The financial calamities predicted at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic didn't materialize for most healthcare startups. 

The industry's up-and-coming private companies largely benefited from the one-two punch of financial concerns in other parts of the market and an increased focus on healthcare with all eyes on America's wavering pandemic response.

2020 will likely go down as one of the single most pivotal years for the US healthcare industry in history. Even outside large hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, private startups raised a whopping $17 billion in 2020, a 57% increase over 2019's record, according to Silicon Valley Bank.

That led to a new herd of healthcare unicorns, private companies valued at or above $1 billion. Some former unicorns, like GoodRx and Amwell, made public market debuts while others continued raising venture capital and private financings while the market was favorable. Some startups raised two separate funding rounds in the last year alone.

Read more:The 8 digital health startups to watch that are changing healthcare in 2021

Insider rounded up the 26 healthcare companies currently valued at more than $1 billion, according to Pitchbook and additional reporting.

This article was initially published in January and has been updated to add Aledade and DispatchHealth.

SEE ALSO: Investors think Amazon and Alphabet could set the pace for healthcare deals in 2021. Here's what they are watching.

MDLive - $1 billion

MDLive is a long-standing telemedicine provider that has boomed during the pandemic. The 11-year-old company offers a suite of digital health and virtual care services to its patients in the United States and operates on a similar level to its competitor, telehealth giant Teladoc.

Teladoc in October completed its merger with Livongo, a company that helps patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, spurring speculation that MDLive may pursue a similar blockbuster deal in 2021. On February 26, health insurance company Cigna announced it was buying MDLive for an undisclosed amount and was folding it into Evernorth, its health services division that also includes pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts. 

MDLive announced $50 million in equity investment in September. According to Pitchbook data, the round valued MDLive at $1 billion and also included $25 million in debt financing as a separate transaction.

— Megan Hernbroth

Cityblock Health - $1 billion

Cityblock Health wants to improve healthcare outcomes for low-income patients through its social support services for what investors call social determinants of health in addition to its virtual care service.

These factors, which include access to public transportation, affordable and reliable housing, and nutritious food, operate outside the four walls of a clinic or doctor's office but have massive implications on patients' long-term health.

Cityblock Health raised $160 million in Series C funding on December 14, catapulting the three-year-old startup to the unicorn club.

Investors told Insider that startups like Cityblock could be poised to rise even further in 2021 as the pandemic continues and the inequities in care remain at the forefront of the nation's response.

— Megan Hernbroth

Virta Health - $1.1 billion

Virta Health is a Silicon Valley startup that combines virtual care and the trendy ketogenic diet to help patients with diabetes. 

Virta encourages patients with type 2 diabetes to adopt a low-carb, high-fat diet and matches them with trained professionals to help track and manage their symptoms. In a peer-reviewed study Virta funded, researchers found that these changes to a patient's diet could ultimately reduce or remove the need for medications like insulin.

Virta raised $93 million in Series C funding in January 2020 before raising another $65 million in Series D funding on December 2. The subsequent round valued the startup its $1.1 billion, Bloomberg reported.

— Megan Hernbroth

Lyra Health - $1.1 billion

Lyra is a mental health startup that works with companies to provide better benefits to employees. The startup has a network of therapists, coaches, and other care providers that provide virtual care visits to any employee with access to the software at little or no cost.

The service has been booming during the pandemic, according to investors, as remote employees struggle with work-life balance and employers seek to replace the enticing in-office perks with options that benefit more people.

Lyra raised $110 million in Series D funding on August 27, earning the five-year-old startup a $1.1 billion valuation, according to Pitchbook data.

Investors have been eager to back mental health startups in 2020, and many told Business Insider they foresee that trend only increasing in 2021. 

— Megan Hernbroth

Sema4 - $1.1 billion

Sema4 is a data analytics startup based in Stamford, Connecticut, that looks at data sets of large populations to gain insight into health outcomes. The company spun out of the Mount Sinai Health System in 2017, and was named for a system of sending messages using codes, which is the core function of its technology.

On July 29, the company said that it raised $121 million in Series C funding from BlackRock Innovation Capital Group, Mount Sinai Health System, The Blackstone Group, Moore Strategic Ventures, Deerfield Management, Oak HC/FT, Decheng Capital, Connecticut Innovations, and Section 32.

The round came about a year after a $120 million Series B funding round. In total the company has raised nearly $371 million, according to Pitchbook data.

In February, Sema4 announced its intention to go public through a reverse merger with blank-check holding company CM Life Sciencesthat would value the company at $2 billion once the deal closes. It was just one of several healthcare companies opting to go public through this process, commonly called a SPAC IPO.

— Megan Hernbroth

Freenome - $1.2 billion

Freenome is a liquid biopsy startup that seeks to detect cancer through a routine blood draw. 

"What we're aiming to do is develop a test that healthy patients would take as part of their annual physical that tells you whether or not somebody's going to have cancer," cofounder and CEO Gabe Otte told Insider in 2016 following the company's seed funding round.

Otte developed technology that can read the human genome for early markers of cancer by looking at a patient's blood instead of more traditional biopsies that rely on sampling tumor cells. In the years since his first fundraising round, Otte and his team have also created software that creates a system for early disease detection and screenings.

The San Francisco-based company raised $270 million in Series C funding in July. Its investors include GV, Roche Venture Fund, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, Fidelity Investments, Novartis, American Cancer Society, Andreessen Horowitz, BrightEdge Ventures, Polaris Partners, Section 32, RA Capital Management, and Farallon Capital Management, among others. It has raised more than $508 million in total, according to Pitchbook data.

— Megan Hernbroth

Rakuten Medical - $1.2 billion

Headquartered in San Diego, Rakuten Medical develops precision-targeted cancer therapies designed to treat solid tumors. 

The biotech is led by the Japanese billionaire Hiroshi Mikitani, who is also founder and CEO of the large Japanese e-commerce firm Rakuten. Mikitani said he was inspired to fund the cancer research after his father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012.

Rakuten Medical has raised about $471 million, according to PitchBook. Both Mikitani and Rakuten have invested in Rakuten Medical.

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

Orca Bio - $1.2 billion

Biotech startup Orca Bio creates new cell therapies for procedures like bone marrow transplants that help strengthen patients' immunity. The doses are personalized to each patient and are built cell-by-cell using another person's blood.

According to the company, this treatment could help cure certain diseases and decrease side effects commonly experienced with current drugs. In November, the startup released a study of its therapy's success on patients with graft-versus-host disease, a complication commonly associated with transplant recipients. 

The Silicon Valley company raised $192 million in Series D funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners and 8VC on June 17. According to Pitchbook data, it has raised $300 million since it was founded in 2016.

— Megan Hernbroth

Whoop - $1.2 billion

Whoop makes a health and fitness tracking strap that has won over everyone from Lebron James to Eli Manning to Kevin Durant.

The strap, which functions similar to existing watch fitness trackers, allegedly helped PGA Tour golfer Nick Watney detect early COVID-19 symptoms by picking up on his elevated respiratory rate, in addition to integrating with popular fitness app Strava. The strap itself costs nothing and is included with a membership for $30 a month or $288 for one year.

The 8-year-old startup was founded by 31-year-old founder and CEO Will Ahmed. On October 28, Whoop said it had raised $100 million in Series E funding at a $1.2 billion valuation. 

— Megan Hernbroth

Everlywell - $1.3 billion

Everlywell offers at-home testing kits for food sensitivity, fertility, hormones, STDs, and thyroid or metabolism issues, all compliant with federal standards. The startup sends samples to accredited labs, which perform the tests using patient-provided samples similar to what would occur at a routine doctor's office visit. 

The tests are not currently covered by any insurance providers, but Everlywell says that it tries to keep its pricing simple and easy for consumers to understand. 

Everlywell patients receive results that have been reviewed by licensed physicians through a mobile app. They are then able to take those to a primary care or specialist provider without having to step foot in a traditional medical testing lab. The startup received national attention when founder Julia Cheek pitched the idea on Shark Tank.

In March 2020, Everlywell announced it was also offering an at-home COVID-19 test as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the United States. It partnered with independent labs to scale infrastructure to the point where it can handle up to 250,000 tests weekly, according to the company.

The company raised $25 million in Series C funding in February 2020. On December 3, the startup announced it raised $175 million in Series D funding from Goodwater Capital, Highland Capital Partners, and Next Coast Ventures in addition to several private equity firms. In total, the company has raised more than $250 million.

— Megan Hernbroth

Grand Rounds - $1.3 billion

Grand Rounds works with companies like Walmart and Home Depot to offer an on-demand healthcare virtual assistant to employees as an employer-provided benefit. The company previously focused on large self-insured companies like the aforementioned, but have recently started selling to medium-sized companies as the pandemic left many employers scrambling to offer relevant benefits while maintaining low costs.

In September, Grand Rounds raised $175 million from private equity firm Carlyle Group that launched its valuation to $1.3 billion, according to Pitchbook data.  

"As COVID hit and these employers, to take care of digital and work-from-home workforces across the country, they all had unique situations and needs pop up," Carlyle Group investor and Grand Rounds board member Robert Schmidt told Business Insider in September.

— Megan Hernbroth

Ro - $1.5 billion

Ro is a direct-to-consumer provider that offers generic medications for conditions such as erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and weight management through the mail. Patients can consult a doctor through Ro's telemedicine service throughout the course of treatment and are required to pay a cash fee for medication and the visit since Ro doesn't accept insurance. 

The three-year-old company raised $200 million in venture funding on July 27, nabbing a $1.5 billion valuation as a result. It acquired Workpath, another startup that provides in-home care services, in December as it seeks to expand beyond digital health.

— Megan Hernbroth

Olive - $1.5 billion

Olive makes automation technology for healthcare workers. Its artificial intelligence software picks up on keystrokes to learn how a healthcare worker interacts with specific applications and provide suggestions for tasks like prior authorizations or patient verifications. It also has a tool to help automate processes in hospitals' human resources, finance, and supply chain departments.

Olive raised $106 million in venture funding in September, just months after raising $51 million in March 2020. It is currently valued at $1.5 billion, according to Pitchbook data. In December acquired Verata Health to further expand its services to insurance companies and hospitals.

— Megan Hernbroth

HeartFlow - $1.6 billion

HeartFlow is trying to make the process of finding blockages in the heart a lot less invasive. Using imaging from a CT scan, HeartFlow builds a 3D model that pinpoints the blockages associated with coronary-artery disease, a heart condition that affects millions of Americans and is the leading cause of death in the US. 

HeartFlow is based in Redwood City, California, and reached unicorn status in 2018 after raising $240 million. In total, the company has raised $532 million. 

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

DispatchHealth - $1.7 billion

DispatchHealth provides home-based care for more than 300 health plans. For people not on these health plans, Dispatch charges $275 at the time of treatment via credit card. Its healthcare professionals, including emergency medicine-trained physicians, visit people's homes on-demand and provide medical care ranging from applying stitches to cuts to 30-day supervision following a bout with pneumonia. 

On March 3, Dispatch announced it raised $200 million in Series D financing at a $1.7 billion valuation, making it the first unicorn of 2021. The funding came just nine months after its Series C and was a result of the startup's rapid growth during the coronavirus pandemic.

— Megan Hernbroth

Zocdoc - $1.8 billion

Zocdoc helps patients book doctors' appointments and check-in for them — everything from primary care to dental to optometry appointments.

Users can search based on procedures, conditions, and even a particular doctor they might want to book an appointment with.

In 2019, the company changed the way it pays its doctors in some states, moving from a subscription model to one that charges a per-booking fee. Some doctors weren't been happy about the switch.

Zocdoc, which is based in New York, most recently raised $130 million in a Series D round in August 2015, bringing its total raised to $223 million. The company's last reported valuation is from 2015, according to Pitchbook.

During the pandemic, Zocdoc introduced video visits for the providers on its platform to use with patients. 

Zocdoc cofounder Cyrus Massoumi in September sued executives and board members at the company, claiming he was pushed out of his role as CEO in an illegal "coup." The lawsuit was dismissed shortly after in December 2020. A representative for Massoumi said that he intends to appeal.

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

Devoted Health - $1.8 billion

Devoted Health wants to reinvent how we care for aging Americans.

The company started selling Medicare Advantage plans in parts of Florida for 2019. In its second year, its enrollment jumped, in line with the company's expectations. 

The company's plans might look a bit different from traditional insurance in that Devoted plans to do more than pay for visits to doctors and hospitals. It also hires nurses and other employees directed at keeping seniors healthier and out of the hospital.

Devoted was founded in 2017 by brothers Ed and Todd Park. Before Devoted, Todd Park cofounded the health IT company Athenahealth and served as the chief technology officer of the US during the Obama administration. Ed Park, who serves as Devoted's CEO, was formerly the chief technology officer and later chief operating officer at Athenahealth.

In 2020, the startup quietly raised $380 million in a round led by Uprising, Insider reported in February. 

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

Zymergen - $2.1 billion

Synthetic biology company Zymergen is a Silicon Valley company that turns living organisms into new materials. Synthetic biology involves harnessing the power of cells to make products like less-toxic sweeteners for food or drugs and biodegradable building materials and bags. It was a popular area of investment for cutting edge VC firms prior to the pandemic as the technology could help combat single-use plastic use.

On July 29, the eight-year-old startup raised $350 million in Series D funding led by private equity firm Baillie Gifford, according to Pitchbook data. Other investors include SoftBank Investment Advisers, SVF, Schiehallion Fund, SciFi VC, DCVC Bio, True Ventures, Perceptive Advisors, Baron Funds, Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust, and MicroVentures.

— Megan Hernbroth

Aledade - $2.1 billion

Aledade is a seven-year-old startup that helps independent primary care practices and clinics get paid based on how well they take care of patients. It now works with about 800 practices in 31 states, up from about 555 practices in 27 states a year ago, which accounts for roughly 1.2 million patients.

Aledade announced a $100 million Series D funding round in January that valued the company at $2.1 billion. It has raised $306 million to date. 

— Megan Hernbroth

Lyell - $2.5 billion

The San Francisco biotech company is focused on treating cancer with cell therapies. Lyell's goal is to develop cell-based immunotherapies for cancer, with a focus on CAR-Ts and solid tumors.

In March 2020, the company raised a total $493 million in funding from undisclosed investors. The company has raised a total of $851 million, according to CB Insights, from investors including Foresite Capital Management, Arch Venture Partners, and Altitude Life Science Ventures.

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

Sana Biotechnology - $2.8 billion

Sana Biotechnology is developing engineered cells that can be used as medication for patients. The goal, according to the company, is to engineer cells to repair and control genes or replace missing or damaged cells with an entirely new set of therapies for a range of conditions. It is currently focusing on immunology, stem cell biology, gene delivery, and gene modification.

The Seattle-based company said it has roughly 250 employees across three offices. In June, it raised $435 million in Series B funding from GV, Omega Fund, and Flagship Pioneering, according to Pitchbook data. The round was part of a larger initial financing, according to the company, which totaled $700 million after multiple separate rounds of fundraising.

Additional investors include ARCH Venture Partners, F-Prime Capital, Altitude Life Science Ventures, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, City Hill Ventures, Baillie Gifford, Alaska Permanent Fund, Public Sector Pension Investment Board, and Bezos Expeditions.

— Megan Hernbroth

Radiology Partners - $4.3 billion

Southern California-based Radiology Partners owns and operates radiology clinics in 26 states across the US. According to the company, it employs roughly 1,500 radiologists and provides radiology services to more than 1200 hospitals on-site and virtually.

The eight-year-old company raised an undisclosed amount of private equity financing from Heritage Group in 2020, according to Pitchbook data, and subsequently raised two rounds of debt financing. Prior to 2020, it raised $750 million in growth financing from Starr Investment Holdings on July 19, 2019.

— Megan Hernbroth

Gingko Bioworks - $4.9 billion

Ginkgo Bioworks is a startup that designs microbes to produce substances like fragrances and medications. The Boston-based company sends the programmed bugs to partner companies that put them to use.

In September 2019, Ginkgo raised an additional $290 million. In total, the company has raised $719 million and a $350 million fund to invest in spinout companies that use its technology. 

In 2020 Ginkgo responded to the coronavirus pandemic by helping with testing, vaccines, and antibody therapeutics, according to its website. 

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

Tempus Labs - $8.1 billion

Chicago-based Tempus got its start in 2015, and then rocketed into unicorn territory.

The startup, which was founded by Groupon founder Eric Lefkofsky, hopes to help doctors use data to find better cancer treatments for patients, using both clinical data — information about which medications patients have taken and how they responded to them — and data it sequences in its lab based on the tumors and hereditary genetics of cancer patients.

Tempus raised $100 million in March 2020 and another $200 million in December 2020, putting the company at an $8.1 billion valuation. So far, the company has raised about $1 billion. 

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

Roivant Sciences - $9 billion

Roivant Sciences is a company known for developing drugs that other pharmaceutical companies have abandoned.

The company was founded by CEO Vivek Ramaswamy, who's 35. Through its subsidiary companies, it identifies experimental drugs that other companies may have stopped developing for one reason or another that still have potential to get approved and go on the market.

So far, it has launched 17 subsidiary "-vant" companies, including a number that have gone public. Those include the neurodegenerative-disease-drug developer Axovant Sciences, the women's health company Myovant Sciences, and the urology company Urovant Sciences.

In December 2019, the company entered a deal with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. The company raised $200 million from investors in 2018 a little more than a year after raising $1.1 billion in a monster round led by SoftBank's Vision Fund. The $200 million round valued the company at $7 billion. 

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

Samumed - $12.4 billion

Samumed is the highest-valued startup on this list.

The San Diego-based company has attracted a total of $764 million and a heady valuation thanks to a pipeline of what could be revolutionary treatments to regenerate hair, skin, bones, and joints.

The company's science hinges on something called progenitor stem cells. Samumed hopes to manipulate the pathway that makes these progenitor stem cells spring into action so that they don't cause conditions like hair loss or osteoarthritis. 

The company had previously raised funding from backers including high-net worth people and sovereign funds rather than venture capital. Samumed's chief business officer, Erich Horsley, said in May 2018 that the company could go public in the next three to four years.

— Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer

• A quality can opener will last you for years or even decades.
• If you need a new one, the Made in USA Can Opener is our top pick as it's simple to use and cuts well. 
• We've also selected efficient and high-quality electric, manual, and portable can openers.

Can openers are an essential part of every kitchen. Yet, from your dollar store find to high-end options at department stores, there are a lot of terrible can openers on the market. Fortunately, with a little bit of research, you can find a device that is durable, sanitary, and simple to use.

Most can openers also function as bottle cap openers, and some even open large jars. If you're looking for a device that will serve a variety of purposes, the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener and P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener are great options. But if you're looking for a solid can opener that does the job, the Made in USA Can Opener is our top pick.

We chose our top picks based on their track record of accurate cutting, reliable performance, and price.

Here are the best can openers in 2021

• The best overall: Made in USA Can Opener
• The best electric can opener: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener
• The best ergonomic can opener: OXO SteeL Can Opener
• The best versatile can opener: Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener
•  The best compact can opener: P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener

The best overall

The Made in USA Can Opener is a manual can opener with reliable and consistent results. The handles have a grip for comfort and the sharp blades cut cleanly.

Pros: Consistent performance, long-lasting, efficient

Cons: Leaves sharp edges, manual can opener might not be ideal for those with limited mobility

The Made in USA Can Opener features a skip-proof feed wheel, is gear driven, and is made from carbon steel. The gears, wheel, and cutter are all zinc plated and heat treated.

It works like a traditional manual can opener: Press the cutting blade on the top of the can along the lip, hold the thick handle pads, and turn the crank until you have almost completed a rotation. Use a butter knife to flip the lid up. Empty the contents, then press the lid down into the can.

This method of opening cans isn't ideal for those with limited mobility, but we have an electric option that might suit their needs better.

The best electric can opener

When you want to open a can with minimal mess, effort, or little chance for contamination, the Hamilton Beach 76606ZA Smooth Touch Can Opener is a smart choice.

Pros: Easy to use, leaves smooth edges, works for cans of all sizes, strong magnet

Cons: Requires electricity, might have trouble with thick-rimmed cans

For those who want or need a can opener that requires little effort, an electric one is a good option. This one from Hamilton Beach operates with just the press of a button.

To operate, you just press the large ergonomic lever until the can has made a complete rotation. The magnet holds the can in place as it cuts along the sides instead of the top, so the lid won't fall into the food. The cut leaves smooth edges, and the blade of the opener, which can collect harmful microbes if you don't wash your cans, doesn't make contact with the food, either.

The best ergonomic can opener

When you have to open several cans to cook a meal, the OXO SteeL Can Opener's large ergonomic knob means you won't tire out.

Pros: Feels comfortable in your hands, long track record

Cons: Hard to clean, the handle may slide

What sets the OXO SteeL Can Opener apart from the other models on this list is the large, soft turning knob. The large-size makes it more ergonomic than other manual can openers, and the grips are helpful if you're operating the opener with wet hands too.

The opener is made of sleek stainless steel. The blade is sharp and makes cutting easy to manage, and there is also a handy built-in bottle cap opener.

The best versatile can opener

If you want to streamline the number of tools in your kitchen, the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener opens cans, jars, bottles, and more.

Pros: Performs a variety of tasks, leaves smooth edges, dishwasher safe

Cons: Requires reading a manual, knob is hard to turn

The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener opens pop-tops, cans, pull tops, jars, and bottles. Like the Hamilton Beach model, this device is a side cutter that does not come in contact with the can's contents.

Unlike the Hamilton Beach or Made In USA models though, this can opener is not intuitive to use and would require reading the manual.

To use this opener, you should place the tool on top of the can with the two half circles lined up with the can's rim. Once you twist the knob, the opener will grip the lid and cut. You will feel less resistance after a full circle. You should stop at this point and remove the top using the mini-pliers push button. If you try to do more than one revolution, you may get slivers or burrs of metal in your food.

The best compact can opener

If you're preparing for stuff to hit the fan or just want an easy way to open cans while backpacking, the P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener are inexpensive and lightweight options.

Pros: 75-year track record, compact, inexpensive

Cons: Works slowly, requires a little elbow grease, leaves sharp edges

Though it is not an official US Army-issued item, the P-38 and P-51 can openers have been used by our armed forces since they were first introduced in 1942. Nicknamed the "John Wayne" and manufactured by the US Shelby Co. in the United States, these can openers get their name for how long they are. The P-38 is 38 millimeters long and the P-51 is 51 millimeters (or about 2 inches), and both are popular among survivalists and veterans. 

These durable slabs of steel fit on a keychain. There are many websites devoted to celebrating this can opener, and the list of uses is virtually endless. US Shelby advertises the P-38's ability to clean fingernails, clean grooves, open cans, open seams, screw drive, and cut items.

For can opening, you rotate the cutting edge 90 degrees from the stowed position. You then hold the can opener with the blade directed downward and rotate the can with your other hand as you cut the lid off.

The P-38 takes about twice as long to open cans as their cranking counterparts, and there appears to be a little bit of a learning curve and a need for elbow grease. Yet, once you get the hang of using this can opener you'll appreciate its simple but useful design. 

FAQs

How should I clean my can opener?

Keeping your can opener clean and free of rust is imperative as a dirty or rusty opener can create unsafe food conditions. We recommend wiping your can opener down with a cloth and hot water or vinegar to clean it. It is best practice to clean your can opener immediately after using it. 

What should I look for in a can opener?

With so many options out there, it can be hard to pick a can opener that is both easy to use and good quality. First, we recommend assessing your kitchen counter space. If your counters are cramped, your best bet will be a manual can opener that can fit nicely into a utensil drawer. If you have more space and prefer a more hands off approach, an electric can opener is a great option. Many can openers have multiple functions, such as being able to open jars and other items, so it can also be helpful to think about what you would like to use your can opener for before purchasing. 

When using manual openers, a good grip ensures that you can open cans quickly and efficiently.  The handle grips on your can opener should always be comfortable to use, even if you have to open several cans at once. So when looking to purchase a new can opener, make sure that the handle grips feel comfortable in your hands. 

Check out our other kitchen guides

• The best flatware and silverware
• The best knife set
• The best cutting boards
• The best cookware sets

Walmart is losing its EVP of US supply chain to MedTronic, Bloomberg was first to report. It's the latest in a cascade of high-ranking executives in the company's e-commerce leadership. 

Smith was at the helm of Walmart's recent efforts to combine its store and e-commerce supply chains, which has led to staffing changes up and down the organization.

Walmart's e-commerce strategy has recently been dominated by the acquisition of Jet.com in 2016, which brought an injection of e-commerce talent with a startup mindset. Since then the company has embraced pickup and drive-up, started and ended partnerships with a handful of same-day delivery partners, launched its own on-demand delivery workforce in Spark, and overtaken Amazon as the market leader in e-grocery. Under former Walmart e-commerce CEO Marc Lore, the retailer also engaged in an acquisition spree, purchasing a number of digital native brands like Bonobos, Modcloth, and Art.com.

Carol Spieckerman, president of Spieckerman Retail, told Insider that Walmart has long been a "pioneer" of retail e-commerce. She said the company's "traditional strength and innovation" came from its cost-cutting supply chain, but that the world of e-commerce has completely shifted.

"Walmart's e-commerce business could be seen as being quite mature," she said. "And whenever you have a mature business, you have to think about what's next."

On top of all this innovation, the Jet acquisition also led to a bifurcated footprint with some staff in New Jersey and some in Arkansas. In January, the retailer laid off 1,241 employees across the two offices — the result of an earlier move to consolidate elements within the store and e-commerce supply chains and embrace the omnichannel future. 

The consolidation involved combining the two formerly disparate distribution, e-commerce-fulfillment, reverse logistics, inbound and outbound transportation functions all under Smith's leadership. 

"His efforts have positioned the company to make substantial investments in supply chain capacity and productivity in coming years, and I'm excited about what's ahead for that team," wrote Walmart US President John Furner in an internal memo distributed Wednesday. 

With Smith moved on to medical device supplier MedTronic, the company is searching for a Chief Supply Chain Officer and a Supply Chain Chief Operating Officer under that to manage the company's warehouse and transportation fleet. 

Spieckerman said that, with its spate of staffing changes and divestments from some of the companies acquired by Lore, Walmart appears to be prepping for next-stage growth, namely the "promise of a seamless experience between online and in store" in categories beyond grocery.  

Just four years after acquiring Jet, Walmart shut down the e-commerce site and absorbed its employees into its own e-commerce operation. 

Meanwhile, Spieckerman said other players in the industry have taken note of Walmart's e-commerce capabilities. Spieckerman said that Walmart's e-commerce "stars" could be as valuable to companies looking to poach executives as "Amazon insiders."

"Arguably you could say that from a career standpoint in the past, Walmart was the end of the line," she said. "As sophisticated as Walmart has become, it's also become a talent launch pad."

Walmart has traditionally had "lifer" culture where executives climb the ranks for decades. CEO Doug McMillon has been with the company for 30 years, famously starting out as an hourly worker unloading trucks. The growth of e-commerce has spurred more external hires at the company. Only one of the recent senior departures had been with the company for more than ten years and more than half stayed for less than five years.

Many spent just a few years at the company before moving on. Here's where they went:

SEE ALSO: Target is following in Amazon's footsteps with a major leap forward in e-commerce logistics — here's how

READ MORE: Experts predict what's coming from Walmart's mysterious new fintech venture after it poached two high-profile execs from Goldman Sachs

Greg Smith

Then: EVP of Supply Chain for Walmart 

Now: EVP of Global operations and supply chain for Medtronic

Clocked in: January 2017

Clocked out: March 2021

Greg Smith joined Walmart in 2017 after five years at Goodyear and a decade at ConAgra in operations roles. A 2019 shuffle of Walmart executives added e-commerce supply chain to his portfolio, after which Smith reported jointly to Walmart US President Greg Foran, John Furner's predecessor, and Marc Lore, the then CEO of Walmart eCommerce. Lore departed two months before Smith. 

Marc Lore

Then: CEO of Walmart eCommerce

Now: Working on a new venture

Clocked in: September 2016 

Clocked out: January 2021

Lore came to Walmart with its acquisition of Jet.com in 2016, a company he'd started with cofounder Nathan Faust just two years earlier. Lore is credited with transforming Walmart's e-commerce strategy. But the retail giant shut down Jet.com in 2020, preceded by an exodus of its own. 

"While Marc will leave his current position, he will continue to play an important role as an advisor and partner to Walmart," wrote Walmart CEO Doug McMillon wrote in an internal email announcing Lore's departure in January. At the time, Lore told Recode he was planning to build a 'city of the future' operating on a 'reformed version of capitalism.' He is also planning to write a book and start developing a TV show.

Ashley Buchanan

Then: EVP and Chief Merchant, US eCommerce for Walmart

Now: CEO for Michaels  

Clocked in: March 2007

Clocked out: January 2020

Ashley Buchanan is the lone Walmart long-timer in the high-profile e-commerce exits class of 2020-2021. Buchanan had been with Walmart since 2007, but he left to become the CEO of Michaels in January 2020. In his 18-year tenure, he held grocery-related roles for Walmart until 2017 when he became EVP and chief merchandise officer for Sam's Club. In 2019 he took the equivalent role at Walmart. 

Since he took the helm at Michaels the CEO told the Wall Street Journal he has directed the craft store back toward arts and crafts supplies and away from seasonal decor. The company is reportedly in the process of going private. 

Jamie Iannone

Then: COO Walmart eCommerce 

Now: CEO for eBay

Clocked in: January 2014

Clocked out: April 2020

Jamie Iannone was a possible successor for Greg Smith had he not left the company in 2020 to become the CEO of eBay. He entered the world of Walmart through Sam's Club, where he was CEO of SamsClub.com and worked to move the warehouse club experience online — still a work in progress for the company.

As COO of Walmart e-commerce, he oversaw the operational shifts to omnichannel strategies and was responsible for Store No. 8, Walmart's in-house tech incubator. Before Walmart, he served as the present of digital products at Barnes & Noble preceded by an eight-year stint at eBay. 

Mark Ibbotson

Then: EVP Realty and Central Operations for Walmart 

Now: Instacart, reportedly  

Clocked in: February 2015

Clocked out: February 2020

In the five years Mark Ibbotson worked for Walmart, his e-commerce responsibilities increased. Eventually, he led the retailer's expansion of online grocery sales, according to Bloomberg. Ibbotson left soon after being passed over for the COO role at the company. 

Ibbotson came to Walmart US through its British subsidiary Asda, where he was COO. Winsight Grocery Business recently reported Ibbotson had joined Instacart to explore partnership opportunities in automated fulfillment centers. The role is informal and unconfirmed by either party. Ibbotson is credited with bringing robotics pilots to Walmart stores and iterating in-store omnichannel strategies like locker pickup. 

Scott Ruffin

Then: VP and head of eCommerce Transportation for Walmart

Now: CEO of Pandion 

Clocked in: January 2019

Clocked out: June 2020

Scott Ruffin came to Walmart by way of Amazon where he founded and led Amazon Air — the retailer's in-house air cargo operation. At Walmart, he led transportation efforts for Walmart's e-commerce operations under Greg Smith and SVP of Supply Chain Transportation Joe Metzger, who remains at the company. Ruffin left Walmart in June to found Pandion, an e-commerce logistics startup that came out of stealth mode in February. 

Jeff Bezos has been awarded $218,000 in legal fees, the latest development in the high-profile legal drama surrounding the Amazon CEO. 

What began as a tabloid scoop two years ago revealing the relationship between Bezos and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, has since resulted in investigations into her brother, Michael, the National Enquirer, and even the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, as well as a protracted legal battle between Michael Sanchez and Bezos.

Here's where the conflict began and everything that's happened since. 

SEE ALSO: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, have weathered a tabloid scandal, a lawsuit, and maybe even interference from a foreign government. Here's where their relationship began and everything that's happened since.

In January 2019, Bezos and his then wife, MacKenzie, announced they were divorcing.

Source: Jeff Bezos/Twitter

Their announcement was followed soon after by bombshell reporting from Page Six and the National Enquirer: Bezos was in a relationship with Lauren Sanchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV anchor.

Source: Page Six

At the time, Sanchez was married to Patrick Whitesell, the co-CEO of WME, a Hollywood talent agency. The couple had been friends with Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos because they had houses near each other in Seattle, according to Page Six.

Source: Page Six

The Enquirer said it had conducted a four-month investigation into the relationship between Bezos and Sanchez, tracking the couple "across five states and 40,000 miles" and tailing them on hikes and dinner dates.

Source: The National Enquirer 

Beyond its own surveillance of Bezos and Sanchez, the Enquirer reported it had acquired "raunchy messages" the couple had sent each other, some of which the tabloid published. The Enquirer also said it had racy photos of both Bezos and Sanchez, including one that was too explicit to describe in print.

Source: The National Enquirer 

Soon after, The Daily Beast reported that Bezos was funding an investigation — headed up by his personal head of security, Gavin de Becker — into who had leaked his private messages to the Enquirer. De Becker said at the time that he thought the leaks were "politically motivated," which AMI denied.

Source: The Daily Beast, 

In February 2019, Bezos responded to the scandal in an explosive blog post, in which he accused National Enquirer publisher AMI and its then CEO, David Pecker, of trying to blackmail him.

Source: Jeff Bezos/Medium

Bezos wrote that AMI had been threatening him with the publication of explicit pictures he'd taken of himself unless he stopped investigating who leaked his photos and texts to the tabloid. In response, Bezos published the emails he'd received from AMI.

Source: Jeff Bezos/Medium

"Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I've decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten," Bezos wrote.

Source: Jeff Bezos/Medium

De Becker told The Daily Beast that Michael Sanchez was "among the people we've been speaking with and looking at" during the investigation and that "strong leads point to political motives" for leaking information to the Enquirer.

Source: The Daily Beast

Sanchez had described himself as a supporter of President Donald Trump, who had a longtime ally in Pecker. De Becker told the Washington Post in February 2019 that he thought the Enquirer had published its scoop about Bezos and Sanchez in order to embarrass Bezos, and that members of Trump's 2016 campaign were involved.

Source: The Washington Post

A feud has simmered for years between Trump and Bezos, who also owns the Washington Post. Trump has made the Post a target over the years and has lumped together Amazon and the Post as a way to cast doubt on the paper's credibility.

Source: The Washington Post

For his part, Sanchez denied de Becker's allegation, accusing him of telling "lies, half-truths, sloppy tabloid leaks, [and] crazy conspiracy theories" in a statement to the Washington Post. He told Fox News that "all of the investigations thus far have cleared me of any involvement in the below-the-belt selfies."

Source: The Washington Post, Business Insider

Sanchez told Business Insider that he did not leak Bezos' "penis photos" to the Enquirer, but did not specifically deny leaking text messages between his sister and Bezos. "I'm not saying I didn't do something," he later told Vanity Fair, but said his only goal was to protect his sister and Bezos' relationship.

Source: Business Insider,Vanity Fair

Sanchez had worked as a Hollywood talent manager, and he told Fox News that Bezos had asked him for help handling the scandal around his divorce. "He said that he didn't think the Amazon PR team was equipped to handle this kind of story," Sanchez said of Bezos.

Source: Business Insider

In March 2019, de Becker wrote in The Daily Beast that he believed the Saudi Arabian government had hacked Bezos' phone in order to gain access to his private messages in retaliation for the Post reporting Saudi agents killed Post columnist, Jamal Khashoggi.

Source: The Daily Beast

In January 2020, that assertion was backed up by reports by the Guardian and United Nations investigators, who said they had "reasonable certainty" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in a hack of Bezos' iPhone.

Source: Business Insider

Throughout it all, AMI has insisted that Michael Sanchez is the single source behind its reporting on Lauren Sanchez's relationship with Bezos. According to a New York Times report from January, Lauren Sanchez shared the texts and photos with her brother, who then licensed them to the Enquirer for $200,000 in October 2018.

Source: The New York Times

In February, Michael Sanchez filed a defamation lawsuit against Bezos that claims Bezos and de Becker falsely accused him of providing the nude photos to the Enquirer. Sanchez claimed in the suit that Bezos told journalists he had handed over the images to the tabloid, but Sanchez said he never had the photos in his possession.

Source: Business Insider

Following the lawsuit filing, Lauren Sanchez said in a statement to TMZ that her brother "secretly provided my most personal information to the National Enquirer — a deep and unforgivable betrayal. My family is hurting over this new baseless and untrue lawsuit, and we truly hope my brother finds peace."

Source: TMZ

In the lawsuit, Sanchez used the word "fiancé" to describe Bezos' relationship to Lauren Sanchez, implying that the couple is engaged.

Source: Business Insider

Bezos quickly filed a motion to dismiss the suit under a California law that's intended to protect against frivolous lawsuits. Bezos said Sanchez's suit amounted to "extortion" and directly threatened free speech.

Source: Business Insider

In November 2020, Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled in favor of Bezos, striking down Sanchez's defamation suit. "Here, there is no admissible evidence that Defendants published the subject statements. Plaintiff's declaration merely discusses what he was told by reporters, which is inadmissible hearsay," Judge John P. Doyle wrote in his ruling.

"We respectfully disagree with the trial court's ruling and look forward to vindicating Mr. Sanchez's claims on appeal," Tom Warren, Sanchez's attorney, told Insider in an emailed statement at the time. 

William Isaacson, an attorney representing Bezos and de Becker, said in an emailed statement to Insider that "journalists will surely take the Court's ruling into account when considering Michael Sanchez as a source."

"My clients are pleased that the judge has thrown out the baseless case filed by Michael Sanchez," Isaacson said. "When it comes to frivolous lawsuits seeking money or attention, the law is clear — and the law worked."

Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles

In January, Bezos filed a motion to compel Sanchez to cover $1.7 million in legal fees following his unsuccessful suit.

Bezos and de Becker requested that Sanchez reimburse them for $1,676,919.50 in attorney fees and $36,019.26 in other costs they racked up while defending the suit.

Tom Warren, an attorney for Sanchez, told Insider in a statement that "Mr. Bezos' fee request is obscene, even grotesque, on many levels."

Source: Business Insider

The court ruled in March that Bezos would be awarded money to cover the fees, but only a small portion of what he originally requested: $218,385, plus an additional $36,000 in legal costs.

The judge ruled that the amount of hours billed (more than 2,070) and the number of lawyers put on the case was "not reasonable," according to Bloomberg. 

"This was not a matter that required seven partners and 11 associates," Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge John Doyle said. 

Source: Business Insider

• Running socks manage moisture and provide cushioning to prevent blisters and hot spots on long runs.
• A quality sock is made of sweat-wicking materials, has targeted cushioning, and lasts through dozens of washes.
• Our top pick, the Rockay Accelerate Running Socks, is durable, comfortable, and wicks moisture.

Running doesn't require much equipment. While fancy gear might make runs more enjoyable, some would argue all you need is a quality pair of runners. However, there's another key piece that shouldn't be forgotten: a reliable pair of running socks.

These two pieces of running apparel work in tandem to keep your feet happy from heel to toe and as most runners know, happy feet make for a much more enjoyable run. You may think any old pair of socks might do but we strongly encourage you to try out a pair of running-specific socks instead. 

We all tend to have strong opinions on which brands are best but it's important to note what works for one runner may not work for another. That's why we tried a variety of options perfect for a variety of runners. At the end of this guide, we lay out what to look for in a pair of quality running socks and how we tested here:

• Best overall: Rockay Accelerate Running Socks
• Best for durability: Darn Tough Tab no show running socks 
• Best for comfort: Balega Hidden Comfort no show socks
• Best for cold: Smartwool PhD Run Cold Weather mid crew socks
• Best on a budget: Saucony Performance No Show socks
• Best for blister prevention: Injinji Run 2.0 lightweight no show toe socks
• Best compression socks: Swiftwick Aspire Twelve
• Best for fun ankle patterns: Zensah Limited Edition Running Socks

Best running socks overall

The Rockay Accelerate running socks are comfortable, moisture-wicking, and made from durable, high-quality materials with a focus on sustainability.

Pros: Comfortable, durable, moisture-wicking, made from thoughtfully sourced materials, provide support where you need it most

Cons: Expensive

Socks were the first product to be released from the Danish running company, Rockay, and after testing a pair of its Accelerate, I was immediately impressed. They're incredibly comfortable thanks to a blend of organic merino wool, polyamide, and elastane, and I appreciated the seamless construction. Its focus on using eco-friendly methods and materials is a nice touch, too. 

The blend of materials allows for impressive moisture-wicking capabilities to help prevent blisters. My first test run was on an unseasonably warm day but my feet never felt overheated and stayed dry throughout the run. 

Durability-wise, these socks wash incredibly well. As with most of my running gear, I try to hang dry everything since heat can damage the synthetic materials often used in athletic clothing. However, there were a few times these socks slipped their way into the dryer and I was pleased to find that their performance was unaffected. If you do have any issues, these socks are guaranteed for life, so you can receive another pair, no questions asked.

Another positive of these socks is the support they offer. They have just the right amount of compression in the arch of the foot, providing a snug fit without being uncomfortable. This fit also prevents them from slipping around in your running shoes, so any rubbing that might cause blisters can be avoided.

The Rockay Accelerate socks are available in multiple colors and range in sizes from extra-small to extra-large. A sizing chart is available to help you find the best fit, too. I felt that they ran just a tad bit smaller than true to size. Keep in mind that these will have a snug fit around the foot because of the compression arch, making them feel smaller than normal socks. While these are on the more expensive end, you're paying for quality and for socks that will last.

Best for durability

The Darn Tough Tab No Show Light Cushion socks are durable, have a seamless toe for added comfort, and are a merino wool/nylon blend which wicks away sweat to keep your feet dry.

Pros: Durable, no seams for added comfort, wool and synthetic blend to wick away sweat, resist odor, all-weather appropriate

Cons: Not many colors to choose from, can be expensive

If you run your socks into the ground — or, more accurately, until they're covered in holes and falling apart at the seams — it's worth investing in a pair from Darn Tough for its lifetime warranty. True to its name, these durable running socks will last through countless jogs and arduous trail run. But Darn Tough's warranty policy says if you don't find its socks to be the most comfortable, best-fitting pair you've owned, or if they come apart for any reason other than being chewed by dogs, burned around the campfire, or one being lost to the laundry monster, you can ship back your faulty pair and receive credit for a new pair. 

You probably won't need to use that great policy, though. All of its socks are thoughtfully designed to withstand some of the toughest sports, and it shows in the attention to detail given to the Tab No Show Light Cushion running socks. It's a wordy name but these socks live up to it. The no-show style is subtle and the tab provides extra cushion where your running shoe meets the back of your ankle to prevent chafing.

Another winning feature? These socks are seamless, so your toes won't be subjected to any uncomfortable rubbing.

As far as material goes, you won't find any cotton here. These Darn Tough socks feature merino wool blended with nylon and lycra spandex. You may think wool is only reserved for cold weather running but not in this case. These are all-weather socks that wick away moisture to keep your feet dry and blister-free. Wool also helps resist odor, so even after a sweaty run, you'll be far less likely to offend anyone when you take off your runners.

These Darn Tough socks are available in both Men's and Women's styles and come in Small, Medium, and Large sizes that correspond with your shoe size.

Best for all-around comfort

The Balega Hidden Comfort No Show running socks have a seamless design crafted with synthetic materials and elastane throughout to make for a better fit and prevent blisters.

Pros: Synthetic materials keep feet dry, mesh construction for added breathability, heel tab to help prevent slippage, seamless design, multiple colors to choose from

Cons: Some reviewers reported slippage, they don't have targeted cushioning

Even if you've been running for a relatively short amount of time, Balega is likely a brand name you've heard. I own a few pairs of these socks myself and can confidently say these are some of the most comfortable socks I've ever worn.

They've seen their fair share of runs but they've also been through trips to the grocery store, as well as some intense Netflix binge sessions on the couch. In other words, they're so comfortable you'll probably find yourself wearing them even when you aren't running.

Each pair is carefully crafted to help runners perform at their best. The seamless design of the Hidden Comfort running socks reduces the friction that causes blisters. They have a reinforced heel and toe for increased durability and the top of the sock is constructed with mesh construction for extra breathability and comfort.

These are no-show socks with a heel tab at the opening that makes them easy to slip on. It also reduces chafing and prevents them from slipping down into your shoes. The elastane provides added stretch and comfort, too.

These socks come in sizes ranging from small to extra large. It's important to size correctly so you get the best fit and minimal slippage. There is also a fun variety of colors to choose from if you like to add a little flair to your running kit.

Best for cold weather

The Smartwool PhD Run Cold Weather Mid Crew socks are designed for cold weather running, with a longer length for extra warmth and a wool blend that keeps your feet toasty and dry.

Pros: Wool and synthetic blend keeps feet dry and blister-free, mid-crew length for extra warmth, 200 needle construction for warmth and cushioning without the bulk

Cons: Not many color choices, expensive

If you live in a location where winters bring cold and snow, yet you don't call it quits on your running routine, you need a pair of running socks specially designed to keep your feet warm. Smartwool is known for a wide range of specialized socks and its line of cold weather running regularly receives positive reviews from runners who often brave the cold. 

Read more: The best winter running shoes

These socks are mid-crew height, perfect for wearing under your running tights for added warmth, and preventing the cold ankles that often result from wearing no-show socks. It may sound silly but when it comes to running in the cold, every bit of skin coverage makes a difference.

These Smartwool socks are made of 55% merino wool for warmth, nylon for breathability, and elastane for flexibility for stretch. They'll wick away moisture to help keep your feet dry and free of blisters. If you're afraid that warmth equates to added bulk, you won't have to worry in this case. The 200 needle construction allows for high-density cushioning while keeping these socks lightweight.

Smartwool designed the PhD cold weather socks in both men's and women's styles for a better fit and they come in small, medium, and large sizes. Unfortunately, you won't have many colors to choose from but in this case, comfort and warmth will likely be more important than style as you brave those chilly weather conditions.

Best on a budget

The six-pack of Saucony Performance No-Show socks gives you the most value for your money and keeps your feet dry and comfortable.

Pros: Affordable, synthetic fabric to keep feet dry and blister-free, heel tab to prevent slippage, arch compression for added support, comes in multiple colors

Cons: Can't be bought in single pairs, non-specific sizing

You've likely heard of Saucony, a brand known for its well-made running shoes. However, like many running shoe brands, Saucony also makes athletic socks geared towards runners. If you've just splurged on a new pair of running shoes and want to save some bucks, or you simply don't want to spend a lot on socks, these are a great option.

For less than $20, you can get six pairs of socks, and having more socks means you'll be less likely to run out before having to do laundry. These socks come in plenty of fun color combinations and are available in both men's and women's styles. Unlike most others on this list, these don't come in multiple sizes but men's will fit an 8-12 shoe size and women's will fit a 5-10 shoe size.

A heel tab helps prevent slippage and arch compression provides extra support. You won't find any cotton here, either, with all synthetic materials for sweat-wicking and comfort, and mesh construction for added breathability. These are all features found in a more expensive running sock, for a fraction of the price.

As a more lightweight sock, these aren't recommended for winter running but otherwise, they'll do just fine at the gym, on the road, or on the trails.

If you are looking for just one pair to try, you'll be out of luck as these only come in six-packs. However, for such an affordable price, it's worth it to try them for yourself.

Best for preventing blisters

With a place for each toe, a breathable mesh upper, and sweat-wicking materials, the Injinji 2.0 Lightweight No-Show toe socks are a great option if you're prone to blisters.

Pros: Individual toe coverage helps prevent blisters, Synthetic fabric to keep feet dry and comfortable, mesh upper for breathability, heel tab to help prevent slippage, come in multiple colors

Cons: Can be tricky to put on, some reviewers couldn't get used to the individual toe style

These toe socks may look a little odd but as they say, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Having a place for each individual toe prevents them from rubbing together — one of the main causes of blisters.

Injinji is a California-based company, with its roots in wanting to develop a seamless sock that allowed for more natural foot movement and toe splay. From this, the patented five-toe sock was born.

In addition to preventing any skin-to-skin friction that causes blisters, the Injinji 2.0 is made from synthetic materials to wick away sweat and keep feet dry and comfortable. A mesh top also allows for more breathability. If you prefer the minimalist style of running toe shoes like Vibram's FiveFingers shoes, these socks also make a great liner for additional comfort. These socks perform just as well in traditional running shoes, too.

The Injinji 2.0 is a unisex sock but it comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Sizing is important here since these conform to every contour of your foot — toes included. 

While they may not be for everyone, if you've been in a standoff with stubborn reoccurring blisters, these socks may be just what you need.

Best for compression

If you experience muscle soreness or shin splints after your runs, Swiftwick's Aspire Twelve compressions socks help reduce the pain.

Pros: Promote blood flow and help reduce muscle soreness, olefin wicks sweat to keep your feet dry

Cons: Expensive, hard to put on 

Swiftwick is a mainstay in the compression sock industry and its Aspire Twelve knee-high socks are perfect for the runner looking for more than just muscle relief, but shin relief as well. Made of 43% nylon, 11% spandex, and 46% olefin, not only do they offer supreme compression and a snug fit, but they wick sweat away, as well. This is especially useful for hot and humid summer runs.

Running in these socks provides response lower leg support thanks to its minimal cushioning. They also function well to help recover after a long run or whenever you feel the muscles in your legs start to tighten up and feel sore. 

It's worth pointing out that these socks (as well as many similar compressions socks) aren't always the easiest to put on. We recommend reaching into the sock and pulling out the heel before putting your foot in and pulling the rest of the sock on. They're made to be really snug on your lower leg, so this isn't something that just needs to be broken in either. 

Aside from getting them on, the Aspire Twelve's perform well work wonders to help with sore muscles. They're a bit expensive at $30 per pair but most compression socks of this quality are hardly cheap. -- Rick Stella

Best for fun ankle patterns

With a range of fun patterns to choose from, the Zensah Limited Edition Mini Crew-Length running socks allow you to show off your personal style without sacrificing high-quality performance.

Pros: Tons of fun patterns and colors to choose from, comfortable, light compression for added support, moisture-wicking material to help prevent blisters

Cons: On the expensive side

Just because you're decked out in running gear doesn't mean you can't make a statement. If you want to stand out from the pack, a crazy pair of running socks is the perfect way to do so, and the Zensah Limited Edition running socks rise to the occasion. Don't be fooled by the limited edition in the name. Whether you want to show some holiday spirit, or share your love for donuts, there are tons of fun prints, patterns, and colors to choose from.

These socks look fun but when it comes to performance and comfort, things get serious. Zensah is a brand known for tight-fitting compression products but even if you aren't looking for compression, their snug fit keeps them from sliding down during your runs. They also have a seamless toe and a lightly cushioned sole for added comfort, and they're anatomically designed with a specific left foot and right foot fit.

The nylon, spandex, and polyester blend allow for breathability and help these socks dry quickly, protecting your feet from any blisters. Silver ions in the material help keep any odors at bay.

The mini crew height of these Zensah running heights makes them just tall enough to show off your chosen design, without having them take over your entire calf. They're available in small, medium, and large sizes that correspond to your shoe size.

How we test

Each pair of running socks featured in this guide went through a series of on-foot tests to see how well they compared across these four categories: Fit and comfort, features, durability, and value. Specifically, here's how each category factored into what socks ultimately made this guide and what sub-categories we chose to spotlight: 

• Fit and comfort: Though fit and comfort could be two different categories, they're very closely related when it comes to running socks. You ideally want your running socks to fit snug enough to not rub inside your shoe (even if they get wet and want to start sliding around). This is as true for no-show socks as it is for both ankle- and shin-high options, too. The more comfortable and well-fitting a running sock is, the more enjoyable your running should be. 
• Features: Using the term "features" to describe the makeup of a running sock may seem odd but different brands do include a variety of unique traits that make them more well-suited for different types of runners (and their needs). For instance, a brand like Swiftwick specializes in compression while Injinji's socks are geared toward reducing the development of blisters. 
• Durability: No matter if you're a casual running or you're training for a marathon, your running socks will take a beating — and having to deal with holes forming or a sock tearing at its seams can be especially frustrating as you prepare for a run. Though we didn't push each pair to its absolute end, we did go on enough runs wearing each featured pair to get a reasonable idea of how long they'd last.
• Value: Value is the combination of each category above, as well as how a running sock's actual stick price factors into its worth. We do think that it's more beneficial to spend a little more on a premium product that's designed to last than to opt for a poorly-made budget option and have to spend that reduced cost more often. 

How to shop for running socks

Since there are so many options, it's tricky to wade through what's available. Luckily we've done the legwork for you, rounding up a group of socks outfit with the features you need most.

Before we get into our favorites, we've outlined what to pay attention to so your feet can meet their best match.

• Material: One of the most important things to consider is material. Synthetic materials like polyester, acrylic, and nylon are your best bet because they help wick away moisture and prevent blisters. A wool blend can also be a good choice to keep your feet warm and dry — especially if you're running in the winter. You'll want to avoid anything that's 100% cotton as it will only hold in moisture, making for very sweaty and uncomfortable feet.
• Cushioning: The cushioning and the thickness you desire in your running socks is a matter of personal choice, and luckily there are all types to choose from. Plenty of running socks are also designed to provide cushioning in places that are more likely to develop blisters.
• Height: The height of your running socks can be a matter of personal style, but it can also serve a more useful purpose. Maybe you're tired of chafing the backs of your ankles. Or maybe you've noticed that mid-calf ankle socks have roared back into style, rejoining us from the 1980s. Either way, it's enough reason to try out a pair of crew length running socks. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler look, no show or quarter-length socks are also available. 
• Specialized Features: Aside from the basics, there are also socks designed to meet running specific needs and issues. Compression socks are a good option if you want to improve blood flow through your legs and ankles, or you want additional arch support. If you're especially prone to blisters, some runners swear by toe socks.

SEE ALSO: There are 614 billionaires in the United States, and only 7 of them are Black

Tyler Perry has an estimated net worth of $1 billion. He joined the seven-figure ranks of Oprah Winfrey, George Lucas, John de Mol, and Steven Spielberg in September.

Source: Forbes

Forbes broke down his empire into five key areas, including his cash and investments, his stake in the video-on-demand service BET+, and his Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

Source: Forbes

Perry, 51, was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He shared a close relationship with his mother, who died in 2009. He is estranged from his father.

Source: Forbes, Seattle Times

Perry is based in Atlanta. He has a son with his former partner, model and activist Gelila Bekele.

Source: AJC

Perry got his start in theater. His first play — "I Know I've Been Changed"— opened to a mostly empty theatre. 13 years and many other plays later, he released his first film, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," in 2005, jumpstarting his Madea franchise. The movie made $22.7 million in its opening weekend.

Source: Tyler Perry, Fox 

One of Perry's best-known projects is the movie franchise Madea, in which Perry himself dresses as an elderly Black woman and plays the titular role. In a 2017 appearance on the "Today" show, Perry said that him playing the role happened by accident.

Source: Today

Perry made 11 Madea movies over the course of 15 years. The final installment — "A Madea Family Funeral"— made $27 million in its March 2019 opening weekend. Perry made the highest-grossing Madea movie, "Madea Goes to Jail," exactly a decade prior to that. It brought in $90 million in total box office earnings in 2009.

Source: Variety, Forbes

All of Perry's Madea movies were distributed by studio giant Lionsgate. The films collectively brought in over $1 billion in ticket sales while the production cost of each was approximately $20 million. It is unclear how much Perry has personally made from the franchise.

Source: Variety, New York Times

Perry and Lionsgate had a "first look" deal for eight years from 2008 to 2014. In a first-look deal, the creator owns the copyright to his material.

Source: Variety, Kennington Groff

Since parting ways with Lionsgate, Perry has had a number of much-talked-about partnerships with Viacom, BET's parent company, and the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Source: THR

In a September profile, Forbes estimated that approximately $60 million of Perry's billion-dollar net worth came from his stake in BET+.

Source: Forbes

In 2017, Perry signed a contract with Viacom, BET's parent company, to produce exclusive original content for BET. The deal is slated to run through 2024 and didn't start until after Perry's contract with OWN ended in 2019.

Source: CNN, NYT

This multi-year partnership grew into creating a video-on-demand subscription service in 2019 known as BET Plus, Variety reported. It will feature Perry's extensive library of work as well as BET programming.

Source: Variety

In 2015, Perry forked out $30 million to buy over 300 acres of a former US Army base in Atlanta. Tyler Perry Studios sits on that plot. Forbes estimates the studio is worth $280 million.

Source: Curbed Atlanta,Forbes

IndieWire noted that the land used to be a base for the Confederate Army, a point Perry has acknowledged. In a 2019 BET awards speech, he said, "while you're fighting for a seat at the table, I'll be down in Atlanta building my own."

Source: IndieWire, BET

Marvel megahit "Black Panther" was one of the first movies shot at the studio's new stages, AJC reported. Perry took Architectural Digest on a tour of the property in 2019, which comes with neighborhoods, mansions, and even a replica of the White House.

Source: AJC, Architectural Digest

Perry has built an impressive real estate portfolio over the years that consists of several multimillion-dollar properties in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Wyoming.

Source: Forbes

Perry bought a 34,000-square-foot house in Atlanta in 2007 for $9 million. It has seven bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a helipad, an infinity pool, and a tennis court.

Source: Architectural Digest

He sold the home to David Turner, an entrepreneur and evangelist, nine years later in 2016 for $17.5 million. Steve Harvey bought the house for $15 million in June 2020.

Source: Architectural Digest, Variety

Perry owns a mansion worth $18 million in the swanky Beverly Hills neighborhood. He hosted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the 8-bedroom, 12-bathroom villa after they moved to Los Angeles and were cut off by the royal family in 2020, the pair confirmed during their Sunday night tell-all interview with Winfrey.

Source: Business Insider, Insider, Daily Mail, Insider

Architectural Digest reported in November 2019 that Perry also owns a log cabin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and a "previously uninhabited island in the Bahamas." It's unclear how much each property is worth.

Source: Architectural Digest, The Ellen Show

Real estate isn't his only major investment. Perry owns a $150 million private jet that he used to fly water and other necessities to the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

Source: CNN

Perry is also known to be generous with his wealth. In July 2020, he gifted approximately $50,000 in grocery-store gift cards to those to needed help. He also runs The Perry Foundation, which helps with areas like education, human rights, and health.

Source: Today, The Perry Foundation

• Having an good smoke detector is one of the most important things you can do for your home's safety.
• Our top pick, the X-Sense SC01 has an LCD screen, 10-year battery, and self-monitoring functions.
• See also: The best home security camera, the best smart doorbell

Smoke detectors don't seem to get the same attention as home security systems, and for something so important to home and personal safety, this can be a costly mistake. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a working smoke alarm can decrease your risk of dying in a home fire by 54% compared to not having a working alarm — or worse, no alarm at all.

Due to the amount of synthetic material in modern furniture and buildings, home fires can spread really fast. According to the US Fire Administration (USFA), 30 years ago, you had about 17 minutes to escape a home fire; today, it's about two minutes. A reliable and effective smoke detector can alert you quickly to get you and your family to safety. 

I have years of experience relocating and installing hard-wired smoke detectors as a residential carpenter, and leaned on that expertise when testing six units for this guide (I go through my full testing methodology here). I also consulted Patrick Andler, a fire investigator with 38 years of experience and a board member of the Arizona Burn Foundation, and Nick Yahoodain, a home remodeler with 11 years of experience at Advanced Builders & Contractors, on how to install smoke detectors, how to use them effectively, and more — which you can read here. 

Here are the best smoke detectors in 2021

• Best smoke detector overall: X-Sense SC01
• Best smart smoke detector: Nest Protect
• Best smoke detector for smoke only: X-Sense SD01
• Best dual sensor smoke detector: First Alert SA320
• Best interconnected smoke detector: X-Sense Wireless Interconnected

The best smoke detector overall

The X-Sense SC01 features a 10-year lithium battery, carbon monoxide detector, and a color-changing LED to let you know its current status.

Pros: Digital battery level display, doubles as carbon monoxide detector 

Cons: Lacks ionization sensor 

The X-Sense SC01 responded well in my testing and activated its alarm within two sprays of the aerosol. It had a loud alarm that was clearly heard from across the 2,700 square foot house I tested it in, and its red LED flashed continuously while the alarm was sounding. The alarm — and the light — shut off simultaneously when the sensor no longer detected any aerosol. 

The X-Sense SC01 lacks an ionization sensor and uses only a photoelectric sensor to detect smoke. This makes it marginally less sensitive to flash fires, but also cuts down on the chances of it being set off by nuisance alarms, or false alarms caused by cooking smoke or steamy showers.

Installing the X-Sense SC01 was simple, and with a power drill and pencil, I was able to attach it to the ceiling in about two minutes. The anchors are white, so they blended in with the ceiling, and also came in a resealable plastic baggie, which was convenient.

The smooth white finish of the X-Sense SC01 gives it a polished, professional look, and its backlit LCD screen gives the feeling that you're using a high-quality piece of equipment. This screen displays the real-time amount of carbon monoxide in the air, the status of the unit during a test, and a battery level icon. The X-Sense SC01 is relatively larger than other options I tested, but not by much. It was light enough to be installed easily but didn't feel flimsy. 

The X-Sense SC01 is designed to be relatively hassle-free, thanks to its built-in 10-year lithium battery, and auto-check feature that monitors itself for any issues. This 10-year battery was also one of the reasons Andler recommended the X-Sense SC01 so strongly. He said that traditional replaceable batteries are frequently removed due to nuisance alarms from cooking or to use as a replacement for children's toys in a pinch, and never replaced. This built-in battery does mean that you will need to replace the entire unit when this battery runs out, but as is recommended by the USFA, you should replace any smoke detector every 10 years regardless of the brand or style.

Overall, the value of the 10-year battery, the carbon monoxide detector, and digital readout makes it the best option I tested. 

The best smart smoke detector

The Nest Protect features both a carbon monoxide and split-spectrum smoke detector that detects both fast and slow-burning fires, and delivers clear verbal instructions to explain why its sensor was triggered and what you should do next.

Pros: Spoken instructions, phone notifications

Cons: May not be ideal for those not technically savvy, requires three AA backup batteries

The color-changing LED, along with the verbal commands and smartphone notifications, made the Nest Protect fun to test out and operate. My first aerosol test activated its "heads-up" function, which issued a verbal warning that it detected a small amount of smoke. This would be a convenient feature if the smoke was due to burning toast, or another non-emergency — especially for anyone who might get overwhelmed by loud noises. By giving you the chance to resolve the problem before the smoke levels rise, you can prevent the unit from going into full-blown alarm mode. My second aerosol spray was enough for the Nest Protect to assume there was an actual fire, and it sounded its alarm immediately. 

The Nest Protect allows you to silence the unit in the event of a nuisance alarm easily with the large and easy to press test/silence button. You can even silence the alarm from your smartphone, although it doesn't allow for this if the smoke is too heavy.

The Nest Protect technically only uses a photoelectric sensor, but one that has an additional blue LED light component. Nest claims that this "split sensor" design is more effective at detecting fast fires. My testing wasn't comprehensive enough to safely back this up, however.

The Nest Protect is a hard-wired unit, so installation was a bit more elaborate than the other smoke detectors I tested. This will involve working with and reconnecting electrical wiring, so if you're uncomfortable around that type of thing, you may want to hire a professional. It took me about 15 minutes to remove the previous unit and connect this one. The instructions walked me through every step of the process, and the included hardware was effective and easy to use. 

Setting up the Nest Protect required me to connect to my home's Wi-Fi network and download the Nest app. This took about 15 minutes because the Nest Protect was having a difficult time recognizing and connecting my Wi-Fi.

If your home Wi-Fi goes down like in the event of a power outage, the Nest Protect will continue to work just fine — you just won't get any notifications on your phone. The three AA batteries will ensure the Nest Protect continues to work during a power outage.

I really liked the visual design of the square-shaped Nest Protect, which has a clean look with a single large button on the front. This button is surrounded by a ring of light that changes colors depending on the status of the unit. It's less thick than most other models on the market, making it a bit less obtrusive.

Andler described the Nest Protect as "an expensive, but durable model," so if you have the budget, this model could be worth the investment.

The best smoke detector for smoke only

If you already have a standalone carbon monoxide detector, the X-Sense SD01 is a dependable smoke-detector-only that uses an extra-bright LED to help lead you to safety. 

Pros: Ultra-bright escape light, easy to install, auto-monitoring feature

Cons: Lacks a carbon monoxide detector

The X-Sense SD01 has a nice solid feel to it and the large LED escape light gives it a professional look, like something you would see in a commercial building. This light automatically turns on when the alarm is activated, and not only alerts you about the presence of smoke but can also help to illuminate a darkened room. This is an especially important feature as more than half of home fire-related deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., according to the NFPA. This light would also be extremely valuable in the event of a power outage, a feature that Andler praised and why he endorses the X-Sense SD01 so strongly.  

This unit responded well to my tests and activated after two aerosol sprays. I made sure to perform one of my tests at night to best observe the escape light and was very impressed with how bright it was. The light, the loud alarm, and a flashing red secondary LED would be effective in the case of a real emergency. These high-visibility features also make the X-Sense SD01 a great option for hallways and stairwells as long as you have one or two on the ceiling as well. 

The X-Sense SD01 packs a built-in 10-year battery, so it will last for the life of the unit. You''ll have to purchase an entirely new alarm at that time, but just like the X-Sense SC01, that's when you should be replacing your smoke detector anyway. It's also designed to constantly auto-check itself to make sure its batteries are in working order. In the event of an issue, the secondary LED will turn yellow, alerting you that something is wrong. 

The X-Sense SD01 uses a photoelectric sensor, which works with the air flow design of the casing to better detect a variety of fire types. The sensor also analyzes smoke three times before activating the alarm, which minimizes nuisance alarms. 

Installing the X-Sense SD01 was a breeze, just like the other X-Sense models, and I had the mounting plate installed and the unit in place within a couple of minutes. 

The best dual sensor smoke detector

The First Alert SA320 is an affordable and effective smoke alarm with both photosensitive and ionization sensors, which can cause it to be too sensitive at times. However, there's no denying its effectiveness.

Pros: Has both photosensitive and ionization sensors, has safety features suitable for landlords 

Cons: Very sensitive, batteries must be replaced regularly

The First Alert SA320 features both photosensitive and ionization sensors, which is likely the reason why it was the only unit that activated its alarm after a single aerosol spray test. 

Although this high sensitivity sounds good on paper, it can also be the cause of frequent nuisance alarms. These alarms, combined with the removable AA batteries, greatly increase the odds that someone will remove the batteries or the alarm itself. The NFPA reported that between 2009-2013, 21% percent of deaths in home fires occurred when smoke detectors were "present but did not operate." It's important to keep this in mind if you're planning to get this unit — after all, the whole point of a smoke detector is household safety.

I didn't experience any issues installing the First Alert SA320. But as I mentioned before, it uses red wall anchors, which aren't ideal if you want to move the unit to a different location in the room. It also has optional locking features to discourage unauthorized battery or alarm removal. There are two pins you can insert into the sides of the unit or by the battery compartment that expand once they're in place to prevent anyone from taking down the smoke detector or removing its batteries. You "unlock" the unit with a flathead screwdriver to depress the pin's teeth. This is a good feature for landlords, or anyone else placing the unit who won't be there to monitor it. 

The First Alert SA320's design makes it feel more functional and less clunky. It does lack the polished appeal of the X-Sense models, though it shouldn't be a big factor compared with safety and effectiveness. Andler describes this as "a standard smoke detector at a good cost."

The First Alert SA320 comes with a 10-year warranty, and the AA batteries will need to be replaced every six to 12 months.  

The best interconnected smoke detector

The X-Sense Wireless Interconnected comes as a set of six separate smoke detectors with a range of more than 820 feet each, so they can cover small and large spaces safely.

Pros: Small size is easy to install, easy to find silence button in the dark, covers large areas

Cons: Does not have a built-in battery 

Even though the X-Sense Wireless Interconnected smoke detectors are smaller and lighter than typical ones, they still meet UL 217 standards. They also beeped at the same 85-db level as every other model tested. Their red alert lights were easy to see, and because of their side-mounted position, they reflected off the ceiling to increase visibility. Just like the other X-Sense models I tested, Andler endorsed the X-Sense Wireless Interconnected as a quality product. 

Because they are interconnected, all six units will sound even if only one detects smoke, so you'll be notified regardless of where you are in your home when a fire breaks out. They performed effectively in every test I did and were all relatively sensitive, responding within two aerosol sprays. Since the silence button is also the alert light, it was easy to quickly find the button to silence the unit — even in low light. Their advertised range in the open air is 850 feet, and though I wasn't able to test that distance due to limited space, they worked effectively in the 30-foot increments I had them placed. 

Each unit was interconnected right out of the box, so there was no additional set up necessary. You can add up to 24 units to the network, but every new set will need to be manually connected to the rest. This process seems pretty straightforward though, and X-Sense's instructions are clear, ensuring this process won't be too complicated.

Installation of the six-pack took longer than other smoke detectors I tested because there were more units to install. Their small size only required two anchor holes per unit, as opposed to the three that the other units I tested needed. This not only made them easier to install but also reduced the amount of damage to the ceiling and walls. Each of the units easily clicked onto its mounting bracket and they were the simplest to install out of all smoke detectors I tested. Like all X-Sense models, their smooth finish gave them a nice, high-quality look. 

As I mentioned earlier, removable batteries result in higher instances of people inadvertently disabling their own smoke detectors, so I see the 3V batteries of the X-Sense Wireless Interconnected as a drawback. That being said, X-Sense claims that these batteries can last up to five years without needing replacement. 

At around $150 when not on sale, the X-Sense Wireless Interconnected comes out to about $25 per unit, which is a reasonable price and within the range of other smoke detectors that come in a single pack. 

What else we tested

What else we recommend and why 

After researching a dozen smoke detectors, we ended up testing six that met our criteria for units you could install yourself. Here's what else we tested and think are worth considering:

First Alert PRC710 ($49.99): The First Alert PRC710 responded well to my tests, and I really liked its slim 1.38-inch profile and light 0.73-lb weight. Although I personally preferred the informative LED screen of the X-Sense SC01, if you're simply looking for a minimal, hassle-free unit that detects both smoke and carbon monoxide, the First Alert PRC710 is an effective choice. 

What we're testing next

A few smoke detectors didn't arrive on time for me to test, so I look forward to testing them soon. We're also researching smoke detectors for people who are hard of hearing. 

First Alert BRK 3120B: This hardwired version of the First Alert SA320 includes both photoelectric and ionization sensors, and usually costs under $25, the lowest of any unit I've tested. 

Kidde KN-COSM-IBA: Kidde is one of the most well-known smoke alarm brands out there, and it offers a really wide variety of detector types, styles, and sensor options. This model features voice warning capabilities, a feature I've found to be really useful with other smoke detectors I tested. 

First Alert Onelink: I'm interested in how the First Alert Onelink and its smart capabilities will stack up against the Nest Protect. 

Testing methodology

For this guide, I personally tested six smoke detectors after consulting with fire and building experts, and doing extensive online research. 

I interviewed Patrick Andler, a fire investigator with 38 years of experience and a board member of the Arizona Burn Foundation. This organization — among many other functions — supplies free smoke detectors to low-income housing across Arizona. I also interviewed Nick Yahoodain, a home remodeler with more than 11 years of experience at Advanced Builders & Contractors. 

I also used my own experience installing hard-wired and battery-powered smoke detectors in my own apartments and my parents' home, as well as my experience as a residential carpenter, which frequently required the relocation of hard-wired units.

I installed each of the smoke detectors and tested it three times a day for three days. I performed a basic maintenance test according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually just by pressing the "test" button) and then sprayed the units twice with an aerosol spray that mimics real smoke. Most smoke detectors will not activate after a single spray so you will need two three-second sprays to set them off. I found this to be the case with every unit I tested, except for the First Alert SA320, which activated its alarm after only a single spray.  

I broke these tests up throughout the day to allow time for the spray to dissipate and the detectors to return to their working levels.  

I used several criteria to compare the units during testing. 

Installation: I installed each smoke detector on my ceiling according to the manufacturer's included instructions, timing how long it took, and noting how helpful or detailed those instructions were. Aside from the hardwired First Alert, all the units used essentially the exact same mounting procedure, but I made sure to note any differences. 

Appearance: I took note of the size, weight, finish, and overall look of each smoke detector after installing units on a white ceiling.

Special safety features: I tested and evaluated each smoke detectors' extra safety features, such as voice or light notifications, removal prevention, and more. For example, even though all the models I tested featured some kind of visual alarm component, the ultra-bright LED of the X-Sense SD01 was much more effective compared to the rest, and could be beneficial to those with hearing issues. Or the straightforward voice commands of the Nest Protect might be preferred by those who might get confused or disoriented by the single alarm siren of the other models.  

Operation: Throughout my testing, I made sure to use and observe each mode the smoke detectors offered. This included their testing and silence buttons, how they utilized any LED lights, and whether or not they included carbon monoxide detection.

Maintenance: I took note of the approximate lifespan of each unit, and the specifics of its battery replacement procedures. 

Types of smoke detectors

Battery: Smoke detectors can either be hardwired or standalone battery-powered units. Battery-powered detectors are easier to install than hard-wired units and are unaffected in the event of a power outage. Some newer smoke detectors are designed with lithium batteries inside the unit which can last up to 10 years without needing to be replaced. Units that use replaceable batteries typically need new batteries every six months and are vulnerable to tampering and being disconnected during false alarms caused by non-emergency situations like cooking smoke or steamy showers.

Hard-Wired: Hard-wired smoke detectors connect directly to your home's electrical wiring, and typically have a backup battery in case of a power outage. These will initially need some electrical know-how or the help of a professional to be installed, but once the system is set up, it's pretty easy to disconnect and install new units whenever you need them. Yahoodain recommends hard-wired smoke detectors since they're easy to interconnect, so if one goes off, they all go off. 

Photoelectric: Smoke detectors use either photoelectric or ionization sensors to detect smoke. Some, like the First Alert SA320 that we tested, use both. Photoelectric smoke alarms use an LED light to detect smoke and are more responsive to slow-burning, smoldering fires than ionization alarms. When smoke particles enter the unit, they disrupt the light beam, which reflects it into a sensor and activates the alarm. These types of sensors are generally superior to ionization sensors because smoldering fires tend to be more dangerous and can go unnoticed for longer periods of time than flash fires, or ones that develop very suddenly and intensely. They also cut down on unnecessary nuisance alarms like which can cause people to remove the batteries out of frustration.

Ionization Sensors: These sensors are typically more effective at detecting flash fires. They do this by utilizing a small amount of radioactive material and placing it between two electrically charged plates. When smoke displaces the radioactive ions, the current between the plates is disrupted, and the alarm goes off. Ionization sensors have a higher chance of detecting nuisance alarms and tend to be much less effective at detecting smoldering fires. 

FAQs

Where should I install my smoke detector?

Even the best smoke detectors are only effective if they're installed correctly. The NFPA recommends installing alarms inside and outside of every bedroom, and on every level of your home, including the basement. It also recommends installing both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms or a dual-sensor detector as they can provide more protection than just one type of sensor.

Andler said that smoke alarms should be placed on your ceiling, not on the wall. Since smoke rises and begins gathering at the ceiling first, they have a much better chance of detecting smoke than a wall-mounted detector. As we mentioned earlier, seconds count when it comes to escaping a house fire, so correct placement is extremely important.

Andler also stressed the importance of having additional smoke detectors. He said that in the event of a fire in your home, hallway smoke detectors can sound their alarms much earlier than a bedroom alarm. Seconds count in home fires, and the early warning from hallway alarms can provide the extra time you and your family need to escape safely. 

He also recommends having a smoke alarm near — but not inside — the kitchen, to reduce the chances of false alarms. The Arizona Burn Foundation recommends keeping your detector at least 10 feet away from the stove. 

How do I test my smoke detector so I know it's working?

Your smoke detector should have a "test" button. Press and hold it for a few seconds, and a high-pitched siren should start to sound. If there's no sound or the sound is non-existent, it's time to replace the battery. Many insurance companies also advise replacing the batteries every six months regardless of the siren loudness. 

What certifications should I look for in a smoke detector?

Whichever smoke detector you choose, make sure it meets the standards of Underwriter Laboratories (UL). UL is a third-party certification company that has been developing smoke detector standards for more than 40 years, and with their stamp of approval, you can trust that your unit will do its job.

The UL 217 code covers both "single station" smoke alarms that function as standalone units,  and "multiple station" smoke alarms that are interconnected — so when one goes off, they all go off. All the products we tested have this UL 217 certification, and our two combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, Nest Protect and First Alert SA320, also have a UL 2034 certification, which covers the CO detector.

Check out other home safety-related guides

• The best home security cameras
• The best emergency kits
• The best first aid kits

• Good sheets help you sleep better, so it's important to buy a set that's comfortable and long-lasting. 
• We tested 14 sheets and consulted three experts to find the best sheets for every need.
• The L.L.Bean Percale Sheet Set, is our top pick; it's soft, breathable, and made from durable extra-long-staple cotton.

Even if you have the perfect mattress, it can be hard to fully enjoy your time in bed without a comfortable set of sheets. 

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

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

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

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

To test the best sheets, we washed and dried each set according to its respective instructions at least five times, looked at how each set fit on a 10-inch-thick mattress, and slept on each set to note texture, overall comfort, breathability, and coolness. Read more about how we tested in our methodology and consult our FAQs section for more on thread count, materials and fiber types, and fabric care, including input from a textiles scientist.

Here are the best sheets for your bed in 2021

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

The best sheets overall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best flannel sheets for winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best cooling sheets for summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read our full MagicLinen review

The best hotel sheets

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

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

Cons: Only available in white

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best sheets on a budget

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

Pros: Affordable, great fit 

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

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

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

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

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

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

What else we tested

What else we recommend and why 

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

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

Sijo: Sijo's French linen flax sheets are excellent: very soft, beautiful, and durable. They're more affordable than MagicLinen (which has also increased its prices recently) and you have the flexibility to opt out of a flat sheet, if you want. The downside is that Sijo's linen sheets come in fewer colors and sizes. So far, I've found Sijo's linen to be softer than MagicLinen's, but I've also been testing it for a shorter amount of time and plan on monitoring this. Ultimately, I highly recommend both Sijo and MagicLinen, and the best one for you depends on your color preference, sizing needs, and budget. 

Riley: Riley's percale sheets are softer than other percale sheets, but not more so than L.L.Bean's. They felt cool and held up to all our washes well. I also appreciated the fair price point, and the flexibility of opting for the add-on flat sheet, instead of being stuck with one you don't want. 

What we do not recommend and why 

Crane & Canopy: We liked the comfortable feel and embroidery of these extra-long staple, 400-thread count cotton sheets. Like L.L.Bean and Brooklinen, they're made from high-quality cotton and have a mid-tier thread count — but they're a lot more expensive. Since there are no other distinct features to set Crane & Canopy apart, we prefer L.L.Bean and Brooklinen for their better value.

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

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

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

Bespoke Post: A defining characteristic of percale is that it's crisp and airy, like your favorite button-down shirt. The problem I experienced with Bespoke Post's new percale sheets are that they're too crisp and can rustle loudly if you move in your sleep (which is probably most of us). It also held onto and showed body oils easily, and you'd need to wash the set frequently. 

Our testing methodology

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

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

What we're testing next

Brooklinen: Brooklinen's sateen sheets usually get all the love, but we're also interested in its other fabrics. Each set of its cozy made-in-Portugal linen sheets is individually garment-dyed, so you'll feel like you have a unique piece of bedding. 

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

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

FAQs

Does thread count matter?

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

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

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

What are the different types of sheets?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different sheet certifications?

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

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

What's the best way to care for your sheets?

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

What's the best way to prevent wrinkles?

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

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

Are alternative fibers any good? 

Alternative fibers like bamboo lyocell or microfiber are appealing because they're often very comfortable and affordable. In our testing experience, however, their durability doesn't match up to that of cotton or linen. They're more prone to pilling, abrasion, and shrinkage. Plus, the production and care of these alternative fibers can be murky and bad for the environment. The shedding of microfiber, for example, is polluting the ocean. 

Check out our other great bedding guides

• The best pillows
• The best pillowcases
• The best duvet covers
• The best mattresses
• The best weighted blanket
• The best cotton sheets
• The best flannel sheets
• The best sheets for kids 

• The Nintendo Switch is rarely discounted, but there are plenty of deals on games and accessories.
• We'll update this list regularly with the top Nintendo Switch deals as new discounts are announced.
• Right now, you can save 35% on select Mario games as part of Nintendo's "Mar10 Day" promotion. 

Even with the release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X, the Nintendo Switch continues to be the highest selling video game console on the planet, with more than 68 million units sold worldwide.

The Switch was the top selling console for 24 consecutive months leading up to the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, and the console will still be easier to find in stores for the next few months while Sony and Microsoft ramp up production of their new systems.

Nintendo's $300 Switch offers many of the most popular games on the market in a portable package, with the option to connect the Switch to a larger television or home entertainment system. The $200 Switch Lite is smaller and can't connect to your TV, but it's still a popular pick for parents who want an affordable alternative to the PlayStation or Xbox, and gamers who want a second console.

Below, we've collected the best deals on Nintendo Switch consoles, exclusive games, and accessories. These discounts should all come in handy whether you're looking to buy a Switch for the first time, building your library of games, or trying to find the cheapest price on a Switch peripheral.

Here are the best Nintendo Switch deals for March 2021:

Best deals on Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite consoles

The Nintendo Switch can be connected to a TV for high-definition gameplay, or taken on-the-go as a portable console. Furthermore, the Switch's controls can be separated from the console and used as two separate controllers called Joy-Cons.

Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld-only version of the console that lacks the original Switch's removable controllers and ability to connect to a larger television. The Switch Lite appeals to gamers who may already own a PlayStation or Xbox and want to play games with a similar level of quality while they're traveling. Parents may also be more willing to invest in a handheld console at a lower price point when introducing their children to gaming.

The Nintendo Switch Lite comes in four colors (coral, turquoise, grey and yellow). There haven't been many deals that drop the Switch Lite below its standard retail price of $200, but a refurbished model is sold for a $15 discount when it's in stock at GameStop.

Best deals on Nintendo Switch games

Though the Nintendo Switch has been around for just under four years, there are already more than 2,300 games available for the console. 

From now through 11:59 p.m. PT on March 13, you can save 35% on select Mario games in celebration of the 35th anniversary of "Super Mario Bros." The deal, dubbed "Mar10 DAY," includes "Super Mario Maker 2,""Super Mario Party,""Luigi's Mansion 3," and "Mario Tennis Aces." All of the games are usually $60 but you can get them for $39 during the sale.

You can get digital versions of the games from Nintendo. The deal also applies to physical versions of the games at retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and more.

Best deals on Nintendo Switch controllers

Though the Switch's Joy-Cons give players access to two controllers at all times, some gamers prefer the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, which more closely resembles a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controller.

Nintendo also sells spare Joy-Cons with multiple color options for Switch owners who want to add some additional flair and an extra set of motion controllers for multiplayer games. 

Best deals on on Nintendo Switch accessories

As a portable console with replaceable controllers, the Switch has no shortage of accessories. The most important addition you can make is a MicroSD card, which can expand the Switch's initial 32GB of storage by 128GB or more for less than the price of a new game.

If you plan on taking your Switch on the go, it's probably a good idea to pick up a basic case with space for extra game cartridges too. The Switch is fairly durable so you don't need to spend a ton protecting it.

• Sheet masks offer an easy, speedy way to treat your skin without having to leave home.
• We've tested dozens of sheet masks and rounded up our favorites for every skin type. 
• You can also check out our guide to the best moisturizers.

As well as being renowned for their incredible hydrating properties, sheet masks treat different skin concerns, from soothing sensitive skin to brightening dull complexions. Some are great for a pre-night-out boost, while others work better if you wear them before you go to bed, so the serum can soak in and you can wake up with glowing skin. Many experts are now using sheet masks as part of their daily skincare routine.

With the incredible number of sheet masks on the market, working out which one is right for you can be a minefield. As well as researching thousands of reviews from beauty experts and buyers, we've tried and tested all sorts of sheet masks to come up with our top picks. 

Here the best sheet masks in 2021:

SEE ALSO: The best body oil you can buy to stay moisturized all winter

Farmacy Coconut Gel Sheet Mask Sheet

The Farmacy Coconut Gel Sheet Mask Sheet is loaded with ultra-moisturizing ingredients for a boost of hydration in a pinch.

Farmacy's Coconut Gel Sheet Mask is loaded with nourishing ingredients like coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber extract. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, so it delivers some serious hydration. Paired with calming cucumber extract and moisturizing, refreshing coconut water, this mask works for any skin type. Just slap the Coconut Gel Sheet Mask on for 15 minutes — that's all you need for the mask to work its magic. Take it off to reveal more supple, smooth, calm skin.

Patchology Hydrate FlashMasque 5 Minute Facial Sheet Mask

For smoother, hydrated skin in just five minutes, the Patchology Hydrate FlashMasque 5 Minute Facial Sheet Mask is hard to beat.

Patchology's mask is your secret weapon for defeating dry skin because it features ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, and vitamin B5 and betaine to improve elasticity and smooth skin. Traditionally, sheet masks take up to 20 minutes to work, but the Patchology Hydrate Flashmasque accelerates delivery of the ingredients to the skin with its unique material, so you see results in just five minutes.

This speedy skin saver is perfect for a last-minute touch-up before you put on your makeup or before you go to bed. It is the ideal quick fix for winter when your skin needs some extra hydration or on a long flight (as long as you don't mind scaring the flight attendants).

Erno Laszlo White Marble Bright Hydrogel Masks

For an easy, fast path to radiant skin, the Erno Laszlo White Marble Bright Hydrogel Masks should be your go-to sheet mask.

The White Marble Bright Hydrogel Mask from renowned skincare brand Erno Laszlo is designed to instantly brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and aging. The serum is made up of allotonin to plump up the skin, essential oils including peony and chamomile to moisturize, and sunflower seed oil to protect against wrinkles.

We're obsessed with Erno Laszlo's range of sheet masks, and this one is awesome. Each sheet mask comes in two pieces of gel-like material. It felt a bit slippery and strange, but it was easy to apply. I liked that it didn't slip off my face so I could walk around while the mask did its work.

Dr. Jart+ Dermamask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution Mask

When you want to give dry, sensitive skin some extra love without spending a fortune at the spa, the Dr. Jart+ Dermamask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution Mask is ideal. 

Our favorite water-based face mask for sensitive skin comes from the legendary Korean Brand Dr Jart+. The mask is packed with hydrating ingredients like algae extract, aquaxyl, xylitol, and oligo-hyaluronic acid to moisturize sensitive skin without irritation. The mask is designed to calm redness and cool irritated skin, making it a godsend for people with sensitive skin. It works just as well for those with oily, dry, or combination skin.

SK-II's Pitera Facial Treatment Mask

Japanese brand SK-II's Pitera Facial Treatment Mask is a cult classic because it visibly hydrates, brightens, and firms your skin.

The SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask is an all-in-one sheet mask that does everything you need for a glowing, gorgeous complexion. The sheet is soaked with SK-II's signature serum Pitera. Discovered in a sake brewery back in the '70s, this liquid is packed with naturally-derived vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. It is designed to refine texture and address uneven skin tone, dryness, large pores, and oiliness. SK-II suggests you use a mask once or twice a week or before a special event.

The SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask lived up to the hype in our testing. It made my skin look more radiant instantly, and my skin felt tighter and softer. The mask fit well and stayed put, although it felt a bit slimy. Granted, most face masks feel a bit slimy because it's the slime that fixes your skin.

Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask

For smoother skin in just 15 minutes, the Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is our top pick.

Tatcha's gel-like face mask is packed with powerful anti-aging products including red algae and hyaluronic acid, as well as green tea and rice to target dryness, dullness, and loss of firmness. It is derived from coconut and is more effective than paper masks.

Tatcha claims it can increase the skin's total moisture by 200% in 15 minutes. While we can't verify that claim, we can say that it left our skin feeling great. It's a bit fiddly, as you have to remove one of the layers to put it on, but it fit well. 

Leaders AC Clear Treatment Mask

If you're prone to breakouts and want effective instant relief, then you'll love the Leaders AC Clear Treatment Mask.

The AC Clear Treatment Mask from Korean company Leaders Insolution balances skin and provides relief for irritated, stressed, and sensitive skin that's prone to breakouts and inflammation. This hypoallergenic 100% cotton sheet mask is packed with maple water, hyaluronic acid, and snail secretions to calm skin and reduce redness. It's gentle enough to be used daily and the more often you use it, the better the results.

Tonymoly I'm Real Avocado Sheet Mask

For a fun and very affordable sheet mask with great results, the Tonymoly I'm Real Avocado Sheet Mask is a winner.

Established in Seoul more than 10 years ago, Tonymoly pioneered the Korean sheet mask beauty trend that has spread across the world. The innovative brand is now a household name in the US. There are 14 different masks in the Tonymoly I'm Real Sheet Mask collection to address every possible skin concern and we've tried them all. Our favorite is the I'm Real Avocado Sheet Mask.

Ideal for dull, dry, and stressed-out skin, this highly moisturizing sheet mask is soaked with nutrient-rich avocado essence. The paper sheet has a pleasant smell but feels quite delicate. After leaving it on for 20 minutes in our testing, our skin definitely felt softer and looked fresher.

St. Ives Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal Mask

St. Ives' Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal Mask helps calm even the reddest of faces.

Just like the oatmeal baths of your childhood, St. Ives' Nourish and Soothe Oatmeal Mask soothes whatever is ailing your face. Sunburn? Pop this on. Windburn? You got it. That's all thanks to the oatmeal extract. It works to calm any type of skin issue while leaving your face feeling refreshed and clean.

And since it's in an easy-to-use sheet, you can get all of the benefits without the mess. This is actually a great mask to pop on after you've applied a more detoxifying mask. It will calm things down while sealing in the good-for-you ingredients of the first.

Leaders Cosmetics 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti Pollution Mask

Leaders Cosmetics 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti Pollution Mask helps fight free radical damage, leading to a bright, beautiful complexion.

If you live in a city, it's not just the sun you have to worry about every time you step outside. Free radicals brought on by pollution can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to a dull complexion. But a skincare regimen rich in antioxidants is perfect for combating these issues. And Leaders Cosmetics 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti Pollution Mask should be a regular part of any antioxidant-rich regimen.

This little mask is chock-full of good-for-you ingredients that help fight free radicals. Vitamins C, B, and E are the powerhouses of this mask, while acai berries come in for the assist. All these ingredients work to wick away the negative effects of pollution.

Check out our other great skincare guides

The best exfoliators

The best moisturizers

The best eye creams

• MasterClass provides online video classes taught by well-known celebrities and industry leaders.
• An annual subscription costs $180 ($15 a month) and grants access to all of MasterClass's offerings. 
• Below, you'll find a personal review, some common FAQs, and 16 of the best MasterClass courses.

Who better to teach you writing than Margaret Atwood, a backhand than Serena Williams, or singing than Christina Aguilera? If you want to learn something new, the best instructor is an expert in their field.

Unfortunately, for most of us, taking a one-on-one cooking class with Thomas Keller or a photography lesson from Annie Leibovitz isn't realistic. But MasterClass is bridging that gap by recruiting the best of the best to teach us the secrets to their crafts. 

Unlike most e-learning platforms focused on teaching hard skills like cloud computing or UX design, MasterClass targets a different audience: creatives who are looking to learn and gain some inspiration along the way.

The site has courses in categories like writing, cooking, sports, business, and politics, and each of them is taught by (you guessed it) celebrities and masters of the field. For $180 a year ($15 a month), you get an all-access pass to all the courses on the site. Each class provides video lessons, a course workbook, and class feedback — which, on some occasions, come from the stars themselves. 

If you're craving an online course to inspire you, help you hone a craft, or give you valuable advice from a respected expert, MasterClass is definitely worth a try. The videos are well-produced, which makes the courses more engaging, and the workbooks provide some extra insight to help reflect on what you've learned. You can even download the MasterClass app on your phone to squeeze in quick lessons whenever you have free time.

What you'll find below:

1. A list of the 16 best MasterClass courses
2. A personal review of MasterClass
3. Some common FAQs
4.  

Some of the best MasterClass classes:

Questlove teaches DJing

Learn music curation and DJing with Questlove

Questlove — iconic DJ, Grammy winner, and The Roots drummer — teaches collecting and mixing music. You'll learn how to transition from genre to genre to curate the perfect playlist, whether just for yourself or to wow your friends.

Margaret Atwood teaches creative writing

Learn the art of creative writing with Margaret Atwood

Writer's block is a major challenge, but hopefully, some inspiration from Margaret Atwood can bring you out of your funk. The Man Booker Prize-winner's lessons delve into character development, point of view, structuring a novel, and more. 

Samuel L. Jackson teaches acting

Learn how to act with Samuel L. Jackson

It's hard to believe now that Samuel L. Jackson had a stutter growing up, one that actually stopped him from talking for a year. You can learn about how he overcame this obstacle to become an Oscar nominee in this course on acting, which particularly focuses on how to develop a character. 

Apollonia Poilâne teaches bread baking

Learn bread baking with Apollonia Poilâne

Apollonia Poilâne, the third-generation baker and CEO of the famous Parisian bakery Poilâne, teaches you how to use all of your senses when baking an ideal loaf from scratch. Poilâne outlines best practices for a variety of French breads — rustic wheat, rye, brioche, and Poilâne's beloved sourdough loaves — with warmth and clarity. You'll be able to learn from Poilâne's practiced movements, see ideal examples of each stage, and hear live troubleshooting. And though your environment will change daily, Poilâne gives you the working knowledge that allows you to adapt.

Ron Finley teaches gardening

Learn gardening with Ron Finley

Ron Finley has launched a movement around an unusual form of protest: gardening. In 2011, Finley was issued an arrest warrant for planting fruits and vegetables on the curbside strip outside his home in South Central LA — a food desert. Two years later, his story helped change LA laws and, a decade later, he's helped plant dozens of community gardens. In his MasterClass, Finley teaches you how to grow your own food, avoid killing your plants, and the beauty and community you can find in healthy food.

Christina Aguilera teaches singing

Learn how to sing with Christina Aguilera

Whether you want to fine-tune your vocal craft or have no musical experience beyond singing "happy birthday" to your friends and family, Christina Aguilera has the techniques to help you take it up a notch. The Grammy-award winning artist will give you practical tips on how to polish your sound as well as share some stories about her career trajectory. 

Annie Leibovitz teaches photography

Learn photography with Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz claims the title of first-ever female chief photographer at "Rolling Stone," along with plenty of other accomplishments. Here, she sheds light on her photography philosophy and shows how a great photo comes to life. 

Serena Williams teaches tennis

Learn how to play tennis with Serena Williams

If you want to be a pro, you have to practice like one. Get the chance to experience the same drills Serena runs every day, as well as some insight into the importance of mental strength in the game. 

Thomas Keller teaches cooking techniques

Learn cooking techniques with Thomas Keller

Chef Thomas Keller's restaurants, like The French Laundry, have been awarded quite a few Michelin stars and have people eagerly waiting months at a time for reservations. In his MasterClass, he breaks down the basics of some of the most essential cooking techniques, like braising meats and making stocks. 

Carlos Santana teaches the art and soul of guitar

Learn how to play the guitar with Carlos Santana

If you're looking for a classic, technical guitar lesson, this course probably isn't for you. If, however, you're looking to understand how one of the world's most popular guitarists approaches the instrument, draws inspiration for his music, and found his unique sound, you'll love this class with Carlos Santana. 

Bob Iger teaches business strategy and leadership

Learn business strategies and leadership skills with Bob Iger

As the former CEO and current Executive Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger was responsible for some of the brand's most important acquisitions, including Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. With 45 years in media under his belt, he knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a successful businessperson.

His lesson dives into everything from business insights from the acquisition process to how to use your time effectively and productively.

Neil deGrasse Tyson teaches scientific thinking and communication

Learn how to think like a scientist with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Ivy League degrees, bestselling books, and a Grammy award are just some of Neil deGrasse Tyson's accolades. In this course, the renowned astrophysicist will help you see into the mind of a scientist, giving you plenty of skills to help you strengthen the way you think and communicate along the way. 

Kelly Wearstler teaches interior design

Learn how to design your space with Kelly Wearstler

Ever wondered how to make your space look like it's plucked off an "Architectural Digest" page while still feeling like it's distinctly yours? It's a tall order, but Kelly Wearstler has designed enough celebrity homes and boutique hotels to give you all the tips and tricks you need to know to redefine your own space. You'll learn how to choose colors for any room, make a space feel larger, and even curate an art collection. 

Chris Voss teaches the art of negotiation

Learn the art of negotiation with Chris Voss

During his time as an FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss mastered all of the facets of communication and compromise. While your everyday negotiations may not be as high-stake, Voss's strategies can help you get the outcomes you want — whether it's a promotion at your job or a big decision in your relationship. 

Dominique Ansel teaches French pastry fundamentals

Learn French pastry fundamentals with Dominique Ansel

Dominque Ansel is revered for his creative takes on delicious pastries, like the Cronut, a croissant-donut hybrid that garners hours-long lines outside of his SoHo bakery in New York. In this course, you'll learn the precise technique Ansel uses to bake his famous treats. Fruit tarts, chocolate cakes, and mini madeleines are just some of the desserts you'll learn to bake. 

Daniel Negreanu teaches poker

Learn how to play poker with Daniel Negreanu

There's no one better to help you perfect your poker face than Daniel Negreanu — he's won the World Series of Poker six times. He'll help you learn even the most complex poker concepts so you can increase your win rate the next time you sit around the felt. 

A review of MasterClass:

MasterClass is one of my favorite online learning platforms, and I've had personal experience with a fair share of them (Coursera, Skillshare, edX, Rosetta Stone, CreativeLive, and so on).

Compared to many online courses, MasterClass's follow the format of a one-sided conversation more than an academic setting, which can make learning feel more engaging.

I love that I'm able to learn conventional and not-so-conventional tricks and tips from giants of any industry — some of whom are on my shortlist of favorite authors, actors, musicians, and chefs. Classes are pretty short (2-5 hours total), and the lessons are between 5-25 minutes each.

I also get access to notes, additional reading resources, and a community. And it's nice that I can download lessons or use Audio Mode in the car as a de facto audiobook on days when my attention span is low. 

Plus, the diversity, quality, and flexibility of its online classes is hard to beat. If I'm going through a cooking phase, I can watch bite-sized clips that are interesting and useful. And if something isn't my number one passion, the allure of a "master" helps me remain interested in the lessons. 

Personally, I enjoy having yearly access. If you're a lifelong learner, it gives you the ability to jump around different subjects with tools like "topic playlists" that queue up stuff you might like. For me, it's worth the $180 — especially this year, when I'm stuck at home and trying out new hobbies. It's informative without feeling overly stringent or overwhelming — a good fit for lockdown. But, if you're interested in deep-diving into only one topic, I'd recommend auditing a class at Coursera or edX rather than dropping $180 just to access one MasterClass. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

MasterClass FAQs:

1. How much does it cost? MasterClass costs $180 for its annual subscription ($15 a month), which gives you unlimited access to all its classes until you cancel. 
   
2. Is it worth it? If you will use MasterClass more than a few times, yes, the yearly pass may be worth it. If you won't, or you need something more intensive or traditionally academic, consider other online learning sites like Coursera or edX. 
3. How does MasterClass work? MasterClass classes are about 2-5 hours on average, with individual lessons ranging from 2-5 minutes. Classes include pre-recorded video lessons by your instructor, a class workbook, interactive assignments, and sometimes community activities. MasterClass may have opportunities for students to submit work to instructors for feedback, but that's not the norm. 

Americans knew little about how their actions were fueling the coronavirus' spread a year ago: People met friends at bars and concerts, blew their noses in public, and gathered en masse for campaign rallies, Mardi Gras celebrations, and college basketball games. 

Research now shows the virus was likely spreading in the US as early as December 2019. But even after the US identified its first coronavirus case in January 2020, life continued somewhat normally through mid-March.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention didn't recommend against gatherings of 50 or more people until March 15. Had the US instituted broad social-distancing measures one week earlier, a study found, roughly 600,000 infections and 32,000 deaths could have been prevented by May 3. 

The following photos, taken roughly a year ago, show how little Americans understood about what was ahead.

More than 1 million people gathered in New Orleans for Mardi Gras from February 14 to February 25, 2020.

A study found that Mardi Gras "greatly accelerated" the coronavirus outbreak in New Orleans, Louisiana — and likely introduced the virus to other nearby states.

Though the research is still awaiting peer review, the authors wrote that most of the roughly 50,000 COVID-19 cases reported during Louisiana's first wave can likely be traced back to Mardi Gras.

One day after New York City confirmed its first coronavirus case, officials crammed into a conference room to discuss their emergency-response plan.

Researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine estimate that New York City's initial coronavirus outbreak started in mid-February. As late as March 9, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told people not to worry about transmission in crowded areas.

"It's not people in the stadium, it's not people in the big open area or a conference," de Blasio said that day, referring to the way the virus spreads.

Seven days later, de Blasio closed the city's public schools. Four days after that, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statewide stay-at-home order.

Ohio ordered bars to close on March 15, one of the first states to do so.

That same day, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, called for a "dramatic" decline in personal interactions in bars and restaurants. 

"Everybody has to take this seriously, even the young," Fauci told CNN.

A September CDC report found that adults with COVID-19 were twice as likely to have reported dining a restaurant in the two weeks before they got sick than those who tested negative.

President Donald Trump toured the CDC in person on March 6. "It came out of nowhere," he said of the coronavirus at a a press conference that day. "We're taking care of it."

Trump also falsely claimed on March 6 that anyone who wanted a coronavirus test could get one. But the US was only testing 20 out of every 1 million people at that point.

Thousands of people gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, at a campaign rally for Joe Biden on March 7.

"We knew that this was coming, back as far as January," Biden told CNN on March 1.

He began canceling his rallies around March 10, shortly after the CDC advised older Americans to "stay home as much as possible" and avoid crowds.

The CDC didn't recommend wearing masks in public until April.

Masks were in short supply in the spring, so US officials were primarily concerned with preserving enough for healthcare workers. That shortage, combined with limited research about whether face coverings were effective in curbing the coronavirus' spread, led experts not to recommend masks to the general public right away.

Instead, experts emphasized hand-washing and told people not to touch their faces, since preliminary research suggested the virus could spread via surfaces.

More recent studies have found, however, that surface transmission is somewhat rare. The virus spreads mainly when people share the same air — it travels either through respiratory droplets exchanged when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes, or via smaller particles that linger in the air for minutes to hours.

Americans returning from abroad flooded US airports after Trump banned most travel from Europe on March 11.

Passengers waited in hours-long customs lines in cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot told The Wall Street Journal that people were standing "cheek to jowl" at O'Hare International Airport. A passenger told the Journal that baggage claim there "looked like Ellis Island."

Several major sports leagues suspended their seasons during the second week in March.

The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after several Utah Jazz players tested positive for COVID-19. The NHL, MLS, and National Lacrosse League followed suit a day later.

Sports stadiums have recently started to reopen at partial capacity. At the end of February, New York City began allowing 10% of seats to be filled in stadiums like Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center. 

Disneyland closed its Anaheim, California, theme parks on March 14.

The parks remain closed, but they could reopen as soon as April 1, according to California's guidelines. Capacity could range from 15% to 35%, depending on local transmission rates.

The New York Stock Exchange didn't go virtual until March 23, after two of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

By then, New York's stay-at-home order had been in place for three days. The physical trading floor had never shut down independently before, even during World War II or 9/11.

At a March 15 press briefing held indoors without masks, Trump said the US had "tremendous control" of the virus.

At the same briefing, though, Fauci warned that "the worst is yet ahead."

• The right stovetop cleaner will keep surfaces sparkling and spotless. 
• ZEP Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser effectively cleans baked enamel, gas, or electric stovetops.
• Check out our guide for the best products to clean every room in your house, too.

Whether you can barely boil water or are a gourmet cook, stovetops can get messy. When food drops and then burns onto surfaces, pots boil over, and hot grease flies everywhere, ignoring cleanup can leave sticky and stubborn residue.

That's where stovetop cleaners come in. The best product for cleaning stovetops depends on the surface material: baked paint or porcelain enamel, ceramic (often called a glass cooktop), or stainless steel. There are even some differences in how you should safely clean a gas stove-top and an electric coil stove-top with drip pans, which we explain at the end of this guide.

After a lifetime of cooking in test labs and at home, I've cleaned every type of stovetop, tested dozens of cleaning products, and followed different care tips to find the best. And, because any type of cleaning that requires less elbow grease appeals to me, I'm always looking for the most effective, easiest to use, and greatest value in products.

Here are the best stovetop cleaners of 2021

• Best for baked enamel: ZEP Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser
• Best for ceramic stovetops: Weiman Cooktop Cleaner Max
• Best for gas grates: Austin's Clear Ammonia Multipurpose Cleaner
• Best for electric drip pans: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

The best for baked enamel

ZEP Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser will eradicate greasy film on both gas and electric baked enamel stovetops.

Pros: Easily removes grease, pleasant citrus odor, available in one-gallon size for easy bottle refills

Cons: Can damage granite countertops and painted wood surfaces, usually only available online or in home improvement stores

For decades, almost every home stovetop was constructed of baked porcelain enamel, a heavy-duty, heat-resistant material that is fused to the steel surface. Today, you can still purchase both gas and electric porcelain enamel stoves as well as matte-painted baked enamel finishes.

Both finishes are durable and easy to clean once you remove the greasy film that may coat cooking surfaces. With ZEP Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser, there's no need for scouring with abrasive pads because its natural citrus solvents cut through grease. Simply spray it on, wait a few minutes, and then wipe away the sticky messes. Finish up with a clean cloth or sponge dipped in hot water for a final rinse.

I like to pour some ZEP into a separate spray bottle and dilute it 50/50 with water to use on small everyday messes. It's effective and safe to use on stainless steel, aluminum, and other metal surfaces, too. Be sure not to use this cleaner on granite and painted wood surfaces as it can lead to damage.

For tough, burned-on food, spray on ZEP and allow it to work for at least five minutes. You can then use a rubber scraper to loosen the food and wipe it away.  If you have a free-standing or built-in stove, be sure to lift the stove-top or remove the drip pans to clean away any food that dripped inside. ZEP also offers gallon sizes for easy refills. 

The best for ceramic stovetops

Ceramic stovetops are prone to scratching, and the Weiman Cooktop Cleaner Max is the perfect liquid agent for streak- and scratch-free stovetops.

Pros: Removes the worst burned-on messes and grease effectively, will not scratch ceramic surfaces, comes with a scrubbing pad

Cons: Does not remove scratches caused by knives, pots and pans, not readily found in all mass-market stores

After years of cleaning enamel and stainless steel cooktops, I encountered a smooth ceramic stovetop. It looked sleek and conducted heat well, but removing the overflow from a boiling pot was difficult until I found Weiman Cooktop Cleaner Max.

The micro-bead technology in the formula provides just the right amount of abrasive power to remove burned-on food and grease without scratching the surface. After cleaning with the lemon-scented paste and enclosed pad (that conveniently stores in the lid of the container) and rinsing, there are no streaks or watermarks at all.

Though it doesn't remove scratches caused by knives, pots, and pans, it's the most effective ceramic stovetop cleaner we found.

The best for gas grates

With Austin's Clear Ammonia Multipurpose Cleaner, you won't have to scrub grungy gas stovetop grates and burner heads.

Pros: One-step cleaning, cuts through heavy grease and burned-on buildup, works well to remove smudges

Cons: Powerful odor, potential skin irritant, cannot be used in combination with other cleaners

I think we have established that we all love any type of cleaning that requires very little effort. If you own a gas stovetop, Austin's Clear Ammonia Multipurpose Cleaner is the one-step cleaner that removes grease for a sparkling result.

All you need is a sealable plastic bag or container and the cleaner. Simply place the grates and burner heads in the bag and pour in just enough ammonia to cover the pieces. Seal up the container and let them "soak" for about eight hours or overnight. Remove the pieces, sponge them off with a bit of soapy water, rinse well with hot water, and they are sparkling clean! Just dry them and reinstall.

As with any too-easy-to-believe hack, there are a couple of things you should note. Ammonia has a very potent odor and should be used in a well-ventilated space. Never mix ammonia with other cleaning products, especially chlorine bleach, which can cause deadly gases. You should use tongs or wear protective gloves when removing stovetop pieces from the soaking solution to prevent skin irritation, too. Luckily, ammonia can be safely disposed of down the drain.

Once you discover the cleaning potential of household ammonia, you'll find plenty of uses in the kitchen, laundry room, and throughout the house.

The best for electric drip pans

For leftover bits of burned-on food on stovetop drip pans, Mr. Clean Extra Durable Magic Erasers work like a charm.

Pros: Eraser can be cut for specific cleaning jobs, disposable, removes tough grime

Cons: May dull the finish of new, highly polished drip pans

A small rectangular miracle cleaning tool, also known as  Mr. Clean's Extra Durable Magic Erasers, uses melamine-foam activated with water as micro-scrubbers to remove stuck-on grime from nearly every type of surface — including electric stovetop drip pans.

I grew up with an electric stove with burner coils and drip pans that took lots of abuse. It was my mother's favorite chore assignment for me: "Make those drip pans shine!" I spent plenty of time at the sink with hot water, scrubbing powders, and steel wool trying to get rid of burned-on food. 

To make cleaning simple, my first suggestion is to use Austin's Clear Ammonia Multipurpose Cleaner to give the drip pans a soak that will cut through the grease and food on pans. If any bits linger, Mr. Clean will easily remove them.

I usually cut the erasers into smaller pieces that can be used to scrub away residue and then tossed after they become too messy. Finish by simply rinsing with warm water to remove any foam particles that might remain. Though they may dull the finish of newer, highly-polished drip pans, they work like a charm for an essential clean.

How to clean stovetops

For the simplest cleaning process, I swear by daily wipedowns and then a thorough cleaning after a big cooking session. Here are some basic steps for a thorough cleaning:

• Step 1: Always start with a completely cool surface and with everything turned off.
• Step 2: Remove as many components like knobs, electric coils, drip pans, gas grates, and burner caps as possible. For gas stove-tops, cover the gas fuel openings with plastic wrap or a coffee cup to prevent splashing any cleaning solution into the opening.
• Step 3: Place the loose components with heavy grease and burned-on food, in cleaning solutions to soak. Wipe down knobs and lightly soiled components so they are ready to reinstall.
• Step 4: Wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and light soil. Tackle tough stains using the proper cleaning product and tools for the specific type of surface to prevent damage and to leave it streak-free.
• Step 5: Reassemble the stove-top and pledge to clean it after every use to make the job easier next time.

Check out our other kitchen cleaning guides

• The best countertop cleaners
• The best dish soaps
• The best kitchen towels
• The best sponges
• The best reusable cleaning products

• While COVID-19 disrupted much of the travel industry, camper van sales have been on the rise throughout the pandemic.
• If you're thinking about joining the van life movement, having the right accessories is key to being comfortable on the road.
• After rigging my own van and driving it thousands of miles across the country, I've put together my definitive list of essentials.

I daydreamed about owning a camper van for years, to the point where I'd approach strangers in parking lots who had nice vans and spark conversations to hear about their road trips. I burned countless hours on Pinterest viewing custom DIY van setups that made me self-conscious about my apartment. 

I was no stranger to life on the road, having done quite a bit of car camping as a young adult in a Toyota hatchback and frequently driving from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles. When I became a parent in 2018, I finally pulled the trigger on purchasing a camper van as an easy way to take family trips on the weekends. 

My vision of a luxurious 4X4 Mercedes Sprinter was downgraded to a Ford Transit Connect, mainly due to the logistics of size and a need to street park in Brooklyn when it wasn't in use.

Two years later, my partner, daughter, dog and I have logged thousands of miles across states and over borders in our van. It's not the glamourous, Pinterest-worthy van I still hope to own one day, but it's unassuming and smartly organized. It's comfortable for the whole family to sleep in, cost-effective, and reliable. In other words, it's exactly what we need.

After countless days and nights spent on the road, I've gotten the necessary accessories and customizations down to a science. Sure there are still glamorous extras on my wishlist, but when it comes to starting out, just getting the basics right is the key. 

As the novel coronavirus continues to upend travel plans across the country and offices largely remain closed, many people are considering buying camper vans and working from the road. Keep in mind that without a vaccine there is no guarantee of safety when it comes to any type of travel right now. And even in a van, you'll still interact with people when you inevitably need to stop for gas or to restock supplies. It's vital to consider your own risk factors and take into account local and state government guidelines wherever you may be headed. 

All that said, if you're thinking about jumping into van life, my biggest piece of advice when it comes to outfitting a van is that you don't need the high price tag vehicle with every amenity already personalized into it. You can start small, simple, and inexpensive and have all you need to hit the road and be self-sufficient.

You can also opt to rent a van if you only plan on doing a couple of trips or if you want to try out the lifestyle before committing to buying. But even with a rental, you may want to bring a few extra accessories to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

And while it can be easy to get caught up in the bigger accessories like mattresses and roof racks, don't underestimate the power of little items like gear ties, bungee cords, tarps, batteries, drinking water, and trash bags. These always come in handy and often when you least expect it. Things will inevitably go wrong on the road, so the more prepared you are for the small or large fixes, the better.

Here are 17 of the best accessories for outfitting a camper van:

• A comfy mattress: The Keetsa Plus
• A good organization system: The Decked Drawer System
• A rechargeable light: Lighting Ever rechargeable LED light
• A solid roof rack for extra equipment: Thule TracRac
• A safe heater for chilly nights: Webasto air heater
• A durable cooler: The Tundra 35 Hard Cooler
• A good audio unit: Pioneer AVIC audio unit
•  A high-quality stove setup: The Genesis Basecamp Stove
• A versatile cooking set: Snow Peak cook set
• A compact outdoor grill: The Weber Q1200 Gas Grill
• Repellent to keep the bugs aways: Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller
• Water-resistant duffel bags: Patagonia Stormfront Duffel Bag
• An inverter for electricity needs: Wagan inverter
• Foldable camp chairs: REI Flexlite Air Chairs
• A low-water shower system: The Nemo Helio
• A hand-held vacuum: The Dyson V7
• A reliable first aid kit: Pelican 1500EMS Protector Case

A comfy mattress

The Keetsa Plus is supportive without being too bulky, making it a great choice for a van mattress. 

The most important part of van camping and road tripping is your sleep setup. The bed deserves the most attention. 

Depending on the size and model of your van, it may not be an option to put in a proper mattress like you have at home. But if it's possible, even at a twin size, it's worth it. The Keetsa Plus is a high-quality mattress that's exceptionally comfortable without being too big and bulky to comfortably fit in a van. 

With some nice sheets and pillows, your van sleep just might be better than in your usual bed.

See more of the best mattresses here

An organization system

A good organization and storage solution like the Decked Drawer System will inform how you live in your van and what you're able to bring on a road trip. 

A quick google search will reveal endless ideas for DIY storage designs by experienced van owners, but simple drawers provide the best storage in my opinion because they allow for easy access without having to unpack your van.

The Decked Drawer System is not only highly durable but designed for the year and model of your van. It's an easy way to get a more custom storage option that will be the best use of space.

A durable cooler

A YETI cooler is your van's alternative to a refrigerator, allowing you to store fresh food on the road for multiple days. 

Most entry-level vans don't have fridges. Without one, it's mandatory to invest in a quality cooler to store perishables for multiple days. YETI products can be considered a little pricey, but I've found they are well worth the investment. 

The Tundra 35 Hard Cooler holds enough food for a family and the 20x15x16-inch dimensions make it easy to find a logical place in a van.

See more of the best coolers here

A solid roof rack

The Thule TracRac system is designed to mount a range of outdoor toys and equipment on top of your van.

The main point of van camping is to get into the outdoors and experience nature. For that, it's always helpful to bring some extra toys. Whether you have bikes, kayaks, or surfboards, you'll be surprised at what you can bring with you that doesn't need to fit inside the van. 

Thule TracRac roof racks are easy to install and modular for adding specialty components designed for your activity of choice.

See the best bike roof racks here

A low-water shower system

The Nemo Helio is a portable shower that allows you to rinse off anywhere you park and use minimal water.

Having the ability to shower will extend the amount of time you're able to stay on the road comfortably. The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower compacts to take up minimal space in the van. It can be set up quickly and you can enjoy a proper shower without using a lot of water. Trust me, road-tripping across a long distance is much more enjoyable when you're clean.

See the best portable camp showers here

A hand-held vacuum

The Dyson V7 takes up almost no space and will keep your van cleaner than you found it. 

A vacuum is an easy item to overlook, but vans get dirty. No matter where you drive, you get in and out of your vehicle so many times and are constantly tracking in dust, sand, and dirt. 

Having a chargeable, handheld vacuum like the Dyson V7 Trigger allows you to keep your space clean and comfortable, and will keep you out of the truck stop car wash hubs.

See more of the best vacuums here

A safe portable heater

Installing a Webasto air heater to run off your van's fuel source will allow you to van camp year-round. 

Depending on the climate and time of year where you're headed, heat may be an issue. If your van's not insulated and you're in a cold region, heating can be tricky. 

A reliable heating option is an air heater that runs off your van's fuel source. A Webasto Air Top heater can quickly heat the inside of a van and you don't have to leave it running all night. It also avoids the less safe alternative of using an electric or butane heater inside the cab while you sleep. However, it's best to have a Webasto professionally installed before you use it. 

Note that this item is sold through a third-party seller on Amazon. You can also find a local place to buy this heater and have it installed through the Webasto website.

A rechargeable light

Lighting Ever rechargeable LED lights can be used for all your after-dark activities — both inside and outside of your van.

Good lighting is essential for the hours spent in the van cooking, reading, and organizing after dark and when you're not driving. LE camp lighting is easy on the eyes, energy-efficient, and compatible with your smartphone. 

The LED Camp Lantern is a great unit to have because you can use it inside the van or take it with you outdoors. And the Portable Nightlight can be set up in the van and easily operated via Bluetooth. 

See more of the best lanterns here

An audio unit

When you spend days on end behind the steering wheel, the Pioneer AVIC audio unit will solve all your sound and navigation concerns. 

If your van is older and doesn't already have a modern navigation and audio unit, you definitely want to add one. Traveling by van involves a lot of hours behind the wheel and some easy listening will make the time far more enjoyable. 

Whether your preference is music, podcasts, audiobooks, or local radio, you need decent sound. For me, Apple Car Play is a must, so you can easily flip from map navigation to whatever you're listening to and receive notifications. The Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX does it all and can be installed in almost any van.

A quality stove

The Genesis Basecamp Stove by Jetboil provides the fastest way to cook a quality camp meal anywhere you park.

The Genesis Basecamp Stove has been a game-changer on my trips. This portable camp stove is easy to use and can cook your food extremely fast. It's compact and easy to keep stored in a van, where you can also take it with you on day hikes or mini-adventures.

I've even pulled over at highway road stops countless times to quickly make lunch and coffee out of the rear door of the van with this stove.

See more of the best camping stoves here

A versatile cooking set

Design and quality are the selling points for this Snow Peak cook set that allows you to expand your camping culinary skills.

When it comes to camp cooking, having a van is a big step up from tent camping. You can widen your range of cookware items and set up stations to cook inside and outside of the van, depending on where you're parked. But size, weight, and durability are still important. 

This cook set from Snow Peak is well-designed, of great quality, and compact enough to easily store in your van. The set includes two stacking pots and frypans with foldable handles — enough to tackle almost any type of meal.

See more of the best camping cookware here

An outdoor grill

The Weber Q1200 Gas Grill is a compact accessory that will up your meal standards for outdoor cooking.

If you want to get serious about your camp meals and up your game, add a grill to your van inventory. The Weber Q1200 Gas Grill is small and functions with 14-oz gas canisters. It will grill your food to perfection in minutes and is a breeze to clean up after.

Bug repellent

Nobody wants their van full of bugs, so use a Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller to clear your entire campground. 

Bugs are a reality almost anywhere you camp. A van may shield you a bit better than a tent, but mosquitos and other small pests can still be an issue. The Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller covers a 15-foot radius and has no scent or spray. 

Leave it on the ground under your van at night and you'll be bug-free.

See the best bug sprays here

A water-resistant duffel bag

A Patagonia Stormfront Duffel Bag is a great option for packing gear on outdoor adventures or storing wet items in your van.

It's almost a guarantee that van camping involves getting wet. Whether coming in from the beach with wet gear or getting caught out in the rain on a hike, you'll want a designated area to stuff wet items (or dirty laundry) that's out of the way. 

Patagonia Stormfront duffel bags work for both efficient storage and daily use if you're packing gear up in the outdoors. The material is durable and heavily water-resistant, providing the right protection when you need it.

An electrical outlet

Easily turn your van's electrical source into wall outlets and USB ports with a Wagan inverter.

Adding power and electricity outlets to your van can seem complicated, but having a good inverter is a simple solution to the power access you need while van camping. 

The Wagan Elite 700W Pro inverter is a small and sleek unit that converts your van's 12V power into 120V wall outlets and USB ports, allowing you to keep all your devices charged.

Foldable camp chairs

After spending hours sitting in your van, sometimes you just want to sit outside. REI Flexlite Air Chairs are an easy answer.

After hours or days logging miles in a van, you need to spend time outside your van when you reach your destination. This can be as basic as setting up a chair five feet away from your van in a campsite.

REI Flexlite Air Chairs compact into a small volume for easy storage and can be set up in seconds wherever you park.  

See more of the best camping chairs here

A first aid kit

First aid is important, so gather all the materials you need and organize them efficiently in a Pelican 1500EMS Protector Case.

Safety first, right? Having a good first-aid kit in your van is critical. The Pelican 1500EMS Protector Case is durable and weatherproof so it will keep all your emergency supplies safe under almost any conditions. 

You can also customize the medical supplies you want to keep accessible and store the case in your van without concern of it being squished or damaged.

See more of the best first aid kits here

Elon Musk has had a wild life, but he's not the only member of his family who launched businesses, made millions, or achieved fame. 

Musk's family is chock-full of entrepreneurs and rebels, from his filmmaker sister Tosca to his actress ex-wife, Talulah Riley. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO recently added a new member of the family: a baby boy born last May with his girlfriend, the musician Grimes. 

But even before his new baby, Musk — who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, before emigrating to Canada, and eventually, California — already had a large immediate family that included two ex-wives, a set of twins, and a set of triplets. 

Here's a closer look at the Musk family tree.

SEE ALSO: Tech billionaire Elon Musk and musician Grimes have had their first child together. Here's where their relationship began and everything that's happened since.

Errol Musk, Elon Musk's father, is an engineer from South Africa.

Errol Musk, according to Elon, has a genius-level IQ and was reportedly the youngest person to earn a professional engineer's qualification in South Africa, according to a 2017 Rolling Stone profile. 

When Elon was a child, he moved in with his dad after this parents divorced. At the time, Errol Musk was working in construction and emerald mining, according to Rolling Stone. 

Errol Musk made headlines in 2018 when it was revealed that he had a child with his then-30-year-old former stepdaughter Jana Bezuidenhout, whom he's known since she was 4 years old.

Today, Musk and Errol are estranged. The Tesla CEO told Rolling Stone that his father is "a terrible human being.""You have no idea about how bad," Musk said. "Almost every crime you can possibly think of, he has done."

Maye Musk, Elon Musk's mother, is a dietitian and model.

Maye Musk has been modeling for over five decades, since age 15. She has appeared on boxes of Special K cereal and the cover of Time magazine, and has walked in shows at New York Fashion Week, according to The New York Times. 

In 2017, Musk became a CoverGirl spokesperson at age 69. 

Maye Musk was married to Errol Musk until 1979, and she has described the relationship as abusive. After they divorced, Maye Musk moved to Canada along with her three children, where she built a business as a dietitian. 

Kimbal Musk is Elon Musk's younger brother. He's a restaurateur and philanthropist.

Kimbal Musk is currently the founder of three food companies: The Kitchen Restaurant Group, a nonprofit called Big Green, and Square Roots, an urban farming company. 

Musk moved from South Africa to Canada along with Elon Musk when he was a teenager, eventually founding Zip2 with Elon and selling it for $307 million in 1999. He was an investor in PayPal, and currently sits on the board of Tesla and SpaceX. 

Kimbal Musk went on to enroll in the French Culinary Institute in New York, and after breaking his neck in a tubing accident in 2010, decided to devote his career to food, according to The New York Times. 

Kimbal has been married twice: first to Jen Lewin, with whom he created The Kitchen Restaurant Group and Big Green. They have three children together — two sons named Luca and August, and a third child whose name is unknown. 

He married Christiana Wyly, the daughter of ex-billionaire Sam Wyly, in 2018 at in "intimate" wedding in Dallas. 

Tosca Musk, Elon Musk's younger sister, runs a streaming service called Passionflix.

Tosca Musk has been producing movies since 2001, and has made more than 30 to date, according to her IMDb page.

She is currently the cofounder and CEO of Passionflix, a streaming service for movies that have been adapted from romance novels. Musk founded the company in 2016 and has raised over $4 million from investors that include Kimbal Musk. 

Musk is unmarried and has two children, twins named Isabeau and Grayson. 

Lyndon Rive is the cofounder of SolarCity and Elon Musk's cousin.

Lyndon Rive, along with his brother Peter, cofounded SolarCity in 2006. He served as the company's CEO until after the company was acquired by Tesla for $2.6 billion in 2016. Rive stayed on as the head of sales for Tesla's energy division until 2017.

Prior to launching SolarCity, Rive founded a software company called Everdream with his brothers, Russ and Peter, in 1999. They sold it to Dell eight years later for $120 million. 

Peter Rive is also a SolarCity cofounder and a cousin of Musk's.

Peter Rive, SolarCity's cofounder and CTO, left Tesla eight months after it acquired SolarCity. 

In February 2019, both Lyndon and Peter Rive joined Zola Electric, a startup focused on bringing clean, affordable energy to Africa.

Russ Rive is the founder of an art and technical production company called SuperUber. He's also a cousin of Musk's.

Russ Rive cofounded software company called Everdream with his brothers, Lyndon and Peter. He's since cofounded production company SuperUber, which counts Tesla and SpaceX among its clients.

Almeda Rive is Russ, Peter, and Lyndon's sister.

Almeda Rive is a competitive dirt-bike rider, according to Vanity Fair, and also worked in sales at SolarCity, according to LinkedIn. 

Justine Musk is an author and Elon Musk's first wife.

Justine Wilson met Elon Musk while they were attending Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. While Musk eventually transferred to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, they reconnected as Musk started working on his first startup and Justine started working on her first novel after graduation.

They got married in 2000, according to Justine Musk's essay in Marie Claire. 

The couple eventually moved to Los Angeles and had a son named Nevada, whom they lost to SIDS when he was 10 weeks old. They ultimately had twins and triplets — five sons in total— named Griffin, Xavier, Damian, Saxon, and Kai.

Justine Musk wrote in Marie Claire that she was a "stater wife," and described her and Musk's relationship as unhealthy. The couple divorced in 2008.

Talulah Riley is a British actress. She and Musk have been married twice.

After Musk's divorce from Justine, the tech mogul began dating actress Talulah Riley. They got engaged six weeks later.

Riley and Musk married in 2010. Two years later, news of their divorce became public when Musk tweeted: "It was an amazing four years. I will love you forever. You will make someone very happy one day" at Riley on Twitter.

The couple remarried in 2013. Musk filed for — then withdrew — a second divorce the following year. In 2016, Riley filed for divorce from Musk, which was finalized later that year.

The two remained on good terms, however. "We still see each other all the time and take care of each other," she told People.

Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, started dating Elon Musk in 2018.

In May 2018, Musk arrived at the annual Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art alongside Grimes, the Canadian singer and producer. At the time, Page Six reported that the pair had been "quietly dating" for a few weeks.

The couple met over Twitter when Musk was planning to make a joke about artificial intelligence and discovered Grimes had beaten him to the punch.

In January 2020, Grimes posted a partially nude photo to her Instagram and Twitter accounts that showed her pregnant with a fetus Photoshopped on her belly. She later confirmed she and Musk were having a baby, who was born on May 4.

The couple named their son X Æ A-Xii, which is partially a reference to a CIA plane nicknamed "Archangel." 

Truckload carriers are primed to capitalize on a high consumer demand environment in 2021 and a continued capacity shortage in the market, according to Ken Hoexter, a research analyst at Bank of America.  

Back in November, he turned cautious on the truckload sector due to capacity concerns.

But now, an improving economy and tight capacity are the very reasons why Hoexter has turned bullish on trucking, he wrote in a note on Thursday. 

The $1.9 trillion stimulus package that's almost over the finish line, and COVID-19 vaccine distributions, paint a bright picture for economic growth. That explains why Michelle Meyer, the bank's head of US economics, recently upgraded her forecast for 2021 GDP growth to 6.5% from 6%.

Such a growth pace would be rosy for truckload-carrier gains as inventories continue to be refilled in the summer while consumer demand keeps on picking up, Hoexter added.

Why trucking is a strong bet for the economy's recovery

Having been largely rattled by the pandemic, the trucking industry continues to face low inventory levels and a tight truckload capacity that's due to a driver shortage that could persist for an extended period of time, he said. 

During the early lockdown stages of the pandemic, consumer demand substantially increased as people spent their money on essentials like cleaning supplies and food. That elevated level of demand was met with low truck driver availability, which led to low retail inventories and higher prices. 

And just two weeks ago, Bank of America's indicator for shipper rates was up to its highest level since December. The more than 50% rise in freight service provider prices from COVID lows in May reflect the ongoing tight capacity in the market, as well as a strong demand environment that's exceeding supply. 

Besides the supply-demand dynamics that are working in truckload carriers' favor, valuations are attractive. Trucking stocks are currently cheaper than their transportation peers in railroads and smaller, less-than-truckload freight, as the chart below shows.

Class 1 railroads, the largest carriers, and top-tier small freight transportation companies, are trading near all-time high valuations, while "well-managed" trucking stocks are trading lower relative to their fundamentals, he wrote.

Based on these factors, Hoexter upgraded five truckload and intermodal stocks to 'buy,' as they are primed for higher prices and strong near-term earnings. They are listed below in alphabetical order, and Hoexter's commentary on each one is included.

SEE ALSO: Jefferies shares how investors can earn explosive gains from the 4 mega-trends driving the outperformance of small stocks over large ones

1. J. B. Hunt

Ticker:JBHT

Price Target: $171

Commentary:"JBHT remains one of the premier transport providers in the US. It has reduced its exposure to the volatile over the road business (to 1,769 trucks in 2020 from more than 5,200 in Mar. 2007), yet increases its Intermodal focus (approximately 48% of revenues) and Dedicated trucking (23% revenues), which provides improved ROIC & continues to grow."

Source: Bank of America 

2. Knight-Swift

Ticker:KNX

Price Target: $52

Commentary:"We believe a move up to at least the bottom of truckload peer range is appropriate given the company's higher spot market exposure and Over-The-Road digitization strategy."

Source: Bank of America 

3. Schneider National

Ticker:SNDR

Price Target: $28

Commentary:"Knight-Swift is a leading truckload carrier, with former KNX having industry-best operating margins and management...KNX remains among the best managed trucking companies in the US, alleviating pressure from rising industry capacity in 2021."

Source: Bank of America 

4. U.S. Xpress Enterprises

Ticker:USX

Price Target: $12

Commentary:"We believe a move up to at least the bottom of truckload peer range is appropriate given the company's higher spot market exposure and Over-The-Road digitization strategy."

Source: Bank of America 

5. Werner Enterprises

Ticker:WERN

Price Target: $52

Commentary:"Werner is in the midst of internal operational improvements, led by CEO Derek Leathers, which should drive margin improvement. While the coronavirus overhang remains a factor, the company's internal margin focus and Dedicated gains should aid performance."

Source: Bank of America 

Even in 2021, women pay more for mortgages than men when they buy a house. 

Mortgage comparison site Own Up analyzed Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data and found that women pay more for mortgages in 49 US states.

Own Up calculated typical interest rates for men and women and found the spread of rates offered to both men and women for a $354,000, 30-year fixed mortgage loan. That spread value was then added to the prime rate, or the best interest rate a bank can offer.

The difference between what a single man and a single woman would pay over the full term of the loan varied widely, with the biggest difference at over $7,000 in Mississippi. There's only one state where women don't pay more: Alaska. 

Here are the 15 states where women pay the most for mortgages.

15. Missouri

Women in Missouri will pay about $4,600 more than their single male counterparts. 

Women's interest rate: 3.40%

Men's interest rate: 3.34%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,654

14. Indiana

Indiana women also pay more for mortgages. 

Women's interest rate: 3.47%

Men's interest rate: 3.41%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,676

13. Michigan

Michigan women will pay closer to $4,700 more for a home than men in the state.

Women's interest rate: 3.51%

Men's interest rate: 3.44%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,687

12. South Carolina

Homes in South Carolina cost women 0.06% more than men, but that difference adds up.

Women's interest rate:  3.39%

Men's interest rate: 3.33%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,721

11. Connecticut

Connecticut has the biggest gender discrepancy between interest rates of all the New England states.

Women's interest rate: 3.27%

Men's interest rate: 3.20%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $4,822

10. Arizona

Arizona's interest rate for women is the highest in the US. 

Women's interest rate: 3.50%

Men's interest rate: 3.43%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,040

9. Kansas

Homes in Kansas are relatively affordable, but that doesn't mean that women still won't pay more.

Women's interest rate: 3.33%

Men's interest rate: 3.26%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,052

8. Tennessee

Tennessee women will pay over $5,000 more over the life of their mortgage.

Women's interest rate: 3.39%

Men's interest rate: 3.32%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,071

7. Arkansas

Homes in Arkansas will cost women more than $5,300 more. 

Women's interest rate: 3.41%

Men's interest rate: 3.33%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,359

6. Georgia

In Georgia, women pay about 0.08% more, which adds up to almost $5,500 over the life of the loan.

Women's interest rate: 3.40%

Men's interest rate: 3.32%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,498

5. New Jersey

New Jersey's interest rates are lower than most other states, but women still pay more. 

Women's interest rate: 3.26%

Men's interest rate: 3.18%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,515

4. Florida

Florida women will pay a higher amount than men for their mortgages over time. 

Women's interest rate: 3.46%

Men's interest rate: 3.38%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,591

3. Ohio

Ohio is in the top three states where women pay more for mortgages than men. 

Women's interest rate: 3.42%

Men's interest rate: 3.34%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $5,856

2. Alabama

Alabama women will pay $6,000 more for mortgages than men. 

Women's interest rate: 3.44%

Men's interest rate: 3.36%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $6,006

1. Mississippi

By gender, Mississippi is the most unequal state for homebuying. Women will pay almost $7,077 more than men. 

Women's interest rate: 3.47%

Men's interest rate: 3.37%

Difference in interest paid over the mortgage's term: $7,077

What's behind this gender rate gap?

Trina Patel, a financial advice manager at finance app Albert, told Insider that the gender pay gap could contribute to higher interest rates.

"Women are typically in fields that earn less than men, or they earn less than men. The amount of wealth that they can build is going to be slightly at a disadvantage. If you're earning less, by default, you might not be able to save as much for a future down payment," she said. A lower income could also mean a higher debt-to-income ratio, another major factor in what a buyer pays for a mortgage.

How to get a lower mortgage rate

"One thing we do know, that is universally a problem for women and men, is the fact that the majority of people in the United States do not shop for their mortgage," said Patrick Boyaggi, CEO of Own Up.

The experts agree that the best way to avoid overpaying is simple: shop around for a mortgage."Don't accept the first offer presented to you by the first lender you're introduced to," Boyaggi said. Compare all parts of the offer, from the interest rate to the closing costs and fees. Once you have a feel for what lenders have to offer, don't be afraid to negotiate. 

Once you've signed for your home, there could still be ways to lower your interest rate. Opendoor consumer trends expert Beatrice de Jong says that refinancing could help. "Record-low mortgage rates can translate into lower costs for borrowers looking to refinance," she told Insider by email. "With current rates as low as they are, it's likely that your new rate would be low enough to make refinancing worth your while." 

Advertisers slashed their budgets during the pandemic while suspending the long and expensive process of changing ad agencies.

But 2021 is expected to be an unusually active year for new business with billions in ad spending expected to change agency hands.

Greg Paull, founder of R3 Worldwide, a consulting firm that oversees such reviews, said he expected renewed activity from industries like travel and tourism, which want to restart spending after being hard hit by the pandemic.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, for example, recently restarted its search for an agency after pausing the process nearly a year ago during the pandemic. And automaker Infinti in March moved its $150 million account to Publicis after seven years with MDC Partners' Crispin Porter Bogusky.

Below are 17 top accounts that are up for grabs, based on our own reporting and news accounts elsewhere, in order of estimated value to the winning agencies.

Unless otherwise noted, the companies did not respond to requests for comment.

Coca-Cola is the big prize at $4.2 billion, but most agencies will lose out.

Account: Coca-Cola

Estimated spend: $4.2 billion

The biggest account with the most ad dollars at stake is Coca-Cola, which plans to slash its budget by consolidating much of its ad business with fewer agencies.

Agencies including Wieden + Kennedy as well as holding companies WPP, Publicis, Dentsu, IPG, and MDC Partners are pitching to defend their business and grab a bigger slice of the pie. A Coca-Cola spokeswoman said the company plans to pick its new agencies by the end of 2021.

Ad Age, which first reported the news, said Coca-Cola spent $4.2 billion on paid advertising in 2019.

Newly-formed auto giant Stellantis is shopping its $2 billion account around.

Account: Stellantis

Estimated spend: $2 billion

The largest review to launch in 2021 so far will be for Stellantis, the auto giant created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.

Stellantis is preparing to look for an agency to handle ad planning and buying around the world for all its brands, including Chrysler, Jeep, Peugeot, and Citroën.

People close to the matter said the company wants to save money by cutting ad spend across the newly-formed company to compete with bigger rivals Toyota and Volkswagen. The review means another challenge for Publicis, which has the FCA business, and WPP, which won PSA in 2017.

Comvergence estimated that the two companies spent a combined $2 billion in 2020.

Home Depot is weighing ad giants Publicis and Omnicom.

Account: Home Depot

Estimated spend: $1.1 billion

The Home Depot continues its search for a new creative agency after firing The Richards Group in October after its founder, Stan Richards, made a racist remark that gained widespread media attention.

Reports say Omnicom's BBDO and Publicis Groupe's Leo Burnett are among the agencies competing for the business. The retailer also recently named Omnicom's OMD as its new media agency.

The Home Depot spent $1.1 billion on advertising in 2020, according to Ad Age's Datacenter.

A Home Depot spokesperson had no updates on its search.

Unilever is shaking up its US e-commerce business, and it could be a big loss for WPP.

Account: Unilever

Estimated spend: $900 million

CPG giant Unilever is looking for a new agency to handle its North American retail ad business in late 2020, several sources told Insider. The maker of brands like Dove, Lipton, and Ben & Jerry's will focus on e-commerce advertising, which has taken off during the pandemic.

Unilever is a critical client for advertising giant WPP, which is defending its business against competitors including IPG. An insider said the review came about because Unilever wanted to explore options outside WPP just as the company folded Geometry, the agency responsible for Unilever's US retail business, into its VMLY&R network. 

Unilever spent $900 million on marketing in North America in 2019, according to market-research firm Comvergence. A knowledgeable source said the retail part of the business would be worth $30 million in annual revenue to an agency.

Walmart is looking for a new agency in another challenge to WPP.

Account: Walmart

Estimated spend: $600 million-plus

Walmart, one of the top-spending advertisers, is looking for a new agency to handle its media planning and buying in the US.

The move marks another challenge for WPP, which won the account away from rival Publicis in 2016. The advertising company tried to get closer to Walmart in recent years by acquiring retail agency Triad and hiring former Walmart exec Jacqui Canney to run HR.

Every major holding company, including Omnicom, Publicis, IPG, and Dentsu, is expected to pitch. 

Market-research firm Kantar estimated that Walmart spent $600 million on advertising in the US in 2019, excluding paid social.

Ad giants IPG, Dentsu, and Publicis are defending their Nestlé accounts in the US and UK.

Account: Nestlé

Estimated spend: $520 million

Nestlé is simultaneously searching for new media agencies to handle its ad planning and buying business in the US and the UK and Ireland as it competes with rivals like Mars and Lindt.

IPG and Dentsu, which work on the account in the US, are pitching; Dentsu recently won Nestlé's media business in China.

Publicis-owned Zenith, which oversees media for Nestlé brands KitKat and Nespresso, is defending its business in the UK. AdAge reported that Nestlé spent $432 million on paid ads in the US in 2019, and the company's UK budget in 2020 was 63 million euros, or $88 million, according to Nielsen estimates.

Nestlé declined to comment.

It's down to the wire for the US Navy's massive, five-year ad contract.

Account: US Navy

Estimated spend: Five years, $457 million

The US Navy announced in December 2019 that it would review potential agencies when its contract ends in May. The winner will be tasked with helping Navy increase recruits through 2026 through work like events, targeted ad buys, and email marketing.

Federal government clients are some of the most lucrative in the ad industry, and IPG took WPP to court in 2015 after it lost a five-year, $457 million contract. Now, IPG hopes to win back the business — another potential five-year contract — and make up for losing the even larger Army account to Omnicom in 2018.

People with direct knowledge said WPP's VMLY&R and IPG's McCann are the two finalists in the pitch, which is set to wrap up in May. The Navy declined to comment.

Philips wants to send its $300 million advertising and PR business to a single holding company.

Account: Philips

Estimated spend: $300 million

Philips started looking for an agency for its $300 million global advertising, PR, and marketing business in January, and holding companies IPG, Dentsu, and WPP are competing for the account.

The company's ad and media buying is being handled by WPP-owned Ogilvy and Wavemaker, but people close to the business said Philips plans to consolidate all work with one holding company to save money. The pitch is expected to conclude in May.

Cigna is consolidating its ad, media, and PR work.

Account: Cigna

Estimated spend: $150 million

Cigna aims to cut the number of agencies it uses to one for its global marketing business, meaning a potential loss for its current agencies IPG, Omnicom, and Edelman. The winning agency will control creative and digital advertising, media planning and buying, PR, brand strategy, and sponsorships. 

As one of the five largest US-based health insurance providers, Cigna is a crucial client.

Comvergence estimates Cigna spends $150 million on global marketing each year.

Chocolate maker Lindt will be a sweet prize for a holding company.

Account: Lindt & Sprüngli 

Estimated spend: $145 million

The maker of Ghirardelli and Russell Stover recently launched a review of its media-buying business for Europe, according to several people with direct knowledge who said it spends around $145 million per year on the continent.

The company wants to consolidate all the work with one holding company and centralize its business to compete with larger rivals like Mars, Nestle, and Mondelez. WPP, Dentsu, and Publicis previously had longstanding relationships with Lindt in the UK, Germany, and France, respectively. They're all vying for the business, according to people familiar with the situation, as are Havas and Omnicom, which recently won Lindt's business in China. Consulting firm ID Comms is running the review.

Lindt & Sprüngli declined to comment.

Kaiser Permanente's $85 million ad business is up for grabs.

Account: Kaiser Permanente

Estimated spend: $85 million

Kaiser Permanente is shopping for agencies to handle its US advertising, media-buying, B2B, and digital experience work, according to people with direct knowledge and a leaked document reviewed by Insider. The outcome could spell a big loss for IPG, which has made Kaiser's ads for the past 17 years, and is expected to try and keep the business.

While many advertisers cut their budgets last year, Kaiser increased its spend, by around 20% to at least $85 million, according to Kantar.

JetBlue is looking for growth after getting slammed by the pandemic.

Account: JetBlue

Estimated spend: $66 million

JetBlue was one of the first in what's expected to be a wave of travel and hospitality brands reviewing their ad agencies in late 2020 and early 2021. Airlines lost an estimated $35 billion in 2020, and all brands, including smaller ones like JetBlue, are trying to attract customers while cutting costs.

JetBlue spent $66 million in advertising in 2019. But the airline industry slashed costs in 2020, and the winning agency will control a smaller budget; Comvergence estimates JetBlue spent as little as $4 million in 2020. It's unclear if IPG, which has had the business for 12 years, is pitching to keep its account.

Humana is shopping for a new agency after 11 years with Omnicom.

Account: Humana

Estimated spend: $60 million

Humana is yet another major health insurance company to put its ad business up for grabs during the pandemic.

Two people with direct knowledge said Omnicom, which won the account in 2010, is defending its business in a pitch against rival Publicis and independent agencies Crossmedia and Rain the Growth Agency, which handles Humana's direct marketing.

Unlike many other advertisers, Humana is not consolidating its entire business with one agency network; IPG-owned MullenLowe won responsibility for making its ads late last year.

Humana spent around $60 million on advertising in the US last year, according to R3.

Representatives for Humana and the agencies declined to comment.

TD Bank is reviewing its $22 million budget.

Account: TD Bank

Estimated spend: $22 million

TD Bank is reviewing its US and Canadian media and creative ad agencies, and that could mean a loss for Publicis Groupe, Havas Group, or Omnicom Group's TBWA\Chiat\Day.

Those agencies are pitching to defend and potentially grow their business, execs at these agencies said. One speculated that TD Bank was looking to consolidate its advertising with one or two agencies, going the way of others like Coke and Cigna.

TD Bank spent $22 million on paid media in the US in 2019, Kantar estimated.

ConEd is close to picking a new agency after dropping Havas.

Account: Con Edison

Estimated spend: $8.3 million

New York energy company Con Edison dropped its ad agency Havas— which handled its media and ad business since 2017 — and is expected to name a new agency in March.

The company started its search for a new creative and media agency around September, according to three people close to the situation. ConEd had hired a new head of branding and marketing last April, John Fredette, and the company has been building its own marketing team.

Havas did not pitch to defend the business. ConEd spent $8.3 million on measured media in the US in 2019, Kantar estimated.

Nutella is seeking an agency to grow its profile.

Account: Nutella

Estimated spend: Undetermined

In late 2020, Italian chocolate-maker Ferrero Group started searching for a new agency to promote the hazelnut spread Nutella around the world.

Ferrerro has shaken up the agencies it uses in recent months, moving its global ad-buying business from Omnicom to WPP and picking indie agency Terri & Sandy in the US. The winner of the ongoing pitch will create big-budget campaigns centered on holidays and other events.

Ferrero spent $22.6 million on marketing for Nutella in the US in 2019, according to Kantar, but Insider could not determine the value of the current pitch.

Prudential is seeking an agency for the first time in a decade.

Account: Prudential

Estimated spend: Undetermined

Prudential is searching for a new agency for the first time in a decade.

The scope of the assignment is unclear, but people with knowledge said independent and big ad holding company-owned firms have been invited to pitch for the business after Prudential split with agency Droga5. This is another change for Prudential, which just hired a new CMO.

Prudential spent $53 million on advertising in 2019, excluding paid social campaigns, according to Kantar.

In the early days of the pandemic, remote work seemed like it could strike a nearly fatal blow to the office industry, allowing workers to shed their commutes and companies to shed one of their biggest line items. Just this week, while announcing the 9-to-5 was "dead," software giant Salesforce announced that it would roll out both permanent remote work and a hybrid between remote-work and in-office for its employees.

But the world's largest architecture firm, Gensler, has plans to bring people back, just not to cubicles or open floor plans.

After consulting with some of the largest companies in the world, Gensler has produced renderings of the office of the future, highlighting the benefits that come with physically working in the same space as others while using less space for rows of desks and computers. 

A Gensler survey found that only about 20% of people want to continue to work full-time from home.

"The glue that holds us together is our offices," Gensler co-CEO Andy Cohen told Insider.

In the face of the pandemic, corporate leaders are "really starting to get under the hood on the importance of workplace," co-CEO Diane Hoskins told Insider, adding that "the headline for what has really changed is that business leaders and the C-suite have awakened" to its importance.

The past year has opened up an avenue for drastic, accelerated change to the office. Central to that change is the concept of flexibility, Cohen told Insider. 

"There's this idea of liberation, of democratization of the office, that now you can work anywhere, any time and also at home too," Cohen said. 

Building flexibility into the design of an office is more of a challenge because it's no longer "one size fits all," Hoskins said, which means that Gensler's consulting practice has seen "real growth" as business leaders get hands-on with the future of their workplaces.  

The company's research teams have also been busy, running surveys that found people working from home spend more time in "focus mode" and they're actually 12% more productive at heads-down, focused work than in the office. This research helps Gensler's consultants and designers understand how they can design space that works for deep focus and for the collaborative and social activities that are central to a physical office. They also put it into practice in their own offices, using them as laboratories to test out new ideas.

Gensler co-CEOs Cohen and Hoskins walked us through their vision of the office of the future, and all the renderings of how it could look.

Open office plans have been separated into different "areas of choice" which employees can use for different types of work.

One of the most profound things we've learned from remote working is that work can happen anywhere, even at your kitchen table. When applied to the office, this opens up new kinds of spaces for everything from deep-focus work to collaborative brainstorming to formal conference rooms. 

This concept of creating workspaces around the office, each of which serves specific needs, isn't new, but its adoption has been accelerated by the virus and remote work. 

"Now we're seeing it not as one person for one desk, but different work points that will change throughout the day," Cohen said.

In the above diagram, six desks for focused work are in one corner of the room, while places for informal meetings and more intimate one-on-one discussions cover the rest. There are more people than desks, a recognition that the office is now the home of the company's culture.

"We can facilitate that by creating these areas of choice, these areas where you can choose where you're going to work for the type of work that you're doing for that day, which is so important," Cohen said.

Key to this flexible model is turning the office into the "nucleus for culture and brand."

In a hybrid era of remote and in-person work, the office needs to excel at what it does best, fostering collaboration and defining a company's culture. 

The above image shows how a conference room can turn into space for both brainstorming and gathering and sharing food. This sort of environment is ideal for the more informal ways that work gets done and creativity comes to the forefront. 

"A lot of business gets done before the meeting or after the meeting in downloads and in a one-on-one conversations," Cohen said. "That's what we're missing right now, everything is so formal and we're missing the collaborative, informal moments."

The "hub and spoke" model has come into vogue as a way to find a third place somewhere in between the home and the corporate office headquarters.

One of the buzziest themes in the workspace world right now is the "hub and spoke model," where a company has one central headquarters, but then operates many smaller, satellite offices that can serve localized portions of its employees.

This model can be used to lessen commute time and virus transmission risk for workers that live far from central business districts, or it can be used to provide physical locations for staff that is scattered around the country. 

These satellite offices provide a place for people to work that's easier to get to and less formal than a typical office. 

"It becomes a third place because it's not the main office and it's not a home office, but it's a safe environment where you can go to be with your other colleagues," Cohen said.

While some conference rooms can be used for meetings, brainstorming, or events, others might be used to work in small groups with some level of focus.

While a space like this may have previously been used explicitly as a conference room, it can now be used for moments that are a hybrid between focused work and collaboration. The key to a flexible office is providing a range of different types of places to work, so that employees can make choices that best fit what they want out of the office.

The kitchen in the office, like the kitchen in the home, is a place designed to foster informal connections and collaborations.

The kitchen is a central area in the office to hang out, work with, and socialize with colleagues, like in the home. As a result, it becomes the informal center of the company's culture. 

"What we're saying with this diagram is this is a place in the office that becomes this connectivity place," Cohen said.

This means connecting in person, but it can also mean using it as a place to connect with remote colleagues. The rendering above shows screens where workers can have a relaxed chat with someone working from home. It's very important to find ways to include remote workers into the design of the office, even if they may rarely be there, in order to foster a cohesive culture.

While millennial and Gen Z employees may have been able to adjust easier to working remotely, they're missing out on opportunities for mentorship and culture.

Younger, digitally native workers may have been able to adjust easiest to remote work at first, but have also seen some of the biggest downsides. 

"Of course they have been resoundingly dissatisfied with working from home because they are not getting the training, the mentoring, the culture, the shaping and the opportunities that you have when you're in the office," Hoskins said. 

The sorts of informal, unplanned, and synchronous meetings that happen in a kitchen are key to these early-career employees' experiences.

Another key element of the future office is employee health and safety.

It's unsurprising that health is a major concern for the return to work, and therefore a major input on the design of the future office. This mirrors what happened to building design after the 1918 pandemic.

"It actually was a trend even after the 1918 pandemic where the wealthy placed sinks in living rooms and other places of their house as part of the response to that contagion," Hoskin said. 

That same opportunity exists now, with workplaces being designed with advanced air filtration and monitoring, touchless doors and access control, and even handwashing stations placed around the office.

Some touchless access control technologies even use facial recognition and can be used to have the elevator direct a worker to their exact floor.

Air ventilation and filtration is another major thing. Much of that happens behind the scenes, with the installation of more powerful systems, but Cohen noted that windows that can open and let in further ventilation from the outside have been a major trend, in comparison to previously "hermetically sealed buildings."

In the final week of February, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new roadmap to take Britain out of lockdown, looking to follow Israel into a new, post-vaccine resumption of economic activity.

Britain has one of the most rapid COVID-19 vaccination programs in the world, after Israel and the United Arab Emirates, who are vying for poll position. Strict lockdown measures are still in force in the country, which has one of the highest death rates from the virus globally, but these restrictions will lift in the coming weeks, as greater numbers of the population are inoculated.

UK-listed airlines like budget carrier easyJet are already staging a comeback, gaining 171% in the last three trading days alone, as investors grow optimistic about the prospects for more normal consumption patterns, especially travel.

With mass-vaccination underway in Europe, the United States and elsewhere, investors are starting to turn towards some of those stocks that were worse-hit by the pandemic to capitalize on that economic recovery, Goldman Sachs said in a note published at the end of February.

Sectors like retail, leisure and travel saw demand crippled, as coronavirus spread throughout the Western world, but Goldman said in a note on Monday it expects these stocks to "outperform on the back of a sustained broader macro recovery."

However, reopening is not as easy as turning on a switch, and economic activity is still 65% lower than pre-covid levels, the note said, lower than the roughly 50% in mid-December. A number of major economies, including Britain, Germany, France and Spain, imposed new lockdowns and restrictions in early January. 

The difference between domestic travel, such as restaurant visits, and road traffic, for example and international travel is currently relatively small, with activity levels in both bands taking big hits, to run at around 80% and 58% below normal levels, respectively.

This divergence was much larger in last summer's shorter reopening phase, when domestic categories staged a stronger recovery to hold just 10% below pre-covid levels, while international travel remained around 60% lower.

"We expect to see a similar pattern as economies reopen during 2021," the note added.

Now, with vaccination rolling out and as some of the world's largest economies reopen, a lot of these market laggards have the opportunity to catch-up with some of the market-leading pandemic beneficiaries.

These are the 38 companies that Goldman Sachs lists as a "buy", based on their potential in the post-lockdown economic recovery, (data from Feb 23):

1. Airbus

Ticker: AIR: PA
Sector: Aerospace and Defence
% Upside: 47%
Market cap:€70.64 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

2. Rolls-Royce

Ticker: RR.L
Sector: Aerospace and Defence
% Upside: 15%
Market cap:€5.57 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

3. Amadeus IT Group

Ticker: AMA.MC
Sector: Business Services
% Upside: 22%
Market cap:€23.20 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

Source: Goldman Sachs

4. Eurazeo

Ticker: EURA.PA
Sector: Business Services
% Upside: 13%
Market cap:€4.41 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

5. Elis SA

Ticker: ELIS.PA
Sector: Business Services
% Upside: 19%
Market cap:€2.95 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

6. ISS

Ticker: ISS.CO
Sector: Business Services
% Upside: 50%
Market cap:€2.65 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

7. Prosegur Group

Ticker: PSG.MC
Sector: Business Services
% Upside: 52%
Market cap:€1.46 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

8. Prosegur Cash

Ticker: CASHP.MC
Sector: Business Services
% Upside: 65%
Market cap:€1.14 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

9. Diageo

Ticker: DGE.L
Sector: Consumer Products
% Upside: 12%
Market cap:€82.17 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

10. Pernod Ricard

Ticker: PERP.PA
Sector: Consumer Products
% Upside: 6%
Market cap:€43.5 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

11. Carlsberg

Ticker: CARLb.CO
Sector: Consumer Products
% Upside: 7%
Market cap:€20.36 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

12. Coca-Cola HBC AG

Ticker: CCH.L
Sector: Aerospace and Defence
% Upside: 16%
Market cap:€9.83 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

13. adidas

Ticker: ADSGn.DE
Sector: General Retail
% Upside: 13%
Market cap:€59.54 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

14. Hennes & Mauritz

Ticker: HMb.ST
Sector: General Retail
% Upside: 14%
Market cap:€31.01 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

15. LVMH Moet-Hennessy Louis Vuitton

Ticker: LVMH.PA
Sector: Luxury Retail
% Upside: 5%
Market cap:€268.97 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

16. Richemont

Ticker: CFR.S
Sector: Luxury Retail
% Upside: 3%
Market cap:€45.44 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

17. Swatch Group

Ticker: UHR.S
Sector: Luxury Retail
% Upside: 22%
Market cap:€12.38 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

18. RELX Plc

Ticker: REL.L
Sector: Media & Internet
% Upside: 33%
Market cap:€42.05 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

19. WPP Plc

Ticker: WPP.L
Sector: Media & Internet
% Upside: 11%
Market cap:€12.20 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

20. Publicis

Ticker: PUBP.PA
Sector: Media & Internet
% Upside: 10%
Market cap:€10.77 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

21. ITV Plc

Ticker: ITV.L
Sector: Media & Internet
% Upside: 9%
Market cap:€5.01 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

22. EssilorLuxottica

Ticker: ESLX.PA
Sector: MedTech
% Upside: 16%
Market cap:€60.13 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

23. Total SE

Ticker: TOTF.PA
Sector: Oil
% Upside: 26%
Market cap:€95.97 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

24. BP Plc

Ticker: BP.L
Sector: Oil
% Upside: 60%
Market cap:€61.47 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

25. ENI

Ticker: ENI.MI
Sector: Oil
% Upside: 15%
Market cap:€32.76 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

26. Repsol

Ticker: REP.MC
Sector: Oil
% Upside: 26%
Market cap:€14.13 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

27. Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Ticker: URW.AS
Sector: Real Estate
% Upside: 22%
Market cap:€9.99 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

28. British Land

Ticker: BLND.L
Sector: Real Estate
% Upside: 29%
Market cap:€4.91 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

29. Derwent London

Ticker: DLN.L
Sector: Real Estate
% Upside: 29%
Market cap:€4.02 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

30. Colonial Inmobiliaria

Ticker: COL.MC
Sector: Real Estate
% Upside: 26%
Market cap:€3.96 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

31. Vinci

Ticker: SGEF.PA
Sector: Transport and Infrastructure
% Upside: 18%
Market cap:€47.15 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

32. IAG

Ticker: ICAG.L
Sector: Transport and Infrastructure
% Upside: 20%
Market cap:€9.03 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

33. ACS

Ticker: ACS.MC
Sector: Transport and Infrastructure
% Upside: 32%
Market cap:€7.68 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

34. Flughafen Zurich

Ticker: FHZN.S
Sector: Transport and Infrastructure
% Upside: 45%
Market cap:€4.19 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

35. Whitbread

Ticker: WTB.L
Sector: Travel and Leisure
% Upside: 4%
Market cap:€7.82 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

36. WH Smith

Ticker: SMWH.L
Sector: Travel and Leisure
% Upside: 21%
Market cap:€2.48 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

37. Autogrill SpA

Ticker: AGL.MI
Sector: Travel and Leisure
% Upside: 35%
Market cap:€1.22 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs

38. Elior Group SA

Ticker: ELIOR.PA
Sector: Travel and Leisure
% Upside: 21%
Market cap:€1.08 billion

Source: Goldman Sachs