fable, one that illustrates how trapping people in poverty so there will always be someone to do wealthier folks' bidding is as much a function of psychology and culture as of economic opportunity."— Vox



5. "Penguins of Madagascar" (2014)

Description: "Elite penguin spies Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with the suave agents of the North Wind to defeat power-mad genius Octavius Brine."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 73%

What critics said: "Penguins of Madagascar is an unexpected pleasure, a 3D kids' animated feature that combines a wildly inventive visual style with enough in-jokes and self-reflexive references to keep film- loving adults happy, too."— Independent



4. "The Next Three Days" (2010)

Description: "When his wife becomes a murder suspect and is sent to prison, a professor plots a meticulous plan to take back her freedom and reunite his family."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 51%

What critics said: "Neither Crowe nor Banks matches the levels of determination and despair that Vincent Lindon and Diane Kruger brought to the same roles in the original film."— Guardian



3. "Cut-Throat City" (2020)

Description: "Bereft of opportunities in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a young man and his close friends turn to a life of crime in the 9th Ward of New Orleans."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 70%

What critics said: "RZA tells this story (from a screenplay by Paul Cuschieri) with deliberation and imaginative daring. With 'Cut Throat City,' his third feature, he comes into his own as a director."— New York Times



2. "The Vanished" (2020)

Description: "When their daughter disappears during a family vacation, two terrified parents launch their own investigation that soon exposes local secrets."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 21%

What critics said: "Wildly implausible and improbably entertaining."— Hollywood Reporter



1. "Homefront" (2013)

Description: "When an ex-DEA agent is widowed, he moves with his young daughter to a small town, but his quiet life is shattered by a meth-making drug trafficker."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 43%

What critics said: "The car chases aren't done especially well, but overall, Homefront delivers the enjoyment you'd expect from a shoot-'em-up."— The Atlantic



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The best online sales happening now, including discounts at GlassesUSA, Leesa, and Paula's Choice

January 29, 2021, 11:34 am
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Best Online Sales Deals

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We rounded up the best sales and deals happening online today, including savings at Shop Disney, Totes, Paula's Choice, 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 our roundups for the best Presidents' Day and Valentine's Day sales, and Business Insider Coupons.

The best deals available right now

Product Card (medium, Preferred: Best Buy)Product Card (medium, Preferred: Newegg)Product Card (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Product Card (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Product Card (medium, Preferred: Amazon)

The best sales and discounts happening right now

Buy one, get one plush for $5 from Shop Disney.

Shop the BOGO sale from Shop Disney now.

Whether you have a little one who loves stuffies or a partner nostalgic for Disney, the BOGO sale from Shop Disney is a great chance to shop. Right now, you can buy one plush to get the second for only $5, making a pair as cheap as $18. It's a sale in good time for Valentine's Day, so you can pair your chocolate and flowers with their favorite Disney character. Sales from Shop Disney are exceedingly rare, so don't miss out on this chance to save.



Get 40% off all umbrellas from Totes.

Shop the Flash Sale from Totes now.

Now through February 6, Totes is offering shoppers 40% off all of its umbrellas with promo code 40RAIN applied at checkout. It's a rare, seasonally-appropriate sale. Totes makes great umbrellas that have made it into our top 10 inexpensive umbrella picks. The sale ends soon, so if you're in need of something to stay dry, this sale is an absolute must. 



Get up to 60% off clearance from Macy's

Shop the Macy's Clearance sale now.

Macy's has no shortage of sale and clearance items available at a discount on its site, at any time of year. Right now you can get an extra 20% off clearance with promo code SALE. We recommend Macy's for shopping private-label fashion, small kitchen appliances, and furniture. Those categories, and much more, are included in the sale end January 31.



Get 20% off one item and free shipping from Paula's Choice.

Shop the exclusive sale at Paula's Choice now.

From now through January 31, Paula's Choice Skincare is offering shoppers 20% off one item, automatically applied in cart. Shipping is also free, no minimum order required. Sales from the brand are pretty rare, and this is among the first notable ones we've seen. Products from Paula's Choice have made it into our top niacinamide serum picks and our round-up of the highest-rated skincare products on Amazon.



Get up to 25% off sitewide from Frontgate

Shop the Frontgate sitewide sale now.

One of our favorite places to shop for outdoor furniture, Frontgate is an excellent one-stop-shop for everything home goods. Right now the retailer is offering up to 25% off sitewide, one of many sales we see throughout the year. The sale ends January 31, only giving you three days to reap the savings.



Get 50% off a 7-night stay at Kanuhura Maldives from Travelzoo

Shop the Travelzoo discount now.

Now through October 2022, Travelzoo members can get $2000 off a weeklong stay for 2 at the Kanuhura Maldives, a 5-star luxury hotel. If you're looking to bring the whole family, you can even bring up to 2 kids under age 11 free of charge, making this discount even more worth it. Though travel may not seem like your top priority this year, this is an excellent deal with flexible booking dates — it's also fully refundable. The Kanuhura Maldives has a 9.4/10 rating on Booking.com and a 5/5 on Trip Advisor. 



Get 30% off your entire order from GlassesUSA

Shop the Glasses USA Insider sale now. 

Now through February 1, you can get 30% off your entire order of eyeglasses and sunglasses when you use promo code INSIDER30; shipping is also free. They're one of our favorite places to buy glasses online and with how often they hold sales and deals, it's a great place to find frames for less. 



Get up to 60% off from United by Blue

Shop the United by Blue End of Season Sale now.

United by Blue is holding a huge sale with up to 60% off sitewide and an extra 50% off sale items with promo code BYEWINTER. Not only does the brand make apparel you can feel good about wearing, but it's also some of the softest and warmest stuff we've worn. We've tried and reviewed the Responsible Flannels and Bison Puffers, and found them to be worth the hype. Sales, especially with discounts this good, are few and far between, so don't miss out on these deals.



Get up to 70% off markdowns from Frank and Oak

Shop the Frank and Oak Winter Sale now.

Right now, you can get up to 70% off markdowns from Frank and Oak, an apparel retailer with a style subscription box. We loved the company's Style Plan subscription and enjoyed the experience, despite the hefty price tag. Even if you're less inclined to subscribe for stylist-curated fashion, the sale applies to individual pieces as well; you can feel good buying from Frank and Oak knowing that oftentimes, sustainable materials are used for construction. 



Get up to $375 off mattresses from Leesa

Shop the Leesa Annual Winter Sale now.

Leesa is offering shoppers up to $375 off mattresses and up to $877 off bundles during its Annual Winter Sale going on now. We've tested and loved most of Leesa's lineup of mattresses. The Hybrid is evenour top pick for best hybrid mattress, with its cooling top and responsive springs. Sales from the start-up aren't exactly rare, but right now is still a good chance to save a big chunk of change on a sleep game-changer.



Get up to 40% off Valentine's flowers from 1-800-Flowers

Shop the 1-800-Flowers Valentine's Day sale now.

Just over a month is left before the big day, but it's never too early to plan ahead for Valentine's Day, especially with deals this good. Right now, flowers and gifts including bouquets, plushes, gift baskets, and more are up to 40% off, no code necessary. The retailer is one of our favorite online flower delivery services, especially for last-minute shoppers.



Get up to 50% off at Lo & Sons

Shop the Lo & Sons Winter Sale now.

Thoughtfully designed and durably constructed, bags from Lo & Sons are popular for a reason. Right now, select bags are up to 50% off, including the Catalina and the O.G. that we cover in our review. Even if travel isn't in your plans for 2021, this sale is so good it may be worth investing in a bag that you'll love using. 



Get up to 60% off at Naadam

Shop the world's fairest end of season sale at Naadam now.

If you won't settle for anything less than cashmere, Naadam is the brand for you. It's a brand we love not only for its cozy cashmere sweaters but also for its sustainability and ethical practices. Right now, Naadam is offering up to 60% off sweaters for men and women. If you want to learn more about the startup before you shop, check out our Naadam review or our guide to the best places to shop for women's cashmere. 



Get 10% off sitewide from Nest Bedding

Shop the Nest Bedding New Year Sale now.

For the whole month of January, Nest Bedding is offering shoppers 10% off sitewide. Furniture, bedding, and much more is on sale from the brand, making now a great chance to upgrade your sleeping situation. We've reviewed a ton of Nest Bedding products, with some even making it as picks in our guides to the best latex pillows and foam mattresses. 



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The best notebooks of 2021

January 29, 2021, 11:44 am
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Notebooks should be durable with high-quality paper that keeps your notes legible for years. You'll want to consider the type of paper, bindings, and covers when choosing a notebook. You might want different kinds for taking notes versus sketching. 

Paper type will depend on how you're using the notebook. Artists and fountain pens users will want a high gram-per-square-meter (gsm) count. Lighter paper is smoother and better suited to note-taking. We researched and tested both varieties. (For more informaiton on paper quality and bindings, see some experts' tips in Insider Reviews' guide to the best planners.)

Paper size, sheet style (ruled, dotted, graph, or blank), and format are also important factors to consider before purchasing a notebook. Our picks include options for artists, travel, and left-handers. 

Here are the best notebooks:

SEE ALSO: The best planners for students and professionals

The best notebook overall

The Miquelrius Flexible Handmade Leather Journalis bound by bendable but tough recycled leather and packed thick with 300 sheets of smooth, wide-ruled paper.

Pros: Durable leather cover, smooth pages, generous page count

Cons: Expensive, may incur international shipping costs

The Miquelrius Flexible Handmade Leather Journal is handcrafted in Spain by a company that has been making stationery for 179 years. The lightweight, extra-opaque paper (70 gsm) is smooth to the touch, and the margins are wider than some of its more popular competitors, like Moleskine.

Although the paper is thinner than other notebooks, the strong opacity allows you to write with any style of pen, without your words "ghosting" the back of the page. I prefer to use a felt-tip with this notebook, because I think it complements the smoothness of the paper and makes it easier to write quickly.

The paper is bound by glue, as opposed to the more traditional thread-stitching. This isn't always the most dependable method, but my notebook has survived for more than two years without the binding showing any signs of wear, and I take it with me everywhere I go.

The recycled leather has a coarse surface that is virtually impenetrable to scratches and scuff marks. But at the same time, the material is elastic, so the cover and binding fold in half with ease. This ensures the notebook will lay flat when opened to any page. And since the binding isn't stiff, you don't need to keep your writing hand grounded in order to keep the pages from turning unintentionally.

The Miquelrius Flexible Handmade Leather Journal comes in two different sizes: 6-by-8.2 inches and a smaller 4-by-5.75 inches. This size comes with lined and graph paper. We recommend the larger option that uses an A5 sheet size. This format gives you just the right amount of space on the page, and anything larger would make the notebook bulky, given its hefty page-count.

Miquelrius notebooks are certainly not cheap, but they are good investments.



The best travel notebook

The Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Hard Cover Notebookuses a special paper that repels water, sweat, grease, and mud. 

Pros: Weather-resistant, ideal size for travel, archival-quality paper

Cons: Paper only works with certain writing instruments

Designed specifically for outdoor use, Rite in the Rain notebooks are the ideal travel companions for writers on the go. The notebook uses wood-based, recyclable paper protected by a patented coating that the company has been innovating for more than 100 years.

Rite in the Rain's 32-pound paper (120 gsm) also meets the standard for archival-quality paper, ensuring your travel memories will endure through years of storage. The thread-stitched binding and glue are also designed to be weather resistant.

For its hardcovers, Rite in the Rain uses Fabrikoid, a unique type of imitation leather made from cotton cloth. The company's softcover notebooks have a more flexible, paper-based cover. For travelers, we suggest the hardcover option. Even if your itinerary is more city walking than rainforest excursion, it's always a good idea to have a little extra protection when you take a notebook on the road.

An important factor to consider, however, is the limitation on writing instruments that are compatible with the water-resistant paper. When the paper is wet, you need to write with pencils, wax markers, crayons, or Rite in the Rain's specially designed pens. When it's dry, you can use permanent markers and ballpoint pens, but the paper will not work with gel pens, fountain pens, or highlighters. If you're traveling and lose your writing instrument, this can be frustrating.

Rite in the Rain's Weatherproof Hard Cover Notebook comes in several different, field-specific sheet styles but also the standard lined and grid formats. At 80 sheets, the notebook won't weigh you down, but it still provides enough paper to last your entire trip.



The best notebook for artists

The Speedball Travelogue Watercolor Bookhas an elegant, natural-linen binding and uses paper that works well with both paint and ink.

Pros: Meant for watercolor but also works great with ink

Cons: It's only 60 pages

The Speedball Travelogue Watercolor Book uses cold-pressed paper, which is more textured than hot-pressed but smoother than rough watercolor paper. This makes the Travelogue Watercolor Book functional for its intended purpose but also compatible with mixed-media compositions and ink sketches.

The paper is 200 gsm, which is a common weight for Manila folders and index cards. This notebook also gets a few extra points for its natural-linen cover. The exterior is also quite durable and includes an elastic closure.

The Speedball Travelogue Watercolor Book is bound by a combination of glue and thread stitching.

The large landscape format seems to be the most popular among watercolor painters. The notebook also comes in two portrait sizes, a square size and a unique, pocket-panorama format. The notebook only contains 60 pages, but given the high-quality paper, it's still a good value.

Note: This product was previously known as the Global Art Materials Travelogue Watercolor Book.



The best notebook for note-taking

The ultra-smooth texture and wide margins inside theMidori MD Notebook make note-taking fast and easy.

Pros: Smooth paper for writing fast, large margins, attractive design

Cons: It doesn't have a cover

When it comes to note-taking, speed is the name of the game. Students and professionals who need to jot down information quickly will appreciate the fact that Midori's paper is made from broad-leaved trees instead of more common conifer trees, which gives an added smoothness.

The Japanese company takes a lot of pride in how they make paper. (Its website provides an in-depth look at the process.) After continuous use, I found that the paper is the main reason why the Midori MD Notebook is the best for note-taking.

A close second, however, is the margins. When I'm writing fast, my handwriting gets much larger, and the wide margins help reduce sloppy note-taking. It also has a unique bold centerline in the middle of each page, so you can divide the upper and lower sections and organize accordingly.

Midori notebooks are known for their clean, minimalist aesthetic. The exterior consists of a blank sheet of paraffin paper instead of a traditional cover. Although the coverless design is attractive, after a while, it will show signs of wear. This isn't a good notebook for extended use outside of the classroom or office space.

The thread-stitched binding, however, is quite durable. It's only covered by a strip of cheesecloth mesh tape, so you can crease the binding, just like you would a paperback novel. This feature also keeps your writing hand at a comfortable angle, allowing you to take notes over a period of time without cramping up.

I prefer the A5 sheet size. Midori offers this version in lined, gridded, and blank varieties. It's also available in A4, A6, and a slimmer B4, but not all versions are easy to find in the United States. At 88 pages, the notebook is the perfect length to dedicate to a class or work project.



The best left-handed notebook

TheLemome A5 Wide-Ruled Hardcover Writing Notebook is ideal for left-handed writers, because of its extra-thick paper that dries quickly and prevents smudging.

Pros: Paper dries quickly, the firm binding lays the notebook flat

Cons: Paper thickness makes it less smooth, less-durable binding

Lefties living in a right-handed world know the struggle of finding products that accommodate our unique predicament. The Lemome A5 Wide-Ruled Hardcover Writing Notebook boasts thick, 125-gsm paper that dries fast and prevents smudging.

The faux leather exterior guards the front and back cover of the notebook but not the thread-stitched binding. Lefties will enjoy this unique feature, because it adds protection without reducing the flexibility of the notebook. That means the front cover won't rise up against your hand while you're trying to write — a constant nuisance for lefties who prefer hardcover notebooks. This does leave the binding less protected than other notebooks, however, reducing the overall durability.

The one sacrifice lefties have to make when opting for thick paper is smoothness. The 125-gsm paper is admittedly coarse, and it's hard to write quickly on it, which can be frustrating at times. But an added plus, there's virtually no bleed or ghosting, even with wet ink.

The notebook contains 90 sheets, and comes in the standard blank, dot, grid, and ruled sheet styles, with an A5 paper size. It also has an elastic closure and an elastic pen holder on the outside of the binding.



Check out our other great buying guides\

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The best disinfecting cleaners in 2021

January 29, 2021, 11:47 am
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  • While there isn't just one product that will easily disinfect everything in your home, we've put together the best disinfecting cleaners for everything from clothes to counters.
  • We found the Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray to be the best disinfectant for surfaces because it kills 99.9% of bacteria and is safe to use around food.
  • See also: The best hand sanitizers

The world is a germy place and as we interact with others, we share bacteria. Some bacteria are actually good for our body systems but other, viral strains like measles, flu, colds, and most recently, COVID-19, can be dangerous. And, fungal infections like athlete's foot, while not life-threatening, are pretty uncomfortable.

Disinfecting cleaners kill bacteria and come in many forms — you may see the words "antibacterial,""sanitizing," or "disinfecting," which are used interchangeably by many companies.

But what really matters is the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration number that ensures the product has met EPA requirements for killing germs. If there is no number, you're just wasting your time and money.

Key ingredients to also look for are pine oil, quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium hypochlorite, phenols, and ethanol. Different active ingredients kill different types of bacteria. A good disinfecting cleaner will list which bacteria, fungi, and viruses it is intended to kill.

I'm not a microbiologist, so I rely on the EPA ratings about killing specific bacteria. But along with what I use in my own home, I've been testing products for decades as a home economist for companies and publications. I am giving you the disinfecting products that are the easiest to use, the least damaging to surfaces, and the best value.

Here are the best disinfecting cleaners:

Updated on 1/29/2021: Due to the novel coronavirus, many of these products often go in and out of sale, are available only for in-store pick up, or appear at prices above market retail. For a future update, we plan to speak to an infectious disease expert and a home cleaning expert to provide further information about product efficacy and advise on new recommendations.

The best overall

Bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses are quite common. With Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray you can kill bacteria without needing to rinse counters to remove the cleaner.

Pros: No rinsing needed, safe to use around food, kills 99.9% of bacteria, designated as an EPA Safer Choice product

Cons: Not readily available in all many mass-market stores

EPA registration number: 84368-1-84150

Salmonella and E. coli are just two of the bacteria that are common in our food sources, among the many other germs on our hands that we risk bringing into the kitchen. While all of the EPA-registered disinfectants will kill those bacteria if used properly, they require an extra step of rinsing if used around food preparation areas. Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray eliminates that rinsing step.

The product is quick-drying, has a rapid kill time of only 30 seconds, and with the designation of a Safer Choice Product by the EPA, it's safe to touch nearly instantly. Simply spray on a cutting board, baby's crib railing, or pet's chew toy and you can use it safely without rinsing.

While it won't deep-clean surfaces, it is safe to use on plastics, metal, granite, sealed wood, and upholstery to kill germs, thanks to its patented ethyl alcohol technology. It works perfectly to disinfect toys and every room in my home, and I also use it frequently on kitchen counters, door and cabinet hardware, and appliance handles and touchpads.

First introduced to the mass market in 2016, the product is offered in 32-ounce spray bottles and in a 1-gallon jug that can be used to refill spray containers. Because it isn't a general consumer product, it may be harder to find at your local store. 



The best for laundry

Bacteria can cling to fabrics for several hours after exposure and athlete's foot fungus continues to multiply in our damp clothes hamper. If you are looking for one product that will sanitize your laundry and not damage your clothes, Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive is your best bet.

Pros: Comes in three fresh scents, easy-to-use, kills 99.9% of bacteria on fabric, no chlorine bleach

Cons: Those with sensitive skin may react to dyes or scents, but they do make a Free & Clear version

EPA registration number: 777-128

While most viruses and bacteria are transmitted during human-to-human contact, some can be transmitted from inanimate objects like clothes. Sanitizing laundry is particularly important if someone in your home is ill or has a compromised immune system. Healthcare workers and anyone working with young children should also take precautions, especially during any community healthcare crisis.

We've all heard that hot water kills germs. That's not always true, and the water in our clothes washers doesn't reach the necessary temperature anyway. Plus, many fabrics simply can't stand up to hot water. What to do?

Chlorine bleach is an effective disinfectant but it can't be used on colored clothes or on synthetic fabrics safely. It's time for Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, which contains a phenolic disinfectant that is safe to use in any water temperature, in both standard and high-efficiency machines, with any detergent, and on any washable fabric.

I simply add it to the rinse cycle and make sure that the cycle is set for at least 16 minutes. To be effective, the product and water must be in contact with the fabrics for a period of time, so be sure to follow the bottle directions carefully. The clothes come out feeling soft and lightly scented with the Lysol Crisp Linen fragrance.

I recommend it for any clothing worn close to the body, children's clothes, and bed linens to protect against possible cross-contamination.



The best for nonwashable goods

Available in a dozen scents, Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills 99.9% of bacteria on fabrics and hard surfaces making it a clear top performer.

Pros: Disinfects fabrics and hard surfaces, kills 99.9% of bacteria, available in a dozen fragrances

Cons: Not available in an unscented formula, surfaces used for food preparation and children's toys must be rinsed with water before use

EPA registration number: 777-127

When a family member was sick with the flu or a cold, did he stay in bed or wander out to the couch, use the TV remotes, and head to the kitchen to grab a snack from the refrigerator? If it's the latter, he probably left some bacteria for everyone else.

A good disinfecting spray like Lysol is not just an air-freshener: It contains the ingredients necessary to kill bacteria and is safe to use on fabrics and hard surfaces.

The key to proper protection is to cover the surfaces with the mist and allow them to remain wet for 30-seconds or up to 10 minutes. The active ingredients in the spray need time to work. Drying times for a specific virus are listed on the container. If you are spraying surfaces that will be used for food preparation, they should be rinsed with clean water after the Lysol has dried. The same applies to toys that children might put in their mouths.

If Crisp Linen is not your thing, there are many other scents to choose from to protect your family. 



The best disinfecting wipes

While the main reason to use a disinfecting wipe is to kill germs, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes also offer excellent cleaning capability.

Pros: Kills 99.9% of bacteria

Cons: Not available in an unscented formula, must rinse down surface when used in food preparation areas

EPA registration number: 5813-79

Clorox knows a thing or two about killing germs and they made life much simpler when they introduced disinfecting wipes. The wipes offer a simple, less messy way to clean surfaces without needing liquids and cleaning tools.

While all of the Clorox wipes contain ingredients that kill 99.9% of the viruses and bacteria on hard surfaces, the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes absorb greasy messes and gently scrub away dried-on stains. If I'm going to disinfect a surface, I want the wipe to clean it as well, and these wipes do that.

To get the most disinfecting benefit from Clorox wipes, don't try to do an entire bathroom or kitchen with the same wipe. In the bathroom, use one wipe for the sink area. Grab another one for the toilet and a third for the shower. There must be enough disinfectant left on the surfaces to properly kill the bacteria. After wiping an area down, allow it air dry to get the greatest benefit from the disinfectant.

They are safe to use on granite, acrylic, and even sealed hardwood surfaces. Any areas used for food preparation should be rinsed with plain water after the disinfectant dries.

Editor's Note: Our original recommendation was for Clorox Ultra Clean Disinfecting Wipes, which are 30% thicker and have better scrubbing power than regular Clorox Disinfecting wipes, but given the scarcity of the product at this time, we still stand by the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.



The best for toilet bowls

No one wants to spend any more time than necessary cleaning the toilet bowl. With Method Antibacterial Toilet Cleaner, you can clean and disinfect all at once.

Pros: Effectively removes toilet bowl stains and kills 99.9% of bacteria, angled, squeeze dispenser, fresh spearmint scent

Cons: Bottle is not refillable, does not remove hard water stains and mineral build-up

EPA registration number: 75277-2

Toilet bowls, for good reasons, are some of the germiest spots in a home. Cleaning is essential for proper hygiene and there are plenty of cleaners that work well enough to remove watermarks and stains, but do they disinfect? Method Antibacterial Toilet Cleaner cleans and kills 99.9% of toilet bowl germs and leaves a fresh spearmint scent, to boot.

I found the baby-blue squeeze container with the angled dispenser the perfect way to reach under the toilet bowl rim. Squeeze, brush, and flush.

But if you want to really disinfect the bowl, turn off the water source and flush to empty the bowl of water. Squeeze, brush, and walk away for 10 minutes. That allows time for the disinfectants to really do their work (and helps remove stains). Give the bowl a quick scrub, turn on the water, flush, and you have a germ-free toilet bowl.

Plus, Method strives to use fewer toxic chemicals and sustainable energy manufacturing, and the brand doesn't test on animals.



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The best sunrise alarm clock in 2021

January 29, 2021, 11:52 am
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Table of Contents: Masthead StickySummary List Placement
  • Sunrise alarm clocks use light and natural sounds to help you fall asleep and wake up more gently the next morning.
  • I tested seven sunrise alarm clocks, consulted two doctors, and relied on my own background in sleep research to determine the best ones.
  • The Philips Smartsleep Connected is the best sunrise alarm clock because it's very customizable and analyzes bedroom conditions to help improve your sleep environment. 

If you've ever woken up to a traditional alarm clock, you know that a blaring alarm early in the morning can be quite jarring. Sunrise alarm clocks (sometimes called wake-up lamps) simulate a natural and gradual sunrise with a range of soft orange and yellow LED lights for a gentler wake up experience. The simulated natural light from these devices can purportedly help with your mental health, too. Many wake-up lamps combine light therapy with sound meditation and breathing techniques to create a more calming sleep environment and help regulate circadian rhythms — the natural ebb and flow of hormones that tell us when to go to sleep and when to wake up. 

Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, told us that the gentle stimulus from sunrise alarm clocks starts getting the body out of deeper sleep stages, and closer to wakefulness. "Whether it's a gradual sound or light alarm, wake-up lamps can help better prepare the body to wake up more gently, with less startle," Dimitriu said.  

Sunrise alarm clocks can also help reduce the effects of sleep inertia, that drowsy, disorienting feeling that a lot of us experience after abruptly waking up. "Sudden awakenings can lead to sudden changes in cortisol and other neurotransmitters that could cause problems," said Dr. William Winter of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine. "Waking up with a gradual increase in wake-promoting light makes a lot of sense," Winter said, which is why sunrise alarm clocks might be a better option than regular alarm clocks.

In addition to consulting two experts, I leaned heavily on my own experience in sleep science for this guide. I previously managed a sleep laboratory for two years and continue to contribute to sleep research. I've presented some of my research at Eastern Psychological Association and have tested products for SleepScore Labs. Given my research background, I think it's important that any new product you bring into your sleep routine be backed by research. That's why I tested seven sunrise alarm clocks, using each for three consecutive days and nights to evaluate how effective, easy use, and durable they are. You can read more about how we tested here. 

Here are the best sunrise alarm clocks in 2021

SEE ALSO: The best sleep trackers you can buy

The best sunrise alarm clock overall

The Philips Smartsleep Connected can help you fall asleep gently and wake up on time with stunning sunset and sunrise simulations. It monitors your sleep environment and provides recommendations to improve it.

Pros: Smartphone connected; allows you to customize duration, color, sound, and intensity of wake-up and wind-down programs; makes recommendations for improving sleep environment; can set up to 16 alarms

Cons: Occupies a lot of space on nightstand, does not play music via Bluetooth, not a good option for those who prefer manual controls 

The Philips Smartsleep Connected is a relatively large sunrise lamp that sort of resembles a glowing donut. At about nine inches wide, it takes up a quarter of my 18 inch by 12 inch bedside table. While the device is fairly large, you can place it anywhere in your room because you control almost everything from your phone via the Philips SleepMapper app, which you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The app allows you to set up and customize "wind-down" and "wake-up" profiles with your preferred sound, light intensity, and duration, and I found it very easy and intuitive to use. The stunning sunset simulation was one of my favorite features: the brightness gradually decreases from beautiful hues of bright yellows to soft reds, and is accompanied by natural relaxing sounds that fade away with the sunset simulation. Your personal sunset can last anywhere from five minutes to an hour and you can choose from four color schemes with inviting names such as "Caribbean red" and "Nordic white," and four nighttime ambient sounds like "soft rain,""summer lake," or even your preferred FM radio station. I also found the meditation program, called RelaxBreathe, a valuable tool for building better sleep practices. This guided meditation walks you through deep breathing and can be customized by changing the pace anywhere from four breaths per minute to 10 breaths per minute. 

After setting up the Smartsleep and playing with the controls and features, I found my personal preferences. I woke up to "summer birds," one of the eight gentle morning sounds that gradually increase in volume over several minutes, and an "island red" sunrise with warm red and orange lights that distributed nicely throughout the bedroom. The combination made me feel like I was on vacation. You can also set up to 16 alarms; a useful option for people who tend to hit the snooze button more than once. 

Obviously, Philips designers had the single intention of improving sleep quality when creating this device. The technology has been backed by research: in a 2010 study, participants reported easier rising; better mood, productivity, and quality of social interaction; and reduced sleep inertia after using Philips sunrise lamps. Philips' "Ambitrack" technology is built into the device to track sleep habits and calculate bedroom conditions including temperature, humidity, light, and sound levels. The app recommends the ideal conditions for best sleep quality and lets you know if your bedroom is too hot, humid, bright, or loud for optimal sleep. The app also offers instructions and tips on how to take full advantage of the device's features. 

There were also a number of small features I appreciated. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you can tap the top of the device to activate a dim light instead of turning on an overhead light or using your phone's flashlight. In case of a power outage, the internal clock and back up alarm remain active for at least eight hours, so you won't miss your wake up call. The device also includes an integrated USB charging dock for your devices, an AUX cord to play music from your phone, and a bright reading light. Unfortunately, you can't wake up to music from your phone or anything else connected through the AUX cord, and it does not play music via Bluetooth. 

Since my original testing for this guide, I've continued to use and test the Philips Smartsleep Connected for many months. Its helped me make some smart changes to my bedroom environment through its Ambitrack suggestions, such as turning down the heat and increasing the humidity in my bedroom. I still love falling asleep and waking up with this sunrise alarm clock, and in the winter months I've noticed that it's light therapy has helped lessen the effects of my seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In all, its customization and user friendly app make it the best choice if you're investing in one of these wake-up devices. 



The best mid-priced sunrise alarm clock

The Hatch Restore has the most light options and sleep sounds of any model we tried and they're all fully controlled through its multifunctional Hatch Sleep app.

Pros: More than 30 sound options and 20 light options to choose from, guided meditations, fully personalized sleep and wake-up routines through the app

Cons: Not a good option if you don't like to rely on an app, doesn't play music, guided meditations only available with subscription, must be connected to Wi-Fi to use

The Hatch Restore sunrise alarm clock connects via Bluetooth to your phone and, with the free smartphone app (available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play), you can set your personalized bedtime routine and more than 18 alarms. Setting up the Hatch is easy even though it doesn't come with traditional instructions. Instead, the box contains a small card with a link to the instructions online. There are so many features to choose from, including a bedside reading light, guided meditations, sleep stories, wind-down profiles, and sleep routines; all of which are fully customizable. It has more than 30 soothing sleep sounds and many more light therapy options than any of the products we tried, including nighttime shades, warm oranges, and soft relaxing pastels, which I loved while listening to meditations. What's great about the Hatch is that users can fully personalize every part of their sleep schedule according to their preferences; you can add up to 10 steps to create a routine to fall asleep. 

My routine consisted of three simple steps. First, I got into bed and read my book using the coral nighttime light for 30 minutes while listening to the "sea wind" sound. Then I wound down with a soft pink light and the "meeting sleep with ease" meditation. Finally, I fell asleep to an orange light and the sound of rain. You can also set how long each step is. I was concerned about the digital clock display being too bright during the night, but you're able to turn it off completely or set it so that it will turn off by itself at your preferred time — a great feature for total darkness that also contributes to a good sleep environment. I also really enjoyed the variety of the guided meditations, which include breathing techniques, body scans, and relaxing sleep affirmations. The Hatch is well-designed with a nice half-moon shape that simulates a natural sunrise and, at 7.5 inches long, it didn't take up too much of my nightstand. It's a good device with a lot of light and sound options to create your own sleep routines. 

Unlike some sunrise alarm clocks, the Hatch does require users to download the app and to have a stable Wi-Fi connection in order to use the device; without either, it's basically useless. All its features are controlled through the Hatch Sleep app, but the device itself includes a few soft-touch buttons for volume and brightness. Unfortunately, many of the guided sleep meditations can only be accessed by subscribing for $49.99 a year or $4.99 a month (though the first six months are free). Another thing to note is that the device doesn't immediately connect to your smartphone every time you open its companion app; it usually takes a few seconds to connect. I personally did not have an issue waiting five seconds for the app to open but other users might find it annoying. It also does not play music or radio.



The best sunrise alarm clock on a budget

The iHome Zenergy Dream Mini produces a soft sunrise and will gradually wake you up with your favorite song. For the price, it's packed with a lot of features that will help you wake up in a better mood. 

Pros: Lots of customizable options, pairs with Bluetooth to play music from your phone, won't take up too much space on your nightstand

Cons: The light intensity might be too low for some, most functions cannot be controlled through a smartphone, only two alarms

The iHome Zenergy Dream Mini is a tiny sleep therapy machine packed with tons of features and customizable options. The instructions include really useful tips on how to properly meditate with the device and a brief section on the importance of maintaining good circadian rhythms.

What I love about the Zenergy Dream Mini is the option to wake up to my own Spotify playlist; a feature that other wake-up lamps I tested lack. The mini device paired up quickly and smoothly with my iPhone every single time with no issues, and I was able to wake up to a gentle simulated sunrise and my favorite song. The sound quality is honestly pretty good for such a small device. However, even though you can choose and play your music through Bluetooth, this device does not have an accompanying app, so you can't control any other features with your smartphone.

Instead, you control most of its functionality through 15 buttons on the top of the device. It has a lot of options that have to be set up manually but the instructions are helpful and the settings are fairly easy to navigate. The time also has to be set up manually but will purportedly adjust during daylight saving time automatically, and the built-in battery maintains the time and alarm settings in the event of a power outage. One of its key features is the "ZENERGY" button, which activates calming sounds accompanied by gentle, colorful lights. It is customizable with the "fall asleep" and "stay asleep" buttons, which let you choose from a nice selection of sound and light options including a guided breathing meditation, 13 relaxing sounds, and nine calming light therapy cycles. My favorite is the "heart" sound because it promotes steady breathing patterns and pairs well with the "breath" light color therapy.

The snooze button is large and strategically placed in front of all the buttons, so I didn't have to struggle to hit snooze in the morning. However, you can only set two alarms and snooze only lasts up to nine minutes. The light from this mini device might also be too soft for some individuals who need brighter hues in order to wake up. Still, this sunrise alarm clock is priced much lower than other options and offers great functionality if you're just starting to dabble in light therapy.



The best portable sunrise alarm clock

The Casper Glow Light is uniquely designed as a wireless, portable night light, and uses intuitive gestures and a streamlined design to create a beautiful and simple experience.

Pros: Beautiful warm lights, portable, pairs with multiple Glow Lights for a bedroom light show, intuitive and easy to operate with simple gestures

Cons: Lacks sound, requires smartphone app for expanded features like setting sleep and wake times

Casper Glow Light is a small portable cylinder that can be easily controlled with just a few gestures: flip to turn on, rotate to increase and decrease the amount of light, and wiggle to turn on the night light. The device is super simple; it's small, softly lit, and smartly designed with gentle, warm hues of light for better sleep. The controls work in either direction, so it doesn't matter if the device is upside down or right side up. The movement sensors are pretty intuitive, and it has a grippy rubber bottom to help it stay in place on flat surfaces. 

The light charges wirelessly, quickly, and pairs with an app that is also very simple to use. While you can operate the light without having to connect it to your mobile device, the app (available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play) is a must if you want to set wake-up and wind-down times, which cue a sunset or sunrise light show that can last from 15 to 90 minutes.

One of the unique features of the Glow Light is that it synchronizes with other Glow Lights to make pretty light shows. Once you have more than one Glow Light you can name each and "group" or "ungroup" them through the app. I used two lights together and found they set a very tranquil mood in the room.

The night light feature is very useful for when you wake up in the middle of the night and want to avoid turning on bright, harsh lights that could disrupt melatonin levels and the ability to fall back to sleep. The light was easy and fun to carry around during the night when I went on a mission downstairs to get a glass of water. I didn't worry about dropping it or knocking it over because it's intentionally made with polycarbonate to resist bumps and endure falls. 

Falling asleep with my pair of Glow Lights was such a treat. The soft, warm lights create a tranquil sleep environment, gradually dim to slowly relax you, and then turn completely off for total darkness. The Casper Glow Lights are made with high-quality warm LEDs that were effective in waking me up gently. However, the device focuses solely on effective light therapy and, unlike other models we tested, it completely excludes sound therapy. The light was purposefully designed without sounds, so it might not be the best option for heavy sleepers who require some noise to wake up; you'll still need to set a phone alarm if you really need a rise out of bed. That said, it's a beautiful device that makes for a very tranquil bedroom environment.



The best sunrise alarm clock with all manual controls

The Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light has a unique spherical design that creates a beautiful sunrise simulation, and features many of the same premium settings as the more expensive Philips Smartsleep Connected. 

Pros: Creates the best sunrise simulation, very user-friendly and simple, fully manual

Cons: Very limited sound options, doesn't have an app if you're someone who prefers a connected device

A less expensive option from Philips, the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light has fewer customizable options and features than the Philips Smartsleep Connected and is completely manual; no app needed. I recommend this one if you're looking for something simple, but still high-quality and efficient. It's one of Philips' best selling sunrise alarm clocks because of its impressive colored sunrise simulations and relaxing sunsets.

I had no problem setting the time and alarms with the easy-to-follow instructions. Falling asleep to this lamp was very relaxing; the sunset simulation therapy works just as well as the Philips Smartsleep Connected and the display automatically dims as the room gets darker, great for cocooning yourself in total darkness. Waking up with this lamp was such a pleasant experience; the gradual and natural sunrise simulation increased in the span of 30 minutes until it completely flooded my bedroom with beautiful, rich, orange and yellow lights and the gentle sounds of "Nepal bowls." You can choose from five different natural wake-up sounds including beautiful "birds" and "ocean waves," or your preferred FM radio station. The snooze feature is unique: a single slight tap anywhere on the device snoozes the lamp for nine minutes.  

It's also one of Philips' sunrise alarm clocks that is clinically proven to help you feel more ready for the day, and I have to admit that it did a great job at waking me up feeling refreshed in the morning. I personally prefer this Philips model's smooth, spherical shape and smaller size over the Philips Smartsleep Connected, although I wish it connected to the app for more customization. I missed the extra features in the Philips Sleepmapper app when I used this model, like the sleep environment monitoring and extended customization. I hope Philips comes out with a new sunrise alarm clock that features all of the Philips Smartsleep Connected options but is shaped like this model to simulate that beautiful, natural sunrise.



What we don't recommend

I tested seven sunrise alarm clocks as part of this guide and unfortunately, some didn't make the cut. Here are the products we don't recommend. 

Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 ($159.00): The Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 doesn't connect to an app and setting it up manually took me multiple tries and many minutes, as it comes with a set of lengthy, non-intuitive instructions that involve a lot of clicking around on the device. The daily alarm has to be turned on manually every single night before going to bed; if you fall asleep before you do, you're out of luck for your morning alarm. The sound options are interesting, to say the least. I chose to wake up to "kittens purring" because the other options were not exactly what I would prefer waking up to; for example, there was "ping-pong,""steam train,""goats," and "café," among the 15 odd sounds. Made by a British company, the device only provides a 24-hour clock, which is somewhat inconvenient if you're used to a 12-hour clock. That being said, the device and its lights do simulate a nice sunset and sunrise. The light progression is smooth and it has gentle levels of brightness. Although it has a lot of customizable options, they can be quite frustrating to set up.

AMTOK Smart Wake Up Light ($45.99): I was excited to try this smart sunrise alarm clock because of its voice control function. However, setting it up was so complicated and time-consuming that I quickly got discouraged. First, it comes with two sets of instructions with different information on how to connect the device to your phone, but neither appeared to be up-to-date to the model I was testing. Second, it only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, which transmit data at lower speeds and are prone to interference; likely why it failed to wake me up in the morning on multiple occasions. While the device has features that you can control through the app, they're very limited; just a few sound and light options. The color loop option is nice but I found its light intensity somewhat dull and not very relaxing. It's a device that you have to learn to get used to — if you have the patience. 



Methodology

In addition to interviewing sleep experts Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, and Dr. William Winter of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine, I did hands-on testing with seven different sunrise alarm clocks. As a sleep researcher who managed a sleep lab for two years, part of my research involved investigating strategies to reduce sleep inertia (like using sunrise alarm clocks), so I also relied on my own background in sleep research and product testing to evaluate each product over several nights. I tested each sunrise alarm clock according to the following criteria: 

Setup: For each of the lamps, I paid close attention to how difficult or easy it was to set up on my nightstand. I noted how accurate and helpful their instructions were and what it was like to set the time and alarms. I also evaluated how heavy they were and how much space they occupied on my bedside table. 

Performance: I used each wake-up lamp for a minimum of three consecutive days and nights to get used to the routine and noted whether or not they woke me up on time and with the features (such as sound and light color) I chose. I took notes on what it was like to fall asleep with their wind-down features, and paid particular attention to the wake up experience. I woke up at the same time every morning with each alarm clock to keep my experiences consistent, and noted how I felt and how much sleep inertia I experienced. I also evaluated the sound and light quality of each, and how easy or difficult it was to snooze the back-up alarm (if it had one).

Special features: I tested out any additional and unique features of each sunrise alarm clock, such as speakers, Bluetooth integration, guided meditations, and accompanying mobile apps. I noted whether or not these extra features were actually helpful and easy to use. 

Durability: In order to test how durable and resistant each alarm clock was, I knocked every one off my nightstand and checked to see if any parts came loose or broke. Fortunately, all of them passed this test. I also took note of each product's materials and their warranty. 

Long-term use: Since original testing, I've continued to regularly use our top picks and will report back about their durability over time.



What we look forward to testing

We're continuing to research and test the best wake up lamp alarm clocks; here are some models on our horizon.

  • Hatch Rest+ ($89.99): Hatch recently came out with a new Hatch Rest+ smart lamp. Its features include a sound machine, night light, and a "time-to-rise" feature that cues your child when it's time to sleep and when it's okay to get up. It also has an audio monitor, backup battery, and you can control it with Amazon Alexa (but not Google Home). You can even "dress it up" with cute coverlets to make it fun for babies and children. It's received a ton of great reviews from parents and I'm excited to test its integration with Alexa. 
  • Lexon Miami Sunrise Wake Up Lamp  ($79.90): I really want to try this sunrise alarm clock because it's shaped just like the Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light HF3520/60 and costs a fraction of the price. It's very sleek and modern looking and comes in three color options. 
  • TITIROBA Wake Up Simulation ($35.99): This wake-up lamp, which is the least expensive I've seen, has received a lot of really great reviews. Some of its features include five natural sounds, a backup battery, "eye-care" adjustable lights, digital LED clock, and touch control. It's simple and equipped with only a few features but it might be worth a try if you're on a budget. 
  • LittleHippo Children's Trainer Sounds Machine ($49.99): This one might be a great option for kids. It's a cute design that uses colors and digital "facial expressions" to teach children when it's okay to get out of bed and when it's time to go to sleep. Its "wake" feature works just like a sunrise alarm clock, glowing to indicate the start of the day. It also has child-friendly alarms, nap timers, and a night light. It has great reviews and I'd love to compare this one to the Hatch Rest+.  
  • Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB(£199.00): I really want to give Lumie another shot. To be fair, the Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 that I tested was designed years ago, but is one of the few models currently available in the United States. There is a newer version with more sound options, Bluetooth for streaming music from smartphones, higher-quality sound, and a glass lamp cover — a feature that I imagine produces a beautiful sunrise simulation. Currently, this Lumie model is only available in the UK. 


FAQs

What are the benefits of sunrise alarm clocks?

The light therapy implemented in these wake-up lamps helps regulate cortisol and melatonin production, two important hormones that are essential in controlling sleep/wake cycles. It can be difficult for some of us to adapt to season changes, especially in the winter when days get shorter and nights get longer. The shift from bright summer days to long, dark winter months can have an impact on circadian rhythms, sometimes resulting in seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

New technology has also affected our circadian rhythms by restraining the natural production of the sleep hormone melatonin as a result of constant exposure to artificial blue lights from our phones, TVs, and computers.

Regular daily alternation of light and darkness is essential in order to maintain good quality sleep. Sunrise alarm clocks have "wind-down" features that encourage a healthy production of melatonin at night by mimicking a gradual sunset, while the "wake-up" cycles encourage the production of cortisol in the morning by simulating a natural and gradual sunrise that prepares you for wakefulness. The wake-up and wind-down features can be equally important in helping maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

How does a sunrise alarm-clock compare to a traditional alarm?

Many sunrise alarm clocks are equipped with all the features we all like in traditional alarm clocks — a radio or music player, custom or multiple alarms, and yes, even a sound alarm if you need it. The key difference is that sunrise alarm clocks use gentle light and sound to help you wake up before resorting to the louder noises that are typical of a standard alarm clock.

Waking up to the loud, obnoxious sound of a traditional alarm clock is not only unpleasant and irritating, but it's also quite unhealthy. "If we train ourselves to wake up suddenly, with a jolt, this can become a problem for any other time we wake up in the night, making it hard to fall back asleep," said Dimitriu.

That abrupt wake-up experience can also cause stress levels to suddenly increase, often aggravating long-term issues like chronic anxiety. Winter also advises waking up gently because sudden awakenings can cause sudden blood pressure surges, possibly leading to heart issues.

Your chances of waking up with sleep inertia — that debilitating groggy, drowsy feeling that occurs as a result of a sudden, often startling transition between sleep and wakefulness — also increase if you wake up to a traditional alarm clock. Sleep inertia makes it very difficult for some people to get out of bed, and often puts people in a bad mood for the rest of their day. "Gradual alarms (sound or light) are excellent solutions to wake people gradually," said Dimitriu, since these softer alarms offer a gentler, more gradual and natural wake-up experience.

What features should I look for when choosing a sunrise alarm clock?

There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a sunrise alarm clock. One very important aspect to consider is the brightness level of the lamp. If you're a heavy sleeper you might need a sunrise alarm clock that has bright lights to effectively wake you up in the morning.

Another important factor is alarm sounds: most sunrise alarm clocks have several sound options and some (like the Casper Glow light) lack this feature completely. If you're a heavy sleeper you may want to opt for a device with many sounds. Or, if you are a "snoozer," you might want to consider a sunrise alarm clock that allows you to set multiple alarms like the Philips Smartsleep Connected, which offers up to 16 alarms just in case you like to hit snooze more than once.

Finally, consider your personal needs; if you're uncomfortable operating smartphone-enabled technology, you may prefer a sunrise alarm clock with manual functions right on the machine. On the flip side, if you want a very custom experience, you may like a lamp that offers many different colors and sounds that are controlled through a phone app.



Check out our other sleep guides

The best alarm clocks

The best sound machines

The best smart lightbulbs



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The best TV deals — save $500 on LG's flagship 4K OLED TV

January 29, 2021, 12:32 pm
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A quality TV is the centerpiece of any home entertainment system, but finding the right display for your needs and the right price for your wallet can be challenging. When shopping for a TV, there are many different aspects to consider, including size, panel type, resolution, HDR support, smart TV platform, and more. 

If you're looking for a display with genuine home theater performance in mind, then you'll likely want to opt for a 65-inch- or- larger premium 4K TV. The best 4K TVs typically use an OLED panel, or a high-end LED panel with quantum dots and local dimming. These display types will provide you with the best contrast, black levels, and brightness performance for dazzling high dynamic range (HDR) images.  

For buyers who simply want a reliable TV for casual viewing, however, a smaller screen and a more budget-friendly LED panel should get the job done just fine. Though picture quality won't be quite as impressive as more expensive display types, there are many affordable LED TVs out there with solid performance. And, while 4K resolution and built-in smart TV interfaces were once thought of as premium features, nowadays even entry-level TVs come with 4K panels and smart TV capabilities as default features. 

Once you've settled on the basics for what you're looking for in a new display, there are plenty of deals readily available from all of the major TV manufacturers, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Hisense. To help narrow things down, we've rounded up all of the best TV deals available right now. 

Here are the best TV deals in January 2021:

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Best OLED TV deals

When it comes to picture quality, no other display type offers better overall performance than an OLED TV. Unlike traditional LED TVs (which use LCD panels), OLED TVs don't require a backlight. Instead, every pixel is able to produce its own light or shut off completely. This enables OLED displays to produce superior black levels, contrast, and viewing angles compared to regular LED models. With that said, OLED panels can't get as bright as LED TVs, and they can be susceptible to burn-in if you leave a static image on the screen for hours on end.

For most buyers, however, the pros of OLED tech far outweigh the cons. Of course, the high-end picture performance of an OLED TV typically comes with a high price tag. Thankfully, OLED TVs from LG and Vizio often go on sale. 

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Best premium LED TV deals

Unlike OLED displays, LED TVs still use traditional LCD panels with backlights to produce their images. Though this tech does have some drawbacks when it comes to black levels and viewing angles, high-end LED TVs are still capable of very impressive picture quality with industry-leading brightness. High brightness is particularly desirable for the best HDR performance, allowing highlights to really pop from the screen. 

Many high-end LED TVs are branded as QLED TVs since they include quantum dot technology. This feature allows the displays to achieve a wide color gamut for more accurate and rich colors. Premium LED TVs typically include full-array local dimming as well, enabling the backlight to dim in specific zones across the screen. This enables the display to achieve much better contrast and black levels compared to LED TV models without local dimming. 

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Best midrange LED TV deals

Like premium LED TVs, the best midrange LED TV models also offer many impressive picture quality features, including quantum dots or other wide color gamut technologies. Brightness levels aren't quite as high as more expensive models, however, and contrast isn't as precise since there are typically fewer dimming zones or no dimming zones at all. 

Still, if you're a buyer who wants to save a bit without losing support for the latest display technologies, like HDR, then a midrange LED TV model will likely be a good fit. 

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Best budget LED TV deals

For buyers who are less concerned about picture quality and more interested in simply finding an affordable display with reliable smart TV connectivity, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to consider. These models don't include advanced image features like local dimming or quantum dots, but you can find some entry-level models with basic 4K HDR playback capabilities.

Budget LED TVs can also be found in smaller screen sizes for people who want to purchase a TV that's suitable for a smaller living room or bedroom. And, while 4K is pretty much the standard for most new TV models, you can still save some money by opting for a lower resolution HDTV. 

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The best humidifiers in 2021

January 29, 2021, 1:06 pm
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  • A humidifier can make your home's air much more comfortable, particularly when it's dry out. 
  • Our top pick is from Pure Enrichment because it's inexpensive and versatile.

When the air gets really dry, it can lead to a range of health issues from dry and itchy skin to bloody noses. It can also make it less comfortable just to breathe. Not to mention low humidity may also damage porous things like wooden furniture and framed art

Dry air is especially common during cold weather when a home is heated. A quality humidifier can do wonders for adding moisture back into your home. Humidifiers come in different shapes and sizes, but for this guide, we focused on portable units that are affordable and can be easily purchased. Still, there are various types of portable humidifiers including those that use warm mist and cool mist. For a quick explainer on the difference, jump to the bottom of this guide.

We looked at a variety of humidifiers to find the best ones, at a variety of price points.

Here are the best humidifiers

The best overall

The Pure Enrichment Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is stylish, has two levels of misting, and even lights up for ambiance.

Pros: Stylish design, relatively cheap, dual-mist control, automatic shut off, night light

Cons: Not great for larger rooms

The best humidifier is the Pure Enrichment Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Not only is this an excellent and reliable portable humidifier, but it's also affordable.

This cool-mist model has a number of great features. It can humidify the air for up to 16 hours of continuous use leaving no need to worry about replacing the water often, thanks to the 1.5-liter water tank.

The device also has choices of either single or dual-mist nozzles, so you may switch the humidifier to output different levels of mist. An automatic shut-off feature detects when the water level is getting low or if the water tank has been removed. And, it can function as a night light (blue, green, or red).

Because it's small and compact, it isn't effective for larger rooms. The company offers an "XL" version with a larger water tank and longer continuous run-time, or you can check out our pick for large rooms.



The best warm-mist

Vicks' Warm Mist Humidifier has a gallon-sized water tank, an automatic shut-off feature, and is ideal for anyone who is sick.

Pros: Warm mist is great for sinus issues, large water tank, two settings, relatively inexpensive

Cons: Device gets hot, not suitable for homes with children or pets

While most people prefer cool-mist humidifiers, in some situations, warm-mist humidifiers are simply better, such as when you're sick and trying to clear a stuffed-up nose. In that case, there's one humidifier that stands above the rest: the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier.

The device has a big water tank (1 gallon), which allows it to operate for up to 12 hours on a single filling. It runs quietly and there is a night light, which is helpful if you're running it overnight.

The high setting works great for larger rooms, while the lower setting will be a little calmer for small spaces. The way that it works is, the tank feeds the water into a boiling chamber where it's then heated. The vapor produced is up to 95-percent bacteria-free, according to Vicks. The humidifier has an automatic shut-off, so it will turn off when the water runs out.



The best for large rooms

The Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 Humidifier doesn't just have a large tank, it also offers both warm and cool mist settings, and the ability to control the mist output.

Pros: Warm and cool mist settings, higher mist output for larger rooms, ability to adjust mist output

Cons: A little noisy, on the pricey side 

If you're looking for a humidifier for an expansive room, you'll probably want something with a larger water tank that's capable of outputting more mist. The best is the Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 Humidifier.

The humidifier has a gallon-sized water tank, but it's powerful enough to humidify rooms as large as 500 square feet.

Unlike our other recommendations, this device offers the option of cool-mist or warm-mist settings, which makes it incredibly versatile. It can run for up to 10 hours on the warm-mist setting or 12 hours if you opt for cool. You can also adjust the mist output.



Which is better: warm mist or cool mist?

In general, humidifiers are divided into "warm mist" and "cool mist."

Warm-mist humidifiers release moisture into the air by heating it, which kills bacteria in the water. But, if there are children or animals in the house, warm-mist humidifiers can be hazardous because of how hot the appliance becomes, as well as the potential for accidentally spilled hot water.

Within the cool-mist humidifier segment, there are three types:

  • Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency waves to split water drops into particles, which are then released into the room.
  • Evaporative humidifiers take the room's air and pass it through a filter with water in it, creating a mist. That mist is then blown out the other end of the humidifier.
  • Impeller humidifiers are similar to ultrasonic humidifiers, but instead of using ultrasonic waves, they break-up water drops using a rotating disc. These humidifiers operate louder than the others.

The option you should choose depends on your environment. The Mayo Clinic recommends cool-mist humidifiers if you have children, because of the aforementioned safety concerns. It also said that both cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers are equally effective. However, cool-mist humidifiers require more cleaning because they have a higher chance of bacteria and mold growth. It's also recommended that distilled or purified water be used instead of tap water.

As mentioned, warm-mist humidifiers disperse steam by heating water, rather than using a fan. They're quieter and can heat up small rooms, however, they also require more energy to operate. There are pros and cons to both, and the best option will depend on your needs.



Check out our other home heating and cooling guides



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The best desks for your home office in 2021

January 29, 2021, 1:13 pm
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  • A good desk should be ergonomic and attractive, giving you enough room to work without causing back or neck strain.
  • We consulted an ergonomist and an interior designer to determine the 10 best desks that combine comfort with style.
  • If you need a supportive office chair to pair with your new desk, check out our guide to the best office chairs.

If you're working from home, a good desk will help keep you comfortable and productive. It's a higher priority than aesthetics (though this is important as well) since a poorly-designed desk can lead to back and neck strain, which will inevitably interfere with your day. 

To find out what makes a great work desk, we consulted with experts in ergonomics and interior design and set to narrow down the hundreds of desks available at online retailers. We looked for desks that were between 23 and 29 inches tall for the best ergonomics (with bonus points going to products that are adjustable), as well as being stylish and made from high-quality materials. We explain our research methodology more at the end of the guide.

The best desks for your home office in 2021

SEE ALSO: The best standing desks you can buy

The best standing desk

The customizable Fully Jarvis Standing Desk provides a spacious work surface and an adjustable height, allowing you to position the desk to suit your frame.

From an ergonomics standpoint, an adjustable desk like the Fully Jarvis Standing Desk is the best option for most people since it allows you to change the surface height to match your frame and chair height. 

This particular adjustable desk comes in several widths and heights and we recommend opting for the "Extended Range" height option, which allows you to adjust the surface height between 24.5 to 50 inches. The metal frame is available in four colors, while the bamboo top comes in two finishes, and you also have the option to swap in a "contoured" tabletop on several of the larger sizes. 

The Jarvis Desk has a toggle handset to adjust its height and lifting capacity of 350 pounds. While the base version of the desk is fairly simple, you can choose to outfit it with powered grommets, desk organizers, wire management kits, and more, creating a tailored solution to suit your needs. If you're not satisfied with the desk, the brand offers a 30-day free return policy, as well as a 10-year warranty on desk frame components, mechanical parts, motors, and electrical components.

Read more about the Fully Jarvis in our standing desk guide, where we ranked it the best overall desk for most people.



The best desk for corners

The Ameriwood Home Aden Glass Desk has an L-shaped frame that offers more workspace than traditional desks and a 29-inch height, which is preferred for ergonomics.

The Ameriwood Home Aden Glass Desk's L-shaped design will fit perfectly into the corner of an office, taking advantage of the extra space and providing a larger work surface than traditional desks. It's just over 59 inches long and wide, and 29 inches tall — this may seem lower than most standard desks, but our experts say that 30-inch desks are too tall for most people to sit comfortably. 

This corner desk has a black metal frame with a tempered glass top and faux cherry wood accents, so it has a cool mixed media look. The desk can support 60 pounds on each side and has two built-in storage shelves, allowing you to store books, office supplies, and anything else you might need. The wooden corner piece and shelves are made from PVC laminate (a type of plastic) so they're easy to care for — just wipe surfaces down if they get wet.



The best desk for small spaces

If you live in a small space, the GreenForest Folding Desk is compact while still providing plenty of space for your work, and it can fold flat so it's easy to store. 

The GreenForest Folding Desk can easily fit into a small apartment, dorm, or makeshift office, as it's just 32 inches wide and 32 inches deep. The design features a lower desktop that can easily hold a laptop, notepad, or textbook, and there's also a 6-inch upper shelf that's ideal for a computer monitor or other desk essentials. 

This desk is supported by an X-shaped metal frame, and the desktop is made from medium-density fiberboard. There's no assembly required, and when not in use, the desk can be folded flat and tucked into a corner or behind a sofa — a great space-saving solution.



The best desk for cable management

If you're tired of looking at a jumble of wires under your desk, the Union & Scale Essentials Powered Writing Desk features an integrated power strip with two USB ports, helping to streamline your workspace.

While its design may be simple, the Union & Scale Essentials Powered Writing Desk offers convenience for anyone who is regularly searching for an electrical outlet. It has an integrated power strip that you can access right on the desk top — there are even two USB ports, allowing for easy charging for all your tech devices. The power cable for these outlets discreetly protrudes from the bottom of the desk's back leg, helping to minimize the number of wires running behind your desk and reducing clutter in your space. 

This desk, which comes recommended by our experts, is 60 inches wide and just over 29 inches deep, and it has a 29-inch height that will be comfortable for most users. It's supported by four metal legs and a laminate top, and you can choose between an all-white or faux wood finish to complement your decor.



The best affordable desk

For a desk that won't break the bank, the Coavas Computer Desk is a comfortable size and it folds down flat when not in use, making it easier to store and move. 

Despite its low price, the Coavas Computer Desk checks off many of the boxes for a comfortable, ergonomic design. The desk has an industrial-inspired design with a metal frame and faux wood top, and it's a moderate size at 40 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 28 inches tall. Because of its shallow depth (a common feature among budget-friendly desks), it may not be the most comfortable to use when working on a computer, but it will work well for reading, writing, and studying. Thanks to its unique folding design, this desk can be assembled in a matter of seconds, and it's equally easy to disassemble if you want to put it into storage or move it. 

This desk has a weight capacity of 200 pounds thanks to its metal frame, but the top is made from medium-density fiberboard, which means you should avoid getting it wet or placing hot objects on the surface. While it might not last forever, the Coavas desk is budget-friendly and sturdy, making it a worthwhile choice for a temporary office.



The best minimalist desk

The IKEA Bekant Desk has a simple design that can be adjusted to different heights, and it features an integrated cord management system to keep your workspace neat.

If you prefer a minimalistic appearance, the IKEA Bekant Desk is about as plain as they come with its monochromatic two-leg design. However, don't let the simple form fool you — this desk is sturdy and functional, thanks to its adjustable height and built-in cable management system. 

The desktop is 63 inches long and 31.5 inches deep, and you can adjust its height between 26 and 33.5 inches to best suit your height and chair. The table has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, and it has a melamine surface that's stain-resistant and easy to clean. Additionally, there's a net underneath the tabletop that allows you to tuck away unsightly cords, keeping your workspace looking neat and tidy.

Just keep in mind that this desk doesn't have electronic controls — its height needs to be changed using an Allen key (otherwise known as a hex key), so it isn't the best choice if you want a desk that can be adjusted at the touch of a button.



The best extra-wide desk

The Article Madera Desk gives you plenty of space to spread out thanks to its 71-inch form. The desk is crafted from durable solid wood and features a hidden cable management cabinet.

Need ample room to spread out all your work essentials? The Article Madera has a spacious 71-inch design that allows you to set up a computer with plenty of space left over for documents, books, and other work essentials. This stylish desk is available in either oak or chestnut finishes, and it's crafted from solid and veneered wood for a durable frame that will stand the test of time. 

The desk is 71 inches long, 30 inches deep, and 30 inches high — a little taller than recommended for most people, so it's best for the taller folks among us. The table has an industrial style with metal accents and exposed bolts, and the wood is finished with a wire brush for a naturally textured appearance. 

While the overall silhouette of this desk is quite plain, there's a hidden cable management cabinet at the rear of the desk so you can tuck away charging cables and cords that look messy. For added storage, Article also offers a matching Madera File Cabinet to complete your home office.



The best wall-mounted desk

The Trenton Fold Out Table takes up minimal space thanks to its wall-mounted design, and you can install it at the appropriate height to match your height and chair. 

If you're hoping to turn any space into a makeshift office, the Trenton Fold Out Table is an ideal solution. The versatile table is designed to be mounted to the wall, and its solid pine surface easily folds down when it's time to work. Once you're done for the day, you can simply clear off the tabletop and fold it back up, freeing up valuable space in your home. 

This fold-out desk is 30 inches wide and just over 22 inches deep — because of its shallow depth, it's not the best option for working on a computer, but it will work well for reading and writing. Plus, since you can mount it at any height, you can find the perfect spot to match your height and chair and keep your body ergonomically aligned. 

The desk's frame is made from powder-coated steel for durability, and its kiln-dried pine surface is easy to maintain. Plus, you can use the steel brace as a magnet board, pinning up important notes and other documents in front of your work area.



The best writing desk

The Bedford Writing Desk is a well-made piece of furniture with a classic design, and it features a two- or three-drawer cabinet on one side for all your storage needs.

Writing desks typically have a simple yet timeless design, often featuring a drawer or two, and because they're designed to be used for note-taking, reading, and writing, they're often not as large as computer desks. The tricky part when shopping for a writing desk is finding one that doesn't have a pull-out drawer in the center that will interfere with proper ergonomics, and to this end, one of the best options is the Bedford Writing Desk.

This desk is 52 inches long and 23 inches wide, giving you ample space to spread out with your papers. It's crafted from kiln-dried pine and veneers with an antique white finish, and you can choose whether you want a two-drawer cabinet with two file drawers or a three-drawer cabinet, which has one file drawer and two small standard drawers for supplies. This cabinet tower can be installed on either side of the desk, allowing you to tailor the piece to your space, and the back of the desk is finished in case you want to have it facing the room.



The best drafting desk

It's easy to adjust the height of the Zeny Drafting Desk to suit your needs, and the top tilts to make it easier for architects and other creative professionals to draw. 

Drafting desks are a popular choice for architects and creative professionals, as the tabletop tilts to allow for more comfortable drawing, painting, or sketching. The Zeny Drafting Desk is ideal for any of these tasks, as it has a spacious and adjustable workspace, as well as two storage drawers, a built-in pen container, and a side table for other supplies. 

The desktop measures 34 inches wide and over 23 inches deep, and the height of the drafting desk can be adjusted between 28 and 36 inches, depending on your preference. Additionally, the tabletop adjusts from 0 to 45 degrees, allowing you to tilt it to a comfortable angle. The desk has a steel frame and MDF surfaces, and it also comes with a matching stool.



What to look for in a desk

To develop criteria for evaluating desks, we consulted with two experts: Melissa Afterman, MS-HFE, CPE, the principal ergonomist of Learn Ergo and a consultant with UCSF/UC Berkeley Ergonomics Research Lab; and interior designer Sherri Monte of Elegant Simplicity. Both regularly work with their clients to create comfortable, ergonomic, and highly functional home offices, and they highlighted several important features that you should prioritize ahead of aesthetic appeal.

I used their guidance — as well as my own background as a product reviewer for four years testing household products and most recently, desk lamps— when selecting desks for this guide. 

I've been a product reviewer for four years now, so I used my experience testing household products, including lamps, to develop a comprehensive testing methodology. 

Height

While 30 inches is the standard height for many desks, this is actually too high for most people. "The correct height for your computer desk is your relaxed elbow height when you are sitting with your feet flat on the floor," said Afterman. 

"It really depends on your own height and upper arm length, but the range that most people fall in is between 23 and 29 inches above the floor. I usually recommend a 28-inch tall desk if you can find it, but even that may be too high" said Afterman. To this end, Afterman typically prefers height-adjustable desks, which allow you to find the best height for your frame. If you're looking specifically for standing desks, check out our guide.

Depth

While desk width is a matter of preference, the depth of the surface can impact your comfort if you're using a computer. If you plan to put a computer monitor on your desk, our experts recommend avoiding desks that are too narrow, which can cause back strain.

"I always recommend a 30-inch-deep desk," said Afterman. "The problem with a shallow desk is that you cannot get enough distance between your eyes and the monitor when sitting relaxed back in the chair — the consequence is reaching the arms forward and resting the hands/wrists on the desktop when using the keyboard and mouse. These postures can quickly fatigue the upper back and compress the soft tissue or nerves in the wrist."

However, for those who don't need a computer to work, a narrower desk may work just fine.

Thin table top without drawers in the center

Many desks include a drawer or two underneath the tabletop, but this type of design can actually cause strain on your body. Afterman explains that you increase the risk of bumping your knees features like drawers, shelves, or panels, and they can interfere with your ability to set your work chair at an appropriate height. "When you have a drawer under the desk, you can only raise your chair so high without your legs bumping into the bottom of the table. This leads to shrugging your shoulders up to use the keyboard and mouse, which quickly leads to shoulder and neck soreness or pain," said Afterman.

Material

The most common desk materials are wood, metal, glass, and manufactured materials such as medium-density fiberboard, frequently called MDF. Kiln-dried hardwood and metal are more durable choices, but they also drive up the price. If you only need a temporary solution to last a few years, MDF or other faux materials are budget-friendly, but they're also more prone to wear, stains, and warping. If you 

Storage

There are many items you may want to keep on-hand as you work, ranging from pens and pencils to important files, books, and even charging cables. If there aren't other storage spaces nearby, you may want to look for a desk with a side tower of drawers or a built-in file cabinet as long as they don't protrude into your leg space

"Ultimately, a good desk provides you with the basic things you need for when you need them," says Monte. "Maybe this desk has file storage built-in or perhaps it's just got a few basic drawers, but functionality matters."

Design

Finally, there's also the matter of choosing a desk that matches your aesthetic. This should be a secondary consideration after ergonomic requirements are met, but there is no shortage of desks to choose from, including modern, contemporary, mid-century, traditional, and more. We focused on ergonomics here in our guide and took the design into consideration when choosing our top picks.



Different types of desks

There are several common desk styles that you will encounter when shopping for a desk, and the differences between them can be confusing. Here are the distinctions of each style.

Adjustable-height desks

Adjustable height desks have gained popularity in recent years, as they allow you to set the exact height of the desktop to suit your chair and body. "A height-adjustable table can be used to optimize the desk height when you're sitting and has the added bonus of providing a standing option as an alternative to mix into your day," explains Afterman.

These desks are often controlled by electronic panels (which means they need to be plugged into an outlet), but some budget options require manual adjustments, which is more labor-intensive and may require a second set of hands.  

Computer desks

Many people work on computers nowadays, and computer desks are specifically designed to accommodate an electronic setup. These desks typically have larger desktops that provide space for a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other computer components, and they often have various cord management features, as well. 

Writing desks

When compared to computer desks, writing desks are typically not as spacious — specifically, they're often not deep enough to comfortably use a computer monitor. Writing desks frequently have drawers on one or both sides, as well as under the desktop, providing space to store writing implements and notebooks, and some also feature a hutch on top for additional storage. Because they're a more traditional style of furniture, you'll find that many writing desks have a classic aesthetic.

Corner desks

Corner desks have an L-shaped design that fits into the corner of a room. They come in many different styles and materials, and they often provide more workspace than traditional desks. Some may also feature shelves, file cabinets, or drawers built into their designs.

Executive desks

Originally used by managers and other high-ranking professionals, executive desks are large and stately, and because they're often arranged in the center of a room, they typically have finished backs. Many executive desks have a double-pedestal design — meaning there are file cabinets or drawers on each side — and they naturally become the focal point of any space.

Drafting desks

Drafting desks — also called drafting tables or architect's tables — are used for drawing and sketching, and they're defined by a tilting tabletop, which can generally be fixed at several angles. These desks often have large work surfaces that can accommodate oversized architectural plans or sketch pads, and there may also be drawers, side tables, and organizers for things like pens and paper.



How should you sit at a desk?

In addition to having a desk that's the proper height, width, and depth, your comfort throughout the day is also reliant on whether you sit properly. "Foot support is critical to reducing back strain," said Afterman. "Your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest if your seat is raised. The knees should be even with, or slightly lower than, your hips."

You'll also want to ensure that your arms are in an appropriate position. "The arms should be supported with the shoulders relaxed," said Afterman. "You can get support from the chair armrest or the work surface. Avoid resting on the elbows as this can compress the ulnar nerve. Instead, rest on the muscle area of the forearm to allow the shoulders and back to relax."  

Finally, be sure to position your chair and computer monitor in proper locations to reduce strain. "You should sit close enough to the desk to keep the elbows near the body and avoid reaching forward," says Afterman. "Set the monitor height with the top of the screen at eyebrow level (lower for bifocal wearers) and close enough to read while you relax back in the chair."



How should you style a desk?

It's not always easy to arrange your furniture in a way that's functional but also stylish, and it's extra challenging when it involves a work desk in your home. "When arranging your desk in your home or office, you want to think about what the focal point of the space is," says Monte. "When a room lacks a focal point, our eyes tend to bounce all over the place."

If you have a designated room for an office or want to create a dedicated office space in a living room or bedroom, try creating a natural focal point with a rug. "Not only will this be soft under feet while you're working, but it will also layer in a bit of warmth to any office," said Monte. 

Monte recommends opting for a rug that's significantly larger than your desk, as this will ensure your chair isn't constantly rolling off the edge. If you're looking for recommendations for office seating, check out our guide to the best office chairs.



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



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