Gone are the days of traditional gym memberships, as Americans enter the era of the virtual at-home fitness movement buoyed by the pandemic.

On-demand fitness platforms have never been so popular, nor so ubiquitous. Though digital fitness has been on the rise in recent years, the coronavirus outbreak has put fledgling virtual companies on the map while prompting the rise of a slew of new platforms designed to help Americans stay fit while cooped up at home. 

These programs vary in price and types of workouts, but most are designed to bring streaming fitness classes directly into living rooms, with little to no additional equipment required. And while past decades have brought the likes of Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons, and Billy Blanks into our homes, today there are more options and different types of classes at consumers' disposal than ever before. 

The breadth of new options, however, hasn't stopped Peloton from dominating the virtual fitness market, with sales skyrocketing by 232% year-over-year in its most recent quarter and overwhelming demand for its stationary bikes causing mass delivery delays.

Companies ranging from tech giant Apple to StretchIt — an emerging app dedicated entirely to stretching — are vying for a piece of the at-home fitness market. We took a closer look at 11 virtual fitness membership programs looking to cash in on the at-home fitness boom.

SEE ALSO: These 5 fitness and sporting goods companies have filed for bankruptcy in 2020, as the coronavirus continues to dramatically change how Americans exercise

Aaptiv

Aaptiv — which calls itself "the world's first audio fitness brand"— currently boasts more than 200,000 members. Each has access to unlimited monthly workouts ranging from strength training to yoga.

Unlike most of its digital fitness competitors, Aaptiv operates using audio only, with trainers that provide oral instruction across its 2,500 guided workouts. While it may not be for the more visually inclined, the company was designed to give harried Americans a break from staring at screens all day. 

"Aaptiv's audio-based instruction and musical inspiration lets you move freely, focus on your form, and enjoy your surroundings," the company says on its website. 

The company offers a 7-day free trial with memberships retailing for either $15 a month, or $100 a year. 

StretchIt

Billed as a "low-intensity fitness app," StretchIt features video-based classes designed entirely for stretching. According to the company — which currently has more than 370,000 members — its workouts are open to all levels, "from stretching newbie to expert." 

Though StretchIt was founded in 2016, it just launched a beginners training program in September as part of an effort to help users increase energy and relieve "work from home aches and pains." Its classes blend techniques from yoga, pilates, rhythmic gymnastics, bodyweight training, and dance, according to its website. 

After a 7-day free trial, StretchIt has a $19.99 a month mobile-app only program, as well as a $25.99 membership that includes access to its desktop website. 

Apple Fitness Plus

Apple debuted its new subscription fitness program in December, which features streaming workouts instructed by "the world's best trainers" and set to Apple Music playlists, according to the company. Apple Fitness Plus — which costs $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year — allows for up to six family members to use the program on a variety of Apple products including the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. 

ClassPass

ClassPass — best known for its flat-rate subscription program that gave users access to a variety of partnering studios and group classes — has managed to evolve into a digital fitness hub amid the pandemic 

Quickly after the onset of the pandemic began shuttering gyms and fitness studios across the country, the company developed a live-streaming platform and cut a deal with its partners to virtually host classes while temporarily being spared the commission fee. Within just one month, ClassPass had 50,000 classes from 4,000 global studios available to its members. 

"The ability to take a boot camp class with an instructor in Singapore or a yoga class with an instructor in LA whether you're in New York City or Missoula, Montana proved to be a really effective model," ClassPass CEO Fritz Lanman told Business Insider in September. 

Glo

Previously known as YogaGlo, Glo is a personalized virtual yoga app with more than 4,000 classes for users off all skill levels. Since the company was first founded in 2008, it has amassed widespread popularity among fitness-enthusiasts  thanks to its variety of yoga, meditation, and Pilates classes and its global network of instructors.

The connected app works across Apple and Android products, as well as connected TV devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Glo offers a 15-day free trial and then a monthly membership for $18.

Obé

With an extensive catalog of on-demand classes as well as a robust live schedule of instructor-led fitness programs, Obé is designed for its users to "get fit, not bored," according to the company. The app includes a wide variety of categories including high intensity interval training, cardio boxing, barre, sculpt, and yoga, among others. 

The app includes features like a personalized calendar for scheduling weekly workouts and long-term record tracking. After a 7-day free trial, the service is available for $27 a month, $65 every three months, or $199 annually. 

FitGrid Class App

Launched just this Monday, the FitGrid Class App describes itself as a "social fitness" program that aims to merge social media with exercise. For FitGrid, a New York City-based tech startup that powers virtual workout classes on the backend, the effort is a way to monetize the curation streaming classes from its partners around the world.

According to FitGrid data, many Americans have stayed loyal to their favorite classes and instructors during the pandemic, even virtually, finding that studio loyalty has increased by 25%. 

"Community has always been the holy grail of fitness. Now it is more important than ever before," Nt Etuk, FitGrid's founder and CEO said in a statement. "FitGrid is connecting everyone —the studios, the staff, the instructors and classmates — in one space." 

Studio Sweat OnDemand

Studio Sweat OnDemand is a Netflix-like hub for virtual fitness, where users can search by category for exercises ranging from core workouts and strength training to yoga and cycling for those with stationary bicycles. In addition to its comprehensive fitness library, the app also features live workouts for users that want to break a sweat with an instructor in real-time. 

Studio Sweat OnDemand offers different tiered plans that are cheaper depending on how long you commit. A monthly membership goes for $19.88 a month, while the annual plan retails at $99 for the year.  

Tone It Up

Tone It Up, best known among the influencer and social media set, has a loyal following of young millennial women in favor of the company's comprehensive lifestyle content. The company was founded by Katrina Scott and Karena Dawn in 2009 as "the first fitness community that embraced positivity and empowered women."

In addition to its nutrition programs and wide array of merch, a Tone It Up membership — which is available for $14.99 a month, or $5 per month with an annual commitment — also features streaming fitness classes created by the company. 

FitOn

Developed by former FitBit executive Lindsay Cook, FitOn was designed to connect Americans with highly coveted celebrity trainers for free or at low-cost. The company offers an extensive array of free classes, as well as a premium membership starting at $19.99 that unlocks additional workouts, meal planning, and data tracking. 

"Riding a Peloton bike is an amazing experience, but it costs over $2,000, and not everyone can afford that,"Cook told Forbes in 2019."So, what we really wanted to do was to democratize the fitness experience and make it so that any woman, no matter what real estate or workout equipment they have, could afford some fantastic workouts that they could do anytime, anywhere."

Keep

For the more advanced fitness buff, Keep offers personalized high-intensity training programs that integrate a full warm-up, workout, and cool-down session. The data-oriented company maintains detailed performance metrics tailored to specific goals so users can view progress in real-time. 

While many workouts are available for free on Keep's mobile app, users can also opt for a premium monthly subscription that offers additional models and a yearly membership that features a personal coach. 

Apple's iPhones are some of the best, most coveted smartphones around. While often priced higher than the Android competition, iPhones routinely see discounts that can make them easier to buy.

Currently, Apple's smartphone line-up consists of several different iPhones: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone SE, and iPhone XR. Some older models are also still worth considering if budget is your primary concern.

One of the best ways to shop for an older model is through Apple's refurbished section. As of writing, shoppers can find like-new, last-generation iPhones like the X, XS, XS Max, 11 Pro, and Pro Max for much less than retail. iPhones purchased through Apple's refurbished section come with the same one-year warranty as if you bought a brand-new model, and all the original accessories that come with new models are also included with refurbished units. If you want an iPhone but don't necessarily need the latest model, the refurbished models are worth considering.

Of course, it can be overwhelming to figure out the best one for you, so check out our guides to the best iPhones and the best smartphones to help narrow your options down.

We'll update this list as deals surface.

The best iPhone deals of February 2021

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini

An improvement on previous models in terms of design and camera quality, the new iPhone 12 is our pick for the best iPhone you can get overall. It comes in 5 colors: white, black, blue, green, and red. Depending on your storage needs, you can choose from the 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage sizes. You can also pick between the normal 6.1-inch display and the 5.4-inch display Mini. 

Since the phone only came out in late 2020, deals for it aren't very common just yet — it's even difficult to find available from other retailers without being locked to a carrier. Right now, the best place to find it unlocked is from Apple, but if you're willing to enter a contract with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint, you can find stock from other retailers, like Amazon and Walmart.

iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max

If you want the best smartphone available on the market now and are willing to pay a premium price, the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are for you. These models feature excellent cameras in low light and elegant design. The Pro Max will cost you an extra $100, but it has a larger 6.7-inch display and longer battery life than the smaller 6.1-inch version. Both are available in 4 colors: graphite, silver, gold, and pacific blue. You can choose between 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB depending on your needs. 

Just like their smaller siblings, the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are a bit too young to see any especially good deals yet. Right now, the only place you can reliably find a unit that isn't locked to a carrier is directly from Apple.

If you have an iPhone 8 or newer you're willing to part with, Verizon is offering $750 off a new Pro or Pro Max with trade-in and a new line— though the promo credit will apply over 24 to 30 months. If you're already a Verizon customer, you can get $440 off with a trade-in and upgrade as well, just select the second promotion.

iPhone SE (2020)

Though it only comes with a single-lens camera, the iPhone SE is the best value you can find out of an iPhone. It has an older design, similar in look and feel to the iPhone 8; it's also the only modern model that retained the home button. It runs using the same powerful chip as the iPhone 11 and can cost as little as $399 if you settle for the 64GB. It comes in 3 colors: white, black, and red. 

Since it's such a new addition to the Apple iPhone lineup, deals on the iPhone SE (2020) are few and far between right now. The best place to find one unlocked is from Apple, but if you're planning to sign up with a carrier like AT&T or Verizon anyway, you might be able to snag a better price from Amazon or Walmart.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR may have come out back in 2018, but we still think it's a good option if you find it at a decent deal price. It has a big, 5.94-inch screen and still includes modern features like Face ID, the Touch ID replacement that uses your front-facing camera to unlock your phone, and wireless charging. It's the cheapest available option from the Apple lineup without compromising too much from performance. You can choose between white, black, blue, yellow, coral, and red. 

The only place to buy a new unit is directly from the Apple store; if you don't mind buying renewed, Amazon and Best Buy are worth looking into. Right now the street price for one is $499 for the 64GB storage size. 

iPhone 11

Though it's the past generation of iPhone, the iPhone 11 still has great value worth considering if you want to pay less. It has a fast A13 Bionic chip, long battery life that we found lasted over 32 hours, wireless charging, and a dual-camera setup, all for as little as $599. It comes in 6 colors: white, black, green, yellow, purple, and red. It's our runner-up premium iPhone pick since it still has great features but will cost you so much less than the iPhone 12. 

It's difficult to find this model unlocked and in new condition outside of the Apple Store. Its street price has dropped down to $599 for the 64GB storage capacity, a $100 drop since its release back in 2019. 

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max

Our picks for the best small premium iPhone and best big premium iPhone respectively, the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro Max are still great options for their solid triple camera system, speedy A13 Bionic chips, and Face ID to replace TouchID for unlocking your phone. The Pro offers up to 18 hours of battery life with video playback and the Pro Max offers up to 20 hours. We think they're still a good value if you can find them at a decent deal price.

Apple no longer sells the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, but you can still find them from other retailers — though they'll likely be locked in with carriers like Verizon and AT&T. If they see a reasonable discount, it may be worth buying so long as you don't mind entering a contract with a carrier to do so.

On Christmas Day, Virgilio Bento had a lot to celebrate.

His company, SWORD Health, had officially closed its latest funding round on the holiday to the tune of $25 million. It was the maximum amount he wanted to raise for the company's Series B that came less than a year after its public launch in the US. Transformation Capital led the round, which also included existing investors Khosla Ventures and Founders Fund.

SWORD Health is just one of several startups hoping to reimagine physical therapy for a virtual world. It uses motion-tracking technology paired with treatment plans from credentialed doctors or physical therapists to provide remote-first relief for patients experiencing musculoskeletal conditions such as neck or shoulder pain.

The startup launched in the US in January 2020 after deploying its services in Europe and Australia, Bento told Insider. The timing, just prior to nationwide lockdowns in the US meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus, was both a benefit and a challenge, Bento said.

At first, the company grew rapidly as more patients were shut out of traditional physical therapy clinics. Shortly after, companies began reviewing the benefits they offered in the name of cost-cutting and SWORD, which makes profits based on large contracts with employers, suffered.

"COVID was a tailwind because it reinforced the need for patients to receive care at home, but it also had headwinds," Bento said. "The self-insured employers stopped their search for new solutions, so there was a deceleration in the second quarter."

Once the dust had settled, however, SWORD rebounded and then some, Bento said. The resulting growth, which Bento said includes the company's 75% success rate in signing deals with companies they've pitched, was what caught investors' eyes when he started thinking about ways to sustain the growth beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

"We saw this big growth in the third and fourth quarters, and we understood that the operational needs would require additional funding to deliver in the first and second quarters this year," Bento said. "We knew we should raise again by the end of the year, and we took that decision forward in a very fast process."

Bento is based on Portugal and met with investors entirely remotely in what he called an "incredibly efficient" fundraising process. Although he said he missed the face-to-face time with his new lead investor, Transformation Capital, he predicted that he would replicate the earlier stages of the process even in a post-COVID-19 world.

SWORD Health  shared a copy of the presentation it used to win over investors remotely to raise $25 million in Series B funding. 

SEE ALSO: SIGN UP HERE: Hear from healthcare's biggest VCs on the future of digital health, biotech, and startups

SWORD Health is a startup that provides virtual physical therapy care.

Founder and CEO Virgilio Bento focused on reinventing technology for physical therapy while he was getting his doctorate in electrical engineering. He had witnessed the industry's stagnation and low-tech solutions after his brother woke from a 12-month coma and required physical therapy care.

Private investors have been keen to invest in startups like SWORD, which are typically referred to as MSK companies. Bento said the interest is a result of increased spending and rising costs in the industry.

SWORD Health works with insurance companies and employers to provide care to employees at no cost to them. It earns money through its contracts with employers. The below slide highlights the range of expenses self-insured employers take on, with musculoskeletal care ranking higher than mental health and cancer care costs combined.

SWORD Health uses motion-tracking devices to monitor patients' progress virtually. The remote monitoring aspect has been a key area of investment for VCs during the coronavirus pandemic.

SWORD Health patients have access to credentialed doctors and physical therapists to address a range of physical therapy conditions, such as neck or wrist pain. Bento said it is one of just a few companies that can compete with what he called the "gold standard" of in-person physical therapy.

SWORD Health first launched in Europe and Australia prior to entering the US market in January 2020. Bento declined to specify its valuation or number of customers in the US.

SWORD competes with companies like Hinge Health, another MSK startup that has been popular with VCs. Bento said that SWORD's differentiating factors are that it treats multiple conditions instead of focusing on just a few and that it works with licensed doctors and therapists instead of nondescript health coaches. Hinge Health is modeled similarly, but primarily focuses on chronic back and joint pain compared to SWORD's wider range of conditions.

Bento said that, when compared to in-person physical therapy, SWORD Health patients recovered 8 weeks faster on average in a company-published study. He said it could be due to the relatively flexible nature of remote care that patients can easily fit into their schedules.

You can find the full study here.

The company is eyeing other areas of growth, Bento said, that could benefit from the technology he has developed. That was a key reason he decided to work with Transformation Capital, he said, which could help identify new areas for SWORD to grow into.

Bento said he wanted a lead investor on the round that had expertise in the industry and could help the company grow as a board member. Currently, SWORD serves a wide range of patients, whether they are rehabbing in post-operative care or managing chronic conditions. He said he knew Transformation Capital was a good fit when he left the meeting having learned something new instead of having to educate VCs on his company's market.

Bento said he pitched up to 10 investors a day during the fundraising process, which he conducted entirely remotely. He said it helped make the process more efficient, but he missed the in-person aspects of getting to know major investors and adding the "human touch" element to the pitch process. In his virtual presentation, Bento opted to include testimonials from SWORD patients to help prove the personalized impact SWORD has had on their lives.

He said his existing investors, such as Khosla Ventures and Founders Fund, were eager to invest above their pro rata rights after having seen the outcomes from the time it had operated in the US.

Even as a young company, SWORD's retention and engagement have remained high among its patients, but also his investors. Bento said the most challenging part of the fundraising process was getting all the investors on board with a lower round. The only new investor was Transformation, he said, because the existing investors easily filled the remaining positions in the round.

To date, SWORD's outcomes have been favorable both to patients and their employers. By decreasing pain, time in surgery, and other factors related to musculoskeletal pain, SWORD also saves companies money by boosting employee productivity.

"You are working through this rollercoaster of starting a company with this person," Bento said. "Spending time with leading investors is important, and I missed that."

Bento said he is actively looking at ways to grow SWORD Health's services by broadening the scope of what its therapists can treat, but also in adding tools for the companies it works with to better manage costs associated with musculoskeletal care.

Transformation Capital managing director Todd Cozzens joined SWORD Health's board of directors as part of the funding round. The executive team has several digital health industry executives, including former employees at Virta Health, Artemis, and Rally Health. Bento has also brought on senior leaders from buzzy tech companies like Airbnb and Uber to help SWORD grow quickly.

Bento said the market for virtual musculoskeletal care is at an inflection point, and VCs are betting on which companies they think could win a majority of that market in the coming years.

In the wake of the killings of Ahmaud Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, activists and thought leaders are calling on Americans to educate themselves on the history of race and racism in the US.

While many people rushed to purchase books on race and racism this past summer, in the weeks after Floyd was killed, it's important to keep educating yourself.

Black History Month is an important time to do that. 

Insider asked Black literary and historical experts to share their favorite works of journalism on race by Black authors. Here are the top pieces they recommended everyone read.

SEE ALSO: The New York Times bestseller list this week is almost entirely comprised of books about race and white privilege in America

"Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases" and "The Red Record: Tabulated Statistics and Alleged Causes of Lynching in the United States" by Ida B. Wells

In 1892, investigative journalist, activist, and NAACP founding member Ida B. Wells began to publish her research on lynching in a pamphlet titled "Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases." Three years later, she followed up with more research and detail in "The Red Record." 

Shirley Moody-Turner, associate Professor of English and African American Studies at Penn State University recommended everyone read these two texts, saying they hold "many parallels to our own moment."  

"In these two pamphlets, Wells exposes the pervasive use of lynching and white mob violence against African American men and women. She discredits the myths used by white mobs to justify the killing of African Americans and exposes Northern and international audiences to the growing racial violence and terror perpetrated against Black people in the South in the years following the Civil War," Moody-Turner told Business Insider. 

Read  "Southern Horrors" here and "The Red Record" here>>

"The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates, best-selling author and national correspondent for The Atlantic, made waves when he published his 2014 article "The Case for Reparations," in which he called for "collective introspection" on reparations for Black Americans subjected to centuries of racism and violence. 

"In his now famed essay for The Atlantic, journalist, author, and essayist, Ta-Nehisi Coates traces how slavery, segregation, and discriminatory racial policies underpin ongoing and systemic economic and racial disparities," Moody-Turner said. 

"Coates provides deep historical context punctuated by individual and collective stories that compel us to reconsider the case for reparations," she added.  

Read it here>>

"The Idea of America" by Nikole Hannah-Jones and the "1619 Project" by The New York Times

In "The Idea of America," Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones traces America's history from 1619 onward, the year slavery began in the US. She explores how the history of slavery is inseparable from the rise of America's democracy in her essay that's part of The New York Times' larger "1619 Project," which is the outlet's ongoing project created in 2019 to re-examine the impact of slavery in the US. 

"In her unflinching look at the legacy of slavery and the underside of American democracy and capitalism, Hannah-Jones asks, 'what if America understood, finally, in this 400th year, that we [Black Americans] have never been the problem but the solution,'" said Moody-Turner, who recommended readers read the whole "1619 Project" as well. 

Read "The Idea of America" here and the rest of the "1619 Project here>>

"Many Thousands Gone" by James Baldwin

In "Many Thousands Gone," James Arthur Baldwin, American novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist lays out how white America is not ready to fully recognize Black people as people. It's a must read, according to Jimmy Worthy II, assistant professor of English at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

"Baldwin's essay reminds us that in America, the very idea of Black persons conjures an amalgamation of specters, fears, threats, anxieties, guilts, and memories that must be extinguished as part of the labor to forget histories deemed too uncomfortable to remember," Worthy said.

Read it here>>

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr.

On April 13 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights activists were arrested after peaceful protest in Birmingham, Alabama. In jail, King penned an open letter about how people have a moral obligation to break unjust laws rather than waiting patiently for legal change. In his essay, he expresses criticism and disappointment in white moderates and white churches, something that's not often focused on in history textbooks, Worthy said.

"King revises the perception of white racists devoted to a vehement status quo to include white moderates whose theories of inevitable racial equality and silence pertaining to racial injustice prolong discriminatory practices," Worthy said. 

Read it here>>

"The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action" by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde, African American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist asks readers to not be silent on important issues. This short, rousing read is crucial for everyone according to Thomonique Moore, a 2016 graduate of Howard University, founder of Books&Shit book club, and an incoming Masters' candidate at Columbia University's Teacher's College. 

"In this essay, Lorde explains to readers the importance of overcoming our fears and speaking out about the injustices that are plaguing us and the people around us. She challenges us to not live our lives in silence, or we risk never changing the things around us," Moore said. 

Read it here>>

"The First White President" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

This essay from the award-winning journalist's book "We Were Eight Years in Power," details how Trump, during his presidency, employed the notion of whiteness and white supremacy to pick apart the legacy of the nation's first Black president, Barack Obama.

Moore said it was crucial reading to understand the current political environment we're in. 

Read it here>>

"Just Walk on By" by Brent Staples

In this essay, Brent Staples, author and Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial writer for The New York Times, hones in on the experience of racism against Black people in public spaces, especially on the role of white women in contributing to the view that Black men are threatening figures.  

For Crystal M. Fleming, associate professor of sociology and Africana Studies at SUNY Stony Brook, his essay is especially relevant right now. 

"We see the relevance of his critique in the recent incident in New York City, wherein a white woman named Amy Cooper infamously called the police and lied, claiming that a Black man — Christian Cooper — threatened her life in Central Park. Although the experience that Staples describes took place decades ago, the social dynamics have largely remained the same," Fleming told Business Insider. 

Read it here>>

"I Was Pregnant and in Crisis. All the Doctors and Nurses Saw Was an Incompetent Black Woman" by Tressie McMillan Cottom

Tressie McMillan Cottom is an author, associate professor of sociology at Virginia Commonwealth University and a faculty affiliate at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. In this essay, Cottom shares her gut-wrenching experience of racism within the healthcare system. 

Fleming called this piece an "excellent primer on intersectionality" between racism and sexism, calling Cottom one of the most influential sociologists and writers in the US today. 

Read it here>>

"A Report from Occupied Territory" by James Baldwin

Baldwin's "A Report from Occupied Territory" was originally published in The Nation in 1966. It takes a hard look at violence against Black people in the US, specifically police brutality. 

"Baldwin's work remains essential to understanding the depth and breadth of anti-black racism in our society. This essay — which touches on issues of racialized violence, policing and the role of the law in reproducing inequality — is an absolute must-read for anyone who wants to understand just how much has not changed with regard to police violence and anti-Black racism in our country," Fleming told Business Insider. 

Read it here>>

"I'm From Philly. 30 Years Later, I'm Still Trying To Make Sense Of The MOVE Bombing" by Gene Demby

On May 13, 1985, a police helicopter dropped a bomb on the MOVE compound in Philadelphia, which housed members of the MOVE, a black liberation group founded in 1972 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Eleven people, including five children, died in the airstrike. In this essay, Gene Demby, co-host and correspondent for NPR's Code Switch team, tries to wrap his head around the shocking instance of police violence against Black people. 

"I would argue that the fact that police were authorized to literally bomb Black citizens in their own homes, in their own country, is directly relevant to current conversations about militarized police and the growing movement to defund and abolish policing," Fleming said. 

Read it here>>

The self-driving industry spent the 2010s inching toward a payoff for the years of effort and billions of dollars it has spent trying to master an enormously difficult but potentially transformative technology. In a few cases, companies started to move paying customers in self-driving vehicles, albeit in relatively small service areas.

There's still plenty of work to be done before robotaxis or computer-operated semi trucks are a fixture of our transportation ecosystem. In the coming decades, a new generation of leaders will help transform self-driving companies from science projects into viable businesses.

Business Insider sought out those upcoming leaders by seeking nominations for the industry's brightest young stars. To be eligible for the list, nominees had to be 29 or younger at the beginning of 2021 (some who were chosen for this list turned 30 before it was published).

These are the autonomous-vehicle industry's rising stars.

SEE ALSO: Google's founders created a wild bonus structure for engineers to incentivize innovation. It made some employees incredibly rich, and also drove many to quit

Qian Chu, 27, TuSimple

As a senior technical project manager at TuSimple, Qian Chu leads the team responsible for technology development, testing, and integration. She was one of TuSimple's 25 first employees and plays an important role in keeping the development of TuSimple's automated-driving system on track, a TuSimple spokesperson said. Chu has a knack for quickly finding and solving both technical and procedural issues, the spokesperson said. 

Chu joined TuSimple after receiving a master's degree in systems engineering from Cornell University.

Jay Kuvelker, 28, Kodiak Robotics

Jay Kuvelker is a hardware engineer at Kodiak Robotics, where he's played a leading role in developing the company's automated-driving system, as well as its strategies for manufacturing and partnerships. Kuvelker created a key piece of hardware that makes it easier to place sensors on a truck's mirror mounts and gives the sensors a better view of the objects behind and beside them. He was also in charge of making sure Kodiak's computing hardware was sturdy enough to handle the stress created by road and weather conditions.

Kuvelker joined Kodiak after working at Uber ATG. He received bachelor's and masters degrees in engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

Himani Arora, 27, Nuro

Himani Arora is a machine-learning engineer at Nuro focusing on perception. (When she was chosen for this list, Arora was working for Ike, which Nuro has since acquired.) At Ike, she became a leader on the company's perception team and made a significant impact on software responsible for interpreting information from lidar sensors, which bounce beams of light off nearby objects to measure how far away they are, a Nuro spokesperson said.

She was also responsible for creating much of Ike's machine-learning infrastructure for a neural network that interprets long-range data from lidars and helps Ike's perception software improve. Arora's collaborations with other teams at Ike made the company's technology better able to learn from data collected in challenging situations, the spokesperson said.

Before joining Ike, Arora worked on Uber ATG's perception team and received bachelor's and masters degrees in engineering from Delhi Technological University and Columbia University, respectively.

Read more:REVEALED: How much Waymo, Cruise, and Zoox employees make, from engineers to managers

Derek Phillips, 24, Kodiak Robotics

As a software engineer at Kodiak Robotics, Derek Phillips has made an impact on the company's technology and culture. One of Phillips' crowning achievements is Kodiak's Perception Evaluation Engine, which has made it easier for the company to evaluate the efficacy of new code. Phillips has also played a leading role in the company's data-labeling operation and coordinated across teams to make sure Kodiak's automated-driving system can process and respond to vehicles on the side of the road.

Beyond his contributions to the company's technology, Phillips helped lead a discussion at Kodiak this summer about race in the US. He attended Stanford University for his undergraduate and graduate studies in computer science.

Andrey Rykov, 28, Yandex

Andrey Rykov leads the group at Yandex responsible for the company's dynamic-object perception technology, which identifies and categorizes moving objects like vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Rykov developed software that analyzes data from lidar sensors and has played a key role in refining the company's lidar technology so it can dismiss irrelevant inputs and comprehend objects it hasn't seen before.

Rykov joined Yandex after earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and mechanics from Moscow State University and a masters degree in math and computer science from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology.

Melinda Kothbauer, 25, May Mobility

Melinda Kothbauer has made an impact on a wide range of initiatives at May Mobility. In addition to leading a revamp of the company's perception system in 2020, she also managed a collaborative effort between May Mobility's software, data infrastructure, autonomy, and vehicle-platform teams on new technology. Kothbauer has also been recognized as the leader of MayID, the company's committee on diversity, inclusion, and belonging, a May Mobility spokesperson said.

Kothbauer earned a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the University of Michigan before joining May Mobility.

Read more:Meet 2020's Rising Stars of Wall Street from firms like Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, and Bridgewater shaking up investing, trading, and dealmaking

Hana Lodhi, 26, Waymo

Hana Lodhi is a program manager in Waymo's fleet-dispatch division, where she's responsible for supporting on-road tests of updates to Waymo's technology. Lodhi, who studied nutrition as an undergraduate at Arizona State University, played an essential role in managing the logistical and operational details needed to integrate the newest version of the company's automated-driving system into Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicles and prepare it to drive on public roads in Arizona and California. Her leadership in that effort caught the attention of Waymo's operations team, a company spokesperson said.

Luna Yang, 28, Aurora Innovation

Luna Yang is a software engineer at Aurora Innovation, where she's led a number of important projects. She was the driving force behind the creation of Aurora's perception framework and played a major role in developing the machine-learning model for the company's automated-driving system, an Aurora spokesperson said.

Yang also led an initiative to make Aurora's system better at seeing objects that don't fit into the categories it's been trained to recognize and predicting how they'll move. She's made an impact on Aurora's culture by co-founding a resource group for employees who speak English as a second language.

Yang spent three years in China as an actuary after college. After developing an interest in machine learning, she attended a masters program in robotics at Carnegie Mellon University.

Sarah Tang, 30, Nuro

Sarah Tang is a technology manager at Nuro responsible for the company's motion-planning team, which is developing the decision-making process used by Nuro's autonomous delivery vehicles. Tang's team played a critical role in allowing Nuro to put its vehicles on the road in Houston, where they had to be ready to handle narrow roads and maneuver through small openings between parked vehicles, a Nuro spokesperson said. Tang encoded the software that ensures Nuro's vehicles keep a safe distance from surrounding objects.

Tang studied mechanical  and aerospace engineering as an undergraduate at Princeton and received a PhD in mechanical engineering and applied dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to Nuro, she worked as an intern at Google's self-driving-car project (before it was rebranded as Waymo).

Read more:Meet the 40 rising stars of Madison Avenue who are revolutionizing advertising in 2020

Dave Rubin, 30, Cruise

Dave Rubin is a member of Cruise's policy-research team, which works to impact legislation and public opinion related to autonomous vehicles. Rubin's work contributed to the California government's decision to allow autonomous-vehicle companies to charge passengers for rides in self-driving cars. He is also one of Cruise's experts on energy policy, promoting government action at the state and federal level to reducing carbon-dioxide emissions.

Rubin received an undergraduate degree in international business and international affairs from American University and a master's degree in international economics from Johns Hopkins University. 

Shir Yehoshua, 29, Waymo

Shir Yehoshua is a software engineer at Waymo and the leader of a team that's responsible for making sure the company's automated-driving system can make decisions quickly and reliably. She has a knack for finding ways to making her developers' jobs easier and refining Waymo's planning software, a Waymo spokesperson said.

Yehoshua has taken initiative in promoting inclusion and diversity at Waymo by leading a project to eliminate discriminatory language from the company's codebase, software documentation, and user interfaces.

Yehoshua earned a bachelor's degree in math and computer science from the University of Chicago.

Read more:

• GM- and Amazon-backed self-driving outfits are working to overtake Waymo. Experts say the Google spin-off must start expanding if it wants to fend them off.
• VCs have poured $40 billion into self-driving-car startups. These 12 power-player firms have been the most aggressive dealmakers.
• Meet 2020's rising stars of real estate, the young visionaries making waves at big-name firms like CBRE and Compass and industry-shaking startups
• An Nvidia VP reveals why the chip-maker bet on the self-driving truck startup TuSimple to beat Waymo and Aurora in an industry that could be worth $2 billion by 2027

iPads are the best tablets around and some of the most sought after tech products; there's one for every user and every budget. Like most Apple products, you can find any given member of the iPad family discounted throughout the year, from the compact iPad mini to the powerful iPad Pro. Street price for each model, size, and finish can vary, so knowing the typical selling price for the model you're after can save you some cash.

We've put together a list of the best deals available now for each model below, along with what you should pay for any particular model. Need help choosing with iPad is right for you? Check out our guides to the best iPads and tablets available right now. 

Of course, we'll update this list regularly to help you find the best price.

iPad (8th generation) deals

The eight-generation 10.2-inch iPad is the best option for most people with its balance of performance and value. Whether you're buying your first iPad or upgrading from an older model, it's a solid choice and comes in either 32GB or 128GB storage options. It has a clear and sharp 2,160 x 1,620-pixel resolution and an A12 processor capable of most apps and tasks. If you're an artist or a fan of handwritten notes, it's also compatible with the Apple Pencil.

We see deals on this iPad regularly throughout the year. More often than not, however, sales are limited to only one color or storage capacity, so if you see a good price on one that fits your needs, don't hesitate to buy. These deals also tend to sell out fast. Street price varies for each option, but for the most part: it's less than retail price.

iPad Air (4th Gen) deals

The 2020 iPad Air is powerful performance encased in an updated, premium design. It features sharper edges, an A14 chip (the same chip powering the iPhone 11 series), USB-C charging, and a Touch ID sensor on the power button. It supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, a great stylus for tablet drawing; the sharp 10.9-inch Liquid Retina True Tone Screen also sweetens the build for artists. The fourth-generation iPad Air comes in five colors: green, rose gold, sky blue, silver, and space gray.

Since it only launched in September 2020, deals for the latest iPad Air don't surface often, or if they do, they're pretty minimal discounts. At the moment, however, street price appears to be trending downward by $30 (as is typically the case with iPads) — though it's often difficult to even find some storage sizes in stock.

iPad mini (3rd Gen) deals

With its 7.9-inch display, the fifth-generation iPad mini is ideal for tablet users prioritizing a compact form factor. Just like it's bigger sibling the 2020 iPad, it's powered by the A12 Chip and is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. It comes in 3 different finishes and you can choose between the smaller 64GB or the larger 256GB storage options. 

The iPad mini sees regular deals year-round. Street price hovers around $10 or $20 less than retail price most of the time though, so never settle for paying retail price (unless you absolutely have to).

iPad Pro (4th Gen) deals

The 2020 iPad Pro performs so well, it's good enough to replace some laptops. On the outside, both the 11- and 12.9-inch have slim bezels, a sharp screen, and are compatible with many great add-ons like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Internally, it's a powerhouse; it has a A12X Bionic processor powerful enough to surpass some laptops and is available in up to 1TB of storage if you're willing to pay a bit extra. It's expensive, but if you're looking for the best iPad available, the 2020 iPad Pro is what you're looking for.

As is typical of most Apple iPads, this model sees regular discounts throughout the year. The best deals on it surface during major holidays like Presidents' Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, but you can usually find a decent discount any time of year. Street price varies drastically between each screen size and storage variant, but as a rule of thumb: smaller storage variants usually run for $40 less than retail price, so never settle for paying more.

iPad Accessory deals

Compatibility for some accessories will depend on the iPad you own, but for the most part, add-ons like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are game-changing to your tablet usage. You can find many off-brand cases and keyboards for much less (and usually with better deals), but you don't need to be an Apple aficionado to recognize the beauty of the official Apple accessories.

Discounts for accessories tend to be a bit smaller compared to that of iPads. If you find $10 off an Apple Pencil or $20 off a Magic Keyboard, chances are, it's a worthwhile deal. It's just important to make note of each item's street price, as retail can often be inflated. 

• The music lover in your life can likely always be found listening to or playing music. 
• Here are 22 gift ideas to fuel their passion for songs, bands, instruments, and genres of all types. 
• For more gift ideas, check out all of our gift guides over here.

Most of us listen to music in some capacity and can say we like it.

There are the people who just listen casually to whatever happens to be on the radio, and then there are the people who spend hours carefully curating playlists, filling their calendars with concerts to attend, and even playing music themselves.

This gift guide is for the latter group, who argue that they don't just like music, they love it. 

To fuel their passion, you can gift them something that elevates their listening experience, teaches them something new about music, or puts them right in front of their favorite singer. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the music industry, we also suggest looking at their favorite local music store or live event venue for merch and gift cards. Or, you can make a donation to local musician funds and venues in your recipient's name.

The 22 best last-minute gifts for music lovers:

A customizable record doormat

Personalized Record Doormat, available at Uncommon Goods, $35

Turn their favorite record into a treasured home decor piece with this thoughtful gift. Personalize this doormat with their favorite record title and their name to make this gift feel like it was made just for them.

A Cameo appearance from their favorite musician

Cameo appearance, available at Cameo, from $50

Make their day by gifting them a special video message from their favorite musician. With hundreds of artists to choose from, Cameo allows you to celebrate their birthday, graduation, or any other special event. You can choose to filter artists by your recipient's favorite music genre and if you want to go the extra mile, some artists offer availability for one-on-one chats and zoom calls. Some musicians you can find on the site include Snoop Dogg, Kenny G, and rapper Ice T.

A turntable that doubles as a bluetooth speaker

Sony Bluetooth Stereo Turntable, available at Best Buy, $199.99

No music lover's vinyl collection is complete without a turntable that can play their favorite records over and over again. This turntable from Sony not only has incredible sound quality, but also doubles as a bluetooth speaker, allowing them to play music from their other devices.

A cool custom plaque of a song they love

Custom Music Album Cover, $19.99, available at Etsy

Submit your recipient's favorite song to make this eye-catching acrylic plaque. You can even submit a custom photo instead of the album cover so the gift feels extra personal. 

Pasta shaped like music notes

Pastabilities Music Pasta (2-Pack), $12.99, available at Amazon

If they like playing music as much as they like playing with their food, here's a fun, edible gift they can cook right away. 

A vintage band tee

The Rolling Stones Tie-Dye Tee, $39, available at Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters offers tons of graphic T-shirts featuring the logos and designs of classic artists and bands like Def Leppard, Nirvana, Prince, and Snoop Dogg. 

A pair of warm socks

Foot Traffic Novelty Socks, $11, available at Amazon

These soft and comfortable socks come in a variety of music-themed patterns, from a simple but striking piano keyboard to an ensemble of orchestral musicians. 

A poster of famous guitars

A Visual Compendium of Guitars 18"x 24" Print, $30, available at Pop Chart

Can they identify all the guitars held by famous rockers in this eye-catching print? They'll find the musical companions of  Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, Kurt Cobain, and Joan Jett, among many other iconic musicians. 

A vinyl record membership

Three-month Gift Membership, $119, available at Vinyl Me, Please

Record owners experience no greater joy than when they get to add to their collection and play a new vinyl for the first time. Your recipient will choose from three different types of tracks each month and will also receive extra goodies in each package. The three-month membership includes one bonus record. 

A cocktail recipe book that pairs good music with good drinks

Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks, $22.49, available at Barnes & Noble

Combining two great pastimes, the fun guide features 70 albums from the '50s through the '00s and an A-side and B-side cocktail for each one. They're organized by mood, so your recipient will know just what pairing to use for the night.  

A cool music mixing game

DropMix Music Gaming System, $34.99, available at Amazon

DropMix is a fast-paced game that challenges them to make new and unexpected mixes with popular tracks they already know and love. It'll be a hit among competitive music lovers and experts.

A pair of stylish over-ear headphones

Bowers & Wilkins PX Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, $290, available at Amazon

A music lover wouldn't be caught dead without a pair of headphones, whether they're just running a quick errand across the street or settling in for the long-haul. These Bowers & Wilkins ones not only bring out the best of each song and have three noise-cancelling modes, but also simply look great. 

A pair of wireless earbuds

AirPods with Charging Case, $129.99, available at Best Buy

Apple AirPods are far from perfect, but we have to admit they're really convenient. They're the easiest earbuds to pop into their ears since they're light and pair automatically with their phone, and they'll stay in surprisingly well. 

A high-end visual speaker

Cotodama Canvas Lyric Speaker, $1,900, available at Amazon 

This sleek WiFi-enabled speaker, which integrates seamlessly into their living room or bedroom, recognizes and artistically displays the lyrics of the song as it plays (see how it works here). The sound quality is also top-notch, which isn't a surprise since the company behind it is part of an incubator run by the famous Abbey Road Studios.

Pencils they won't be able to stop drumming on their desk

Suck UK Drumstick Pencils, $10.69, available at Amazon

These clever pencils are an easy stocking stuffer for budding and experienced drummers alike. 

An online class taught by a film-scoring legend

Hans Zimmer Film Scoring Class, $90, available at MasterClass

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard the work of film score composer Hans Zimmer. Through lessons on tempo, character themes, sound palettes, and more, the composer of over 150 movies including "Inception" and "The Lion King" shows students how he makes movie score magic. 

A waterproof portable speaker

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, $149.99, available at Amazon

The loud and powerful UE Boom 3 delivers 360-degree sound and has a long battery life, perfect for outdoor hangouts. They can even continue being DJ at the beach or in the tub because the speaker is waterproof. 

A book about why humans love music

This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession, $15.30, available at Amazon

This fascinating book delves into why music is so important to us and is written by someone with a firm grasp on both the artistic and scientific sides of it: a neuroscientist who previously worked as a session musician, sound engineer, and record producer.

A smart speaker

Amazon Echo (4th Generation), $99.99, available at Target

They'll be able to stream music from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, and more, without even lifting a finger. The newest version of the popular Echo device has even better audio features than before: 360° Dolby-powered audio, dynamic bass response, and personalized equalizer settings. 

Wine glasses they can play songs with

Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses (Set of 2), $68, available at UncommonGoods

These special wine glasses have lines labeling different notes of the scale, so they can play a tune with their finger while enjoying their favorite red or white. 

A way to organize their concert ticket stubs

Just the Ticket: Ticket Stub Organizer, $10.45, available at Amazon

Videos and photos aside, a way to remember their concerts, down to the exact seat in the venue, is this ticket stub diary. There's also space on each page to jot down notes and memories to look fondly back on later. 

Cufflinks shaped like a sixteenth note and treble clef

Cufflinks, Inc. Music Notes Cufflinks, $55, available at Cufflinks.com

These small accessories are the perfect finishing note on their ensemble, whether they're heading to work or the symphony. 

• Big Bear, California is the top-trending US destination among Airbnb users, according to the company.
• Just two hours from LA, the all-seasons paradise offers outdoor activities from skiing to lake fun.
• We found highly-rated Big Bear Airbnbs ranging from $100 to $375 per night to start.
• Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home

Among Airbnb's recent top trending destinations is Big Bear, California. Within a couple hours' drive of the Los Angeles metro area, the lake and mountain environment offers stunning natural beauty, ample opportunity for outdoor activities in all seasons, and a complete change in scenery from nearby urban environments.

Popular homes for rent in this area tend to be rustic. Many are cabins, with Instagram-friendly design features like A-frame structures, lofted bedrooms, midcentury details, wraparound decks, cozy fireplaces, or tree house vibes. 

It's worth noting that compared with hotels, experts and the CDC agree private vacation rentals pose a lower risk for virus transmission, given the limited number of face-to-face encounters with other travelers. Plus, Airbnb's pandemic-era Enhanced Cleaning Initiative overhauled host cleaning protocols to boost both guest safety and the messaging around it. 

After a fall and winter spent almost entirely isolated as virus cases spiked in my hometown of Los Angeles, I felt confident enough in the private Airbnb experience to book a family getaway to an isolated Big Bear cabin and found it to be a rejuvenating, socially distanced getaway. 

Still, it's important to note that the pandemic remains a threat amid an ongoing vaccine rollout, and the virus remains uncontrolled around the US. Therefore, there are risks associated with any travel, and no absolute guarantee of safety. We recommend following CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations' safety guidelines. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene. 

We compiled a list of the best Big Bear Airbnbs, based on the following criteria: 

1. All listings are for private homes in keeping with current expert recommendations for social distancing. 
2. Every listing is highly rated, with a minimum rating of 4.89 out of a possible 5 or higher; all listings are by Superhosts and some are even included in Airbnb's elevated Plus category.
3. We looked for truly standout stays with exceptional design, such as cleverly curated home decor or standout architectural features like traditional A-frame styling.
4. We included listings at a range of price points to suit different budgets, with choices ranging from starting price points of $101 to $375 per night.
5. All listings display the badge for Airbnb's Enhanced Cleaning standards.

Here are the best Airbnbs in Big Bear, California, sorted by price from low to high.

Cozy cabin with hot tub, $100

Book this cozy cabin with hot tub close to the lake starting from $100 per night

This cozy cabin is budget-friendly and offers some nice features for the price, including a private hot tub, deck, and patio. Plus, it permits pets (with a modest one-time charge of $25 for the entire stay) so you can bring your four-legged family along too.

Located between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, this home is close to restaurants and stores about a mile away in the town of Running Springs. It's close to the lake and skiing opportunities. The all-wood interiors give it a classic cabin feel and the home sleeps six guests in two bedrooms with a Queen bed, a Double bed, and a sleeper sofa in the living area. The kitchen is small but has a full-size fridge and range. Reviewers also give the Superhost high marks for kindness and helpfulness.

This home has availability starting in April.

Rating: 4.89

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.7 cleanliness score.

Elevated rustic cabin, $149

Book this elevated rustic cabin starting from $149 per night

This 1962 cabin maintains its rustic charm via a stone fireplace in the living area, a potbelly stove in the bedroom, and wood paneling throughout. While the listing notes up to six guests can stay here, it's really best for four adults given its cozy size and two full bedrooms. 

The listing is situated amid the mountains and surrounded by pines for isolation and privacy. The 10,000-square feet of yard space is a major draw and includes a propane barbecue grill, fire pit, and easy access to hiking trails; keep your eyes peeled for cool animal sightings.

This home has a few scattered days available in March, with more dates opening up in mid-April.

Rating: 4.92

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.8 rating for cleanliness.

Chic chalet, $229

Book this chic chalet starting at $229 per night

This chic home falls into Airbnb's Plus category, meaning it's noted for its exceptional hospitality and standout details. There's room for six guests in two bedrooms, with 1.5 baths.

Here, artful details abound: Dine under an antler chandelier, get ready for the day under the Edison-style lights hanging in the spa-like powder room, and cozy up on the designer couch around the fireplace with a white stone backdrop. Cook in the fully upgraded modern kitchen, or enjoy the outdoor grill and pine views. 

This home is wide open starting in mid-March.

Rating: 4.93

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Midcentury, A-frame cabin, $254

Book this A-frame cabin starting from $254 per night

This charming midcentury, A-frame cabin is situated in a quiet neighborhood on the north side of the lake, with panoramic views of both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit from its large deck. It's also located just three houses from the national forest, with miles of easily accessibly hiking trails.

The main floor has two bedrooms, and there's another in the loft with room for a total of five guests. There's plenty of hygge to be found here thanks to details like a wood-burning fireplace and a hanging egg chair complete with a fluffy blanket. The small but well-outfitted open-concept kitchen features full-sized stainless steel appliances and a long dining table that can seat six. There's also an infrared gas grill on the deck, along with an outdoor dining area.

This home has scattered dates available over the next few months.

Rating: 4.96

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a near-perfect 4.9 cleanliness score.

Kid- and pet-friendly cabin with hot tub, $310

Book this cabin with hot tub starting at $310 per night

Just built in 2018, this peaked-roof cabin comes outfitted with all the modern conveniences. Walking distance to both the lake and village, the home has room for six guests with three bedrooms and two baths.

The open floorplan features a great room with a 55-inch TV including Netflix, a well-stocked kitchen, and a nicely-appointed coffee station. Ideal for families, one bedroom includes two twin beds with colorful polka dot comforters kids will love, plus the house is stocked with games and toys. Meanwhile, adults might enjoy sipping a glass of wine on the back deck while soaking in the private hot tub. 

This home has a few scattered dates open over the next few months, with more dates open for the summer months.

Rating: 4.96

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a perfect 5.0 cleanliness score.

Balsam bungalow with lake view, $314

Book this balsam bungalow starting from $314 per night

This handsome midcentury bungalow is located on a hillside with idyllic forest and lake views. Outdoor enthusiasts will like that Big Bear slopes and state forest hiking trails are each just a fraction of a mile away. Features include a masonry fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound wood deck with fire pit, barbecue, and large dining area. 

The home sleeps four in two bedrooms, with one bath. Unique details include macrame wallhangings in keeping with the cabin vibe and an irregularly shaped coffee table made from a tree slab.

This home has plenty of availability over the next few months.

Rating: 4.94

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.8 cleanliness score.

Scandinavian treetop cabin, $360

Book this Scandinavian treetop cabin starting from $360 per night

This Scandinavian-style cabin in Airbnb's Plus category is for guests who want a Big Bear getaway without the traditional cabin vibe. The color scheme is primarily bright white, with dark accents that pop in this attractive home with soaring, 22-foot ceilings.

The fully stocked kitchen has white cabinetry and ample space for cooking. Unwind in the hammock out back, enjoy fresh air relaxing on the deck off the bedroom, or curl up by the fire. There's room for up to four guests using the sleeper sofa, though there's just one main bedroom.

This home has plenty of open dates over the next few months.

Rating: 4.97

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Treehouse-like cabin, $375

Book this tree house cabin starting at $375 per night

This is the home I chose for my family's isolated getaway, and it really delivered for us. The treehouse-like cabin literally opens up to a forest in the backyard, with miles of trails for hiking and areas to explore for snow play in relative isolation.

It has room for five guests and includes a Queen bedroom including forest views, a loft sleeping area with a Double bed, and a sleeper sofa downstairs in the soaring main space. The charmingly decorated space is curated with midcentury modern and retro furnishings and accessories, plus an abundance of games and activities for analog fun. There's a cozy, wood-burning fireplace for winter and a propane barbecue for summer. The kitchen and bathroom are low frills, but an overhead rain shower adds a dose of comfort.

Rating: 4.94

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.8 cleanliness score.

Read our full review of this Airbnb here

Discover more great outdoor getaways

• Cozy and affordable Airbnb cabins in Upstate New York
• The best tree house rentals
• The best cabins near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The most remote vacation rentals
• The best vacation rentals near national parks
• The best national parks for winter

• A good stud finder will help you hang anything from shelves to decorative items by finding a solid piece of wood or metal behind the drywall.
• Many can also help you avoid drilling or hammering into a water pipe or electrical wire.
• The Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 is our top choice because it takes readings rapidly without requiring any sliding back and forth along the walls.

A stud finder can make the difference between that framed painting hanging majestically for years to come and it crashing to the ground an hour after you hang it as a chunk of drywall rips out in the process. Many stud finders can also make the difference between you drilling a hole or hammering a nail into a water pipe, thereby turning a modest project like putting up a shelf or mounting a TV into a serious home repair almost surely involving pricey professionals.

Many operate with the push of a single button and use easily interpreted lights to indicate the location of hidden studs. Some have an even more basic operation, simply adhering to the wall near studs thanks to magnetism. And many can also detect electrical wires, helping keep you safe and preventing accidental damage to the wiring in your home, office, or wherever you're working.

With many DIY projects around the house nowadays, we rounded up a range of stud finders, from multi-purpose gadgets to ones with a great sensitivity function.

Here are the best stud finders of 2021

• Best stud finder overall: Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710
• Best affordable stud finder: C.H. Hanson Stud 4 Sure Magnetic Stud Finder
• Best durable stud finder: Ryobi LED Whole Stud Detector
• Best high-sensitivity stud finder: Zircon MultiScanner 740
• Best multifunction stud finder: Black+Decker BDL190S BullsEye Auto-Leveling Laser with Stud Finder

The best stud finder overall

The Franklin ProSensor 710 detects studs instantly without the need to slide it back and forth along the wall.

Pros: Instant detection without sliding, wide design for precision readings, can identify multiple studs

Cons: No AC detection

Any decent stud finder is going to ultimately locate a wall stud, but usually not without an annoying process of calibration and sliding the thing back and forth along the wall, usually with a few false positives before you're confident you have indeed found a stud and approximated the location of its center. Not so with the Franklin ProSensor 710.

This high-accuracy tool simultaneously detects the wall and framing hardware below it at 13 distinct points, instantly creating an accurate readout of the hidden materials. Its extra-wide body makes detection easier, and only those lights directly before the stud will illuminate, making end detection easy even without any sliding back and forth to be sure. That wide body design also helps you identify double studs.

The high sensitivity of the sensors also ensures an accurate detection through uneven materials, such as multiple layers of paint or wallpaper, textured plasters, and more. All that high tech, high accuracy detection requires nothing but the push of one button.

Unfortunately, it's not equipped with AC power detection, but the Franklin ProSensor 710 certainly does its primary job with poise.

The best affordable stud finder

The C.H. Hanson Stud 4 Sure Magnetic Stud Finder may be low tech, but it's highly effective in most applications, and it's super affordable, too. 

Pros: Affordable, no batteries needed, features bubble level

Cons: Misses some wooden studs

The C.H. Hanson Stud 4 Sure Magnetic Stud Finder is essentially a fancy magnet, but its performance is a great option for a once-in-a-while improvement project.

It locates studs through attraction to a metal stud itself or to the screws and nails sunk into a wooden beam. And, it's easy to spot studs: if the C.H. Hanson Stud 4 Sure Magnetic Stud Finder is sticking to your wall, there's one under there. If not, no stud.

Of course, this device is going to be less accurate than an electric stud finder. Some wooden studs have relatively little metal hardware stuck through them, so you may miss a piece of framing if you don't move the stud finder up and down and side to side. But that extra work is easily justified by the small price tag of the C.H. Hanson Stud 4 Sure Magnetic Stud Finder, though.

The addition of a bubble level makes it easy to keep track of the stud's position behind the wall, while the fact that the unit stays adhered to the wall hands-free allows for easy markings and measurements.

The best durable stud finder

You can toss your Ryobi LED Whole Stud Detector in the toolbox or drop it on the floor and it will keep on working, stud after stud.

Pros: Durable construction, center indication light, built-in center punch marker, sensitive AC detection

Cons: Two-button operation isn't convenient

I keep my Ryobi LED Whole Stud Detector in the top of my toolbox, where it nestles snugly among a couple of hammers, seven or eight screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, a box of nails, and all the other stuff tossed in as well. In other words, I'm not all that gentle with it.

But after multiple projects in multiple residences, not to mention 2,800 miles bouncing along during a cross-country move, it still works well every time.

The Ryobi LED Whole Stud Detector uses seven LED lights that do indeed help indicate an entire stud's span as only the lights above the stud illuminate. Even more helpful is the center indication function that clearly displays the middle of a stud for the most solid sinking of nails or screws by illuminating a circle of green light when you have hit the central spot.

The tool also has an AC detection system that uses both a red light and a beep to warn when you are near active electrical current, a feature I've appreciated many times. There is also a center punch button that can make a small divot on the wall behind the stud finder, so you don't have to use a pen or pencil to mark the spot.

And while many people complain that this stud finder requires two hands to use, you can manage with one if you're creative. I turn mine upside down and use my index and pinky finger to operate its two buttons. Though single-button operation would still be a lot easier.

The best high-sensitivity stud finder

The Zircon MultiScanner 740 takes stud-finding one step further by telling you the kind of material it's made of.

Pros: Detects multiple types of material, auto-correcting technology, erasable wall maker

Cons: It's a learning curve to use

If the Zircon MultiScanner 740 weren't expensive and frankly more complex and capable than most people need, I would call it the best stud finder. This is a professional-grade product that can improve the results of a building project by greatly reducing the chance for error. As it does that in multiple ways, let's start with the physical design then get to the actual detection.

The Zircon MultiScanner 740 has a unique two-part construction with articulation between the handle and the sensor section. This allows for easy motion and reliable close contact with a wall as you move the device around. A wall marker in the handle creates a clear but washable dot to indicate where you should later drill.

It finds wooden studs quite well, of course, and will not only identify the center of a stud but also uses an arrow to show which direction to move the unit if you've gone past a stud. It also finds metal studs easily.

But more impressive than that are the other things the Zircon MultiScanner 740 can detect. It finds and alerts you to the presence of electrical wires, and it not only locates but differentiates between different types of other metal hardware. It finds non-ferrous (i.e. iron-free and non-magnetic) metals like copper, helping prevent damage to pipes or conduit.

The best multifunction stud finder

The Black+Decker BDL190S BullsEye Auto-Leveling Laser with Stud Finder is your best friend for heavier pieces like cabinets or shelves because it detects studs that can hold the weight and projects a laser level line for keeping things straight.

Pros: Two tools in one, auto-leveling technology, wall pin for hands-free use

Cons: Laser beams are rather weak

The Black+Decker BDL190S BullsEye Auto-Leveling Laser with Stud Finder is on the pricier side, but this is a total two-in-one if ever I've seen one.

As a stud finder, it easily locates wooden and metal studs and it even has an AC detection function, too. But it also has a line laser that can project bright, clear red lines onto your walls, helping you easily hang pictures, shelving, and more in an even line. Thanks to the device's auto-leveling feature, those lines will be good and straight even without the use of a separate level.

If you're hanging a single painting or installing one hook, a regular stud finder is all you need. If you'll be working along an extended horizontal surface, however, this laser line/stud finder combination is a lifesaver for keeping your project even and looking great. It even frees up your hands by sticking to the wall with a hanging pin, though of course using that feature will leave a small hole in the wall.

Electric stud finders vs. magnetic stud finders

Electric stud finders: Electric stud finders rely on the dielectric constant of various materials, detecting the density of the surface in close proximity to their sensor plate. In other words, they can tell when they're beaming an electric charge into hollow space beyond the drywall and when they are hovering near a solid wooden stud or a metal stud. 

Magnetic stud finders: Magnetic stud finders literally just magnetize themselves to the metal behind the drywall, whether to metal studs or to the screws, nails, bolts, and other materials in a wooden beam.  

For most DIY projects, a basic stud finder will serve fine. If you're worried about the wiring or pipes hidden in your walls, consider a more advanced unit that can detect various materials. The price of a comprehensive sensor will pay for itself time and time again in the money you save by not ruining your plumbing or electrical system.

Check out our other DIY and tool buying guides

• The best cordless drills
• The best tool kits for DIY home projects
• The best saws to tackle DIY projects at home
• The best hammers
• The best levels
• The best rotary tools

• Whether he's your brother, partner, dad, or friend, chances are you probably have a man in your life who you're planning on getting a gift for.
• To make shopping easier, we came up with a list of 76 great gifts for him. They cover all budgets, tastes, and work for every guy in your life. 
• Need more gift ideas? Check out our all Insider Reviews gift guides here.

As someone who gets special satisfaction from picking out the perfect gifts for everyone in her life, I'm very lucky it's essentially my job to help other people do just that. In my head, I have a seemingly endless Rolodex of recommendations for special occasions, like engagement parties and baby showers.

If you need some inspiration for what to get for him, the Insider Reviews team has you covered with some truly excellent gift ideas. Though you can never go wrong with a new leather wallet or Patagonia fleece, we've also included some more unique gifts, like a vinyl record subscription and a cookbook focused on late-night munchies. 

Check out all 76 great gift ideas for him:

This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by Under Armour. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*

A classic leather wallet

Bellroy Slim Sleeve Wallet, available at Bellroy and Amazon, $79

A wallet doesn't have to be a boring gift when it's from Bellroy. The gorgeous Slim Sleeve fits everything he needs in a slim, efficient profile. We love it so much we named it the best men's wallet in our buying guide.

A flask that'll keep his coffee hot

Hydro Flask 20 oz. Coffee Flask, available at Hydro Flask, $37.95

This insulated coffee flask keeps hot drinks hot (and we mean hot) for up to 12 hours, and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. 

A mask up for nearly any workout

UA Sportsmask, available at Under Armour, $30

Working out safely has certainly been a challenge in 2021. Enter: the UA Sportsmask. The mask was specifically designed with athletes in mind, as represented by its water-resistant shell, cooling inner lining, and UPF 50+ sun protection. If you're looking to gift activewear other than masks, Under Armour also has you covered with more gift ideas.

*Sponsored by Under Armour

A stylish and comfortable pair of sneakers

Allbirds Wool Runners, available at Allbirds, $95

Popular shoe startup Allbirds now sells high-top sneakers and even clothing, but for the uninitiated (and honestly really anyone), the classic Wool Runners make an excellent gift. 

A Disney Plus gift subscription

Disney Plus gift subscription, 1-year subscription for $69.99

It gives him unlimited access to movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox, and costs just $69.99 for a year. Read everything there is to know about Disney+ over here.

And if he needs some binge-spiration, here are all the new movies available to stream.

Warm winter gloves

Ozero Winter Gloves, available at Amazon, $19.98

Deemed our best overall winter gloves, the Ozero Winter Gloves are toasty without sacrificing affordability. They're waterproof, grippy, and the Heatlok insulated cotton and TR thermal cotton assure they can withstand even the coldest of days. 

A gift card to his favorite music streaming service

Shop music streaming gift cards at Best Buy

Some are loyal to Spotify, some Apple Music, and some still prefer the radio. Whatever his taste, a gift card to his favorite music streaming service is both a thoughtful last-minute gift and an entirely hands-free option (just be sure to select the digital version of the gift card). 

A sweet surprise

Sugarwish Treat Boxes, from $19.98 for two selections

Sugarwish takes the guesswork out of gifting — you choose how many candies, cookies, or popcorn selections to gift, and the recipient chooses their favorite treats. They'll receive an email or text message prompting them to select their Sugarwish immediately following the purchase, and you can add a custom message to further personalize this sweet treat.

A festive box of socks that gives back

Bombas Socks, available at Bombas, from $10.50

Bombas socks are among our favorites you can buy for their clever designs and amazing comfort. Buy him a single pair, or opt for one of the sets that come prepackaged into a beautiful gift box so you're all ready to go. No wrapping needed.

A comfy pullover he'll always want to wear

Patagonia Cotton Quilt Snap-T Pullover, available at Patagonia, $149

We're firm believers that you can't own too many Patagonia pullovers. This diamond-quilted style that comes in six colors is especially beloved by our team's newest Patagonia convert for its warmth, coziness, and versatility. 

The Amazon Echo

Echo Dot (4th generation), available at Amazon, $44.99

Amazon's tiny but mighty smart speaker is just as powerful as its sibling devices, allowing him to control anything from his lights to his music.

A travel-friendly dopp kit

Mini See-All Vanity Case, available at Paravel, $65

Packing his toiletries for his next trip will be easy with this vanity case. The exterior material is resistant to water and stains, and the clear window lets him easily identify the case's contents. 

A funky pair (or pairs) of underwear

MeUndies Boxers, available at MeUndies, from $24

Your first thought may be that underwear is sort of a strange gift, but hear us out. MeUndies are so comfortable they will blow his mind, and they come in tons of colors and limited-edition prints.

A luxurious sheet set that makes bedtime better

Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, available at Brooklinen, from $240

Brooklinen has a well-earned reputation as the internet's favorite bedding startup; its sheets are comfortable and luxurious, and its fun new patterns like Graphite Maze (pictured above) instantly elevate the look of any bedroom. 

A smart USB car charger with Alexa

Roav Viva Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger, available at B&H Photo, $17.99

Give his car a smart upgrade with the Alexa-enabled Roav Viva. Not only can the device charge his smartphone, it can also answer questions about the weather or traffic, play music, and even tell him the news.

A beanie that will keep him warm all winter long

Patagonia Powder Town Beanie, available at Dick's Sporting Goods, from $17.97

This 100% recycled polyester beanie from Patagonia will keep his head warm and stylish for years to come. 

A miniature version of his favorite arcade game

Arcade Classics Space Invaders Retro Handheld Arcade Game, available at Amazon, $24.23

Delight his inner child with a classic arcade game he can play on the go. You can choose from Asteroids, Centipede, Tetris, Q'Bert, Pac-Man, and more.

A waterproof, no-glare Kindle e-reader

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, available at Best Buy, $94.99

The recently refreshed Kindle Paperwhite is an excellent gift for anyone who loves to read. For $95, he'll get a Kindle that's now waterproof, as well as thinner, lighter, and with twice the storage for books. 

A deep-tissue massager for an at-home spa experience

InvoSpa Shiatsu Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massager with Heat, available at InvoSpa, $69.97

This heated massager is a game changer for anyone who struggles with back and neck pain on a daily basis. Read a full review here from one of our reporters who swears by it. He'll be thanking you for years to come.

Professional-quality over-ear headphones

Status Audio CB-1 Studio Monitor Headphones, available at Status Audio, $44

The perfect pair of over-ear headphones are both highly comfortable and sound great. For $44, this pair from Status Audio is among the best you'll find for less than $100.

A bestselling streaming device and gift cards to his favorite streaming services

Roku Ultra, $79.99, available at Target

Gift cards to Hulu from $25, and Netflix from $30 both available at Best Buy

A media streaming device can transform his so-called dumb TV into a smart one that plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and other streaming services. The best of the bunch is the Roku Ultra with its easy-to-use interface, 4K video streaming, voice control, and simple remote. 

A fidget toy that's fun for adults

Speks Classic Magnet Balls, available on Speks, from $24.95

These tiny magnetic balls are meant to be molded, mashed, and built into all sorts of shapes and creations. They keep us productive, can help relieve stress, and happen to collectively be one of our team's favorite fidget toys.

A box of snacks from Japan

Bokksu Tasting Gift Box, available at Bokksu, from $39.95

Give the chronic snacker in your life a box filled with Japanese snacks he can't find in the US. He can even flip through the included catalog to learn all about where the treats come from.

The Amazon Echo Show

Amazon Echo Show, available at Best Buy, $229.99

The Echo Show is my personal favorite Echo because of its crisp HD display. Like every other Echo, it uses Alexa to accomplish any number of tasks, from answering questions to reordering supplies on Amazon. But in addition Alexa's verbal response about the day's weather forecast, for example, the Echo Show displays it on its 10-inch screen. 

A board game that'll keep him and his friends entertained for hours

Ticket To Ride Board Game, available from Target, $49.49

You'd be mistaken if you thought this innocuous-looking board game couldn't entertain adults. I thought it the first time I saw the box too, and then all of a sudden two hours had passed and I was busy plotting out a train route from Montreal to Miami that could give me an edge over my four opponents.

A watch strap that'll up the ante on his Apple Watch

Nomad Apple Watch Strap, available at Nomad, from $49.95

Dress up his Apple Watch with a beautiful Horween leather strap that costs far less than the price of Apple's own straps.

A weighted blanket from a beloved online mattress startup

Casper Weighted Blanket, available at Casper, from $169

The pressure of a weighted blanket has a soothing effect that'll reduce anxiety and help him fall asleep faster. Plus, it'll feel like he's being wrapped in a big hug. 

An innovative gaming console

Nintendo Switch Console, available at Target, $299.99

The Nintendo Switch lets him have a handheld and TV-based console in one. The Switch is compatible with tons of fun games and lots of high-quality accessories that make for a premium gaming experience.

An Instant Pot for easy weeknight meals

Instant Pot DUO80, available at Walmart, $99

The Instant Pot is one of the most versatile appliances you can add to your kitchen for under $100. Help him make delicious home-cooked meals a cinch, even when he has to work late.

A recipe book for Instant Pot meal inspiration

The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook, available at Target, $12.41

For meal inspiration, you may want to consider gifting an Instant Pot (we picked the best ones here) along with an Instant Pot-specific cookbook. There's also a Kindle version available.

A great pair of lounge pants

Tommy John Lounge Jogger, available at Tommy John, $84

They're a little expensive, but if sweats are his unofficial weekend uniform he'll love these joggers from Tommy John, purveyor of some of our favorite men's underwear.

A word art print of his favorite sports team's stadium or a city skyline

Art of Words Word Art Prints, available at Art of Words, $49.99

Art of Words creates beautiful word art prints of sports stadiums, city skylines, musical artists,  and more. The Yankee Stadium print pictured here is handwritten entirely with the names of every Yankees player in history! It's a unique gift idea you maybe wouldn't expect to find on Amazon. 

Protective spray to keep his shoes pristine

Jason Markk Repel Shoe Spray, available at Nordstrom, $17

If there's nothing he loves more than his sneaker collection, he'll appreciate this practical spray. It repels oil and water without altering the look of the shoe, so he can keep his favorite footwear in prime condition. 

A better travel pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow, available at Trtl, $29.99

We didn't think there was such a thing as the perfect travel pillow until we tried the Trtl. Read a full review from one of our reporters who swears by it for red-eyes for its comfort, portability, and affordable price.

Cozy slippers he'll love to lounge around in

UGG Scuff Slipper, available at Nordstrom, $79.95

The suede Scruff Slipper from UGG is a winter staple that will never go out of style. 

A supportive seat cushion

Purple Seat Cushion, available at Purple, from $39

Perhaps better known for its mattresses, Purple makes a variety of seat cushions, from one that's specifically designed for lumbar support to one that's meant for portability. The cushion's grid shape collapses into itself to help accommodate your pressure points, and makes sitting comfortable even if you've, say, left your phone in your back pocket.

A multitool for the handyman

Leatherman Wave+ Multitool, available at REI, $99.95

This souped-up Leatherman is the company's most popular, and for good reason. It combines a myriad of tools that come in handy in a pinch, from can and bottle openers, to screwdrivers, to wire cutters.

Truly wireless earbuds with a gorgeous design

Master & Dynamic MW07 True Wireless Earphones, available at Zappos, from $199.00

We've come to think of Master & Dynamic as the master of sound. The company's MW07s are the pair to buy for anyone you want to spoil. 

A powerful portable speaker

Soundcore Flare Wireless Speaker, available at Amazon, $64

About the size of a soda can, the Soundcore Flare is a powerful and very portable speaker that puts on a cool LED light show.

A fancy salt sampler that'll elevate any dish

Jacobsen Salt Co. Vial Set, available at Williams-Sonoma, $34.95

This salt sampler features flavors like sweet onion, habanero, and garlic that'll turn any ordinary dish into a trip to Flavortown.

An Amazon Prime membership that makes shopping online super convenient

Amazon Prime 3-Month Gift Membership, available at Amazon, $39

Amazon Prime opens up a whole new world of access, be it to fast two-day shipping or any of the other 25-plus perks you'll get with a membership. If you know he doesn't have one yet, this is a smart gift — but in the case he does, he'll get to use the $39 on anything he wants or needs from the site.

A sleek leather dopp kit

Leatherology Double Zip Toiletry Bag, available at Leatherology, from $120

This dopp kit from Leatherology is as sleek as it gets. To go the extra mile, you can monogram in with his initials for an additional $10-$15. 

A map that reminds him of a favorite place

Grafomap Custom Map Poster, available at Grafomap, from $49

Grafomap is a website that lets you design map posters of any place in the world. You can make one of his hometown, his college town, or his favorite travel destination — you're only limited by your imagination. 

A coffee subscription that lets him taste beans from around the world

Atlas Coffee Club 3-Month Gift Subscription, available at Atlas Coffee Club, from $55

If his veins run dark roast, we recommend a subscription to the Atlas Coffee Club, which curates a global selection of single-origin coffee that gets freshly roasted and shipped to your house from $9 per bag. 

A Lego set for Star Wars lovers

Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon, available at Walmart, $159.95

With 1,351 pieces, he'll be entertained for hours building this iconic Star Wars model starship. 

An espresso machine for barista-quality drinks at home

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $699.99

The semi-automatic Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine isn't cheap at nearly $700, but it makes top-notch espresso and it includes a burr grinder, tamper, and frothing pitcher. It's perfect for a coffee lover you want to spoil.

A Star Wars-themed phone case for his new iPhone

OtterBox Star Wars Phone Case, available at OtterBox, $54.95

If he's a Star Wars fan, OtterBox has a series of phone cases he'll love. They're ultra-slim, ultra-protective, and ultra-rad! You can choose from five designs, featuring characters such as R2D2, Boba Fett, and Darth Vader.

A small smart speaker

Google Home Mini, available at Best Buy, $39.99

This little speaker won't take up much room, but will bring plenty of smart features to his space. Thanks to Google Assistant he can play music, check the weather, and even control his smart home with his own voice. 

A cookbook of late night meals

"MUNCHIES: Late-Night Meals from the World's Best Chefs", available at Amazon, $23.52

If he's ever curious about what famous chefs like David Chang, Dominique Crenn, and Anthony Bourdain dig into when they're not in the kitchen, this book answers the question. Expect many more late-night culinary adventures after he peruses this book that's part recipe collection, part exploration of food culture. 

There's a hardcover and a Kindle version; if you're short on time, we'd suggest the Kindle version over here.

A sous vide machine for ambitious home cooks

Anova Nano Sous Vide, available at Target, $109.99

This $110 sous vide machine will make him look like a fancy chef with minimal effort.

A subscription service for new vinyl every month

Vinyl Me, Please 3-Month Gift Membership, available at Vinyl Me, Please, $119

Every person's vinyl collection is deeply personal, so instead of trying to guess his taste, let him choose the record himself. Each month, he'll choose and receive one LP, pressed exclusively for Vinyl Me, Please, from a collection of Essentials, Classics, and Rap & Hip Hop.

The three-month gift membership includes one bonus record, while the six- and 12-month ones include two bonus records.

A look back at The Beatles' songwriting process

The Beatles Lyrics: The Stories Behind the Music, available at Barnes & Noble, $19.99

Everyone knows someone who loves The Beatles. This beautifully produced look back at more than 100 classic Beatles songs includes original documents like handwritten drafts and notes that remind him of the process behind success. 

The essentials for a close shave

The Art of Shaving Starter Kit, available at The Art of Shaving, $30

This shaving starter kit from the revered The Art of Shaving includes a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm, and trial-size badger shaving brush — everything he needs to put his best face forward.

A robotic vacuum for lazy cleaning

Eufy RoboVac 11S, available at Amazon, from $149.99

Nobody likes vacuuming, but everybody likes robots. The Eufy RoboVac 11S is a moderately priced robot vacuum that offers many of the cleaning features you might expect from pricier Roombas. Read a full review here.

A gift pack for a year of pearly whites

Goby Brush Kit, available at Goby, from $65

Goby's toothbrushes feature a gentle oscillating brush head with soft bristles, a built-in two-minute timer, and a long-lasting battery that only requires two charges a month. You can receive new brush heads periodically for only $6 each.

A stain bar for spot-cleaning his favorite shirts

The Laundress Wash and Stain Bar, available at Verishop, $6.50

This stain bar is the perfect gift under $10 for any guy who complains about "ring around the collar" stains on his dress shirts. It's not the most exciting gift, but it's one he'll be thankful for each time he runs a load of laundry.

A sheet mask for his winter skin woes

Dr. Jart+ Sheet Masks, available at Sephora, from $6

Treat him to a sheet mask that addresses all of the most common skin concerns like dryness and enlarged pores.

His next pair of everyday boots

Thursday Boot Company Scout Chukka Boot, available at Thursday Boot Company, $149

Thursday Boot Company's boots are sleek enough for the office, but rugged enough to handle the cold and wet weather of winter. They're also very comfortable, requiring little or no break-in period. We love them so much we named them the best men's boots in our buying guide.

Smart light bulbs that can create billions of lighting combinations

Philips Hue Smart Bulb Starter Kit, available at Best Buy, $89.99

Philips Hue lighting not only looks cool, but it can also replicate a natural sunrise and combat the effects of seasonal sunshine deprivation. This starter kit is also compatible with Amazon's, Google's, and Apple's smart assistants. 

A smart home security camera

Wyze Cam Indoor Wireless Smart Home Camera, available at Chewy, $25.98

The Wyze Cam is a tiny security camera he can affix to virtually any surface in his house, or leave standing up on his table or countertop. It records video in your home and updates you using a smartphone app when it detects motion, sounds, or alarms. And the best part is it only costs $25. Find a full review here.

A hardshell case to protect his MacBook

Incase Hardshell MacBook Case, available at Incase, from $49.95

Coming in a bunch of colors and sizes, this MacBook case is both protective and stylish. 

At at-home workout system

TRX Home2 Suspension Training System, available at TRX, $184.95

For the fitness junkie, you can bring the gym home with this TRX trainer.

A SodaStream for seltzer addicts

SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker, available at Target, $89.99

The SodaStream lets you to turn plain water into sparkling water in mere seconds. He can adjust the fizziness and flavor level to his personal taste.

A pair of super-stretchy, comfortable jeans

Mott & Bow Dynamic Stretch Jean, available at Mott & Bow, $118

Mott & Bow Dynamic Stretch jeans are beloved by all of the men on the Insider Reviews team for their comfort, their clean and modern look, and their durability.

High-end olive oil

The Felted Merino Hoodie, available at Everlane, $98

An elevated, but just as cozy hoodie will take him everywhere from days on the town to lounging at home. The merino wool will keep him warm and the fit is anything but frumpy. 

A cozy hoodie

The Felted Merino Hoodie, available at Everlane, $98

An elevated, but just as cozy hoodie will take him everywhere from days on the town to lounging at home. The merino wool will keep him warm and the fit is anything but frumpy. 

Booze-infused candies for a delicious treat

Sugarfina Carry-On Cocktail Kit, available at W&P, $25

Booze is always a good gift idea, which is why we're all about Sugarfina's cocktail kit. This cocktail kit comes with all the fix-ins he'll need, including elderflower cocktail syrup, a jigger, a bar spoon, a linen coaster, and the brand's Bourbon Bears.

An upgraded kitchen essential

Two Quart Saucepan, available at Sardel, $85

Sardel was founded by three brothers who wanted high-quality cookware to be accessible, both in price and usability. This saucepan is a perfect example of the brand's ethos — made from quality materials but easy for home chefs of any level to use — and a nice upgrade to the old pot he's been using to boil pasta for years. 

If you ask us, the best part is the rounded handle, which makes it easier and more ergonomic to lift or carry the pot when it's full of food.

Soft and sustainable socks

SoftHemp Sock, available at United by Blue, $16

His feet will thank you for keeping them cozy all winter long in these socks made of sustainable hemp fabric. 

A durable AirPods case

AirPods Case, available at Incase, $29.95

Whether they're prone to losing their AirPods or dropping them, this metallic case will hopefully help with both of those issues.

A sleek fitness tracker

Fitbit Inspire HR, available at Best Buy, $79.99

Help him complete his goals and boost his fitness with this Fitbit tracker. It tracks activity, sleep, and will last up to five days on a single charge. 

A soothing body lotion

Necessaire The Body Lotion, available at Sephora, $25

Necessaire's clean body products are filled with nourishing ingredients and wrapped in minimalist packaging. Its body lotion is a small luxury he'll want to indulge in every day. 

An eco-friendly, portable set of utensils

Stainless Steel Spork Pack, available at United by Blue, $10

Whether he's heading out on a camping trip or just bringing his lunch to work, this portable spork pack makes it easy to eat on the go and be a little more eco-friendly. 

A sleek and eco-friendly carry-on

Aviator Carry-On, available at Paravel, $255

This carry-on spinner from Paravel is made with many sustainable components. The polycarbonate exterior, interior lining, aluminum handle, and zippers are all made with recycled materials, and the the sleek detailing on the body is made with vegan leather. It's a gorgeous and thoughtful gift that he'll use on his next trip. 

A TSA-approved grooming and beauty kit

Jack Black The Grand Tour, available on Nordstrom, $52

Gone are the days of dumping his brand-new grooming products in the trash at security because they were one ounce over the limit. These travel-friendly minis also come in a canvas kit with a hanger so he can hang it in a cramped airplane bathroom or his hotel room.

A Fandango gift card to sustain his movie-watching habit

Fandango Gift Card, available at Fandango, from $15

Gift cards don't have to feel impersonal. For some, there's no better gift than a free trip to the movies, when it's safe to go of course.

2020 was a crushing year for ad agencies, with thousands of jobs lost in the US alone.

Marketing and tech industry mergers and acquisitions suffered in turn. Deals were down 19% in volume and 50% by total value, with no blockbuster deals like Publicis' $4.4 billion Epsilon buy in 2019.

Still, M&A persisted during a global pandemic, and analysts think 2021 could be one of the most active years on record.

In January alone, Twitter bought design agency Ueno; private equity-backed Phenomenon expanded to Detroit; and Martin Sorrell's S4 Capital picked up five companies in the US, Europe, and China.

"We've never been as bullish about a year in January as we are now," said Matt Hasson, managing director at investment bank Palazzo, which led recent deals involving S4 and Mountaingate Capital.

Investor interest has focused on e-commerce and performance marketing, two areas that thrived as advertisers moved their money in the pandemic as more people shop online.

Dooley Tombras, president of indie agency Tombras Group, said private equity firms want to buy businesses that can ride the e-commerce wave, then add content and tech capabilities to mimic the success of networks like You & Mr. Jones.

Much of the financial momentum comes from firms like Mountaingate, Shamrock, and New Mountain; the latter raised $10 billion across two funds one month after acquiring digital media agency Tinuiti in what one investor called a $650 million deal. New Mountain did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

M&A targets also include production companies and smaller specialty agencies, said Camp + King co-founder Jamie King, who sold a majority stake to holding company Havas in October.

MDC Partners and Stagwell Group CEO Mark Penn recently told Insider he's in acquisition mode, and Palazzo director Eric Neihaus said even hard-hit giants like WPP and Dentsu are exploring their options after months of inactivity.

Insider spoke to 23 ad industry executives who identified 10 companies that are on the market or would make attractive targets. The companies declined to comment for this story unless otherwise noted.

SEE ALSO: 12 companies that are ripe for acquisition as e-commerce takes off

Bounteous

What it does: Chicago's Bounteous helps brands like Domino's Pizza and Coca-Cola develop e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and digital campaigns, and it's a prime example of private equity's growing influence in the agency space. Mountaingate Capital created the company by combining prior acquisitions H2 Solutions, Luna Metrics, Infield Digital, and Demac Media in 2018.

Why buyers want it: Bounteous continues to grow with Mountaingate's backing, acquiring Atlanta agency FortyFour and launching an e-commerce practice last December. Several industry insiders called it a highly attractive target.

Matthew Lacey, managing director at growth advisory firm Waypoint Partners, said Mountaingate first invested in H2 in 2016 and is most likely eyeing an exit.

In 2020 and 2019, Mountaingate sold two of its top marketing investments, Tinuiti and healthcare-focused network W2O Group, to larger New Mountain Capital. Lacey said Bounteous may be next to flip, and an investor suggested it will be up for sale soon.

Branded Online

What it does: Branded Online builds e-commerce platforms and websites for fashion and beauty brands.

Why buyers want it: The agency's focus on e-commerce with specific brands makes it more attractive than a more general "one-stop shop," according to an investor.

The investor, who has direct knowledge of the agency's finances, said agencies like Branded Online provide steadier returns because they're not subject to the ups and downs of traditional account reviews, where one client can make or break an organization's fortunes.

The investor said Branded Online's claim to fame was turning bankrupt lingerie chain Frederick's of Hollywood into a successful online store. Other clients include women's retailer Bebe and the outerwear division of industrial conglomerate Honeywell.

The insider also said Branded Online is actively looking for a buyer after receiving money from several private equity firms. It raised around $8.5 million in two funding rounds, most recently in 2017.

Agency CEO Jan-Christopher Nugent did not respond to a request for comment.

Byte

What it does: London and New York-based Byte is a self-described "marketing technology agency" founded in 2014 by two execs from holding company Engine. It specializes in developing digital tools like chatbots and custom Snapchat lenses but also handles more traditional ad work like digital media planning and buying.

Why buyers want it: Byte ranked No. 33 on the Financial Times' list of the 1,000 fastest-growing businesses in Europe in 2019 thanks to a growing client roster that includes Nike, Spotify, and delivery app Just Eat.

An investor with direct knowledge said Byte has recently been in talks with potential buyers and that it would be attractive to upstart networks like S4 Capital or private equity firms because of its digital expertise.

Consulting firms like Accenture that specialize in business transformation have also acquired similar agencies.

Glow

What it does: Glow is a New York-based digital agency that handles social media and experience marketing. In much of its 20-plus year history, it has specialized in working with entertainment industry clients like Showtime, Hulu, and BBC America.

Why buyers want it: Glow's client roster includes big media names along with tech giants Spotify and YouTube, and it recently expanded into the pharma market with brands like Prilosec.

Beyond digital campaigns, Glow handles multimedia experiences for clients like The Westminster Kennel Club, helping make its annual Dog Show attractive to young viewers through platforms like TikTok.

A person close to the business said Glow has received multiple buyout offers over the past 18 months from holding companies, private equity firms, and other independent agencies looking to build their social media services or establish a US presence.

As the pandemic decimated many larger agencies in mid-2020, Glow president Howie Kleinberg said his company embraced remote work, avoiding account losses and layoffs.

Highdive

What it does: Highdive is creative agency that makes broadcast and digital campaigns for brands like Jeep, Barilla, and Boost Mobile.

Why buyers want it: Highdive has kept operations lean since being founded in 2016 by former execs at Omnicom's DDB Chicago, but earned outsized attention thanks primarily to its work for auto giant Fiat Chrysler. The agency reports that revenue grew 2,100% over the past year despite industry trends that favor more data-based services.

The agency's profile exploded in 2020 with Jeep's popular Super Bowl "Groundhog Day" ad with Bill Murray that went on to snag an Emmy nomination.

Highdive brought in around $17 million in new revenue last year on the strength of two big account wins, according to management consultancy R3. It also beat out many bigger rivals to top Adweek's list of fastest-growing agencies. The leader of a competing agency said Highdive is "a major M&A target," though he speculated that the founders might wait a year or so to grow their client base.

The agency will continue its Super Bowl streak this year with two ads for Rocket Mortgage.

Jam3

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What it does: Jam3 is a Canadian design agency that uses technologies like AR and VR to create content and experiences for brands like Disney, Levi's, and Adidas. Its recent projects include everything from a Pulitzer Prize-winning multimedia report on Donald Trump's border wall by USA Today to a virtual festival for publisher Complex Networks.

Why buyers want it: With events, sports, and many retail operations at a standstill in the pandemic, digital and experience design is hotter than ever as advertisers look for new ways to connect with consumers.

Jam3 has held conversations with potential buyers after years of growing interest, according to several sources, one of whom said they were invited to talks. One agency exec compared the company to MediaMonks, which has driven S4 Capital's growth through the "holy trinity" of digital media, production, and analytics services.

Jake Neske, founder of Hustle, a consultancy that matches advertisers with agencies and production companies, said Jam3 is in demand because it keeps its clients culturally relevant, citing a collaboration with Adidas and Donald Glover.

Lamark Media

What it does: Lamark is a digital agency based in Boca Raton that offers services like media planning and buying, content production, e-commerce, direct mail, and search marketing. Clients include IMG and Ritz-Carlton.

Why buyers want it: As a private business, Lamark doesn't report its revenue, but a person familiar with the agency said it's grown quickly since PE firm Trivest Partners invested in early 2019. Soon afterward, it bought fellow agencies Brand Tango and SocialWithin and looked into other acquisitions.

Lamark's appeal lies in "better, faster, cheaper media," said the insider, who added that its growth has most likely been in preparation for a sale.

Lamark and Trivest Partners didn't respond to requests for comment. 

Made in Network

What it does: Over the past six years, Nashville-based Made in Network has grown into a big producer of original series on YouTube and other platforms. It helps creators maintain their online presence, incorporates sponsors into its 25-plus properties, and runs a separate brand studio to develop digital content for advertisers.

Why buyers want it: Made in Network is a target for both publishers and advertising companies looking to expand their digital operations, according to a marketing executive with direct knowledge.

On YouTube alone, agency channels like gaming-focused Girlfriend Reviews and food-centric Babish Culinary Universe have millions of followers. Babish creator Andrew Rea began working with culinary influencer Sohla El-Waylly after her public break with Bon Appétit, and he also partnered with Maker's Mark and Hulu for a sponsored series on TV-inspired cocktails.

Media conglomerate Parade Media Group invested in Made in Network in early 2018, and the agency later opened a New York office.

Investor interest is high. The executive said Made in Network received acquisition offers from a publisher and one of the biggest ad holding companies in late 2020.

Tag Worldwide

What it does: Tag Worldwide started in the 1970s as a company that helped agencies handle the mass production of print ads and became one of the largest companies doing back end work for ad campaigns, from commercial shoots to video editing and photo retouching.

Why buyers want it: Jake Neske of Hustle said global organizations like Tag can be attractive because advertisers need to balance the pressure to churn out more content on a global scale with a need to maintain the quality of Super Bowl ads and Instagram posts alike.

Outsourcing giant Williams Lea acquired Tag in 2011 before being bought by private equity firm Advent International in 2017. Since then, Tag has acquired and absorbed operations like digital production company Taylor James, social content agency THP, and retail marketing firm Popcorn Global.

Advent International separated the Tag brand from Williams Lea's outsourcing operations in 2019 and recently began holding informal sale talks for Tag, according to an investor with direct knowledge. They said the company brings in several hundred million dollars per year in revenue.

Work in Progress

What it does: Like Highdive, Work in Progress is a small independent agency that's chipping away at the big ad holding companies' market share. It makes traditional ad campaigns and digital projects that help clients adapt to the growth of online shopping.

Why buyers want it: The Boulder agency scored 2020's biggest account upset by winning Domino's Pizza away from its longtime agency Crispin Porter and Bogusky. Its founders are former CPB execs who worked on the Domino's account.

Work in Progress previously earned attention for stunts like a "pop-up shop" in the middle of a 300-foot cliff and banners encouraging Russia's government to "hack" the Cannes Lions festival.

R3 estimated that Domino's alone will bring $15 million in annual revenue, making Work in Progress one of the top indie agencies for new business last year.

Several industry veterans told Insider Work in Progress may be a long shot for 2021 because it's still in growth mode, but one executive said its founders have expressed interest in the M&A process.

In the NFL, lots of players sign big contracts. But unlike other sports, NFL deals are rarely guaranteed, and few players see all of the money in those large deals.

But a select few have gone on to make big money in their careers as there are now 43 players who have made at least $100 million. Below, we take a look at the top 30, a list that includes 20 quarterbacks.

Using contract data obtained by Spotrac.com and other sources, here are the 30 highest-paid players in NFL history.

30. Michael Vick, QB — $116.0 million

Seasons: 13

Highest single-season earnings: $27.5 million (2005)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 4

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Vick missed two seasons in the prime of his career following his dog-fighting conviction.

29. Calais Campbell, DE — $118.1 million

Seasons: 13

Highest single-season earnings: $17.0 million (2012 with the Cardinals, including a $16 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 6

First-team All-Pro: 1

One thing to know: Campbell still has one season and $10 million left on his 2-year, $25 million contract with the Ravens. 

28. Mario Williams, DE — $120.4 million

Seasons: 11

Highest single-season earnings: $25 million (2012; includes $19 million signing bonus)

Championships:0

Pro Bowls: 4

First-team All-Pro: 1

One thing to know: Mario Williams was a No. 1 overall draft pick back when No. 1 overall draft picks received gigantic rookie contracts. Williams' first deal with the Texans was for six years and $54 million.

27. Gerald McCoy, DT — $121.2 million

Seasons: 10

Highest single-season earnings: $14.0 million (2015; included $9.0 million in bonuses)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 6

First-team All-Pro: 1

One thing to know: McCoy signed a 3-year, $18 million contract with the Cowboys before the 2020 season. However, he was paid just the $3 million signing bonus and was released before the season after suffering a season-ending leg injury. 

26. Jay Cutler, QB — $122.2 million

Seasons: 12

Highest single-season earnings: $20.5 million (2015; includes $5 million restructure bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 1

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Cutler retired after the 2016 season. He later stepped away from an upcoming TV job to sign a 1-year, $10 million contract to replace the Miami Dolphins' injured quarterback, Ryan Tannehill for one season.

25. Cam Newton, QB — 122.5 million

Seasons: 10

Highest single-season earnings: $24.0 million (2015; included $15.5 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 3

First-team All-Pro: 1

One thing to know: Newton was cut by the Panthers before the final season of his 5-year, $103.8 million contract. Instead of making $19.1 million with the Panthers, he signed a 1-year, $1.1 million deal with the Patriots. He is now a free agent. 

24. Joe Thomas, LT — $122.9 million

Seasons: 11

Highest single-season earnings: $19.1 million (2011; includes $6 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 10

First-team All-Pro: 6

One thing to know: Thomas had not missed a game in his career and had never missed a single snap until suffering an injury during the 2017 season, the final year of his career.

23. Darrelle Revis, CB — $124.2 million

Seasons: 10

Highest single-season earnings: $25 million (2011; includes $18 million option bonus)

Championships: 1

Pro Bowls: 7

First-team All-Pro: 4

One thing to know: In a league where most players are forced to take safe contracts, Revis continually bet on himself and won, often forgoing long-term deals. Instead, he took repeated chances in free agency.

22. Julio Jones, WR — $125.3 million

Seasons: 10

Highest single-season earnings: $26.5 million (2019 including a $25 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 7

First-team All-Pro: 2

One thing to know: Jones signed a $66 million extension that could keep him with the Falcons through at least the 2023 season. The $25 million signing bonus was the most ever for a wide receiver at the time. It has since been surpassed by DeAndre Hopkins.

21. Von Miller, LB — $126.5 million

Seasons: 10

Highest single-season earnings: $25.1 million (2016, including a $17 million signing bonus)

Championships: 1

Pro Bowls: 8

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: Miller missed the entire 2020 season with an injured ankle. He still has one year left on his $114.1 million contract.

20. Tony Romo, QB — $127.4 million

Seasons: 13

Highest single-season earnings: $26.5 million (2013; includes $25 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 4

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Romo chose retirement following the 2016 season over playing for another team. He is now earning a lot of praise for his work in the TV booth.

19. Sam Bradford, QB — $130.0 million

Seasons: 9

Highest single-season earnings: $26.8 million (2011; included $18 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 0

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Bradford eclipsed the $100 million mark early in his career due in large part to luck and timing. He was the first pick in the 2010 draft, the last draft class before the NFL put restrictions on how much rookies could be paid. He was cut by the Cardinals mid-way through the 2018 season. He was cut by the Cardinals after just three games in 2018 and has not played since.

18. Brett Favre, QB — $137.8 million

Seasons: 20

Highest single-season earnings: $16 million (2010; includes $4.4 million signing bonus)

Championships: 1

Pro Bowls: 11

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: Favre only made more than $12 million once while with the Packers, but made more than that in each of his three seasons with the Jets and Vikings.

17. Kirk Cousins, QB — $140.6 million

Seasons: 9

Highest single-season earnings: $40 million (2020, including a $30 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 2

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Cousins has made a lot of money in his career, but he still drives a 2000 GMC passenger van.

16. Ndamukong Suh, DT — $156.0 million

Seasons: 10

Highest single-season earnings: $26.5 million (2015; included $25.5 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 5

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: Much was made of Suh's 6-year, $114.4 million contract with the Dolphins, but like many large deals in the NFL, it was mostly a sham. Instead, he made $60 million over three years before he was released to save space on the salary cap. He is now on his third team in three years.

15. Russell Wilson, QB — $162.4 million

Seasons: 9

Highest single-season earnings: $53.0 million (2020, including a $35 million signing bonus)

Championships: 1

Pro Bowls: 7

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Wilson signed a 4-year, $140 million contract prior to the 2019 season. The $35 million average annual value was the largest in NFL history at the time. It has since been surpassed by Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson.

14. Julius Peppers, LB — $165.0 million

Seasons: 17

Highest single-season earnings: $20.2 million (2010; includes $6.5 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 9

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: After several seasons with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, Peppers returned to his original club, signing a $3.5 million deal to play with the Carolina Panthers. In January, he retired at age 39.

13. Joe Flacco, QB — $167.6 million

Seasons: 13

Highest single-season earnings: $30.0 million (2013; included $29.0 million signing bonus)

Championships: 1

Pro Bowls: 0

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Joe Flacco has elite career earnings.

12. Carson Palmer, QB — $174.1 million

Seasons: 14

Highest single-season earnings: $19.0 million (2014; includes $10 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 3

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Palmer's $24.1 million cap hit during the 2017 season was second only to Joe Flacco ($24.6 million). It would be his final season in the NFL.

11. Larry Fitzgerald, WR — $180.7 million

Seasons: 17

Highest single-season earnings: $26.3 million (2012; includes $15 million option bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 11

First-team All-Pro: 1

One thing to know: Fitzgerald is now No. 2 on the all-time receiving yards list and all-time receptions list, and No. 6 on the all-time receiving TDs list. He is just 117 catches behind Jerry Rice for the all-time record.

10. Alex Smith, QB — $189.7 million

Seasons: 16

Highest single-season earnings: $40.0 million (2018; included $27 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 3

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Often referred to by the pejorative "game manager," Smith has led his team to the playoffs five times in seven years. But his career was put in jeopardy during the 2018 season when he suffered a gruesome broken leg. He has since returned to action, but not before missing the entire 2019 season, the second missed season of his career.

9. Matthew Stafford, QB — $226.5 million

Seasons: 12

Highest single-season earnings: $51.1 million (2017, includes $50.0 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 1

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Stafford was recently traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He has two seasons remaining on his 5-year, $135 million contract.

8. Aaron Rodgers, QB — $240.9 million

Seasons: 16

Highest single-season earnings: $66.9 million (2018; includes $57.5 million signing bonus)

Championships: 1

Pro Bowls: 9

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: Rodgers is expected to win his second MVP award, but there was some recent speculation that he won't finish his career with the Packers.

7. Philip Rivers, QB — $243.9 million

Seasons: 17

Highest single-season earnings: $32 million (2015; includes $17 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 8

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Rivers recently announced his retirement from the NFL after a single season with the Colts.

6. Matt Ryan, QB — $244.0 million

Seasons: 13

Highest single-season earnings: $44.8 million (2019 included $42 million in various bonuses)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 4

First-team All-Pro: 1

One thing to know: Ryan's five-year, $103.8 million extension was set to expire after the 2018 season. He then signed a 5-year, $150 million extension with a $46.5 million signing bonus. The $100 million total guarantee in the deal was the largest ever for an NFL contract at the time.

5. Peyton Manning, QB — $248.7 million

Seasons: 18

Highest single-season earnings: $35 million (2004; includes $34.5 million signing bonus)

Championships: 2

Pro Bowls: 14

First-team All-Pro: 7

One thing to know: Manning's final paycheck in the NFL was a $4 million bonus for winning the Super Bowl in 2015. He had one year and $19 million remaining on his Broncos contract when he retired.

4. Eli Manning, QB — $252.3 million

Seasons: 16

Highest single-season earnings: $37 million (2015; included $31 million signing bonus)

Championships: 2

Pro Bowls: 4

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Manning retired from the NFL after 16 seasons and two Super Bowl wins. However, not all is lost as the Giants paid him $17 million his final season, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. Not bad for being maybe just the third-best quarterback in his family.

3. Ben Roethlisberger, QB — $253.3 million

Seasons: 17

Highest single-season earnings: $35.3 million (2015; includes $31 million signing bonus)

Championships: 2

Pro Bowls: 6

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: The 2021 season is expected to be Big Ben's final year in the NFL and he recently said he is willing to do whatever it takes with his contract to make it happen. 

2. Tom Brady, QB — $263.0 million

Seasons: 21

Highest single-season earnings: $28.8 million (2016; includes $28.0 million signing bonus)

Championships: 6

Pro Bowls: 14

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: Brady sacrificed at least $60 million in his career in discount contracts when he was with the Patriots. 

1. Drew Brees, QB — $269.7 million

Seasons: 20

Highest single-season earnings: $40 million (2012; includes $37 million signing bonus)

Championships: 1

Pro Bowls: 13

First-team All-Pro: 1

One thing to know: While much has been made of Tom Brady still playing well into his 40s, Brees is not far behind and just completed his 20th season at age 42. However, this may have been his final season as some expect him to retire. Going out as the highest-paid player in NFL history is not too shabby, but the title might be short-lived. Brady will almost certainly pass Brees next season.

Since the very first Super Bowl game in 1967, the iconic logo for each game has evolved immensely. While earlier logos featured different colors, fonts, and graphics, the logo now is much more uniform.

Some logos were inspired by the cities where the games were held, while others stuck to a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme.

Read more:How to watch the Super Bowl without cable —the Kansas City Chiefs face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on February 7

Here's what the Super Bowl logo has looked like evey year, from 1967 up until 2021.

SEE ALSO: 15 NFL players who never won a Super Bowl but deserved to

1967: In the first Super Bowl, the championship was then called the First World Championship Game.

The Green Bay Packers of the National Football League beat the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League 35-10.

1968: NFL defending champions the Green Bay Packers beat AFL team the Oakland Raiders 33-14.

There was a simple logo to mark the occasion.

1969: With a bolder logo this year, 1969 was the first time the game officially used the trademarked "Super Bowl" name.

The New York Jets beat the Baltimore Colts 16-7.

1970: In the fourth and final AFL versus NFL game, the Kansas City Chiefs won.

They beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-7.

1971: The first modern Super Bowl game had a disco-esque logo to match.

The Baltimore Colts beat the Dallas Cowboys 16-13.

1972: The Dallas Cowboys beat the Miami Dolphins 24-3 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, this year.

Inspired by the Dallas Cowboys' team name, a Western font was used on the logo.

1973: The Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Redskins 14-7 this year.

The logo featured a purple and blue typeface.

1974: The Miami Dolphins beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-7 at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The logo was much simpler, with a Viking-esque font.

1975: The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Minnesota Vikings 16-6 at Tulane Stadium, New Orleans.

A more elegant font was used to mark the occasion.

1976: The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17.

The logo was the first to only feature one color.

1977: The Oakland Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14.

The same logo font was used for the 1974 Super Bowl.

1978: The Dallas Cowboys beat the Denver Broncos 27-10 while playing at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

It was the first Super Bowl to be played in a domed stadium.

1979: The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys in a close game of 35-31.

For the first time, the location and date was part of the game's logo — a theme that would continue for years to come.

1980: The Pittsburgh Steelers played the Los Angeles Rams and won 31-19.

They played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

1981: The Oakland Raiders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This year, the logo stuck to a simple color scheme of brown and gold.

1982: The San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21 at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan.

This year, the logo was also the color gold.

1983: The Washington Redskins won against the Miami Dolphins 27-17.

The logo featured a retro font and blue-and-red color scheme, a design trend that would continue for the next 10 years.

1984: The Los Angeles Raiders won against the Washington Redskins 38-9 at Tampa Stadium.

The logo featured a banner design.

1985: The Miami Dolphins lost to the San Francisco 49ers 38-16.

The game was held at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California.

1986: The Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

It was the first Super Bowl for the New England Patriots, who have since won six Super Bowl titles.

1987: At the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the New York Giants defeated the Denver Broncos 39-20.

The logo included a nod to the venue.

1988: The Washington Redskins beat the Denver Broncos 42-10 this year.

The logo didn't include a nod to either team or the venue in its design.

1989: The San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16.

The national anthem was sung by Billy Joel at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

1990: In the first game of the '90s, the San Francisco 49ers demolished the Denver Broncos 55-10.

It remains the most lopsided win in Super Bowl history.

1991: The New York Giants beat the Buffalo Bills 20-19.

It was the first year to feature a halftime show with pop acts. Michael Jackson was the headlining performance.

1992: The Washington Redskins beat the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in the championship game.

The logo incorporated an illustration of a football, marking a turn towards more intricately designed logos.

1993: At the Rose Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys won with a strong lead over the Buffalo Bills, 52-17.

The logo this year featured three roses in honor of the venue.

1994: The Dallas Cowboys won again the next year against the Buffalo Bills, 30-13.

The logo featured a peach inspired by the Georgia Dome venue.

1995: The San Francisco 49ers won out against the San Diego Chargers 49-26 at the Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The Miami Gardens venue has since been renamed the Hard Rock Stadium.

1996: The Dallas Cowboys beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

The Southwestern design of the logo was no doubt a nod to the game's Tempe, Arizona, location.

1997: The Green Bay Packers won against the New England Patriots in a 35-21 victory at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

Also inspired by the venue, this year's logo appeared to reference Mardi Gras celebrations.

1998: The Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers 31-24.

Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and Queen Latifah played the halftime show.

1999: The Denver Broncos won against the Atlanta Falcons 34-19.

The game was held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

2000: In the first game of the new millennium, the St. Louis Rams won 23-16 against the Tennessee Titans.

The game was held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

2001: The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7.

The game was held at the Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa, Florida.

2002: The New England Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams 20-17.

The game marked the first-ever win for the New England Patriots.

2003: The Super Bowl game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders ended in a 48-21 victory for Tampa.

The logo featured illustrations of a lighthouse and waves.

2004: The New England Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers 32-29.

Tom Brady was named the game's MVP and the logo was inspired by Houston, the home of NASA.

2005: The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl for the second year in a row.

The Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21.

2006: The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 at Ford Field in Detroit.

The Rolling Stones performed as the halftime show.

2007: The next year, the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears 29-17.

Peyton Manning won his first Super Bowl ring and was named the game's MVP.

2008: The New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14.

It was one of the biggest upsets and most exhilarating games in Super Bowl history.

2009: The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

The logo's design appeared to be inspired by a football field.

2010: The New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.

The logo featured large orange block letters and a football illustration.

2011: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25.

This year was the first to feature the newly designed Super Bowl logo with images of the game stadium.

Read more:Super Bowl tickets are currently going for upwards of $35,000 on Ticketmaster

2012: The New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 21-17.

The logo featured an illustration of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

2013: The Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the team's first-ever Super Bowl loss.

The game is often remembered for a power outage that briefly stopped the game.

2014: The Seattle Seahawks won against the Denver Broncos 43-8.

The logo featured an illustration of MetLife Stadium.

2015: The New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks by only four points, 28-24.

This game marked the Patriots' fourth Super Bowl win.

2016: In the 50th Super Bowl game, the Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10.

It was the final game of Peyton Manning's career.

2017: The next year, the logo changed and no longer featured the game's venue.

The New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.

2018: The next year, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots 41-33.

It was the team's first-ever Super Bowl win.

2019: The New England Patriots redeemed themselves the next year.

The six-time champions won against the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

2020: Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs played the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The Kansas City Chiefs won 31-20.

2021: The Super Bowl will go ahead this year despite the coronavirus pandemic, with the Kansas City Chiefs playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The game will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with eyes on the Kansas City Chiefs as last year's champions.

However, the game is sure to be interesting with former Patriots quarterback and 14-time Pro Bowler Tom Brady leading the Buccaneers.

Read more:Fortune teller Tony Romo predicted a Chiefs-Bucs Super Bowl in November after the teams met in the regular season

Jeff Bezos started Amazon in his garage in 1994 as a way to sell books online. In 26 years as its CEO, he transformed the company into a behemoth in ecommerce, web services, logistics, robotics, groceries, AI, media, and more. 

On Tuesday, Bezos said he will step down as CEO in the third quarter of 2021, passing the reins to Amazon Web Services CEO Andy Jassy and taking a backseat as executive chairman of Amazon's board of directors.

Before the pandemic hit, Bezos had spent several years mostly focused on long-term projects. and said in his letter to employees Tuesday that he plans to shift that focus to "other passions" like his space startup Blue Origin, philanthropies (Day 1 Fund and Earth Fund), and The Washington Post, which he acquired in 2013.

Bezos' plans track closely with those of other high-profile tech founders who ran, and eventually left, their own startups-turned-tech-giants to pursue pet projects and philanthropic endeavors.

He was also one of the few remaining founder-CEOs of a generation of tech companies born in the past 50 years that played major roles in bringing computers, the internet, ecommerce, and social networking to the masses. That shrinking crowd still includes Facebook CEO and cofounder Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO and cofounder Jack Dorsey, and Netflix co-CEO and cofounder Reed Hastings.

But Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others have since bid farewell to the founders who had led their companies for years. Here's what those tech icons are up to now.

Apple cofounder Steve Jobs died in 2011.

After Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple in 1976, the company had a long line of CEOs. Jobs was eventually ousted after a failed board takeover in 1985, before returning in 1996 with a successful board takeover, eventually transforming the struggling company into the $2.3 trillion giant it is today.

Jobs left Apple in early 2011 as his health deteriorated, turning over the reins to CEO Tim Cook. Jobs died of pancreatic cancer in October 2011.

Wozniak, who left Apple in 1985 but is still technically an employee and is paid $50 per week, has since started multiple companies. Most recently, he launched a cryptocurrency business that helps companies raise money for eco-friendly projects, according to CNBC.

Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates is working on global health initiatives through his philanthropy.

Bill Gates and Paul Allen cofounded Microsoft in 1975, and by the time Gates stepped down as CEO in 2000, he had helped build the company into such a dominant player in the tech industry that it became the subject of one of the biggest antitrust cases ever.

Gates stayed on the company's board until March 2020, when he said he would focus full-time on his philanthropic work for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates has pledged to give away a majority of his wealth within his lifetime — though he and 75% of signatories of the "Giving Pledge" have actually become wealthier since signing on.

Gates has for years focused on global health and warned about the dangers of pandemics, and the Gates Foundation has poured $1.75 billion into coronavirus-related causes.

Google cofounder Larry Page is working on secretive flying-car startups.

Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in 1998, and Page led the company until 2001, when Eric Schmidt was brought in as "adult supervision." But Page stepped back in as CEO in 2011 and eventually became the CEO of its parent company Alphabet in 2015, working mostly on "moonshot" projects and recruiting talented people.

Page and Brin stepped down as Alphabet CEO and President in December 2019, with then-Google CEO Sundar Pichai taking over, though both remain on the board. Page has since focused mostly on his investments in flying-car startups Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk.

eBay founder Pierre Omidyar has invested in media, social impact fintech startups, and a basic income experiment.

Pierre Omidyar launched Auction Web, which ultimately became eBay, in 1995. The company eventually brought in Meg Whitman as CEO in 1998, and Omidyar stayed on the company's board until September 2020.

After leaving day-to-day operations at eBay, Omidyar — a Hawai'i resident — started a local investigative journalism outlet, the Honolulu Civil Beat, and founded First Look Media, a digital journalism company that owns The Intercept. He also launched a $300 million fund to back social impact-focused fintech startups, and has given to a range of philanthropic causes, including basic income and pandemic response.

AOL co-founder and CEO Steve Case got into venture capital and philanthropy.

America Online, known to most people as AOL, was founded from the ashes of its short-lived predecessor, Control Video Corporation, by Jim Kimsey, Marc Seriff, and Steve Case.

Case ran AOL from 1991 until 2001, when the company completed its — ultimately ill-fated — merger with Time Warner, becoming chairman of the combined company until resigning that position in 2003 amid criticism from investors.

After leaving AOL's board outright in 2005, Case launched a venture capital firm, Revolution, that has focused on funding startups outside of Silicon Valley. He has also launched a philanthropic foundation and chairs the board of the Smithsonian Institute.

Life at the top of the world's most valuable tech companies isn't easy. For CEOs at companies like Apple or Amazon, it means long days and a lot of pressure. 

Luckily, most CEOs don't go it alone: they have a second-in-command, a high-level executive who may shoulder some of that burden. Some of these execs may go on to run the company one day — others may leave for big opportunities elsewhere. 

Some chief executives may appear to run their companies singlehandedly, like Tesla's Elon Musk. Others, like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, often lean on the support of their No. 2. In the case of Amazon, a reshuffling in 2021 means CEO Jeff Bezos will step aside in favor of his second-in-command later this year.

Here's a closer look at the people behind the CEOs of some of the world's most valuable tech companies. 

SEE ALSO: The most unusual, extravagant ways tech executives like Larry Ellison and Elon Musk have spent their money

Up until now, there have been two CEOs who reported directly to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos: Andy Jassy and Dave Clark.

Who they are: Andy Jassy serves as chief executive of AWS; Dave Clark is chief executive of global consumer

In current position since: 2016 and 2021

What they do: Jassy has been at Amazon since the company's early days and has overseen AWS, Amazon's cloud computing business. He's long been one of Bezos' most trusted advisers. In February 2021, the Amazon CEO announced plans to become executive chairman in the third quarter, with Jassy taking his place as Amazon's CEO. 

Read more:Andy Jassy will be the next CEO of Amazon. Insiders dish on what it's like to work for Jeff Bezos' successor who built AWS into a $40 billion business.

Clark will assume the role of consumer chief in early 2021, replacing Jeff Wilke, who announced he's retiring from Amazon in the first quarter. Wilke was considered the second-most-important person at the company, heading up Amazon's entire retail side. 

Clark, who has been at Amazon since 1999, has been leading the Amazon's logistics business. He's been lauded as a visionary leader who had garnered loyal support within Amazon's ranks. 

Apple CEO Tim Cook works closely with Jeff Williams, who is said to be his heir apparent.

Who he is: Apple's chief operating officer

In current position since: 2015

What he does: Williams is widely considered the second-most important person working at Apple and "the closest thing at the company to Tim Cook." He currently leads all of Apple's operations globally and oversees its customer support. Williams was in charge of the development of the Apple Watch, and currently oversees Apple's design team leaders after the departure of Jony Ive. 

Jeremi Gorman works closely with Evan Spiegel to run Snap.

Who she is: Chief business officer at Snap

In current position since: 2018

What she does: Gorman was considered a crucial hire when she joined Snap to build out Snap's business strategy. She has worked to simplify the company's approach to its ad business and refocused the company on its Gen Z audience. 

Gorman worked at Amazon for six years before joining Snap, overseeing the international expansion of the company's ad business. 

Mark Zuckerberg relies on Sheryl Sandberg for most aspects of Facebook's business that aren't related to product.

Who she is: Chief operating officer at Facebook

In current position since: 2008

What she does: Sandberg was brought into Facebook in 2008 to be the "adult in the room," charged with growing the company's revenue and ad business — essentially, taking over everything that wasn't product-related. Since then, Sandberg has become a public face of the company, using that to spread her message of women's empowerment but also acting as an ambassador of sorts after Facebook has been rocked by scandal after scandal.

According to a new book by Wired's Steven Levy, CEO Mark Zuckerberg now plans to take a more active role in aspects of the business that were formerly Sandberg's domain, like policy and content moderation. 

Marc Benioff still leads Salesforce, but Keith Block and Bret Taylor have both risen through the ranks.

Who they are: Chief operating officer

In current position since: 2019

What they do: Taylor joined Salesforce after his startup, Quip, was acquired by Salesforce in 2016. Since then, he's worked his way through the ranks, becoming COO in 2019. 

Ted Sarandos has become one of Hollywood's most important moguls, taking on a co-CEO title in 2020.

Who he is: Chief content officer and co-chief executive officer at Netflix

In current position since: 2000 and 2020, respectively

What he does: Sarandos has been at Netflix for 20 years and currently oversees acquisition and creation of movies and TV series for the streaming giant. He's one of the highest-paid executives at Netflix, earning as much as CEO Reed Hastings did in 2019. These days, Sarandos is one of the most powerful people in the entertainment world, landing major deals with everyone from Shonda Rhimes to Ryan Murphy to Barack and Michelle Obama. 

In July 2020, Netflix announced it has appointed Sarandos co-CEO and named him to the company's board of directors. 

Neal Mohan is YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki's No. 2.

Who he is: Chief product officer at YouTube

In current position since: 2015

What he does: Mohan has been at Google since 2008, overseeing Google's display and video ads business before becoming YouTube's product head in 2015. These days, Mohan has perhaps the hardest job at the company: He's in charge of clearing hate speech, exploitation, and extremism off of YouTube.

Mohan was reportedly tasked by Wojcicki with figuring out how to safeguard the service going forward, and appears to be taking on a bigger role in defining the future of the platform. 

Google just went through a shake-up of its own, with Sundar Pichai taking the reins of the whole company. Ruth Porat currently serves as the company's CFO.

Who she is: Chief financial officer at Google

In current position since: 2015

What she does: Porat has served as Alphabet CFO since 2015, overseeing the finances of Google's parent company. She guided the company through its corporate restructuring and helped get the company's spending under control. Before joining Alphabet, Porat was widely considered the most powerful woman on Wall Street.

But in December, Alphabet dropped a bombshell when it announced that CEO Larry Page and President Sergey Brin, Google's founders, were leaving the company and placing Google CEO Sundar Pichai in charge. Since then, no clear second-in-command has emerged, though Porat remains one of the most powerful people at the company. 

• Due to the pandemic, ease of social distancing is the new measure of luxury.
• We found remote escapes across the US on vacation rental sites such as Airbnb, TurnKey, and Vrbo.
• These isolated and highly-rated listings are priced between $99 and $477 per night to start.
• Read more: 6 things to know before booking a vacation rental, and where to search if Airbnb is booked or too expensive

The ongoing pandemic has meant a shifted focus on domestic trips and priorities tied to hygiene and personal space. The chance to stay somewhere remote is the new marker of real luxury. 

While heading off to a remote paradise is admirable, most travelers can't afford to rent out a Richard Branson-style private island in the Caribbean, a la Kim Kardashian. Though if you are looking, we did manage to find more affordable hotel buyout options.

Luckily, there are alternative ways to take an off-the-grid vacation this year, without sacrificing comfort or exceeding your budget. We searched for some of the most remote private vacation rentals across sites such as Airbnb, TurnKey, and Vrbo. Our aim was to find places that are affordable and accessible to a point (they are all reachable by car, even if the closest big city is a couple of hours away), but still allow for relative isolation so guests may reduce their risk of potential exposure to COVID-19. 

While experts have noted that private vacation rentals are a safer alternative to hotels, you should still exercise caution. It's crucial to remember that it's impossible to guarantee safety right now. We always advise following guidelines from the CDC and WHO, such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing, no matter where you go.

But if a safe vacation during COVID is what you seek, booking a remote getaway is one of the best ways to maintain social distancing. Just keep in mind that while these homes often come with electricity and running water, a secluded stay means exactly that. Arrive stocked with the supplies you'll need and carefully check what the rental includes. You'll likely be a long drive from the closest store.

We selected properties across various locales (mountain, woodlands, lakes, national parks) that met the following criteria:

1. The vacation rental is for the entire home (the intent is to avoid encountering others, after all).
2. All are highly-rated listings surrounded by nature with nary a neighbor in sight. But access to nearby towns is available for supply runs.
3. Properties range from simple adobe huts to deluxe compounds with inviting decor, amenities, and exceptional attention to detail. 
4. Prices range between $99 and $477 to start to accommodate a wide variety of budgets and group sizes.

These are the most remote vacation rentals in the US, sorted by price from low to high.

100-year-old farmhouse in Utah, $99

Book this farmhouse starting at $99 per night on Airbnb

Relax under the never ending skies of Ephraim Canyon in Utah in this century-old farmhouse that sleeps up to four. It may be getting on in years but recent refurbishments mean that the decor and interiors are shipshape and colorful, and there's also a cute yard with cornhole, horseshoes, and a picnic area. 

Modern amenities include Wi-Fi and Apple TV, plus an essential outdoor hot tub for soaking in comfort as the sun sets or rises. Families can pass the time outdoors with nearby hiking and fishing, or go sledding in the winter months. The home feels cozy and bijoux, but still comfortable, affordable, and surrounded by acres of land. 

There are scattered dates open in March and April is widely available.

Rating: 4.98

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

A mountain cabin with hot tub in North Carolina, $125

Book this mountain cabin starting at $125 per night on Vrbo

Straying beyond the beaten path can come with romantic rewards for couples, especially at this mountainside one-bedroom bolthole on seven acres of land.

The ridges of Western North Carolina await for hiking and the general enjoyment of their beauty. Rafting, canyoneering, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, and skiing are all close by. 

The modern cabin itself, though, is as desirable as the pristine location, which is set back against a lush farming valley. A quaint deck and wood-burning fireplace evoke a suitably bucolic atmosphere and are complemented by modern technologies for relaxing down times. The standout highlight, however, is the outdoor hot tub. Indulge in a soak under a canopy of stars. 

This home has wide open availability over the next several months.

Rating: 5

COVID policies: Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting is completed between guests.

A woodland cabin in Vermont, $145

Book this woodland cabin starting at $145 per night on Airbnb

The 20 acres of land surrounding this home in these foothills of the Green Mountains in Vermont are dramatically lovely, thick with vegetation and woodland charm. This purpose-built so-called 'tiny' house delivers on its off-grid promise for two guests that can confidently escape here in the lure of isolation. 

The aesthetic is seemingly out of a fantasy novel or fairy tale, with knotted wooden beams and timbers creating a truly magical feel that is both whimsical and delivers a pioneering spirit. Amenities include a wood-fired stove and fireplace, but there is no refrigeration outside of a cooler, so plan accordingly. Solar power heats the water but there is no electricity or Wi-Fi. 

Instead, come here for the hiking trails, rock climbing, and swimming holes (and skiing in the winter), and wait to update social media with photos when you reluctantly return to real life. 

Availability is scattered through March, but wide open starting in April.

Rating: 4.93

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

Mountain cottage in Oregon, $200

Book this cottage starting at $200 per night on TurnKey

A wonderfully rural five-acre wooded lot welcomes up to 13 guests at this five-bedroom house surrounded by picturesque lakes and mountains.  

The amenities are extensive with a game room, outdoor hot tub, TV, internet, and the chance to craft evening cocktails at the built-in bar while someone strikes up a suitably suave tune on the piano.  

If you're looking to venture beyond the compound, you'll find the scenic links of Aspen Lakes Golf Course a mile away and the HooDoo Ski Area is 25 miles away.

There's still plenty of available days over the next few months.

Rating: 4

COVID policies: TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19.

Cabin on a private reservoir in Montana, $214

Book this cabin starting at $214 per night on Vrbo

Equidistant between the National Parks of Helena-Lewis and Clark and River Breaks, there's a real frontier feel to this home, which enjoys a coveted spot overlooking its own reservoir, almost four miles outside of Lewistown.

The property can sleep up to eight people and makes for a sweet angler's getaway, with plum fishing spots along the nearby waterways. 

The cabin itself is comprised of elaborate wooden interiors, bedecked with animal hides and wood-burning amenities for strong rural ambiance. Fire up the grill on the large deck and trade fishing tales as you cook up the catch of the day. There's little phone coverage, and no internet, so trade being online for days out paddling with the included kayak.

This home has full availability over the next few months.

Rating: 4.9

COVID policies: Hygienic sanitization, disinfection, and cleaning between guests.

Large lakefront home in Maine, $347

Book this large lakefront home starting at $347 per night on Vrbo

This delightful lakefront house can welcome up to 17 people, with almost 4,000 square feet to sprawl out across amid the natural expanse of Hardwood Hill Island Nature Preserve and nearby Acadia National Park. Graham Lake sits right outside.

The house has multiple large living areas and plenty of amenities for group meals, both indoor and out. There's Wi-Fi and the place comes with its own dock and kayaks. 

This home has full availability over the next few months.

Rating: 5

COVID policies: The property is cleaned with disinfectant, and check-in and check-out can be completed with no person-to-person contact.

A log cabin on the river in Colorado, $349

Book this log cabin starting at $349 per night on Airbnb

A set designer for a movie would be hard-pressed to come up with a more log cabin-looking property than this two-bedroom delight in the heights of Black Hawk, Colorado.

The sense of seclusion is palpable, though within 15 minutes you can drive to the nearby town of Nederland, or the Eldora Mountain ski resort, so it's a real find for fans of winter sports.  

The handsome, sturdy log structure is built onto a gentle, lush green hillside, and guests will welcome the sight of the deck with its own fire pit and the steam gently rising from the outdoor hot tub. 

The smell of timber makes for an evocative interior, and the place comes fully loaded with modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi, cable TV, a music system, as well as a wood-burning fire, games, and an irresistible hammock. The two floors and expanse of land really offer guests a sense of space. 

There are scattered openings in February and March, with plenty of availability starting in April.

Rating: 4.99

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

Cowboy paradise in Joshua Tree in California, $379

Book this cowboy retreat starting at $379 per night on Vrbo

This exceptional property can sleep up to six people across its three bedrooms, all nested within private grounds that stretch out over seven acres. 

In line with the desert surrounds, the setting is straight out of a Western, flanked by Joshua Tree's 35,000 acre-Pioneertown Mountains Preserve and some further 60,000 acres of wide-open federal land beyond that.

The Olive Adobe, as the house is known, mixes organic and stylized design touches with gravel paths and gnarled olive trees. Inside, interiors channel 'cowboy chic' vibes mixed with midcentury modern furniture and Native American art.

Bird watching, photography, and hiking the extraordinary local rock formations will keep guests busy, though electricity and internet mean you can check in with folks back home, too. 

This home still has wide-open availability over the next several months.

Rating: 5

COVID policies: Thorough cleaning and disinfecting conducted between guests.

A secluded tree house in Montana, $399

Book this secluded tree house starting at $399 per night on Vrbo

Found on seven acres of private woods, this two-story tree house is a unique stay that's plenty remote while still featuring plenty of creature comforts, including two decks, a breakfast nook with a handmade wooden bar, fast Wi-Fi, and plush bathrobes. The truly showstopping piece is a spiral staircase custom crafted around a Douglas fir tree growing through the home.

There is one true bedroom, but the house can sleep up to four guests thanks to padded seating areas that double as extra sleeping space.

While still secluded, the location is close enough to the entrance of Glacier National Park and the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort that you can choose to explore nearby highlights if you wish.

This home has wide open availability over the next few months.

Rating: 5

Covid-19 policies: No specific new policies are listed but the host has a perfect 5 rating.

A charming farmstead yurt in Colorado, $477

Book this yurt starting at $477 per night on Airbnb

Views of stunning Mount Sopris and 110 acres of seclusion await up to four guests at this impressive 'glamping' location.

The Mongolian-style yurt offers the right balance of adventure and comfort, with a supremely commodious, wood-framed canopy under which to sleep. The wonderfully evocative space feels akin to something from a period drama but comes with Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and bathroom (with a piping hot shower) that won't test anyone's standards of comfort too stringently. 

Ranch life comes with its own array of amenities beyond the space and scenery, mostly in the form of incredibly fresh food from the farm owners, including, but not limited to, eggs, milk, poultry, and cuts of meat for your barbecuing pleasure. 

There are hiking paths up through the neighboring National Forest, and if you don't bring your own horse (which you are encouraged to do) then you can rent one and hit those dusty trails. Private stargazing sessions and alpaca yoga add to the enticing menu of activities. 

There's availability starting in April.

Rating: 4.82

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

See more of the best yurt rentals in the US

More great vacation rentals to safely enjoy the outdoors

• The best vacation rentals near national parks
• The best treehouse rentals in the US
• Cozy and affordable Airbnb cabins in Upstate New York
• The best cabins near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Safer, expert-backed ways to take a vacation during the pandemic, from road trips to private vacation homes and remote campsites

• Tommy John started out as a men's underwear startup, but has evolved into a line of underwear and wardrobe essentials for everyone. 
• You can find dress shirts, blazers, bras and bralettes, loungewear, and activewear, and more at Tommy John. 
• We've really liked everything we've tried from Tommy John. Below, you'll find reviews of everything we've tested so far.

While essentials like underwear and undershirts might seem basic enough to buy from anywhere, the overall designs had been largely untouched since brands that are probably still in your top drawer began making them in the early 20th century. 

Founded in 2008 by Tom Patterson and his wife Erin Fujimoto, undergarment brand Tommy John was born out of Patterson's struggle to find comfortable undershirts to wear under his dress shirts. He ultimately decided to make his own, an idea that snowballed into re-engineering boxer briefs and, eventually, a full line of undergarments, loungewear, casual clothing, and even business attire for everyone.

With each updated design, Tommy John addressed the three Fs of clothing — fabric, fit, and function — to create more comfortable and longer-lasting pieces. Although the prices are considerably higher than other brands (men's boxer briefs range from $18 to $42 per pair and women's underwear ranges from $20 to $32 per pair), we've found great value in its styles.

Readmore: A Facebook post prompted Tommy John to launch a line for women — and it's worth every penny

Over the years, we've seen Tommy John grow from a men's underwear brand to a full-fledged clothing company with intentionally made pieces for all parts of your daily life. The Insider Reviews team has tested tons of Tommy John's products, from loungewear to dress shirts to underwear and bras, and we've been consistently impressed. It is easily one of our most-loved and recommended brands — and is only one of few brands that we collectively agree to be the best in its category every time.

Shop all men's and masculine styles at Tommy John. 

Shop all women's and feminine styles at Tommy John.

Read our reviews of everything we've tested from Tommy John:

Tommy John boxer briefs review

Read our full review on Tommy John men's underwear here.

The first product our men's style reporter, Amir Ismael, tried from Tommy John was a pair of Go Anywhere Boxer Briefs, and they single-handedly changed his perception of what it meant to be comfortable in underwear.

Since then, he's worn Tommy John Boxer Briefs in a variety of different materials and says they're all a solid choice for comfort, but which one is right for you ultimately comes down to preferences like whether you value breathability or silky texture.

They're slightly longer than most other boxer briefs, but that allows them to remain form-fitting, stay in place, and never ride up the legs from regular motion or heavy activity. 

As someone who's received an untold number of boxer briefs to test, Amir says he has a unique perspective on what's truly a good value, and that Tommy John is the one underwear brand he'll happily pay for.

Check out Tommy John in our guide for the best men's underwear.

Tommy John women's underwear review

Read our full women's underwear review here.

Available in four styles — Thong, Cheeky, Brief, and Boyshort— Tommy John has a pair of women's underwear for everyone (at least, everyone who prefers feminine underwear). 

Just like all of its other undergarments, the brand offers each style in different materials like Second Skin, Air, and Cool Cotton for personalized comfort. We asked several members of the Insider Reviews team to test out Tommy John's underwear, and literally everyone came away from the experience saying these are the best underwear they've ever tried, regardless of the fabric or style they chose to test.

With prices starting at $20, Tommy John's underwear is expensive. But everyone on our team will tell you that they are well-worth the money.

Check out more feedback about Tommy John in our guide the best women's underwear.

Tommy John undershirts review

Read our full review on Tommy John undershirts. 

Style reporter Amir has always struggled to find a valid reason to buy and wear basic short-sleeve undershirts. He finds that they're usually sloppy and uncomfortable to wear under his clothes and they lose shape after a few wears and washes.

However, he says that Tommy John's undershirts are engineered for comfort. Their patented design makes them a bit longer and easier to stay neatly tucked. The brand offers three undershirts in material types — Second Skin, Cool Cotton, and Air — and in his experience, they've all been more comfortable than standard cotton undershirts.

Regardless of which material you choose, you'll get a thin, form-fitting (but not tight) shirt. Crewnecks are great for wearing under button-up shirts with ties or other crewnecks, V-necks are good for wearing a shirt casually unbuttoned, and deeper V-necks are good for wearing under sweaters when you don't want any T-shirt material poking through at the neckline.

Tommy John bras and bralettes review

Read our full review on Tommy John Bras here.

After two years of research and development on important features like support, fit, breathability, and flexibility, Tommy John released its first collection of women's bras. All of them are wireless, but they don't sacrifice support for comfort. 

Available in a variety of styles (including bralettes), they aren't excessively expensive, at least not when you compare them to a single piece of the brand's underwear, which can cost up to $32 a pair.

Several members of the Insider Reviews team have tested them out and they're some of the best they've tried. The one downside is that cup and band sizes are limited, with a DD cup and 38 band size at the top end of most styles.

Tommy John 360 Sport Leggings review

Read our review full review of the 360 Sport Leggings.

The Tommy John 360 Sport 2.0 Leggings are just as comfortable as the underwear and have many of the same attributes in terms of fit and support. Additionally, they have a media pocket on the right side, which fits large iPhones nicely when you're going on a run.

Although our style reporter says he's not a leggings-under-shorts kind of guy, he's gotten great use out of these as a base layer in cold weather. Even when he's not working out, he finds himself wearing the Tommy John Sport leggings under jeans to stay warm. 

Tommy John women's loungewear review

Read our review on Tommy John's women's loungewear here. 

Named one of the best places to buy women's loungewear by our team, Tommy John delivers comfort in every one of its cozy pieces. Whether you're looking for soft-on-skin layers to keep you warm in winter or lightweight airy materials for staying cool in the heat, you'll find them here.

Tommy John's loungewear is on the pricier side, but we think it's worth every penny. If you want something lightweight, the set below will be your go-to. The materials are stretchy, swingy, and soft, making them comfy to lounge in for hours.

Shop all Tommy John women's loungewear and pajamas here.

Tommy John Go Anywhere joggers review

Read our full review of the Go Anywhere collection.

When he's not wearing jeans, Tommy John's Go Anywhere Joggers are style reporter Amir Ismael's go-to pair.

The quick-drying, moisture-wicking material is made from polyester, Tencel, and Spandex, and as the name suggests, he says he feels like he can go anywhere (within reason) while wearing them. He wouldn't wear them to work, but he's worn them to the gym, out to run errands, and casually a countless number of times, and they're super comfortable.

We might sound like a broken record by now, but the fit — just like everything else at Tommy John—  is what makes them so great. Amir ordered his true size and both the waist and inseam length fit him well. He also appreciated the extra zippered pockets on the front and rear, the locking cuff zippers, and the drawstring waistband.

Tommy John Go Anywhere Lightweight Tech Stretch Pant review

Read our full review of the Go Anywhere collection.

Senior reporter Connie Chen says she feels like she's wearing cool and smooth pajama pants whenever she slips these on — they're that comfortable. Luckily, they look like a regular pair of relaxed work pants, so she can walk to, from, and around the office without attracting stares. She says they're also great for looking polished on work-from-home days when you want to feel like a functioning member of society.

Though they aren't skin-tight, they are tapered and polished. At the same time, there's enough stretch and extra space for me to squat down in them. The stretchy waistband and pull-on style tie it all together: Ultimately, these pants are low-maintenance and easy to wear.

Connie's only word of caution is that since the fabric is quite light and thin, the pants are not ideal for cold weather days. However, once the weather warms up, these are the pants you'll be able to wear without sweating through them.

Tommy John Second Skin Sleep Jogger review

Read our review on the Second Skin Sleep Joggers.

When it's a bit too cold or our reporter Amir is just lounging around, he likes to wear Tommy John's Second Skin Sleep Joggers. They're super soft against the skin, non-restrictive, and they feature two functional front pockets. 

He admits that $68 is a lot of money to spend on pants just to sleep in, but they — and everything else from the loungewear collection — make for great items to splurge on or give as a gift.

Tommy John Go Anywhere button-down shirts review

Read our full review of Tommy John Stay-Tucked Dress Shirts. 

Read our full review of the Tommy John Un-Tucked Button Down.

Style reporter Amir Ismael says that the Stay-Tucked Dress Shirt is Tommy John's most impressive design. It uses a cotton stretch fabric to keep its shape after multiple wears and allows for a full range of motion without coming untucked. Although you can find similar features with other performance dress shirts, Tommy John takes performance to another level with an innovative technology called InvisiGrip Snap, which keeps the shirt tucked in. 

InvisiGrip Snap Technology consists of three snapped buttons and an elastic hem at the bottom of the shirt. It feels a little awkward to wear at first, but you'll quickly get used to it — and most importantly, your shirt won't come untucked.

If you're looking for more of a casual look, Tommy John also makes the Go Anywhere Untucked Button Down. The shirt has the same level of stretchiness, but does without the elastic band and snap function at the waistband.

Tommy John Go Anywhere everyday blazer review

Read our full review of the Go Anywhere collection.

Style reporter Amir Ismael says the Go Anywhere Everyday Blazer is special because it maintains a relatively classic look while still working in modern comfort and convenience features.

It's made from an innovative four-way stretch material that's breathable, moisture-wicking, and water-repellent, and it has 360-degree underarm stretch, which allows for a full range of motion. 

He wouldn't recommend it if you're going for an extremely dapper or formal look, but it's great for commuting and wearing in business-casual settings.

• We tested 11 pillows and researched 14 (and counting) to find the most comfortable choices for every sleep position.
• The Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is our top pick because it can be customized to the perfect fill for ultimate support and comfort.
• If you're looking to outfit the rest of your bed, check out our guides to the best mattress, best bed frame, and best sheets you can buy.  

Our sleep habits can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing. Central to getting a great night's sleep is having a solid setup, including a really comfortable, supportive pillow. 

"A good pillow is absolutely a top priority," said Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and post-doctoral fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, "No matter your budget, I really encourage people to splurge and invest in these products because they will help. The bed is the foundation of our sleep and if these elements aren't supportive and not cozy to your personal preference, you put yourself at risk for sleep difficulties."

With that in mind, we tested 11 different pillows and considered many others. I've been writing unbiased, meticulously tested product reviews for more than seven years and have a personal stake in finding a good pillow: I'm a living embodiment of the princess and the pea and have purchased more pillows than I can count in pursuit of a good night's sleep.

While I (a back sleeper) slept on every pillow recommended in this guide for at least three nights, individual preferences and anatomy vary greatly (see: how to find the perfect pillow), so I enlisted a stomach sleeper (my husband) and two side sleepers (my neighbors) to try each pillow for at least a night and considered feedback from other editors who have tried or reviewed pillows over the last few years. You can read all about other pillows we tested and our methodology here.

Here are the best pillows in 2021

• Best pillow overall: Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow
• Best pillow for side sleepers: Casper Original Pillow
• Best pillow for back sleepers: The Saatva Pillow
• Best pillow for stomach sleepers: Parachute Down Alternative Pillow, Soft
• Best pillow for neck pain: Leesa Hybrid Pillow
• Best budget pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
• Best luxury pillow: Saatva Memory Foam Pillow

SEE ALSO: The best sheets you can buy for your bed

DON'T MISS: The best mattresses you can buy

The best overall

The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow offers thoughtful features like adjustable fill, a washable pillow cover, and an unparalleled 100-night trial that make it the best choice for most people.

Pros: Completely customizable with removable fill, comes with additional fill if you prefer a firmer pillow, comes with a washable encasement, hypoallergenic, 5-year warranty, 100-night trial

Cons: On the firmer side and might not be the best choice if you don't like memory foam, testers in previous reviews thought it arrived with a slightly funny smell

In the better part of a decade that I've been reviewing housewares, it's rare that I've come across a product as thoughtfully designed as the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow. Made from hypoallergenic shredded memory foam, the fill in the Coop pillow is adjustable so you can customize it to the perfect loft for your sleep preferences. Other thoughtful features like a washable pillow cover, 5-year warranty, and 100-night trial make it the obvious choice for our top recommendation. 

While adjustable pillows made from shredded foam have become more popular, the Coop stands out in a number of ways. The first is in the packaging. When you open the box, you're greeted by a bright yellow insert that walks you through how to customize the pillow and suggestions on how much fill to add or remove (it's more than you think) based on your preferred sleeping position. It also offers tips on how to check your alignment so that you get the most comfortable night's sleep. While the pillow arrives almost overfilled, it also comes with a half-pound bag of additional fill in case you need even more support. 

I followed the package recommendations to remove about a third of the fill for back sleepers and then fluffed the pillow up a bit to redistribute the foam. The result felt deeply personalized and it was very comfortable to sleep on with a great balance of support and fluff. 

In the time since I first tested this pillow, I've outsourced it to my neighbor for long-term testing (OK, she kind of refused to give it back) and she reports that it's still her favorite pillow to sleep on among the many on her bed. She's made some small adjustments to the fill to really dial in her personal comfort, but it's still as comfortable and plush as ever. I've also recommended this pillow to numerous family members and coworkers over the past several months; all have reported back that it is indeed a game-changing pillow. 

One drawback? If you favor a softer, more down-like fill (like I do), you may find the Coop pillow has the same issues as all memory foam pillows: it's on the firmer side and tends to get a bit hot during the night. If that sounds like you, you might appreciate our other top pillows in the picks below. However, we think most people will love the customization of the Coop pillow, especially if you prefer the springy feel of memory foam.

Read our full review of Coop Home Goods' The Original Pillow

The best pillow for side sleepers

The Casper Original Pillow offers the loft and support that side sleepers need but with the soft and fluffy feel of a down alternative. 

Pros: Soft and fluffy, 2-inch gusset that provides support for side sleepers, removable inner pillow, machine washable, 100-night trial period

Cons: Loft is not very adjustable, not as supportive as memory foam

The goal of a good pillow is to bring your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. For side sleepers, this means bridging the gap between your ear and where your shoulder meets the mattress. But side sleepers are a tricky bunch because shoulder size and height can vary a lot from person to person, meaning one side sleeper might need a really lofty pillow while another needs just a little bit of lift. The Coop pillow is ideal for side sleepers because it offers a lot of customization to help fill that gap. But if you're not a memory foam fan, your next best bet is the Casper Original Pillow. 

Made from down-alternative fill with a percale cotton shell, the Casper pillow feels a lot like the soft, plush pillows you'd find in hotel rooms. A 2-inch gusset (the strip of fabric between seams that gives the pillow more of a rectangular rather than oval shape) keeps the pillow lofted for the supportive lift that side sleepers require, but the plush fill still gives the "sinking in" sensation when you lay your head down. One of the side sleepers who tried the pillow over several weeks also loved that the pillow stayed cool throughout the night and kept its shape despite its softer fill. 

You can adjust the fill a bit by removing the inner pillow, but all the side sleepers who tried it preferred the loft of the full pillow. We also liked that all parts of the pillow are machine washable and the company offers a 100-night trial to decide if the pillow is right for you. 

Many of our editors have tried and loved the Casper pillow throughout the years, with one reporter even calling it his "Goldilocks pillow." If you want a balance of support and softness, we recommend giving the Casper Original Pillow a try; just keep in mind that it's not as customizable or adjustable as other pillows.

Read our full review of the Casper Original Pillow

The best pillow for back sleepers

Luxuriously plush, the Saatva Pillow offers an ultra comfortable, hotel-like experience and is particularly well-suited to back sleepers.

Pros: Moderate height that's ideal for back sleepers, plush like a hotel pillow, supportive latex core, 45-day trial period, comes with a pillow cover, cover and outer pillow are machine washable

Cons: Not very adjustable, too lofty for stomach sleepers

I've cycled through pillows throughout the last decade — from cheap Ikea and Target pillows, to bespoke offerings from high-end bedding brands — but never quite found my perfect pillow. That all changed when I tried The Saatva Pillow. 

The Saatva Pillow is made from a supportive shredded latex core surrounded by a plush, down alternative layer and a satteen cotton liner. Its unique construction makes it different from any pillow I've ever felt before — it's got the hefty weight and support of a memory foam pillow, but with the plush, cool feel of a down pillow not unlike one you'd find in a hotel. Throughout testing, I kept coming back to this pillow and it quickly became my go-to for nights I wasn't actively testing anything new.

I've now been sleeping on this pillow for three months and it looks and feels as plush as it did on the day I got it. I love how my head sinks into this soft pillow, but it's still supportive enough to keep its shape all night long and when I wake up, the pillow looks just as plush as when I fell asleep on it. I'm a very active sleeper who likes to move around a lot in bed and take my bedding with me, so I love that the pillow is equally plush and comfortable from all sides and angles. It's still soft and supportive when I inevitably fold it, scoop it, or hug it throughout the night. It's also weighty enough that it doesn't move on its own or slip into the gap between the headboard and the mattress (a pet peeve of mine), and has plenty of structure for when you want to prop your head up for reading or watching TV. Finally, it's hypoallergenic, which is a must for allergy sufferers like myself. 

While the Saatva pillow is my perfect pillow, it's not adjustable enough to be our top recommendation for most people. The only adjustability offered is the ability to remove the latex core, which also takes away the supportive part of the pillow. Multiple stomach sleepers who tried the pillow as part of our testing found it too lofty, even with the inner core removed. Some side sleepers might also find the pillow not quite lofty enough; we think it's best for back sleepers and those who prefer a plusher, cooler feel than memory foam. 

While it was one of the most expensive pillows we tried, the company offers a 45-day trial period to determine if the pillow is right for you.

The best pillow for stomach sleepers

Soft, but not too thin, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow has the perfect loft for stomach sleepers who want just a bit of cushion.

Pros: Soft and pillowy, made from hypoallergenic down alternative, folds easily for added support when lying on your side or back, stays cool, 60-day return window

Cons: Needs to be fluffed regularly to retain its shape, doesn't offer enough support for sleepers who spend the majority of the night on their back or side and therefore not the best choice for guest bedrooms, fill cannot be adjusted

Stomach sleepers generally require the least amount of pillow support, since your head and spine are already pretty close to alignment when lying on your stomach. Most stomach sleepers would benefit a soft pillow with just a bit of loft, and for that, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is our top choice. 

This is the only pillow that received high marks for comfort from my husband, who is an avowed stomach sleeper and finds most pillows too lofty. The Parachute pillow elevates his head just enough to alleviate any neck strain, and the sateen cotton encasement keeps the pillow remarkably cool all night long; ideal for those, like him, who run hot. We purchased four of these pillows a little over a year ago, and they were our mainstay before I started testing and evaluating pillows for this guide. In a lot of ways, this pillow hits all the marks for me: it stays cool, is incredibly soft and comfortable, and is hypoallergenic. But while my husband happily drifts asleep with one of these pillows tucked under his head, I (a back sleeper) need to stack two or three to get the loft I need to fall asleep comfortably. 

While the fill is thin enough that the pillow easily folds over for some support if you occasionally flip to your side or back during the night, it doesn't provide enough for those who spend the majority of the night in those positions. The pillow also won't offer much lift if you're looking to prop yourself up to read or watch TV while lounging in bed. Since stomach sleepers are in the minority according to the National Sleep Foundation, we don't recommend outfitting a guest room with these soft, thin pillows, but they're a great personal pillow for any stomach sleeper who has found other pillows too lofty. 

While experts recommend fluffing your pillows daily to extend their life and maintain their comfort, we've found that these thinner pillows with less filling especially benefit from a daily fluff to keep their shape.

The best pillow for neck pain

The Leesa Hybrid Pillow's cooling gel side provides ice-like relief from neck pain, while the quilted side offers a more traditional pillow experience for nights when you don't need as much support.

Pros: Cooling gel helps relieve neck pain, good for hot sleepers, two different sides to choose from for optimal support, removable inner pillow for adjusting loft, inner pillow can be used as a travel pillow

Cons: On the heavy side, takes some getting used to, may be too squat for some side sleepers

As someone who has struggled with back and neck troubles, I literally feel your pain if you're currently dealing with a stiff or painful neck. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the first line of business is to make sure that your current pillow isn't causing or exacerbating your neck strain. Your pillow should support your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine in your preferred sleeping position, which can be a very personal thing. Sleeping on the wrong pillow for your body and preferences can actually make neck pain worse. While we think our picks for side, back, and stomach sleepers will help you minimize the chances of sleep-induced neck pain, if you're deep in the throes of an existing neck sprain you should check with your doctor before considering a new pillow. 

Experts told us that a memory foam pillow is the preferred choice for neck pain because the material offers cushion and support to keep your neck aligned, and doesn't flatten or "sink" throughout the night like other more fluffy pillows. For this, we think our overall pick by Coop is a great choice since it has an adjustable memory foam fill that you can customize to your perfect loft. But if your pain is making it hard to even get to sleep, I highly recommend you try out the Leesa Hybrid Pillow.

The pillow's unique construction consists of a gel-filled cooling side and a quilted cushioning side, with a removable mini-pillow in between for adjustability. While the quilted side is plenty comfy, the gel-side is where the Leesa pillow truly shines. The gel provides an instant chilling effect that I found deeply soothing for muscle pain and neck strain; a similar effect to holding a wrapped ice pack up to your neck. On nights when my back and neck have really hurt, the Leesa has provided some much needed relief to help me fall asleep. 

That said, this hybrid pillow has received mixed reviews from our testers over the years. With only two possible (and both relatively low) heights, it's also less adjustable than other pillows we tested, and best suited for stomach and back sleepers who don't need a lot of loft. It's also fairly heavy, and its unique design may take a few nights to get used to. And if you're not a hot sleeper or currently struggling with neck pain, the pillow's main selling points may be lost on you. 

Read our full review of the Leesa Hybrid Pillow

The best pillow on a budget

At just under $20 per pillow, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows are an inexpensive option that still offers a comfortable, supportive night's sleep.

Pros: Inexpensive, soft and stackable, sleeps relatively cool, machine washable, good for stomach and side sleepers, 30-day return window, hypoallergenic

Cons: Side sleepers will likely need two or more of these pillows, pillows are not adjustable

Experts we consulted for the guide stressed that a good pillow is a worthy investment; after all, you spend nearly one-third of your life laying on it. But if you're the type of person that can fall asleep just about anywhere or you're primarily concerned about price, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow is the best bang for your buck. 

I was intrigued by the sheer number of positive Amazon reviews — there are more than 25,000 five-star reviews, and we all know that reviews aren't always reliable. But when I tried them for myself, I understood why. These pillows are on the thinner side, but have a gentle, down-like plushness that sets them apart from other inexpensive pillows I've tried from Ikea and Target. While they're definitely more squishy than supportive, they're a good choice for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and anyone who likes to hug, fold, or stack their pillows at night. I've spent several months now sleeping with these pillows on and off, and they haven't gone flat or gotten lumpy. They are a little less lofty and bouncy than when I first got them, but I actually like that, since it gives them a more lived-in feel. 

"Gel pillow" is a bit of a misnomer; there's no liquid or cooling gel in these pillows like there is in some other cooling pillows. Instead, these pillows are filled with polyester gel fiber, which is similar to a down alternative in both feel and performance. The pillows stay relatively cool compared to denser materials like memory foam, but stop short of actively cooling you like the Leesa Hybrid Pillow.

While these pillows aren't adjustable, each pack comes with two pillows, so you can easily stack them to your desired comfort level. The pillows themselves are also machine washable and the company offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — a rarity for Amazon-only pillow brands.

The best luxury pillow

If you love memory foam and are looking for something a bit more luxurious than what's out there, the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow offers a spa-like feel at a premium price. 

Pros: Luxurious feel, soft, spa-like feel, stays cool, doesn't need to be fluffed, machine washable, 45-day trial period

Cons: Not very adjustable, firmer than down-alternative pillows

In my 30+ years of sleeping on pillows, I've come to the conclusion that memory foam is just too hot and dense for me. Then I slept on the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow. The pillow is made from a combination of solid and shredded memory foam, and the result is a luxurious and supportive softness I haven't experienced before in memory foam pillows. Its equal parts plush and supportive, and reminds me of a larger version of the pillows they use to support your head during a spa facial. 

The pillow particularly appealed to the memory foam lovers among our testers, who concurred that it stayed remarkably cool and soft — qualities not usually seen in traditional memory foam. We also liked that it offered plenty of support for sitting up and reading. I love lounging on this pillow throughout the day, and whenever I lay my head down on it to sleep I feel like I'm a queen on the most luxurious hotel bed. If that's the experience you're looking for, this pillow may be right for you.

Loft-wise, the pillow has a moderate fill that is well-suited for side and back sleepers, but doesn't offer much adjustability; you can remove the memory foam core, but that takes almost all the support out of the pillow. And at $145, this Saatva pillow (along with Saatva's flagship pillow, which we recommend above for back sleepers) is the most expensive pillow we tried. While the company offers a 45-day trial period, it's a big financial investment to make for a pillow that might not offer the right loft for you. 

Still, I have never once had to fluff the pillow; each morning when I wake up, it's as perfectly plush and springy as when I went to sleep on it. If you're looking to treat yourself to a spa-like experience, we soft memory foam pillow, we highly recommend the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow. 

What else we tested

We researched more than a dozen pillows and tested 11 that fit our criteria while writing this guide.  

Other pillows we recommend:

• Zoma Pillow ($75.00): I really enjoyed sleeping on this memory foam pillow, which comes encased in a gray, mesh-like fabric. Unlike other memory foam pillows I've tried, it wasn't too hot or stiff and is a nice, moderate loft that works well for both side sleepers and back sleepers. Surprisingly, even my stomach-sleeping husband liked this pillow despite its moderate loft, since the pillow compresses pretty easily due to the softer memory foam and polyester filling blend. The gray pillow encasement comes off for easy cleaning and also hides stains well, so the pillow still looks brand new even after many nights sleeping on it. Unfortunately, the loft isn't adjustable; I found the compression flattened out the pillow a bit during the night, and I woke up with my head sunken into the pillow. This didn't cause me any neck pain and it was easy enough to fluff up the pillow again, but I prefer a pillow that doesn't compress as much during the night. If you like a malleable, softer memory foam pillow, the Zoma pillow may be a good choice for you.
• Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow ($99.00): Like our best overall pick by Coop, this pillow is stuffed with shredded foam that makes it easily adjustable to your sleeping preference—just remove fill as needed. However, it lacked many of the attributes that made our top pick a standout, like a pillow protector, a longer trial period, and additional foam right in the box for those who need even more loft. Comfort-wise, it was similar to other shredded foam pillows we tested: supportive, with some bounce, and runs a teeny bit hot. While it's a top choice with other consumer review sites, we think the Nest pillow offers fewer features than similar pillows do at a lower price point. 
• Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow ($130): This memory foam pillow has two sides: a "comfort" side and a "support" side, but I found little difference between either. Both sides are relatively firm, and while the "comfort" side may offer a teeny bit more softness, both were too stiff for my own preference or the preference of my testers. It was relatively cool compared to other memory foam pillows I've tried and may be a good option for those who like a pillow that lays flat and offers a lot of support.

Pillows we don't recommend:

• Zen Chi Buckwheat Pillow ($34.95): We didn't test this pillow for this iteration of this guide. It was previously our top pick for best buckwheat hull pillow but failed to meet our standards for inclusion because some Amazon reviews mention brand-new pillows arriving with wheat beetles on or inside the pillows or in the packaging — not exactly a quality that inspires a night of good dreams. While the pillow height and fill are adjustable, the company also doesn't accept returns or exchanges of any opened merchandise, which makes this a risky purchase if you're not sure you like the feel of buckwheat. 
• Le'Vista Hotel Collection Pillow ($34.99 for two): Formerly our best budget pillow, this Amazon-only brand has an unclear return policy (many report being charged a return fee) and gets middling reviews on the site. We didn't test it this time around because it didn't meet our criteria for returns. Still, $10 per pillow is a great price, and it might be worth a try if you're budget-oriented. Just keep in mind that customer service might be nonexistent and many reviewers claim the pillows flatten out quickly.  
• Tulo Pillow ($71): A few of our side-sleeping editors recommended this moderate-height memory foam pillow, but we didn't test it for this guide because it lacks many of the qualities of our top picks: it's not adjustable or washable, and the company doesn't offer a trial period or returns of open pillows.  
• Royal Hotel Goose Down Pillow ($159.99 for two): This goose down pillow was featured and recommended in previous iterations of this guide, but we ultimately excluded it this time around because the company doesn't appear to accept returns. If you have your heart set on a down pillow, check out our guide to the best down pillows.

Testing methodology

There is no one-size-fits-all best pillow for everyone; individual anatomy, sleep habits, and preferences deeply impact how comfortable a pillow will be from person-to-person. For that reason, our rating criteria for this guide relied heavily on the following considerations:

Return policy and trial period: It's impossible to know how comfortable a pillow is going to be for you until you sleep on it, despite how comprehensive our guide aims to be. "The most important thing is trying the pillows out to see what works for you," said Robbins, which includes being able to touch, lay on, and sleep with a pillow before deciding if it's right for you. For this guide, we only considered pillows that accept returns of used merchandise for a full refund with at least a 30-day trial window, which gives you ample time to decide if a pillow is right for you.

Adjustability: We prioritized pillows that are adjustable, with removable inserts or shredded fill for dialing in your perfect loft. This creates a more custom pillow that would better suit your needs.

Ease of use: We looked at how well each pillow fit a standard pillowcase, whether the pillow came with a case or protector, and whether all or parts of the pillow were washable for better hygiene and pillow longevity.

Comfort: I slept on all of the pillows for at least three (sometimes agonizing) nights. I also enlisted a side sleeper and a stomach sleeper to try the pillows over the course of a couple weeks. For future updates, we will develop a diverse sleep panel and have them test our top picks for additional feedback.

What we look forward to testing

• Vaya Pillow ($60): We're currently testing the Vaya Pillow, however, after noticing that the pillow we received looks significantly different than what is on the website, we contacted the brand and learned that the pillow we're testing is a newer version that's not yet available to the general public. We're waiting until the brand releases the new pillow to share our thoughts.
• Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow ($79.99): Made by the same company as our best overall pillow, the Eden Pillow features the same adjustable fill feature, but with softer, gel-infused foam. It could be a good option for those who are intrigued by an adjustable pillow, but like a cooler, softer feel. 
• Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow Ultimate ($129.99): This adjustable pillow has several smaller inner pillows that you can add or remove for your ideal loft. It's made from down-alternative fill and could be a good adjustable option for those who don't like the feel of memory foam. 
• Boll & Branch Pillows ($150 to $195): Boll & Branch reportedly tried 100 different prototypes, and at least five of our editors have tried its down and down alternative pillows. We'll be retesting and incorporating the feedback into this guide. 
• Brooklinen Pillows ($59 to $99): Brooklinen makes three different pillows in both down and down-alternative fills. Executive editor Ellen Hoffman reviewed the plush and mid-plush down options, and favored the mid-plush, calling it "a little bit of everything in a good way." We're looking forward to testing Brooklinen's options against our top picks for our next iteration of this guide.
• Bear Pillow ($100): Breton Fischetti, VP of commerce, tried the Bear Pillow and said it improved his neck pain and helped him sleep better. Made from memory foam and "double ice fabric," the pillow claims to stay cool all night long. We'll be testing for a future update to this guide. 
• Hullo Pillow ($99): The Hullo pillow is made from buckwheat hulls, a traditional fill used in Japan and many other Asian countries. Since we no longer have a buckwheat pillow we recommend, we're looking forward to testing this popular model and reporting back on our findings.

How to pick the perfect pillow

Robbins told us the single biggest consideration when picking a pillow is your preferred sleep position: side, back, or stomach. The goal of your pillow is to support your neck in a neutral position aligned with the rest of your spine, but that alignment shifts depending on the position you're sleeping in. While we all move around during sleep — switching positions about 60 times throughout each night — most of us spend the majority of our sleeping time in one position. 

Not sure what your sleep position is? Consider what position you typically fall asleep or wake up in. Robbins also has a neat exercise she performs with her clients: imagine you've been up for 24 hours and are presented with a big, luxurious hotel bed; how would you lie down on it to go to sleep? The position you envision is most likely your preferred sleep position and plays a big role in what type of pillow will work best for you. 

Side sleepers: Around 65% of the US population are side sleepers, according to Robbins, and this position requires the most loft and support to bridge the wide gap between the side of your head and where your shoulder rests on the mattress. If you're a side sleeper, choose a lofty pillow — ideally with an adjustable fill since there can be a lot of variability in the size of that shoulder gap from person to person. Robbins said hotels and sleep clinics usually outfit rooms with side sleepers in mind, so if you're buying pillows for a guest bedroom, a side sleeper friendly pillow is usually a good bet. 

Back sleepers: Back sleepers are the Goldilocks of pillow hunters — they need a pillow that is not too soft and not too firm, and with just enough support to lift the back of the head to be in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium, cushion-y pillow made from down or down alternative, though an adjustable pillow with at least one-third of the fill removed may work as well. 

Stomach sleepers: In the minority are stomach sleepers, who need the least amount of support from their pillow. Typically a thin, very soft pillow works best for stomach sleepers — just enough fill to cushion their face from the flat surface of the mattress. 

FAQs

How often should I replace my pillow?

Even the best pillows aren't meant to last forever; for the best sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing a well-used pillow every couple of years. Our fluffy little pillows absorb a shocking amount of dead skin and body oils night after night, which is the perfect breeding ground for allergens like dust mites. 

You can tell if it's time for a new pillow if your pillow is lumpy or flat no matter how much you fluff it. Robbins also told us that a healthy pillow springs back when you compress it; if you fold your pillow in half and it stays put, it's probably time for a new pillow. (One caveat: it may not work with a very, very thin pillow.)

Which pillows are best for allergy sufferers?

Many pillows are made from hypoallergenic materials, but if you're prone to allergies, Robbins recommends looking for a pillow with a synthetic filling. Pillows with animal fillings (such as down) may trigger allergies or exacerbate them over time, since dust mites really like fillings made from animal material.

No matter your pillow, the National Sleep Foundation and Robbins both recommend adding a pillow protector (an encasement that adds another level of protection from allergens, body oils, dust mites, and other pests) in addition to a pillowcase if your pillow doesn't already come with one (many of our top picks do), fluffing your pillows daily, and washing your pillow every couple of months according to manufacturer directions. Taking care of your pillow not only extends its life and helps you sleep better, but can also ease allergies. 

Are pillows adjustable?

It depends on the pillow. Many are not. However, our top pick, the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow is completely adjustable, so you can find the loft that's right for you. To adjust, you simply add or remove filling (the box comes with extra filling if you like a lot of loft) to reach your ideal comfort level.

What are the best pillows for hot sleepers?

If you tend to sleep hot (as I do), you may find pillows with down or down alternative filling — such as the Casper Original Pillow, Parachute Down Alternative Pillow, Saatva Pillow, or Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows— have better airflow than memory foam pillows. Some memory foam pillows have started advertising "gel foam" that purportedly keeps your cooler. However, we haven't found that this type of foam produces a marked difference in comfort for hot sleepers. If you absolutely must have a foam pillow, the Leesa Hybrid Pillow is the coolest foam pillow we've found.

How much do pillows cost?

You can find pillows at a range of price points, anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars. While it's not always the case that you have to spend more to get a good pillow (our best budget pick costs just $20), considering how much of our lives we spend sleeping, Robbins recommends thinking of a pillow as an investment that will pay you back in better sleep. Our favorite pillow is completely customizable and costs about $60, though you can often find it on sale for as little as $40 during the holidays and other sales events.

Can I wash my pillow?

It depends on the pillow. We recommend following manufacturer instructions for how to best care for and clean your pillow. 

What is pillow loft?

Loft refers to the height of your pillow, which will determine how far off the mattress it will lift your head. In general, experts recommend a pillow that will keep your head and neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. How much loft that's needed to accomplish this depends on your sleeping position (side sleepers need more loft to bridge their shoulder gap, while stomach sleepers need very little loft since their head is so close to the mattress) and individual anatomy. A pillow with an adjustable loft, like our top pick, helps you dial in the perfect loft for your body and sleeping style.

What pillow sizes are available?

Aside from decorative throw pillows and Euro pillows, most pillows for sleeping come in two sizes: Standard (or Queen) and King. We recommend a Standard/Queen size for Twin, Full, and Queen mattresses, and King pillows for King or California King mattresses. 

Check out more of our bedding guides

• The best memory foam pillows
• The best gel pillows
• The best latex pillows
• The best down pillows
• The best body pillows
• The best pregnancy pillows
• The best travel pillows

• Speakers with good performance can be pricey, but they often go on sale.
• We've compiled all the best speaker deals for February 2021.
• Right now, you can buy a Yamaha YAS-209 Soundbar for $300 – that's $50 off its full price.

Great speakers can make listening to music far more enjoyable — and speakers have been getting a whole lot better over the past few years. These days, even relatively inexpensive speakers can deliver well-rounded bass response, a well-tuned mid-range, and plenty of clarity and detail in the high end. 

Of course, if you're in the market for a new speaker or speakers, you'll want to think about exactly what kind of speaker best matches your needs. There are a number of different types of speakers, and they can all serve drastically different purposes. 

If you want something to take to the beach or use on the go, then a portable Bluetooth speaker is probably your best option. If you're looking to enhance your TV-viewing experience, then home theater speakers or a soundbar will do the job. If you want to bring a digital assistant into your home, then consider a smart speaker. If you just want speakers around the house to listen to music on, then perhaps it's worth considering bookshelf speakers. And, last but not least, if you want a more immersive computing experience, then consider buying a pair of computer speakers.

It's also a good idea to take the brand into consideration when purchasing speakers. Depending on the type of speaker you end up buying, you'll want to seek out different brands. For example, if you're buying a smart speaker, then it's definitely worth looking at options from companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple. Vizio and Samsung, meanwhile, are both safe bets for soundbars. If you're setting up a surround sound system, then brands like Klipsch and Focal will be a better fit for your needs. 

Last but not least, you'll want to think about your budget — and your budget might again depend on the type of speakers you're looking for. You can get decent Bluetooth and smart speakers for under $150 – but that probably won't be enough if you're looking for a soundbar or multiple home theater speakers.

Thankfully, you may be able to stay on budget and save some cash thanks to these awesome deals. After combing through the web, we've rounded up the best speaker deals out there for a variety of needs.

Here are the best speaker deals in February 2021:

Best Bluetooth speaker deals

Portable Bluetooth speakers make it easy to take your music on the road with you. Many of them are water-resistant, meaning you can use them near the pool or at the beach, and while they're usually not as great-sounding as more expensive home theater speakers or soundbars, they'll definitely get the party started at your next BBQ.

Best soundbar deals

If you're looking to enhance the sound quality in your living room without going all out for a full-sized surround sound system, then it's worth considering a soundbar. Soundbars range in price and audio quality, but the best of them allow for full-bodied audio in a relatively compact package. Some models even include wireless subwoofers and separate satellite speakers for more immersive performance.

Best smart speaker deals

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple's Siri have gotten a whole lot smarter over the past few years, and they can now help you with a huge range of tasks, including controlling smart home devices, finding out information from the web, and more. There are often deals on smart speakers too – so you might be able to pick one up at a super low price. So models even include screens, enabling video playback to go along with audio. 

Best home theater speaker deals

Soundbars are great, but if you truly want the most immersive movie-watching or gaming experience, it's worth looking into home theater speakers. Home theater speakers can be set up as a simple pair of stereo speakers next to your TV, or a full surround sound system. It should be noted, however, that home theater speakers typically require a separate AV receiver for power and processing, which can make purchasing a full system pricey. Thankfully, the below discounts can help cut down your costs.

Best computer speaker deals

Want to avoid having to use headphones all the time when you're at your computer? A great pair of computer speakers can make for a better PC gaming experience, or simply make listening to music and podcasts more enjoyable. Sometimes, computer speakers even come with a small subwoofer to help enhance bass performance.

• With access to sandy shores, gorgeous views, and water sports, beachfront hotels are coveted stays.
• We found top beach hotels across the US, from Hawaii and Oregon to Maine.
• Keep in mind that right now is peak season for many beach areas and hotel prices tend to soar.
• Read more: Is travel safe? We interviewed experts on risks associated with flying, booking hotels or Airbnbs, renting cars, and more, plus ideas on safe vacations during COVID-19.

Despite initial vaccine rollouts, COVID-19 continues to spread across the US. However, with pandemic fatigue at an all-time high and the snowy winter months in full swing, many are still looking for a sunny, domestic getaway for some R&R.

If you're wondering if it's safe to travel and stay in hotels at all right now, it's important to understand the risks. While vaccinations are underway, there is still no guarantee of safety when it comes to travel right now. It continues to be crucial to follow guidelines from organizations such as the CDC, wear a mask, wash your hands, and maintain social distancing. Additionally, check current state travel restrictions before booking, assess your own risk levels, and consider whether you are traveling to or from a hotspot so as not to increase infection rates.

However, if you're looking to escape a winter cold snap and hit the beach while social distancing, there are plenty of great options across the US for a closer-to-home vacation or staycation. Whether located on paradisaical islands or romantic, windswept coastlines, beachfront hotels that overlook the waves act like surgical glue for the soul.

We chose top beach hotels in the US based on the following criteria:

1. Every hotel on our list boasts ocean views, plentiful activities, and of course, beautiful stretches of sand. Some also come with extra perks and amenities like spa treatments, dining offered beachside, included chairs, umbrellas, towels, and oceanside food-and-beverage service.
2. Our best coastal vacation resorts cover a wide variety of geographies so you don't necessarily need to hop on a plane if you're not yet comfortable doing so.
3. They are also well-rated and reviewed on trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor, Booking.com, and Hotels.com, with a minimum of 4 out of 5-stars on the former and an 8.2 out of 10 on the latter two.
4. Our options accommodate a wide range of budgets. However, keep in mind that for many of these hotels, particularly in places like Florida and California, it's currently high season when prices soar.
5. All hotels also feature enhanced COVID-19 policies, which we outline below.

Jump to the best beach hotels in the US by state: 

• Oregon
• Hawaii
• California
• Georgia
• Florida
• South Carolina
• New York
• Massachusetts
• Maine

These are the best beach hotels in the US, sorted by state and price.

SEE ALSO: The best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico

SEE ALSO: The best affordable hotel rooms with private plunge pools

SEE ALSO: The best honeymoon destinations and hotels that are luxurious, but still affordable

SEE ALSO: The best hotels for families in the US

Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa - Pacific City, Oregon

Book Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa starting at $420 per night

Whether you want to catch crabs and fish from the bracing Pacific or simply enjoy them by the fire at signature restaurant, Meridien, Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa is delighted to oblige.

As the name indicates, you really couldn't get closer to the water than here, where the Nestucca River meets the Oregon coastline. 

Choose from one of the 33 King or Double Queen rooms, all of which have 440 square feet (or more, if you request a corner room) and poetic views of Cape Kiwanda's waves and Haystack Rock through picture windows. With luxe rustic furnishings, cast-iron tubs, gas fireplaces, and amenities that range from a Bonavita brewing system to a Bluetooth lantern speaker, there's no need to upgrade to a two- or three-bedroom cottage unless traveling with a group.

While Tidepools Spa, which has an outdoor hot tub, and the restaurant are sophisticated, everything here is about the natural world, the adventures to be had in it, and the relationship with the small, unpretentious Pacific City community. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 3 hotels in Pacific City

Booking.com Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: A full calendar features activities aplenty, from clamming to kayaking to earning a free pint by cleaning up the beaches. The lodge is also dog-friendly, so ask for those rooms if you're bringing your pet along.

Cons: Guests who didn't research the region are sometimes surprised by the isolation and lack of entertainment options. The hotel is two hours from Portland, so you will need a car. Also, the glass-walled showers in the King rooms are designed to provide a view of the ocean even while you bathe — which offers anyone else in the room a view of you. For more privacy, ask for a Double Queen room, which has a different setup.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. Many services and amenities have been updated to ensure the well-being and safety of guests, team members, and the community. These new measures include:

• All team members will wear masks and shifts begin with a wellness check, including a temperature check.
• Guests are asked to wear face coverings in public spaces and makes will be provided upon request.
• The hotel has implemented a rigorous schedule of sanitation for all guest rooms, public spaces, and team member areas.
• New signage has been placed to help maintain proper social distancing, and hand-sanitizing stations have been placed throughout public spaces and team member areas.
• Check-in and check-out services have been redesigned for efficiency.
• Reservations are required for dinner in Meridian Restaurant & Bar, with table spacing in the dining room. Guests must wear masks while moving about the dining area. Other meals may be delivered to guest rooms.
• Private adventure outings are available with physical distancing in place and group activities are capped at six guests.
• The spa reopened for treatments on  June 5, but the hot tub, steam room, and showers will remain closed.
• The fitness area and yoga studio are available for guest use with a maximum occupancy of four. Personal training sessions and private classes with social distancing in place are available.

Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Po'ipu Beach - Kauai, Hawaii

Book Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Po'ipu Beach starting at $365 per night

Ideal for a romantic getaway, this award-winning resort is known as Kauai's closest waterfront lodging. "Po'ipu" translates to "crashing waves," and this south shore beach resort is one of the sunniest spots on the island, and consistently recognized by Trip Advisor and travel magazines for its 121 rooms that are only steps from the sand.

The Spa at Ko'a Kea incorporates island clay, indigenous nut oils, locally grown sugar, coffee, and floral essences in products. Try a treatment in the outdoor seaside cabana room; you'll never want to go back to an indoor spa again. And, if you upgrade to a suite, the spa can provide an extraordinary in-room floral bath experience designed to restore and improve your immune system.

With executive chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas at the helm, the highly-rated Red Salt restaurant provides local and seasonal dishes, including ahi tartare and vanilla-scented Mahi. Sushi nights at Red Salt Lounge offer an alternative to the regular menu.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 7 hotels in Po'ipu Beach

Hotels.com Rating: 9.4

Pros: Romantic resort that makes it easy to hit the beach, book surfing lessons, or learn how to paddle a Hawaiian Outrigger Surfing Canoe on-site through Hoku Water Sports.

Cons: Some guests complain about customer service as well as small or outdated rooms.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open with new protocols, including:

• Face masks are required in common areas.
• All guests must adhere to federal regulations including the practice of social distancing at all times, including hallways, pool, ocean lawn, and dining spaces.
• With restrictions on businesses, there may be changes to availability and operating hours of dining and spa options. 
• The cleaning team has been briefed and trained on proper cleaning procedures to ensure the prevention of the COVID-19 virus.
• Public facilities will be cleaned more frequently than recommended by CDC guidelines and include enhancing and increasing the frequency of sanitation of commonly touched objects.
• Comprehensive cleaning and sanitization of guest rooms between stays.
• Additional signage throughout the hotels reminding guests and employees of healthy practices.

Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, Maui - Maui, Hawaii

Book Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui starting at $590 per night

This 22-acre playground is a terrific family-friendly beach resort, whether taking a whirl down the longest water slide in Maui (325 feet!) or nesting at the adults-only infinity pool that overlooks waters so blue you ache to paint them. Bypass the pools to walk to Wailea Beach and Ulua Beach Park.

Rooms with private balconies (also known as lanais) are spacious, beginning at 437 square feet, and are soothing with marble bathrooms and palettes of white and wheat rather than clichéd tropical hues. 

Views are stunning from wherever you are on property, but particularly from the Mandara Spa, which overlooks the Molokini crater and the island of Kaho'olawe. You can also experience the grandeur of the three championship 18-hole golf courses — the Wailea Golf Club is considered one of the best in the country — or get SCUBA dive-certified.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 of 9 hotels in Wailea Beach

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: The views are incredible and the spa even offers services for children. There are a variety of dining options available to cater to all tastes, from a food truck and a Starbucks to a Roy Yamaguchi venue.

Cons: The whole resort might feel a little bit Disney-ish and rooms are outdated. If you're a stickler for authenticity, this might not be the resort for you. Past guests have complained about too-few lounge chairs at the adult pool, along with premium prices for low-quality fare.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open with policies put in place by Marriott's 'Global Cleanliness Council,' which include the following:

• Face coverings are required in all indoor public areas.
• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers allow for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes, along with and new regimen changes. 
• In public spaces, surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants, and cleaning is done with increased frequency. 
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. Disinfecting wipes will be placed in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Marriott is planning to add partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution and hand sanitizing stations will be added as well.
• Touchless services will be added via Marriott's mobile app.

Tower23 Hotel - San Diego, California

Book Tower23 Hotel starting at $220 per night

Sleek and modern, with a distinct minimalist architectural style, Tower23 takes its moniker from the lifeguard tower near the hotel. 

Tower23 also takes its position as a place to sleep seriously. White goose-down duvets almost guarantee that once you retire for the night, you're going to have a hard time getting up. The rooms themselves are uncluttered and painted in deep blues and aqua hues, and suites come with living rooms.

Still, whether you start or end the day with a sea-inspired spa treatment, the friendly resort staff knows their role is to get you out to the beach. The proximity to those Pacific Beach sands and the frothing surf is a large part of the hotel's appeal, which is why the rooms face the west and bikes and beach accouterments are included. Even the highly regarded JRDN features a 70-foot long "wave wall" that reflects the famous sunset every night.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 292 hotels in San Diego

Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: Hotel staff are lauded for being both down home friendly and superbly professional at this beachy enclave where even the pool comes with ocean views. 

Cons: Some guests complain about the area, which may see some homeless people hanging around. Others don't appreciate the austerity with furniture.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. The following new cleaning policies are in place:

• Increase the already stringent frequency and rigor of cleaning and sanitation in all public areas, guest rooms, and office space. The process includes EPA approved disinfectants and allocating extra time for housekeepers to focus on high touch areas.
• Rotating in use guest rooms to allow more time between guest and staff entering rooms for cleaning.
• Provide additional training for all employees on safety and illness prevention, with a strict "don't work sick" policy for all employees.
• Employees are required to wear masks when they come within six feet of other people as required by San Diego County. Guests are asked to do the same.
• Implement contactless check-in plus temporary reduced services such as modified and/or suspended food and beverage, in-stay room cleaning, valet parking. 
• Continuous monitoring and adherence to all recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the San Diego County Public Health Order.

Sanctuary Beach Resort - Monterey, California

Book Sanctuary Beach Resort starting at $268 per night

Pretty and romantic, this eco-efficient resort is ideal for couples or a group of friends. Aptly named, the Sanctuary Beach Resort is burrowed into the Marina Dunes of Monterey Beach and presents amazing opportunities from whale-watching trips to learning from local artisans.

Housing is in water-facing bungalows where rooms start at 380 square feet and come with a private patio or deck, as well as French slipcovered chairs, and binoculars for the aforementioned whale and other wildlife watching. A natural gas-fueled fireplace provides warmth, and beds are made up with Harbor Linen's Monocle Collection that ensure a spectacular night's sleep.

Tour around town on specially made Dutch-inspired Republic bicycles, and revel in complimentary nature walks, led by local guides through the Marina Dunes Preserves, every Saturday and Sunday. Complete the experience with a picnic basket on the beach from the hotel's signature restaurant, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 of 9 in Marina

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: The proximity to nature, wildlife, and water is idyllic. Salt Wood's chef also makes a daily salt exfoliation rub out of local and seasonal ingredients for the spa.

Cons: Bathrooms are outdated, and spa facilities are un-noteworthy, though treatments are unique. In some bungalows, the view of the ocean is blocked.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and has developed a new "Rest Assured" program, a 5-point program that includes:

• Cleaning procedures utilizing EPA-approved disinfectants
• Increased frequency of cleaning and focus on high-touch areas in our public spaces and guestrooms.
• New protocols have been implemented across various hotel amenities such as pools, F&B, valet parking, shuttles, and spa.
• Guests have the opportunity to utilize mobile check-in and check-out.
• Associates have undergone extensive training on the Rest Assured program.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel - Santa Monica, California

Book Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel starting at $425 per night

Dependable and reliably upscale without being pretentious, the Loews hotel brand always performs well in popular markets. Parked on Santa Monica Beach next to the Pacific Park Amusement Park, the Loews Santa Monica is no exception.

The contemporary interior design couldn't say "Southern California" more. The double-story lobby's floor-to-ceiling windows frame each inch of beach and ray of sun. The 347 rooms and suites, recently refreshed, are done in creamy tones of white and tan with wave-patterned carpets and sky-blue accent pillows. Views alternate between the beach and palm trees, or the fourth-floor pool deck and fire pits.

Have a light meal next to one of those 13 oceanfront fire pits, or take advantage of a more elegant al fresco opportunity on the terrace of Ocean & Vine, the celebrated coastal California cuisine restaurant. The daily resort fee includes beach and pool amenities, so be sure to allow the pool concierge to pamper you with fruit smoothies and spray Evian mist as many times as you require.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 14 of 38 hotels in Santa Monica

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Loews is a trusted luxury brand offering a consistent high-end experience with great pool and beach facilities. Extras like beach volleyball, footballs, soccer balls, or other sand sport fixtures are all easily provided by the concierge. Plus, Venice Beach is only two miles away and complimentary shuttle service makes it easy to visit without the hassle of parking. 

Cons: Not all extras are included in the pesky resort fee. Bikes will cost extra, as will boogie boards, scooters, skateboards, and Rollerblades.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently accepting reservations. The following new cleaning policies are in place:

• When physical distancing is not possible in common areas, staff and guests are asked to wear masks. Based on role and responsibility, some staff will be required to wear gloves as well. All vendors will wear masks and gloves when inside the hotel.
• All staff and vendors will undergo temperature checks before entering the hotel.
• Improved standards for cleaning guestrooms, meeting rooms, outlets, corridors and public areas with a Peroxide Multi-Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant, an EPA approved product created by Ecolab.
• High alcohol content hand sanitizer stations have been added to front desks, spas, fitness centers, meeting rooms and other high traffic guest areas. There are also increased protocols for team member handwashing.
• Contactless experiences will be offered that includes an app to control the television, chat requests for room service, concierge, or valet; and dropping new linens and towels in a sealed bag at the door instead of servicing the room.
• When and wherever possible the hotel will leave occupied guestrooms vacant for 48 hours, upon checkout, before thoroughly cleaning and checking in a new guest.
• The number of passengers will be limited in each elevator ride and lobby attendants will clean the elevator area frequently.

The Westin Jekyll Island - Jekyll Island, Georgia

Book The Westin Jekyll Island starting at $184 per night

With a manicured lawn in front and a beach in the back, this LEED-certified, pet-friendly resort represents both the south and the raw beauty of Jekyll Island to a T. Lushly landscaped with palm trees and tropical plants, the hotel offers nature, tranquility, and immediate access to seagrass dunes and sandy beaches, where birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife abounds.

Clean and modern, with updated technology and complimentary Wi-Fi, the business-accessible rooms are generously sized with at least a partial view of the water and a balcony. Some have inland views and no balconies, though, so be specific when you book. Westin's trademarked Heavenly bedding is especially comfortable, and the rainforest showerheads are comforting.

Dining options include The Reserve Steak House, which features native Georgia seafood in addition to meat. Before or after a meal, perch at Harry's Lounge for a craft cocktail and look over the dunes. A 20-mile bike path that stretches in front of the hotel is a terrific alternative to working out in the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, even though it is nicely outfitted and open 24/7.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 4 of 10 hotels in Jekyll Island

Booking.com Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Pros: The expansive grounds are well-kept and inviting, and electric car charging stations are a nice perk. 

Cons: Because everyone has to drive to get here, parking can be a problem. Also, don't expect easy access to ride-sharing services. If you don't need to drive to pick up an item, don't; Jekyll Island Beach Village is next door for all your shopping needs.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. They are following new policies put in place by Marriott's 'Global Cleanliness Council,' which include the following:

• Face coverings required in all indoor areas.
• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers allow for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes, along with and new regimen changes. 
• In public spaces, surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants, and cleaning is done with increased frequency. 
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. Disinfecting wipes will be placed in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Marriott is planning to add partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution and hand sanitizing stations will be added as well.
• Touchless services will be added via Marriott's mobile app.

Omni Amelia Island Resort - Amelia Island, Florida

Book Omni Amelia Island Resort starting at $255 per night

The versatility of the well-named Omni brand is legend. It can work as easily for a corporate retreat or destination wedding as it can for a couples' getaway or family vacation. That's because the resort, with 402 oceanfront rooms, sprawls over the tip of this barrier island, and includes everything from a conference center to a chapel.

Done up in pastel blues, aquas, and creams — with a patterned or red accent thrown in — the rooms start at a liberal 425 square feet. Beachy decor (think cane back chairs) extends to the balconies. The beds are particularly comfortable, with 330-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets over pillow-top mattresses.

If you don't want to take advantage of the 3.5 miles of beach that beckons right outside the window, check out what the venue calls its "multi-tiered pool deck." For adults-only, the infinity-edge pool is highly tempting, and for families, the 10,000-square-foot splash pool and water park is just as exciting. On cool nights, cozy up to two oversized fire pits.

Omni Amelia Island Resort is renowned for its two golf courses, one designed by Tom Fazio and the other by Pete Dye. Park the kids, if you have them, at Camp Amelia and head out for a round or two. Or take them with you. There's instruction for all ages available.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 10 of 14 hotels in Amelia Island

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Sweeping views and stunning grounds with a mind-boggling array of dining options from 10 different restaurants that range from steak to seafood to Southern-inspired fare.

Cons: Cleanliness and maintenance issues pop up among customer complaints from time to time.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. Omni Hotels & Resorts has enacted the 'Stay A Part of Clean' initiative, which includes new cleaning guidelines and additional processes and procedures to ensure the health and safety of guests. That entails:

• Daily health screening, including temperature checks for staff, as well as frequent sanitization of all common areas, thorough re-training on proper hygiene, and best practices including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Increased frequency of sanitization with EPA-certified cleansers that are CDC-compliant, additional guest sanitization stations in public areas, increased cleaning of HVAC systems, and replacement of air filters.
• Signage and distance indicators will be used throughout the hotel in high-traffic areas to allow for and encourage proper social distancing.
• Custom menus will focus on quality ingredients that limit contact in kitchen prep, with attendant-only served buffets, plated meals, receptions, and coffee stations. Hotels will use single-use, individually sealed food and cutlery items, where applicable.
• Cleaned and disinfected guest rooms will have an "Omni Safe & Clean" seal of approval sticker upon completion with single-use amenities provided in each guest room, as well as enhanced disinfecting of high-touch items, and requested items delivered in a contactless manner.

The Diplomat Beach Resort - Hollywood, Florida

Book The Diplomat Beach Resort starting at $296

This lavish Hollywood resort is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, bridging the land between the beach and the Intracoastal, so it's essentially surrounded by water.

After a $100 million renovation that was completed in 2017, the hotel emerged with 1,000 rooms and suites, most of which have views of the waves. Rooms have either a sunrise or sunset color scheme, depending on which side of the resort they face. The lobby is dramatic, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows at the back where the indoor-outdoor wraparound Hotel Bar is located. That lobby also contains eight noteworthy restaurant concepts that range from Geoffrey Zakarian's Point Royal to the Diplomat Prime Steak House.

While the beach offers jet skiing, ocean kayaking, and paddleboard rentals, younger family members also appreciate the Dip + Slide water park, where the slides end in a lagoon pool. There, parents can keep sight lines on the kids while enjoying poolside spa and lunch service. The kids' club, Ocean Ambassadors, relieves parents of duty so that they can enjoy The Diplomat Golf Club and The Diplomat Tennis Center, too.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 14 of 79 hotels in Hollywood

Booking.com Rating: 8.2

Pros: The hotel is only a mile from Hollywood Beach's Broadwalk, where dozens of restaurants and cafes offer service. You can also head there for bicycle and water sports rentals if the hotel's beach gets too busy. Across the street, The Marina at Diplomat Landing provides extra venues for dining and entertainment.

Cons: Because this is a popular convention hotel, it's crowded when fully booked, and can become competitive for spa times and pool loungers. Also, the high-rises in the area block the sun by mid-afternoon depending on daylight savings time.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently closed through April 1, 2021.

WaterColor Inn & Resort - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Book WaterColor Inn starting at $325 per night

Fair warning: WaterColor Inn & Resort is situated in the prettiest part of Florida Panhandle, where the award-winning beaches are so white and fine that you can't help but think of cake icing. 

David Rockwell designed the 60 rooms starting at 500-square-feet with Adirondack chairs on the balconies and cabana showers on the patios. The 500-acre setting includes long leaf pine forests for hiking and biking, a coastal dune lake for kayaking and canoeing, and a 1,400-square-feet of private beach. The hotel is also next door to Grayton Beach State Park, where you can make good use of the property's complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and canoes. 

Renovated in 2019, the resort also offers local seafood, Southern, and family-friendly fare via FOOW (formerly known as Fish Out Of Water) and a terrific collection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The spa and fitness center provides plenty of distraction, as do beach bonfires and outdoor movies.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 3 hotels in Santa Rosa Beach

Booking.com Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: The location might feel remote, but satellite and cable flat-screen televisions and comped Wi-Fi keep you connected seamlessly. And Santa Rosa Beach and the small towns that surround it all feature plenty of restaurants and boutiques.

Cons: Occasionally, nature gets in the way — the dunes can block the view, for example. Santa Rosa is also difficult to get to from certain parts of the country.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. New policies include:

• Enhanced sanitation procedures and frequency throughout WaterColor Inn.
• Enhanced hotel housekeeping protocols,
• Access to hand sanitizer in key locations around the hotel with physical-distancing procedures in all communal spaces, including beach access.
• Community pools are monitored by the WaterColor Community Association; chairs and tables are set in line with physical-distancing guidelines. 
• Touchless entry to hotel and hotel facilities, when possible.
• Making mask and gloves available to guests, upon request.
• Thermal temperature controls for all team members and guests, as needed.
• Wristbands will be issued and required to enter the Beach Club. Lounge chairs will be spaced 6 feet apart and sanitized after each use (please do not move furniture). Towel service will not be available and any towels left unattended will be removed and sanitized.
• To adhere to group size limitations, pool entry will be based on a first-come, first-served basis, and monitored to ensure limited occupancy is maintained. Towel services will not be available and pool decks will close in phases for proper sanitation procedures beginning at 5 p.m. daily.
• The public beach is open but the only permitted activities are sunbathing, walking, jogging, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, boating, and surfing. All guests need to vacate their beach chairs promptly at 4 p.m. to allow for proper sanitation. 
• The gym and spa are open but no couples massages are permitted at this time.
• Dining will be available but with modified service.
• Complimentary bicycles are available for guest use; please return prior to dusk. Bicycles will be sanitized after each use.

South Seas Island Resort - Captiva Island, Florida

Book South Seas Island Resort starting at $403 per night

A combination 330-acre wildlife sanctuary and resort, South Seas dominates Captiva Island. It's a family-friendly Gulf Coast resort that offers a variety of rooms, multi-bedroom villas, and private houses where you very much feel at home — if your home comes with sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and long-legged water birds of various hues.

This former key lime plantation now caters to a variety of families, groups, and couples all looking for the same things: relaxation and beachside entertainment. Fortunately, it's easy to find, given that rooms in the Harbourside Hotel are close to nine restaurant options, the resort's interactive pool complex, the Gulf-side golf course, the marina, and the beach. Jet-Skis, fishing charters, sailing lessons, banana boat rides, parasailing, and kayak tours are just a few of the on-site activities that are available to book. If that's not enough adventure and exercise, check out the beach and paddleboard yoga classes. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 4 of 4 hotels in Captiva Island

Booking.com Rating: 8.2

Pros: The pools are large and varied and the beaches are filled with shells, unlike the fine white sands on the northwest and east coasts of Florida. Looking for sharks' teeth is another great, free activity for kids.

Cons: This is a huge resort and it's easy to get lost. You'll need a car, golf cart, or catch the provided trolley to get around. Depending on the room, villa, or home that you rent, you might have issues with upkeep or maintenance as some are timeshare units and in need of renovation. As such, design and decor can vary dramatically from unit to unit.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. They are following new policies that include:

• The vast majority of outlets are operational, however, some may have reduced hours or limited services.
• Masks are required at all indoor public spaces.
• Standards for hygiene, cleaning, and safety have been elevated to follow CDC guidelines, and as such, the hotel will not offer any early check-in or late check-out requests until further notice.
• Training hotel staff on cleaning and sanitizing procedures developed by AIMClean, the hotel's proprietary robust cleaning and sanitizing certificate program that includes best practices from in-house and outside experts, such as Ecolab.
• Increasing the frequency of cleaning and special sanitizing using EPA-approved products throughout all public areas of the hotel, meeting spaces, guest rooms, and work areas with a focus on high-touch areas and hard surfaces.
• Providing food and beverage offerings in a grab and go format or touchless delivery.
• Physical distancing throughout all areas of the resort including public areas, fitness centers, meeting spaces, lobby, pool, beach, and other retail outlets.
• Hotel staff must use PPE such as face coverings, temperature checks, with increased personal protocols for handwashing and wearing gloves.
• Encouraging all guests to utilize touchless services, from check-in to making payments.

The Miami Beach EDITION - Miami Beach, Florida

Book The Miami Beach EDITION starting at $559 per night

With a bowling alley, an ice-skating rink, and a nightclub all in the lowest level alone, this hotel practically screams fun. But that doesn't mean it lacks luxury. The tropical greenery and sleek midcentury modern decor stuns from the moment you walk into the posh lobby.

Custom and exclusive are two words that guide you through the EDITION experience, from the La Labo bath products to the fragrance made just for the hotel. Sip creative craft cocktails and trendy bites at Matador Bar or outdoors at Tropicale. Follow with a dip in the serene pool to soak up Miami's Art Deco feels and beach breezes. Finish with an exquisite pan-Latin meal at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Matador Room. 

Standard rooms, larger than average for the region, are tastefully decorated in hues of driftwood and white with marble bathrooms, wood paneling, and a variety of natural textures. Feather mattresses with pillow tops and duvets ensure an excellent night's sleep.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 12 of 222 hotels in Miami Beach

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Rooms are larger than average for the region, which helps justify the higher price. Happy hour oysters, welcome drinks, beach attendants, and Marriott Bonvoy upgrades all add to the sophisticated appeal of staying here.

Cons: The overbuilding on the beach in this area has created a wind tunnel. Be prepared for the breeze to be super strong at night. When it's full occupancy during holidays and school breaks, guests complain about noise and slow housekeeping service.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. They are following new policies put in place by Marriott's 'Global Cleanliness Council,' which include the following:

• Masks are required in indoor common spaces.
• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers allow for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes, along with and new regimen changes. 
• In public spaces, surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants, and cleaning is done with increased frequency. 
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. Disinfecting wipes will be placed in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Marriott is planning to add partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution and hand sanitizing stations will be added as well.
• Touchless services will be added via Marriott's mobile app.

The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Book The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort starting at $300 per night

Kiawah Island is more known for its stately residences than hotels, but one of the few luxury hotels available is the elegant Sanctuary Hotel. It's also the only hotel located directly on the island's 10 miles of beachfront property. 

King bedrooms begin at 520 square feet with custom-made mattresses outfitted with matelassé bed covers. Lounge on them in the Italian linen robes provided, or just savor the stunning bathrooms with marble walk-in showers, double vanities, and soaking tubs.

If the beach begins to pall, visit two separate pools, one for adults and one for families, which are tended by beach concierges. To continue your workout routine, enjoy LCD flat-panel touch screens on cardio equipment, followed by a dip in the indoor pool. Or choose private Pilates and yoga sessions with personal instructors. Play outdoors on any of the five world-class golf courses or tennis on the 22 courts in the famous Roy Barth Tennis Center, now directed by Roy's son, Jonathan.

As guest after guest notes, you get what you pay for at The Sanctuary Hotel. A room might not come cheaply, but the experience lingers.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 3 hotels in Kiawah Island

Hotels.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: The Sanctuary Chapel opened in 2019, making destination weddings even easier. In other helpful news, the resort has partnered with Volvo and maintains a fleet of new vehicles for first-come, first-serve use (see the concierge).

Cons: Some regulars say service has declined in the past year. Regardless, it's best to stay in the hotel. While villas and rental homes are also available, these are part of the resort holdings as a whole but not part and parcel of the hotel, which offers guests separate privileges.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. New policies include:

• Once a guest has checked into their room, staff will not enter the room for the duration of the guest's visit, including daily housekeeping services. Fresh towels and bath amenities will be delivered anytime to a guest's door upon request. Nightly turndown service is also currently suspended.
• Chair and umbrella service will be available with seating restrictions at both the outdoor pool and Sanctuary beach access.
• The Sanctuary pools and fitness center are reserved for hotel guests only, and will operate with restricted use, and require reservations.
• Bike rentals, beach chair and umbrella service, and youth programs are by reservation only. 
• Select retail stores are open with restricted occupancy, allowing for safe social distancing.
• Guest temperature checks are implemented at all restaurants throughout the resort, using a contactless thermometer.
• Golf courses and tennnis courts are open.
• The salon and spa are open, however, many amenities are suspended.
• Dining is available at many restaurants, with modified services.

Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa - Montauk, New York

Book Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa starting at $305 per night

The embodiment of the Hamptons, Gurney's is the only hotel in Montauk that's open year-round. Stylish, sexy, and focused on service, the resort is a crowded, see-and-be-seen hot spot during the summer season when prices spike. But booking May through September gives you access to the 1,000-square-foot private beach, with its array of lounges and daybeds, as well as The Beach Club for food and beverage service. However, some seating is reservation only, so be sure to inquire about where you're allowed to sunbathe. 

Standard rooms feature natural cottons and linens and a crisp, nautical palette of white, beige, gray, and navy. Don't let the bathroom's vintage brass fixtures fool you — the rainfall showerheads are as up-to-date as they come.

If you like steam rooms, you'll love the Finnish Rock Sauna, Russian Steam Room, and Roman Bath at the Seawater Spa, which offers Thalasso therapies. The indoor-outdoor seawater pool is a draw, too, as are the five dining-and-drinking options, including a sibling to Manhattan's renowned Scarpetta.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 11 of 39 hotels in Montauk

Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: Gurney's is one of a few luxury hotels in the area, offering an upscale alternative to many of the renovated motels along this stretch coastline that charge a similar pricepoint for less of a resort feel. Also, the Seawater Spa offers bridal services, so destination weddings are easy to arrange.

Cons: The standard rooms and bathrooms are tiny for the money, and guests complain that they can be worn out and have climate control problems.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. New policies include:

• New steps to ensure safety, from check-in to check-out, including the addition of rigorous cleaning protocols, increasing the frequency of cleaning, and placing hand sanitizing stations, wipes, and masks throughout the property.
• Self parking upon request and valet options.
• Arrival package inclusive of your room key, letter from your Resort Manager, and details on in-room programming offerings, which are expanded to include in-room dining menus, kids activity kits, and curated playlists.
• Utilization of additional outdoor spaces throughout the resort.
• Scarpetta Beach outdoor dining now open, reservations required. The Beach Club, The Firepit, and Tillie's are open to resort guests only. Reservations required.
• Due to state regulations the fitness center is closed and the spa is currently closed as well.
• Travelers must self-quarantine for 14 days from these states (subject to change): Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club - Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Book Wequassett Resort and Golf Club starting at $550 per night

Cape Cod has a certain captivation that exerts a pull like a magician on a rabbit's ears. And the 22 historic buildings that comprise Wequasset Resort and Golf Club are Cape Cod incarnate, with beachside rooms and villas replete with plush armchairs, white wicker dining sets, gas fireplaces, and marble bathrooms.

Twenty-Eight Atlantic is not only the resort's iconic restaurant, but it attracts foodies from all over the Cape. Chef James Hackney's fluke crudo with salmon roe or his lobster carbonara served on Limoges china, explains why. After, enjoy cocktails under a pergola at LiBAYtion, which features stunning views of the water.

The neighboring par-72, 18-hole Cape Cod National golf course is one of those courses that is always and forever beloved by serious golfers. But for casual players, it's also one of the prettiest places to play (even if you will tee off into the trees). Four Har-Tu tennis courts provide another option. But don't forget why you're here. If you want to get onto the water, Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals will arrange any kind of kayaking, sailing, or fishing tour or charter.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 5 hotels in Harwich

Booking.com Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: Stunning Cape Cod scenery with a full slate of resort programming, including a children's center, supervised splash park, and playground that makes it especially family-friendly.

Cons: The beach and pools are crowded in the summer season, and guests complain about cleanliness and upkeep issues in certain rooms.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations, but there is a two-night minimum stay. New policies include:

• The hotel will communicate with you prior to arrival to determine your housekeeping preferences, dining reservations, and planned activities and encourage you to use their texting platform for communication prior to and during your stay.
• Check-in will be offered curbside and staff will use contactless credit card devices. Guests will be directed to an assigned parking space. Bell service will be available, but optional. Luggage will be left at the entrance to guest room and luggage handles will be disinfected.
• Concierge service will be available virtually or by appointment.
• Social distancing practices will be observed, and staff will wear face coverings and gloves.
• You may depart remotely; a guest folio may be reviewed on your television. 
• Housekeeping services will be provided based upon guest preferences with the option to receive daily service and nightly turn-down service or to have linens, towels, and amenities delivered to the room or left at the entrance instead in a sealed bag.
• All staff will wear masks and gloves and changed frequently when cleaning guest rooms and bathrooms.
• Staff has been trained to properly address high touch points and avoid any possible cross-contamination when cleaning.
• When possible, guest rooms and suites will be left vacant for 24 hours between check-out and check-in.
• A letter will be placed in each guest room noting the specific policies and protocols the resort has adapted for cleanliness and sanitization.
• All restaurants and bars will follow the guidelines set by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. In-Room dining will be available to guests and other meals may be enjoyed on patios, decks, or other outdoor areas to allow proper social distancing. Restaurant dining will require a la carte menus and reservations, with stringent cleaning practices.
• The pool area seating capacity has been redesigned to accommodate social distancing policies. Cabanas will be available with upgraded food and beverage selections. All lounge and beach chairs will be thoroughly sanitized after each use. Prepackaged sunscreen and twice daily refreshments will be offered. The public jacuzzis will remain closed per the state.
• Additional seating will be offered on the private beach with beach chairs, umbrellas and towels provided.
• The main fitness center has a maximum capacity of five guests.

Inn by the Sea - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Book Inn by the Sea starting at $242 per night

Located in Cape Elizabeth, just seven miles north of Portland, Maine, the ecologically friendly Inn by the Sea commands a mile of sand on Crescent Beach that guests access by strolling through lush nature. The entire 61-room and suite property, which is also landscaped with indigenous flowers and bushes, attracts native birds and butterflies and is an Instagram lover's dream.

Because Crescent Beach is spacious and the property limited, the beach never gets crowded, though there is also a pool. On cooler evenings, it's also extremely pleasant to sit out on the expansive patios and balconies that rim the rooms and suites, which are decorated with a variety of lush textiles, metallic accents, and marble countertops. 

A spa provides ocean-inspired treatments that use seaweed, salts, oils, and marine peptides. Dinner at Sea Glass, one of the best restaurants in the area, is an inventive adventure in seafood, especially if you order the tasting menu. The chef also is a whiz with vegan menus as well as gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free dishes.

Trip Advisor Ranking: No ranking of hotels (it may be the only one of its caliber in Cape Elizabeth) but 4.5 stars out of 1,610 reviews

Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: There's plenty to do with regular calendars that provide information on activities ranging from family movie nights to mixology classes. The resort is also pet-friendly.

Cons: While the property provides some activities and games like bocce, it doesn't offer a ton of recreation. It's best used as a base to explore Portland and the surrounding area.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations. New policies include:

• Touchless curbside check-in. Guests may pre-register and receive key packets without entering the inn.
• Enhanced housekeeping services to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests and hotel staff. 
• Expanded space between tables both indoor and outdoor at dining venues.
• Social distancing will be observed at the pool, outdoor decks, and throughout the resort.
• All team members will wear face masks and receive training on COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols that will also be supplemented with various in-state certification courses.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Items will be available for guests upon request, such as gloves and masks, and each guest room will be pre-stocked with hand sanitizer.
• Each guestroom will be carefully inspected and overstocked with various items to ensure a safe and seamless arrival experience. 
• Upon request, housekeeping will access your room to provide service and restock linens and amenities. Guests requesting limited service should coordinate in advance. It is preferred that the room be vacant when staff enter/exit. Fresh linens and towels along with any other requested amenities will be packaged and placed at your door upon request
• The frequency of cleaning and sanitizing has been increased in all public spaces with an emphasis on frequent contact surfaces. In addition, the frequency of air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning has been increased and fresh air exchange will be maximized.
• All pool chaise lounge chairs have been preset in groups of two, with one table and umbrella offering a total of 24 available seats, all set six feet apart.
• Beach chairs and umbrellas will be sanitized before and after each use and set six feet apart.
• The spa and fitness center are now open, with reduced hours and new policies to protect associates and guests.

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