Best grinder		Santa Cruz Shredder		SEE IT	This aircraft-grade aluminum grinder granulates the stickiest of the icky.
Best infuser system		Levo C		SEE IT	Create cannabis-rich oils for homemade edibles in an easy and low-key process.
Best handheld vaporizer		Pax Mini		SEE IT	An intuitive ingestion device that’s discreet and direct.

So you want to smoke weed—either for medicinal or recreational purposes—and you’re looking for a place to start. Sure, you could walk into that headshop down the street, but they most definitely sell counterfeit Puff Bars, and you feel a little claustrophobic surrounded by all that expensive glass. Plus, the college kid behind the counter is a little bit too close in age to your own kid. Thankfully, we at Popular Science share how science shows up in our everyday life, and cannabis and its extracts are quite scientific. Consider this an essentials list of what you’ll want to keep on hand for your next sesh, or what to buy to get started. Move over bar cart, cannabis cabinet has entered the chat!

Remember that every state has different laws regarding cannabis use, so check them out before using. Once you can hit “Add To Cart” with confidence, we’ve cultivated Spotify playlist for both sativa and indica strains to help make sure every hit is a hit.

• Best rolling tray: Santa Cruz Shredder Hemp Rolling Tray with Spout
• Best rolling papers: Blazy Susan Rolling Papers
• Best cones: Edie Parker Crush Cones in Excite Mint
• Best handheld vaporizer: Pax Mini
• Best for concentrates: Puffco Peak Pro
• Best splurge: Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid
• Best waterpipe: Session Goods Bong
• Best pipe: Laundry Day Tanjun pipe
• Best hemp wick: Twisted Bee 100% Organic Hemp Wick
• Best lighter: Clipper Lighter
• Best joint holder: The Clinger
• Best grinder: Santa Cruz Shredder
• Best cleaner: Grand Master Smoke
• Best 510 battery: Ooze Twist Slim Pen 2.0
• Best infuser system: Levo C

Best rolling tray: Santa Cruz Shredder Hemp Rolling Tray with Spout

Santa Cruz Shredder

SEE IT

Learning how to roll a joint is a journey all its own, but procuring a solid rolling tray is an essential first step. You can use it as a surface to stuff your cones and pack handheld vaporizers or bowls without getting cannabis everywhere, thanks to high curved edges that prevent mess. A spout makes it easy to put any leftover ground cannabis back into your grinder or storage container. We like this one from Santa Cruz Shredder that has both, and is made of biodegradable hemp. If you’re looking for rolling tray that doubles as decor, we love this glass Keith Haring rolling tray from Higher Standards that could pass as a catch-all plate in your foyer. 

Best rolling papers: Blazy Susan Rolling Papers

Blazy Susan

SEE IT

The Blazy Susan rolling papers are fun to look at, thanks to their bright pink hue, but they’re also some of the best rolling papers on the market. They’re vegan, non-GMO, and made from high-quality wood pulp. They also burn slowly and evenly, which prevents canoeing. We recommend starting with 1 ¼-inch papers if you’re new to rolling (and we won’t judge you if you pick up some pre-rolled cones, in case of difficulties or time constraints). And if you are inviting like-minded friends over for a social smoke, grab one of the company’s namesake spinning rolling trays (available in colorful plastic and limited edition woods), with its specialized inserts and cuts for every manner of supplies, accessories, and end products.

Best cones: Edie Parker Crush Cones in Excite Mint

Edie Parker Flower

SEE IT

These aren’t your average cones. These cones from Edie Parker come in a variety of flavors, including peach, grape, strawberry, and banana. We’re personally huge fans of the mint flavor for a cool fresh taste while taking a hit. Simply pack your ground cannabis into the cone, ignite, find the flavor pearl in the filter tip, crush, and inhale. They also are great to pull out and pass around at a party. Of course, if you don’t need a fun flavor with your joint, we love Blazy Susan’s cones. We’re fans of the Shorty size, which makes for a perfect joint for yourself when you’re seshing alone. 

Best handheld vaporizer: PAX Mini

PAX

SEE IT

There are many benefits to vaporizing cannabis compared to igniting it. Vaporizers use convection, conduction, and sometimes even both to heat your weed to release those sweet terpenes and cannabinoids. The result is better for your lungs and provides a more consistent flavor and aroma. It’s also less stinky than other means of ingestion. You can use the already vaped bud (ABV) in edibles since the vaporizing process decarboxylates, or decarbs, the cannabis. The PAX Mini is our favorite handheld vaporizer and one of the easiest to use. Simply click the top once, wait until the purple light turns green, and inhale. You won’t have to worry about temperature either—the PAX Mini will cool down when not in use and heat up when it’s picked back up. Concentrates might not be your jam (yet!), but the PAX Plus comes with a concentrate chamber to enjoy the wax, shatter, or budder of your choice. Speaking of …

Best for concentrates: Puffco Peak Pro

PuffCo

SEE IT

Dabbing is cool because it involves torches and fire, but it’s also dangerous for just that reason. The Puffco Peak Pro solves that by ditching the fire, making for a more approachable and beginner-friendly device. The instruction manual is easy to read and follow—you don’t have to be a dabbing expert to use the Peak Pro. It’s also Bluetooth-app enabled for customized temperature and color settings. If you’re looking for something more handheld that’s less expensive, the company’s Proxy Travel Pipe is for you. Its silicone body is shatterproof and comes with a pocket for tools, like a loading tool or a cotton swab for cleaning. 

Best splurge: Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid

Storz & Bickel

SEE IT

The Rolls Royce of tabletop vaporizers, the Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid is absolutely worth its almost $700 price tag, thanks to its high-quality materials and workmanship that gives you a long service life. The Volcano Classic is cheaper (and just as good), but the temperature dial doesn’t list the actual temperature. The Hybrid changes that, letting you know exactly when it’s warm enough for use. You can choose to ingest via the included Tube Kit (which is a hookah-type hose) or the classic Valve Balloon. If you have an Android phone, you can control the Volcano Hybrid with your phone using the S&B app. We personally only bring out the Volcano Hybrid on special occasions, and it definitely makes for a conversation starter among stoners. 

Best waterpipe: Session Goods Bong

Session Goods

SEE IT

Waterpipes are usually … kind of ugly. Not the Session Goods Bong, which is modern, durable, and easy to clean. The included cleaning caps and mouth cover prevent spills when you’re cleaning—just fill it with some isopropyl alcohol and a little salt, shake, and you’re all good. The bong itself is made of sturdy borosilicate glass, and a silicon foot cover hides your nasty bong water, acts as a water line, and protects your piece. Two included bowls—small and large—let you choose how much you want to consume. Plus, nine colors let you coordinate your bong to your living room color story. And who doesn’t love color coordination?

Best pipe: Laundry Day Tanjun pipe

Laundry Day

SEE IT

Pipes are a great introductory tool for beginners, but they aren’t always the prettiest. Laundry’s Day’s Tanjun—and their other collection of smokeware—is meant to be displayed on your coffee table and ogled when passed among friends. It has all the pipe basics—bowl, carb, mouthpiece—and is made of borosilicate glass for toughness. Use the pipe as an incense holder when it’s not in use. 

Best hemp wick: Twisted Bee 100% Organic Hemp Wick

Twisted Bee

SEE IT

It’s fine to light a bowl with a lighter, but sometimes you don’t want to breathe in the butane it emits. The smoke is much hotter when using a lighter, and it burns off more cannabinoids and terpenes. Hemp wicks solve this problem by being a flame conduit, which creates a cleaner flavor and a more flavorful hit. This one from Twisted Bee uses organic hemp with a natural beeswax coating that doesn’t interfere with your flower’s flavor. You can even use it for crafting. Since you get 200 feet of it, you won’t have to worry about running out. 

Best lighter: Clipper Lighter

Clipper

SEE IT

Sure, everyone is familiar with the BIC lighter for ignition needs. Step up to a Clipper, which is windproof, water-resistant, and refillable, making it more friendly to the earth compared to its lighter brethren. You can also replace the flint, and there’s a poking tool for packing down hand-rolled cigarettes. Plus, the Clipper wheel is easier to strike compared to BIC lighters.  

Best joint holder: The Clinger

The Clinger

SEE IT

I personally have dug into my ludicrously capacious bag, the eyes of the group on me, searching for a lighter that is evading my clutches. It’s a humbling experience—one that you don’t have to go through with The Clinger, which is smell-proof, crush-proof, holds a king-sized joint, and hugs your lighter like it’s their friend. It can hold a BIC or a Clipper lighter and fits easily in your pocket. You won’t have to worry about digging for a lighter or accidentally smashing a joint ever again.

Best grinder: Santa Cruz Shredder

Santa Cruz Shredder

SEE IT

This grinder is made of solid aircraft-grade aluminum and has a scratch-free finish for long-lasting use. Thirty-two diamond-shaped sharp teeth pulverize even the stickiest cannabis to make a fluffy and even grind. We recommend a three-piece grinder that separates the flower from the kief, the potent trichomes that have broken away and separated from the flower. You can use those the add a little zhuzh to your joints and bowls. A magnetic lock system protects your cannabis from moisture and spillage, meaning you can take it to and fro without any worries. It’s a pricey grinder, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Best cleaner: Grand Master Smoke

Grandmaster Smoke

SEE IT

You can use isopropyl alcohol and a little salt to clean your pieces. However, we’re also fond of Grand Master Smoke. This cleaner has taken the crustiest bongs and turned them good as new. Simply pour the liquid into a large container or leakproof bag, add your piece, wait 1-3 hours (try soaking overnight for heavily used pieces), drain out the excess liquid from the piece, rinse with warm water, and you’re done! It also helps deodorize your pieces so they aren’t so stinky. And no one wants to hit from a stinky bong!

Best 510 battery: Ooze Twist Slim Pen 2.0

Ooze

SEE IT

I’ve certainly used 510 batteries that work, but aren’t made of quality materials. And who keeps track of that proprietary charger that they all come with? The Ooze Slim Pen can be charged using this proprietary charger, but you can also use a micro USB cable. (Which you probably have a million of around your house). You can draw the pen in two ways: by pressing the button down and inhaling, or just by inhaling thanks to auto draw. It shuts off after 12 minutes of inactivity, saving you battery in the long run. And, you can adjust the voltage for a customized experience

Best infuser system: Levo C

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

SEE IT

One of the knocks against making homemade edibles—beyond the ever-growing number of high-quality premade options—is infusing oil or butter with your flower, which can be a smelly operation. Levo’s C is a countertop appliance makes the process easy. All you need to do is fill its herb pod with bud (up to one ounce) and the glass basin with oil or butter (up to one liter). Once your ingredients are set, you place the glass basin onto the Levo C’s heating pad, select a time and temperature, and wait for the infusion to complete. Making infused oil or butter using this method won’t be quicker than a traditional method, but the results will be more consistent since the temperature will be regulated. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about standing around and stirring the flower constantly to ensure a proper result.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cannabis essentials for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

There are some summer days when it’s just too hot to do anything. Sure, you could go set up a backyard pool, but that involves moving your body. Instead, stay comfortable indoors with a new Amazon Fire TV, which is up to 30% off.

Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $309.99 (Was $449.99)

Amazon

SEE IT

This TV is the Goldilocks of smart TVs: it’s not too big, and it’s not too small. Support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus means you can watch nature documentaries and comedies in vivid clarity. Even better, you don’t even need cable since you can stream live TV on your device. The 4-Series doesn’t support hands-free voice control, but you can use the remote to summon Alexa to check the weather or launch your streaming apps. Four HDMI inputs allow you to connect your favorite gaming consoles and audio equipment, like this JBL soundbar that’s 25% off.

There’s no shortage of televisions, but these Fire TVs combine quality with price. The one thing worth sweating is whether you’ll miss these deals, so snag one before it’s too late.

Here are some other choice Fire-compatible products that are on sale:

• Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni QLED Series 4K UHD smart TV $899.99 (Was $1,099.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $259.99 (Was $369.99)
• Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV $379.99 (Was $519.99)
• INSIGNIA 24-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV $99.99 (Was $189.99)
• INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV $169.99 (Was $199.99)
• INSIGNIA 42-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV $159.99 (Was $199.99)

The post Get cool savings on hot TVs with up to 30% off select Amazon Fire models appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo		SEE IT	This modem-router combination takes the guesswork out of Spectrum compatibilty.
Best cyber secure		Gryphon AC3000		SEE IT	Hackers are no match for this protective router.
Best budget		TP-Link AC1750		SEE IT	Lots of expensive features are packed into this budget-friendly router.

If you work from home—and you’re a Charter Communications customer—you know there’s a huge difference between a bad router and the best routers for Spectrum internet. A bad router means long wait times talking to customer service, annoyingly slow load speeds, and a pixelated presence on work video calls. Choosing the best router for work, play, and just surfing the web makes life easier—and reduces the amount of low to no bandwidth-induced headaches you might get. 

• Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo
• Best for gaming: ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router
• Best for streaming: Linksys – Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router
• Best mesh: NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
• Best cyber secure: Gryphon AC3000
• Best budget: TP-Link AC1750

How we chose the best routers for Spectrum

We know how important a strong Wi-Fi connection is to effortless, lag-free gaming and streaming high-quality lossless audio. I personally have made the mistake of not doing my research before buying a router—would not recommend spending a few days Wi-Fi-less and with my own thoughts. To prevent you from facing a similar situation, we looked to personal testing, peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions to find the best Spectrum routers.

The best routers for Spectrum: Reviews & Recommendations

The best routers for Spectrum can handle everything, whether it’s a day full of video meetings, nights scrolling TikTok, intense gaming sessions, or streaming lengthy explainer videos on YouTube. These are our top picks.

Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: You don’t have to worry about purchasing a separate modem with this trusted combination device.

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 1,900 Mbps
• Coverage: 1,800 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: Up to 400 Mbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: Four 1-gigabit Ethernet ports; one USB 2.0 port

Pros

• Easy installation
• Independent channels for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz
• Warrants fast, reliable internet. 

Cons 

• Slow return on investment
• No support for Wi-Fi 6

The Netgear Nighthawk proves that two is better than one: This router also features a built-in modem, meaning you don’t have to shop for a Spectrum-compatible modem. This router covers 1,800 square feet for up to 30 devices and is compatible with Spectrum speed plans up to 400 Mbps. It includes separate networks for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands, meaning you can organize your devices based on band level. You can plug in gaming consoles and computers to Ethernet thanks to four one-gigabit Ethernet ports, and can share storage with a connected device using the USB port. The router supports Wi-Fi 4 and 5 but does not support Wi-Fi 6. It features a WPA2-PSK security protocol, which is secure enough to protect your home without an enterprise authentication server—simply provide an 8- to 62-character-long passphrase to encrypt your network. However, it will take some time to see a return on your investment with the Nighthawk. Multiple reviews note that owners’ internet speed and performance were improved after setup, making the purchase worth it. Find more options for the best Netgear routers here.

Best for gaming: ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router

ASUS

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Reduced lag and latency are a tap away thanks to the router’s game mode and support for Wi-Fi 6. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 5700 Mbps
• Coverage: 2,500 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: two 3.2 USB ports; one 2.5 G WAN/LAN port; one WAN port; four Ethernet ports

Pros

• Fiber internet compatible
• Easy installation
• Plenty of LAN ports for devices if need be

Cons 

• Upright design can hinder placement 

We are no strangers to the ASUS AX5700—we’ve previously named it the best all-purpose gaming router. And it is compatible with Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan, which can handle up to 1 Gpbs, making it a perfect addition to this list. It’s Wi-Fi 6 compatible and includes MU-MIMO functionality for increased speed and security. Download the ASUS Router app to turn on the mobile game mode, which reduces lag and latency for back-to-back Victory Royales. AiMesh support allows you to bring seamless, interruption-free coverage to your home—and, considering the price of mesh routers, that makes this one a steal. Hackers will be KO’d thanks to free lifetime access to ASUS AiProtection Pro, which includes WPA3 protection—the latest Wi-Fi security protocol—powered by Trend Micro, a cyber security software company. However, you can only set the router vertically, which could pose a problem if you need a horizontal router. 

Best for streaming: Linksys – Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router

Linksys

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Between the wide coverage range, support for more than 30-plus devices, and splittable price, this router means the only thing your roommates will lag on is doing their dishes. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 5.4 Gbps
• Coverage: 2,800 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 4 Ethernet ports; 1 internet port; 1 USB port

Pros

• Easy setup
• Separate guest access
• Easy device connection thanks to a WPS button

Cons 

• Reviews note trouble connecting the router to the Linksys app

We’ve all had the problem of the internet slowing because it’s slogged down by everyone’s respective phone, laptop, and gaming system streaming at once. This problem is exacerbated if your roommates like Internet-of-Things smart devices that connect to the network. Expect the slog to stop with this dual-band router, which can connect to more than 30 devices. Additionally, this router is Wi-Fi 6 compatible, meaning it’s fast and futureproof. This router includes four Ethernet ports, one internet port to connect the router to the modem, and one USB port. Also, the router can create a guest access network so your roommates’ siblings or frequent callers don’t cause security problems or snag too much bandwidth when they add their binge-watching to what’s pulling down all the data. A WPS button makes device connection easy, and you can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer browser for quick set-up. The second biggest problem with this router is deciding who will take it at the end of the lease. The largest problem is connecting it to the Linksys app.

Best mesh: NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System

NETGEAR

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Up to 5,000 square feet of coverage and an included satellite extender means you can take meetings almost everywhere in your home without lag.

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 4.2 Gbps
• Coverage: 5,000 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 1 Ethernet WAN port; 3 Ethernet ports; 2 Ethernet ports on satellite extender

Pros

• No dead zones
• Wide coverage area
• Tri-band Wi-Fi

Cons 

• Must pay Netgear to service software issues
• Expensive
• App capabilities are only free for 30 days

We’ve all experienced the pain of being laggy and pixelated on a video call, either from weak signals or dead spots in the home. Say goodbye to all that with the Netgear Orbi, which covers 5,000 square feet and includes a satellite extender for more reach. This router, our pick for working from home, can support up to 40 devices and has a crazy-fast data transfer rate of 4.2 Gbps, plus support for Wi-Fi 6 for futureproofing. Unlike other routers, this one supports a tri-band frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band for connecting your devices, and a separate 5 GHz band so the router and included satellite can communicate with each other. Netgear Armor Antivirus and data theft protection powered by Bitdefender means business secrets will stay secret. However, there is a catch: this capability, along with others in the Orbi app like parental controls, are only free for 30 days. Afterward, you’ll need a subscription. And you’ll have to pay Netgear for software troubleshooting—that can be a lot of money to spend after purchasing an already-expensive router.

Best cyber secure: Gryphon AC3000

Gryphon

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This router does not use a web browser for configuration, making it less likely that a hacker will jack your info. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 3 Gbps 
• Coverage: 3,000 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 1 Gbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 1 WAN port; 3 Ethernet ports with backhaul capabilities

Pros

• Easy installation with Gryphon app
• Free intrusion detection in the first year
• Responsive support team

Cons 

• No advanced customization options

You won’t need to worry about hackers and internet thieves with the Gryphon AC3000, which offers advanced security thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 functionality, vulnerability scans, and app configuration that prevents hackers from accessing your network via the web. It also secures connected devices and sends alerts when it detects vulnerabilities, weak passwords, or infected devices. The router has fantastic basic security and you also get one year of intrusion detection for free with purchase. Afterward, it’s $89 per year. It covers 3,000 square feet—an average 2-3 bedroom home—at lightning-fast speeds thanks to its 3 Gbps data transfer rate. If you purchase multiple Gryphon routers, you can create a mesh network for even stronger, wider coverage. The Gryphon Connect app includes robust parental controls, including content filtering, screen time, and usage monitoring. Its user interface is incredibly streamlined and simple. However, reviews note that there could be more advanced customization options, like more device categories and fields for categories that should be blocked.

Best budget: TP-Link AC1750

TP-Link

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The TP-Link AC1750 features high-end capabilities at a fraction of the cost. 

Specs

• Data transfer rate: 1750 Mbps
• Coverage: 2,500 square feet
• Plan speed compatibility: 400 Mbps
• Parental controls: Yes
• Ports: 1 USB port; 1 WAN port; 4 Ethernet ports

Pros

• VPN Server
• Alexa compatibility
• Bandwidth prioritization (QoS)

Cons 

• Not compatible with Wi-Fi 6

The TP-Link AC1750 tops Amazon’s list of computer routers for a reason: it includes a VPN server, bandwidth prioritization, parental controls, Alexa compatibility, and can connect up to 50 devices—all for under $100. A 2,500-square-foot range means you can take video calls outside and bandwidth prioritization allows you to assign devices to either of the dual bands to prevent congestion and slow internet speeds. Connect it to Alexa to turn the guest Wi-Fi on or off using your voice, or use the TP-Link Tether app to set up and manage your network. WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption keeps the entire family protected from hackers, and parental controls protect your kids from looking up mature content on the internet. The only downside of this router? It’s not Wi-Fi 6 compatible, which means it could become obsolete as new Wi-Fi protocols come out.

What to consider when buying the best routers for Spectrum

Routers are not one-size-fits-all. Here is what you need to know when shopping for the best routers for Spectrum:

Modem vs. router

A modem connects you to a wide area network, or WAN—the internet that Spectrum provides. A router connects your devices to a local area network, or LAN—your own little piece of the internet that Spectrum provides. You can’t connect to a router without a modem. Spectrum customers are required to use an authorized modem, and the company provides a preconfigured Wi-Fi router for a monthly fee. However, that adds up, and purchasing your own can save money in the long run. If you buy your own router, you don’t have to give it back if you cancel your service—you can use it with your new internet provider.

Compatibility with Spectrum

Make sure that the router your purchase is compatible with Spectrum. Otherwise, you’ll have to return it. You can find a list of Spectrum-compliant routers on the company’s site. Although buying the correct modem is more important, it never hurts to double-check. Also, the router can only run as fast as your internet plan provides. For example, if you have a router that can only reach speeds of 300 Mbps and have an internet plan for 200 Mbps, you’ll only max out at 200 Mbps.

Wireless protocol

The wireless protocol, or Wi-Fi standard, determines your router’s throughput and range. You can determine the protocol by finding the number 802.11 and a certain letter combination:

• 11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Wi-Fi 6 is the newest standard and delivers speeds up to 10 Gbps. However, not all devices and internet connections support Wi-Fi 6. You may not need to upgrade just yet, but switching to Wi-Fi 6 will help futureproof your internet connection. This standard is the fastest.  
• 11ac (Wi-Fi 5): This standard appears on most routers, and supports speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. 
• 11n (Wi-Fi 4): This standard supports speeds up to 600 Mbps and was the first to allow both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This standard, compared to Wi-Fi 5 and 6, is the slowest. 

Range and signal strength

Wi-Fi range is determined by the kind of router you’re using, the wireless protocol the router follows, and the space you’re in. Wi-Fi signals have a harder time permeating through concrete, compared to wood, stucco, and other building materials. For example, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi routers can reach up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors and should be used if you’re looking for long-distance Wi-Fi. Routers running on 5 GHz bands can reach around one-third of these distances since it uses narrower wavelengths—because of this, you should choose a 5 GHz router for speed but only if your devices can be located nearer to your internet access point. Newer routers operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to reach greater distances and achieve maximum throughput for devices in closer proximity.

Budget

The best routers range from $50 up to $500. The best Wi-Fi extenders can help with spotty internet, but Consumer Reports recommends using a mesh router system that relies on multiple systems to spread strong Wi-Fi signals. However, a mesh router system can be pricey. On the flip side, Wi-Fi extenders are cheaper and can be a perfect solution if you’re looking for more reliable coverage in certain areas of your home. However, poor placement of your extender won’t help your Wi-Fi woes and can cause more connectivity problems if your Wi-Fi extender creates a separate network that your device has to switch between.

Extra features

Many newer routers are compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, have parental controls, and provide separate networks for guests. Built-in VPNs and routers with multi-user, multiple-input, and multiple-output technology—also known as MU-MIMO—can help with security and network speed, respectively. However, if you would not benefit from the bells and whistles—and the added costs associated with them—then there’s no shame in going for a basic router.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best routers for Spectrum

• Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo
• Best for gaming: ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router
• Best for streaming: Linksys – Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router
• Best mesh: NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
• Best cyber secure: Gryphon AC3000
• Best budget: TP-Link AC1750

Whether you decide on a router that helps you jumpstart your streaming career, keeps your new battlestation in sync with the rest of the squad, or feeds your OLED TV buttery-smooth 4K video, the best routers for Spectrum will be suited to your lifestyle and internet needs. It doesn’t matter if you go ham-handed on the features or keep it simple—the best routers will get you streaming, web surfing, online gaming, and working with ease.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best routers for Spectrum of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best gardening gloves		Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves		SEE IT	This pair of gardening gloves are comfortable and will keep your hands free from small nicks and exposure to poison ivy.
Best gardening knife		Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath		SEE IT	This knife is perfect for pruning, cutting, and weeding. The attractive sheath makes it easy to safely store, too.
Best garden hose		Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose		SEE IT	A garden hose that’s easy to move around and won’t get kinked or cut is an absolute gardening essential.

As the weather turns warmer, it’s only natural to want to spend time outdoors, which means polishing off your green thumb and grabbing some garden tools. Whether planting tomatoes in a stand-up planter or squash in a raised garden bed, there’s little as satisfying as watching your efforts pay off in the form of fresh, tasty food you can pick right in time for dinner. Seasoned pros already have a shed or basement full of equipment, but if you’re new to gardening, it can feel overwhelming to get started. The wrong gear can lead to frustration and wasted efforts, whereas the best gardening tools can help you get your garden planted, weeded, watered, pruned, and harvested easily.

• Best garden hose reel: Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel
• Best pruning shears: KOTTO Four-Pack Kit with Storage Bag
• Best wheelbarrow: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart
• Best shovel: Hooyman Short Handle Digging Shovel
• Best gardening knife: Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath
• Best hand rake: Fiskars Cultivator
• Best pots for seedlings: DSUWAZU Peat Pots for Seedlings
• Best garden hose: Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose
• Best rain gauge: AcuRite Magnifying Rain Gauge
• Best potting bench: Yaheetech Outdoor Garden Potting Bench
• Best gardening gloves: Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves

Best garden hose reel: Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel

Giraffe Tools

SEE IT

If you’ve ever used a vacuum with a retractable cord, you know it’s hard to go back to winding long cords up yourself. The Giraffe is the best garden hose reel because it’s self-winding and can lock at any length you need. It’s 100 feet of ½-inch hose, wall-mountable with just four screws and anchors, and it’s a sturdy unit that retracts slowly so you won’t hurt yourself.

Best pruning shears: KOTTO Four-Pack Kit with Storage Bag

KOTTO

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When it comes to garden clippers, you will likely want more than one type. For delicate work, like cutting herbs, you need something precise and narrow, whereas you’ll need something more heavy-duty with thicker branches and stems. The best pruning shears depend on your job, but versatile bypass pruning shears that make sharp, clean cuts are generally a must-have for any garden, and clippers or scissors are easier to work with when you need precision so you don’t wind up cutting things you don’t mean to cut. So the best choice is … all of the above, which you get in this convenient gardening kit.

Best wheelbarrow: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart

Gorilla Carts

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The best wheelbarrow for your garden can easily and efficiently haul what you need, and this Gorilla cart fits the bill: It has a padded handle that can be pulled by hand or converted to hook up to a tractor or ATV. The difference between a traditional wheelbarrow and a dump cart is that the latter has a simple mechanism to release the tub vertically to dump out whatever you’re carrying easily—rocks, logs, dirt, what have you. This dump cart is versatile and easy to maneuver.

Best shovel: Hooyman Short Handle Digging Shovel

Hooyman

SEE IT

A good shovel is essential when digging flower beds or planting vegetables, and the no-slip handle on this one from Hooyman makes all the difference. Both the handle and shaft grips are textured, which makes them easy to grab even when your hands are sweaty, or you’re working in the rain. The shovel’s carbon blade is serrated, which Hooyman says makes it easier to break up rocks, too.

Best gardening knife: Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath

Fiskars

SEE IT

Slicing a small branch or pruning vegetables? A gardening knife is the best tool for the job, and we like the Hori Knife from Fiskars because of its two-sided construction and built-in ruler. One side of this knife is a standard blade, while the other is serrated, which means it’s ready for both slicing and cutting. Its forked tip was specifically designed for cutting through the thin stems of small weeds. The knife’s hilt has raised edges, which give you a safe place to rest your index finger and thumb while cutting things, and the included sheath is perfect for storage.

Best hand rake: Fiskars Cultivator

Fiskars

SEE IT

Some digging jobs don’t require a shovel, which is where Fiskars’ Cultivator comes in clutch. The hand rake has cast-aluminum prongs, a grippy handle, and a circular hole for easy storage on a pegboard. This tool is deceptively simple but can be used for loosening or aerating soil, and removing weeds. You could also use it to dig smaller holes for vegetable or fruit planting, or to help excavate potatoes when they’re ready to be harvested.

Best pots for seedlings: DSUWAZU Peat Pots for Seedlings

DSUWAZU

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If you want to kickstart your gardening indoors before your area gets warm enough to keep plants outside, you’ll want a set of seeding pots. This 100-piece from DSUWAZU may seem excessive, but the pint-sized pots will last several years and even come with plant labels. We like these seedling pots because they’re made of a biodegradable material, which will break down in soil over time. The pots will stay intact before you use them, however, so picking up a big set now means you’ll be ready for several planting seasons.

Best garden hose: Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose

Aqua Joe

SEE IT

Carrying a garden hose can be cumbersome, but this one from Aqua Joe makes it a lot easier. The 50-foot hose’s outer jacket is made from marine-grade fiber that’s abrasion resistant and won’t get kinked or twisted. Additionally, the materials Aqua Joe used are free from BPA, lead, and phthalates. The company says its host is roughly half the weight of a traditional one, which makes a big difference when hauling it around your backyard. The thin hose can also be easily stored in a shed or garage once gardening season is over, though Aqua Joe says it can be used in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best rain gauge: AcuRite Magnifying Rain Gauge

AcuRite

SEE IT

Water is essential to all life, but too much can kill your plants, so AcuRite’s Magnifying Rain Gauge is a gardening essential. It can measure up to five inches of rain, and the larger numbers are easy to read from a distance. A stake at the bottom of the rain gauge will keep it in the ground during inclement weather, but its holes allow you to screw it into the side of your home if you’d prefer to keep it elevated. In either case, its acrylic coating will prevent it from getting damaged.

Best potting bench: Yaheetech Outdoor Garden Potting Bench

Yaheetech

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If you have enough space, a potting bench will allow you to keep all of your most-used tools in one place and give you a solid surface to pot your plants before they go outside. This one from Yaheetech has a 44.1-inch tabletop and stands 49.2-inches tall. This is enough space for you to spread out your tools and work for hour-long stretches without getting a backache. We like this potting bench because it has plentiful storage, including a top shelf, pull-out drawer, bottom shelf, and side cabinet. The cabinet has a latch, so its contents can be kept secure. Our favorite touch is the three hooks on the right side for hanging handheld tools. Most of the potting bench is wood, but its tabletop is made out of metal, which is more durable and won’t stain when soil gets spilled on it.

Best gardening gloves: Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves

Pine Tree

SEE IT

Last but not least, a pair of gardening gloves is the most fundamental item we’re recommending, and they should always be worn. This is to avoid minor cuts and scrapes, but more importantly, exposure to poison ivy and ticks. This pair from Pine Tree Tools are available in multiple sizes, are easy to spot because of their green color, and is thin enough to give you complete control over all your fingers. They’re even touchscreen-friendly in case you need to use your phone. A textured grip on the palm-side of the gloves will make handheld tools even easier to hold, while their cuff makes them easy on your wrist and simple to remove.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best garden tools

• Best garden hose reel: Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel
• Best pruning shears: KOTTO Four-Pack Kit with Storage Bag
• Best wheelbarrow: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart
• Best shovel: Hooyman Short Handle Digging Shovel
• Best gardening knife: Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath
• Best hand rake: Fiskars Cultivator
• Best pots for seedlings: DSUWAZU Peat Pots for Seedlings
• Best garden hose: Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose
• Best rain gauge: AcuRite Magnifying Rain Gauge
• Best potting bench: Yaheetech Outdoor Garden Potting Bench
• Best gardening gloves: Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves

If you put the time and effort into being the best plant parent you can be, investing in the best garden tools you can afford can make your job easier and help you achieve better results. Once you have the right garden equipment for the job, you may find that your hobby becomes a better stress-buster, and your harvest becomes more abundant. Happy gardening!

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best garden tools in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best traditional		Yuletime Clear String Lights		SEE IT	Classic Christmas charm doesn’t have to only come around the holidays. These durable and bright lights are great for year-round decorating in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Best battery-powered		Lighting Ever Globe String Lights		SEE IT	Add a customizable and warm light to your environment, no plug or extension cord needed.
Best heavy duty		Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights		SEE IT	Twinkle lights are notoriously flimsy, but this pick will withstand the test of time in any condition—including weathered outdoor environments.

If you’re looking to light up a tree, a patio, a garden, or the trim in your home in a unique way, there’s no better option than twinkle lights. Also known as fairy lights, Christmas lights, and hanging lights, these long strands of bulbs or LED lights add a subtle glow to rooms and provide moody accent lighting. Twinkle lights come with vastly different designs, so it can be tough to make the right choice without extensive research. We’ve selected the best twinkle lights and outlined all the key considerations so you can get straight to decorating.

• Best traditional: Yuletime Clear String Lights
• Best solar: Brizled Solar String Lights
• Best battery-powered: Lighting Ever Globe String Lights
• Best smart: Twinkly Multicolor LED String Lights
• Best heavy-duty: Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights
• Best budget: Twinkle Star LED String Lights

How we chose the best twinkle lights

In case overhead lighting is your enemy, or you’re looking for some LED lights for your TV, fun lights can make your home look more inviting. In order to find the bright lights from the dull ones, we did heavy researched, read reviews, asked peers for recommendations, and hung potential candidates inside, outside, and around our homes.

The best twinkle lights: Reviews & Recommendations

Decor can be expensive, but adding twinkle lights is a fun way to brighten up your home without breaking the bank. Once you decide how you want to use them, there are lots of options to fulfill your needs.

Best traditional: Yuletime Clear String Lights

SEE IT

Specs

• Feet per string: 66 feet
• Bulb count: 200
• Color options: 13
• UL certified?: Yes

Pros

• UL-certified
• low heat construction
• Waterproof

Cons

• Colors darker in person

These UL-certified lights come with male and female plugs for a long-distance extension on large objects and structures. Its durable 22 AWG wire features a pure copper core and low-heat construction, as well as a green waterproof outer shield, making this a perfect fit for decorating greenery and foliage. Because of its traditional design, paired with its ability to easily daisy-chain, this set of lights is a cost-effective choice for adding timeless cheer and ambiance to any space.

Best solar: Brizled Solar String Lights

SEE IT

Specs

• Feet per string: 39.37 feet
• Bulb count: 120
• Color options: 4
• UL certified?: No

Pros

• Solar panels included
• Waterproof and durable
• Easy to affix

Cons

• Not UL certified

This set of solar lights includes two solar panels and just under 80 feet of lights. The LEDs are fixed to a length of copper wire, which can be maneuvered around trees to add warm light to your yard. The solar panels attach to the lights and make it easy to add sparkle without any extension cords. All of the parts in this set are durable and waterproof, too, so feel free to go crazy with them on your patio, in your pool area, or in any other relatively exposed outdoor space.

Best battery-powered: Lighting Ever Globe String Lights

SEE IT

Specs

• Feet per string: 16.4 feet
• Bulb count: 50
• Color options: N/A
• UL certified?: No

Pros

• Battery-operated for ease of use
• Adjustable brightness
• Timer

Cons

• Shorter compared to other options on our list

Not unlike our pick for solar twinkle lights, these battery-powered lights are perfect for subtle placement in hard-to-reach areas. Not only are these great for indoor spaces like bookshelves and cabinetry, but they’re also ideal for portable applications such as camper vans or tent lighting. This length of 50 LED globe lights is five meters long and is powered by three AA batteries. The unit also features adjustable brightness, a remote control, and a built-in timer that automatically turns on for six hours daily.

Best smart: Twinkly Multicolor LED String Lights

SEE IT

Specs

• Feet per string: 157.5 feet
• Bulb count: 600
• Color options: N/A
• UL certified?: No

Pros

• Plenty of length to work with
• Smart home assistant-compatible
• Easy to use

Cons

• Expensive

These lights from the aptly-named brand Twinkly allow you to customize and automate your settings via the free app. Plus, they’re compatible with most popular smart home assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. You can integrate them with your existing smart lights to create whole scenes that are remote or voice-controlled. This design uses cutting-edge LEDs with diffused lenses to provide brighter with a high level of granular control. If customization and ease of use are of concern to you, these are the twinkle lights to choose from. Got an entire wall that needs

Best heavy-duty: Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights

SEE IT

Specs

• Feet: 48 feet
• Bulb count: 15
• Color options: One
• UL certified?: Core is UL listed

Pros

• Waterproof
• Durable
• Run cool and use little power

Cons

• Lights more spaced out compared to other options on our list

If you’re looking for bright mood lighting for an outdoor area like a patio, check out these heavy-duty twinkle lights. They feature two-watt LED Edison bulbs spaced three feet apart, mounted on a sturdy industrial-grade waterproof cable. String together up to eight strands for large-scale lighting in dining areas and other large spaces. These LEDs run cool, use little power, and last relatively long, which makes them a fantastic long-term decorating option.

Best budget: Twinkle Star LED String Lights

Twinkle Star

SEE IT

Specs

• Feet per string: 33-99 feet
• Bulb count: 1,000 max
• Color options: 10
• UL certified?: Yes

Pros

• Lots of color and light function options
• UL certified
• Can get 99 feet of lights for less than $20

Cons

• Reviews mention colors aren’t as true to product photos

These warm string lights can be used indoors and out, and come in multiple lengths. Plus, there are eight light functions to choose from: Combination, Waves, Sequential, Slow Glow, Chasing/Flash, Slow fade, Twinkle/Flash, and Steady On). With 10 available color options, you get plenty of room to let your imagination run wild. Even better, they’re UL certified, meaning they’ve been tested for safety, meaning the backyard romantic moment you’ve painstakingly planned won’t go up in flames—literally. Plus, you can’t beat the price.

What to consider when shopping for the best twinkle lights

Finding the best twinkle lights for your space depends on the size of the environment you want to light. Certain designs of twinkle lights are better suited for accenting objects, while others can create mood lighting over large areas. Here are a few important questions to consider when shopping for the best lights for your home decor needs.

Will you use them for ambiance?

Longer lengths of twinkle lights are best for creating ambiance over bigger areas and are perfect for stretching across ceilings and underpasses to add mood lighting from above. Illuminating your space this way is a great alternative to spotlighting, which is often brighter and can create asymmetry and hard shadows in space. If you’re going this route, opt for lower-wattage lights in a high quantity so you can max out the vibe in every part of your space without making it so bright as to ruin the mood. If you want something with even more customization and colors, you can also look at our favorite LED strip lights, which offer a full RGB spectrum of ambient lighting.

Do you need outdoor features like waterproofing?

Twinkle lights have a reputation for falling short when it comes to durability, but that’s because people stretch them and place them outside, subjecting them to the elements. Choose a style that is specifically designed with waterproof features if you want year-round lighting in an outdoor space. The savings in maintenance and time alone more than make up for any difference in price.

Do you want smart home integration or phone control?

Smart home compatibility and remote control capability are features that were practically made for twinkle-light integration since this type of lighting is usually either hard to reach or in a strategically placed location. Pick lights that allow you to control them with an app, so you can integrate them with your existing home automation settings. This allows you to make scheduled or on-the-fly adjustments to your home’s ambiance with very little effort.

Will you need battery-powered or solar-powered functionality?

Twinkle lights consume quite a bit of power, and because they’re accent lights, they’re often in tucked-away spots where there isn’t access to electricity. For these cases, consider twinkle lights that operate with a battery pack, rechargeable batteries, or a solar panel to ensure that your out-of-reach areas never have to go without light.

Are you using them for traditional tree lighting or exterior decoration?

Sometimes, you only need a bunch of basic twinkle lights to serve traditional uses like tree decorating. In these cases, buying the simplest design of light strings is the more cost-effective to get the job done quickly. These designs are best suited for temporary installations you won’t keep up with all year.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best twinkle lights

• Best traditional: Yuletime Clear String Lights
• Best solar: Brizled Solar String Lights
• Best battery-powered: Lighting Ever Globe String Lights
• Best smart: Twinkly Multicolor LED String Lights
• Best heavy-duty: Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights
• Best budget: Twinkle Star LED String Lights

Twinkle lights are a novel way to accent your decor and add soft ambient light to indoor and outdoor spaces. Battery- and solar-powered designs are ideal for lighting hard-to-reach areas, while waterproof designs are essential for year-round outdoor use. Twinkle lights ensure the environment stays adequately lit without drawing attention to the lighting itself. This makes them an excellent choice for activities like dining and entertaining.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best twinkle lights of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best kitchen upgrade		Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity		SEE IT	Let this Bluetooth monitor do a lot of the work while cooking at the grill.
For the aspiring drone enthusiast		DJI Mini 2 SE		SEE IT	Get sky pics without breaking FAA rules.
Best watch		Citizen Men's Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet		SEE IT	Encourage your dad’s nerdy tendencies (just the good ones) with this Star Wars-themed timepiece.

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate dads, or granddads, this Father’s Day: Where would the field of meteorology stand without dads looking out the window, putting their hands on their hips, and exclaiming, “Sure is coming down hard” whenever it rains or snows? Who else pours hours into creating a pristine, luxurious lawn or beefing with the neighbors over tree limbs and property lines? Without dads, society would not have an encyclopedias-worth of corny jokes and a reason to go to therapy. Truly tasteless jokes and trauma aside, here are our recommendations for gifts to make his life easier, light up his face with a smile, or both. 

• Best for the outdoorsy dad: Rux Waterproof Bag
• Best for the device dad: Austere Surge Protector
• Best for the dad that loves to cook: Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer
• Best for the coffee-loving dad: Bruvi Bundle
• Best for the coffee-loving dad in a hurry: Cometeer
• Best for the wine-loving dad: Ullo Wine Purifier with Hand-Blown Decanter
• Best for the stressed-out dad: Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies
• Best for beardy dads: Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men
• Best for the WFH dad: Lillipad 42 Standing Desk
• Best for working from the back room to the backyard: Netgear Orbi 960 Black Edition
• Best for movie-loving dads: Dangbei Mars Pro 4K Projector
• Best for vinyl-loving dads: Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable
• Best for pizza-loving dads: Ooni Koda 12
• Best for dads with good taste: Terra Delyssa Organic Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set
• Best for stylish dads: Highland Duds Weekender Short
• Best to help dad’s foot arches during his short game: AllBirds Men’s Golf Dashers
• Best to help dad’s short game: Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Golf Balls
• Best for dads who want to clean up their act: Tineco Pure ONE S11
• Best for gamer dads: Nintendo Switch OLED Model
• Best for handy dads: DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Hammer Drill
• Best for dads who need an everyday carry: Gerber Gear Armbar Slim Drive
• Best for dads with a green thumb: Gardyn 2.0
• Best for dads who crave the perfect picture: Samsung QN77S95CAFXZA
• Best for dads who crave perfect sound: KEF LS50 Wireless II
• Best for dads who grill: Konnected Joe
• Best for dads who love breakfast: Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
• Best for dads who tailgate: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler
• Best for dads who love the beach: Sunflow Beach Bundle
• Best for the dad who is tired of mowing the yard: Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower
• Best for dad relaxing in the backyard: Solo Stove Mesa
• Best for the aspiring drone enthusiast: DJI Mini 2 SE
• Best for the fanboy dad: Citizen Men’s Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet

How to shop for the best Father’s Day gifts

Mark your calendars: Father’s Day 2023 is Sunday, June 18. And before the big day comes, you’ll want to ensure you’ve secured a great Father’s Day present. But never fear; there’s something for everyone. You can help fuel your dad’s current interests or get him a gift that sparks a new one. Here are our picks for some of the best Father’s Day gifts:

For the outdoorsy dad: Rux Waterproof Bag

Rux

SEE IT

From hitting the waves to hitting the slopes, outdoorsy dads need something that will carry all of their (for lack of a better term) crap. Other bags and backpacks crumble when stuffed with hiking shoes, an insulated water bottle, and a few beers—not the Rux Waterproof Bag. This packable, durable bag is waterproof (as the name suggests) and built to last, and comes with a lifetime warranty if it falters before that. It’s seamless, radio frequency-welded (read: made with magnets), and has 360-degree lash points that make it attachable to almost everything. It also rocks as a grocery bag—score! 

For serious power: Austere Surge Protector

AUSTERE

SEE IT

If your pops is a Device Dad (he has a tablet, a laptop, a cellphone, a smartwatch, and a charger, and that’s just the beginning), they’ll need a surge protector that can handle all those plugs and power. Enter the Austere Surge Protector, which has fire and power spike safety—you never know! The flexible cable helps the surge protector fit nicely into tight spaces. It also has two USB-A and three USB-C ports for even more flexibility. Plus, it has a lifetime guarantee and a five-year component guarantee: If the power strip is responsible for any damage to a plugged-in device, Austere will replace it regardless of value. 

Best kitchen upgrade: Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer

Yummly

SEE IT

Regardless of whether your dad is getting into Keto or is a strict pescatarian, a meat thermometer is a must-have kitchen device. No one wants to develop a case of food nasties from an undercooked cut of meat in their own home! The Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer requires no wires, thanks to a Bluetooth connection. Dad won’t even need to stand like a hawk over the grill or oven—the thermometer, with a coordinating app for iPhone and Android, sends notifications when it’s time to flip the food, reduce the heat, when it’s done cooking, and how long to let it rest. There are even presets to completely take the guesswork out of getting the perfect medium rare doneness—no “Dirty Work” here. 

For the coffee lover: Bruvi Bundle

Bruvi

SEE IT

So your dad got a “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee” mug in Father’s Day past? Give Pops a better coffee system this year with the Bruvi Bundle. The bundle comes with a Bruvi BV-01 coffee brewer, a variety pack of biodegradable 20 B-Pods, a water filter, and a reusable Japanese Knot Bag. The optional mobile app will let Daddio brew a cup of Joe remotely, schedule brews in advance, re-order B-Pods, and access a personal consumption dashboard if they’re super specific about their morning cuppa. It can even fit a 6.5-inch travel mug—we recommend the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug on that front. 

Best instant coffee: Cometeer

Cometeer

SEE IT

Take the hassle out of your dad’s morning routine, whether he’s gearing up to deal with blistering heat or numbing cold. We’ve wanted to try Cometeer since it popped up on the ole Instagram feed, and we’re glad we finally did. The flash-frozen, recyclable brew capsules produced a more balanced and complex cup than most bland instant coffees and are insanely easy to make. Toss a pod or two in a glass of liquid (hot or cold) and you’re ready to go. We threw two pods into a to-go container with about 14 ounces of water and ice, shook, and it was ready to drink. Cometeer grinds the beans at their freshest, brews the coffee into a 10x concentrate, and then uses a nitrogen shower to capture its peak flavor before shipping it to your door. And you can customize the roast and delivery preferences. If you’re looking to gift an elevated quick fix in the morning, a Cometeer subscription is the way to go. It became one of our favorite coffee gifts instantly (appropriately).

For the wine lover: Ullo Wine Purifier with Hand-Blown Decanter

Ullo

SEE IT

Enjoying a bottle of wine is all fun and games until a few glasses warrant a hangover the next day. Help prevent them with the Ullo Wine Purifier, which uses a selective filtration system to remove sulfites and reduce the histamines that can cause headaches and hangovers—all while preserving the wine’s flavors and aromas. A built-in aeration dial lets you choose the amount of air to incorporate, from off for light whites to full air for rich red varietals—perfect for those big, bold, leathery wines that go so well with the perfectly marbled steaks a grill-loving dad obsesses over. And the decanter offers the opportunity for a slow ox and a nice controlled pour.

For the stressed-out dad: Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies

Onyx + Rose

SEE IT

Does your dad need something a bit stronger than CBD? Have you recently learned they were a grass enthusiast back in the day? The Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies use HHC, an isomer (minor chemical variant) of Delta-9 THC (the illegal stuff). This provides a similar head and body high to the federally regulated stuff, all while following federal regulations. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, THCs (tetrahydrocannabinols) in hemp are legal provided they have a THC concentration less than .3%—these gummies meet those requirements. Pass if dad is subject to random drug screening. If they’re not, we’re partial to the peach flavor.  We also love CBD prerolls from aptly named company Dad Grass.

Best for beardy dads: Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men

Bevel

SEE IT

An electric razor is a gift your dad will actually use every day, and this one from Bevel may actually help encourage him to dedicate a little more time to his morning routine. The razor offers pinpoint precision, so he can get the exact shave he wants, and a grippy handle that makes it easy to hold with wet hands. Its battery lasts up to eight hours, so he can use it for several weeks (or one if he’s very particular about his facial hair) without charging it. This is the type of gift your dad doesn’t know he needs, but will really appreciate.

For the WFH dad: Lillipad 42 Standing Desk

Jen McCaffrey

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Home offices can easily become a mess of monitors, coffee cups, keyboards, and tangled cords. But if the dad in your life would appreciate an organized workspace that also empowers them to get out of their office chair, the Lillipad Work Station fits the bill. This electric desk is available in two versions that rise from 6 inches to either a 42- or 48-inch standing height (recommended for people 5’9” and taller). At 67 pounds and 72 pounds each, and with metal legs, these desks are more substantial than many other options on the market but are designed with wheels for portability. 

Advanced functionality doesn’t equal advanced set-up in this case: The Lillipad comes fully assembled out of the box. Dad can plug it in, unlock the safety lock, and use the buttons on the right corner of the desk to raise and lower it to the ideal height for a chair or standing. The 46-inch-wide workspace provides plenty of room for desktops and keyboards, and you can purchase either a single monitor or dual-monitor stand separately. The workstation also features three outlets, three USB ports, and one USB-C port, so dad can plug everything in and charge their devices. And when he’s done for the day, they can easily lower it back down and use the wheels to slide it away for storage. Add a Grovemade Wool Felt Desk Pad to add some soft style to their workstation.

Work from the backyard: Netgear Orbi 960 Black Edition

NetGear

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Give your dad a chance to brag about their router. Netgear’s Orbi 960 Mesh Wi-Fi kit can cover up to 9,000 square feet with super-fast connectivity up to 10.8Gbps. That means anyone and everyone can take meetings or stream content in the backyard, front yard, basement, or just about anywhere else he can think of. Wi-Fi 6E technology and Netgear’s quad-band design allow for an absurd number of devices to connect to your local network without bogging everything down. The Black Edition is only available directly through Netgear’s own online shop, which also gets you a free year of the Netgear Armor security tech. It’s advanced enough to do anything a dad needs and reliable enough that you won’t have to play tech support whenever you go to their house.

Best for movie-loving dads: Dangbei Mars Pro 4K Projector

Dangbei

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Movies and TV shows can look great on a TV, but nothing beats watching them on a projector, which offers a true movie theater-like experience. Dangbei’s Mars Pro 4K is among the best we’ve tested, offering exceptional visual clarity, color, and surprisingly good sound. It runs Android, which means dad can stream their favorite media without any additional accessories. That said, the Mars Pro 4K has multiple HDMI ports, making it easy to easily connect game consoles and other peripherals. It’s luxe, but Dangbei’s Mars Pro 4K will ensure they have the best home theater system on the block.

Best for dads who love vinyl: Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable

Victrola

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Does Dad go on and on about how much he wishes he could play his Steely Dan albums while explaining that Pretzel Logic is superior to Can’t Buy A Thrill? If so, let him relive his glory days with Victrola’s Stream Onyx Turntable. The sleek-looking, belt-driven deck has RCA outputs so that it can be connected to a traditional home audio system, but its luxe allure is support for wireless audio streaming to Sonos speakers. The record player even offers the option to play music through multiple sources at the same time. Best of all, the Stream Onyx is easy to assemble and operate, as we found out firsthand, and comes with an Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge so he can enjoy his collection immediately.

Best for dads who love pizza: Ooni Koda 12

Ooni

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If your dad complains that pies and slices aren’t how they used to be, Ooni’s Koda 12 will allow him to make them to his exact specifications. This portable pizza oven can get up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and cook personal-sized pizzas in roughly 60 seconds. Ooni has a wide range of pizza ovens, but we like the Koda 12 because of its size and the fact that its fuel source is gas, which is easier to manage and more reliable than wood or pellets for first time pizzaiolos. Ooni’s oven can also be used to roast meat and vegetables on non-pizza nights. Just remember to get dad a pizza peel and Toque to complete the experience.

Best for dads with good taste: Terra Delyssa Organic Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set

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Has your dad continued to tell food stories from his trip around the Mediterranean right out of college? If so, Terra Delyssa’s flavor-infused olive oil can help take him back to those days. The olives are all harvested from Tunisian orchards rather than mixed with ones from different regions, which can impart a different taste. We like this gift set because each oil is infused with a different strong taste—rosemary, chili pepper, lemon, and garlic—which are all good for different applications. He’ll immediately be able to taste the difference, which means you may also be signing up for even more culinary stories from his past.

Best for stylish dads: Highland Duds Weekender Short

Highland Duds

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Add a little pop of color to your dad’s wardrobe with Highland Duds’ Weekender Shorts. The ultra-comfy summer-friendly short pants are mostly made of cotton and very comfortable to wear. Their slim pockets are surprisingly roomy, too. Highland Duds offers the shorts in khaki and grey if he’s less flashy. Help him complete an outfit with the Maverick Long Sleeve Shirt, made from the same materials.

Best to help dad’s foot arches during his short game: AllBirds Men’s Golf Dashers

AllBirds

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If your dad complains about walking from one hole to another, they’ll appreciate the cushioned midfoot and heel lockdown that stops foot cramps and blisters. This pair from AllBirds has no flashy logos or synthetic materials and is comfortable and stylish. Dad will also love the company’s variety of running shoes and sneakers for everyday life. The company itself is dedicated to sustainability, so you can feel good gifting them.  

To help your dad’s short game: Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Golf Balls

Callaway

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Golf balls make a great gift because it’s hard to splurge on something you might whack way into the woods or chunk straight into a water hazard. Callaway’s Chrome Soft golf balls are versions of the balls pros play on tour—they won’t have to be a pro to play them. These balls promise a high launch angle, low spin off the driver, and high ball speed off the club face. In case you’re not big on golf ball specifics, those are all very helpful things for improving overall scores. The Triple Track design sports three parallel lines on the ball to help Pops lineup shots just right. Dad will think of you and your great gift as they reach into their bag and grab another ball after slicing one across the highway next to the first fairway. 

Best for dads who want to clean up their act: Tineco Pure ONE S11

Tineco

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If you have a dad who wants to take a more active role in household chores—or has been using the same vacuum since the mid-’90s—Tineco’s Pure One S11 is the upgrade he needs. The cordless stick vacuum can run up to 40 minutes per charge, and comes with various attachments for different scenarios. At 12 pounds, it’ll be easy for your dad to pick up and move around, and all of its controls are conveniently located within reach of his thumb. If dad enjoys his gadgets, he’ll enjoy the fact that the Pure One S11 can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi connection, allowing him to see how much battery is left on the vacuum and the state of its filter through an iOS or Android app.

Best for gamer dads: Nintendo Switch OLED Model

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The Nintendo Switch is the least-powerful current-generation console, but it’s still the one we recommend for Father’s Day because of its hybrid design. The Switch can be played portably, and the 7-inch OLED HD screen really makes games pop. When dad’s home, they can connect it to a TV or projector to play on a larger screen. The Switch’s extreme popularity is matched only by its deep catalog of games, which can satisfy players regardless of their preferred genre. Whether Pops is playing games as a distraction on a long work trip or taking time to clear his backlog at home, there’s no way this gift will go unappreciated.

Best for handy dads: DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Hammer Drill

Dewalt

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A drill is the type of gift a handy person will appreciate but never expect. This battery-powered model from DeWalt has a compact design but plenty of power for any indoor or outdoor housework. At only 2.5 pounds, a home improvement-minded dad can carry it around easily, and the drill’s LED will make it easy for them to see what he’s doing in dark environments. Despite its size, the drill can rotate up to 1,650 times per minute. A good drill will last a dad a lifetime, and if they’re still making do with a screwdriver—or a drill that needs to be plugged into an outlet for power—this upgrade will make him smile.

Best for dads who need an everyday carry: Gerber Gear Armbar Slim Drive

Gerber

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Power tools are great, but every dad won’t be able to use them everywhere, which is why you should equip him with Gerber’s Armbar Slim. The pocket-friendly multi-tool consists of a bottle opener, plain-edge blade, and a screwdriver. It even has a belt clip, so he can keep it securely fastened to the inside of his pants pocket like a boss. If your dad is the practical type, he’ll immediately see the utility of each of this tool’s functions and keep it on him at all times. The screwdriver alone (with a reversible bit, we might add) will likely save him a couple of trips to the garage each month.

Best for dads with a green thumb: Gardyn 2.0

Gardyn

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Does dear old dad wait all year for the weather to be fair enough to grow a garden? With the Gardyn 2.0, they can enjoy growing fresh herbs and vegetables all year long. The indoor garden comes with an assortment of pods containing plant seeds. A water tank on the bottom keeps the plants hydrated, while LED strips provide them with enough light to flourish regardless of the weather conditions. The lights and water pump work automatically so that the plants will be cared for on a continuous basis without any need for much intervention. Dad will have to prune dead leaves and harvest their crops after they’re fully grown, but that’s part of the fun.

Best for dads who grill: Konnected Joe

Kamado Joe

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The Konnected Joe is the ultimate tool for grilling, an incredibly thoughtful gift for a dad who loves cooking meat and vegetables outdoors. The charcoal grill and smoker offer rich taste that a gas grill can’t replicate, with useful smart features. Its front display allows you to monitor the grill’s temperature and the temperature of up to three pieces of meat. An electric fire starter at the bottom of the grill will ignite charcoal briquettes at the push of a button, and they’ll be able to dial in the temperature between 250-700 degrees right from the grill. All of the information displayed on the Konnected Joe’s screen can also be monitored via an app (iOS and Android) on your dad’s phone, which is especially helpful if they’re smoking a large hunk of meat for several hours. The Konnected Joe manages to bring the best aspects of charcoal cooking with the conveniences of the digital world, and we guarantee they’ll be raving to friends and family about it at each cookout.

Best for dads who crave a perfect picture: Samsung QN77S95CAFXZA

Samsung

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Sometimes a dad just wants a new TV to watch his favorite movies, shows, and sports. But if you want to blow his mind (and your own if he invites you over to watch the big game), spoil him rotten with Samsung’s QN77S95CAFXZA, a 77-inch OLED set. This is a no-compromise cream-of-the-crop 4K TV with built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, native 120Hz refresh rate, and a custom-designed processor that continually calibrates the TV to make it run as smoothly as possible. It’ll even upscale 1080P video to look crisp on a 4K TV, so his collection of Blu-rays and older TV shows will still look good. Because the QN77S95CAFXZA is an OLED TV, it offers incredible contrast and color reproduction, so videos and games will look as realistic as possible. One quirk about this TV is that it’s actually so thin that it can basically sit flush on the wall. The set gets connected to a separate box (called the One Connect Box), which has an assortment of HDMI ports and other inputs. There’s no performance hit for this system, but something to keep in mind if you’re setting the TV up for him. Whether he wants to play Xbox, PS5, stream blockbusters, or even listen to music in the background, the QN77S95CAFXZA is the best choice.

Best for dads who crave perfect sound: KEF LS50 Wireless II

KEF

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CDs promised perfect sound forever in the 1980s, but we’ve since moved on to a world of streaming. However, that doesn’t mean your dad has to sacrifice a single detail of a favorite Yes, Dire Straits, or Eagles track. The KEF LS50 Wireless II network speakers not only achieve what CDs are capable of, but they go above and beyond to the pinnacle of digital audio enjoyment. These powered speakers sport a variety of connectors, including an AUX in, Ethernet port, coaxial input, optical audio input, and HDMI port, so you can still set up any ole physical source. Those ports are complemented by Bluetooth and WiFi/AirPlay 2/Roon/Spotify Connect support for direct wireless streaming. KEF says that the DAC in the LS50 Wireless II speakers can natively play 24-bit/384kHz audio files with no compression. Each speaker is driven by a 280-watt low-frequency amplifier and 100-watt high-frequency amplifier. If those numbers don’t mean much to you, here’s the upshot: music can sound really, really good and very, very loud through these speakers (especially if you pair them with the pint-sized but extremely potent KC62 subwoofer). If your father loves music more than most people (family excluded, of course), these speakers will rock (or jazz, R&B, hip-hop, classicial, reggae, and pop) his world. And if that college education dad invested tens of thousands into is paying off, you can truly get him back and blow his mind with the KEF LS60 floorstanding wireless system.

Best for dads who love breakfast: Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

Cuisinart

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Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day, and Cuisinart’s WAF-F40 will turn waffles from an occasional brunch food at restaurants into an at-home staple. This model can cook two-inch-thick Belgian waffles simultaneously at one of five pre-set doneness levels. If the cook gets distracted, a loud beep will get his attention, so waffles will never get overdone. Getting two waffles onto a plate at once will allow dad (and you!) to start eating more quickly.

Best robot mower: Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower

Husqvarna

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Robotic lawnmowers seem like a perfect gift for a lazy pop. But, there are more practical reasons you might want to consider an automower as a gift this Father’s Day. Husqvarna’s surprisingly powerful little mower is great for people who have issues with mobility and can’t get out there to mow on their own. It’s also great for tricky yards as it can cut up to 40 degrees on a slope. If you’ve ever mowed on a steep hill like that, you know it’s not fun. It requires the installation of a guide wire to keep it contained within its own yard, but following setup, mowing is simple. A trio of extremely sharp blades can cut grass as short as 0.8 inches or as long as two inches if you want something more lush. Plus, an onboard object avoidance system means your dad (or grandad) won’t run over a rock and cause collateral damage.

Best for dads who tailgate: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler

RTIC

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A wheeled hard cooler will help your old man get beverages to and from the parking lot, backyard, or beach without straining his arms or back. We like this cooler from RTIC because of its large capacity, thick wheels, lite weight, and overall performance. RTIC says it can retain ice for up to six days if its latches remain closed, which means he can use it for a backyard cookout on Sunday and keep drinks cold for a concert he’s attending the following Saturday. Another benefit to getting a cooler is that it’ll likely last a lifetime, so get ready for many compliments. We like the classic look of RTIC’s white cooler, but it also offers a red, white, and blue variant if he wants to stand out.

For dads who love the beach: Sunflow Beach Bundle

Sunflow

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Whether your dad actually likes the beach or only goes because the rest of the family insists he’ll have a good time out of the house, this bundle from Sunflow will sort him out. It includes the company’s beach chair, which has a flip-over top to keep him in the shade, and a beverage cooler on the side to help keep his thirst quenched. The chair’s angle can be adjusted, so he can find the most comfortable spot, and a dry bag on the right side will keep his belongings from getting sandy. When heading back to the car or beach house, a pair of straps will allow dad to carry this beach chair like a backpack for easy transport.

Best outdoor accessory: Solo Stove Mesa

Solo Stove

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We’re huge fans of the full-sized Solo Stove fire pits, but this mini version fits nicely on a patio table or by the pool. Despite its tiny size, the Mesa relies on Solo Stove’s signature airflow system to create a clean fire with almost no smoke. It starts quickly and cleans up easily, so you can fire it up and make s’mores whenever you want without having to wait for a full-sized fire to die down at the end of the night. Solo even sells miniature firewood specifically meant for use in the Mesa. It’s adorable, but not too adorable. The company has also launched a set of limited-edition Father’s Day cards, which are free with any purchase over $99.

For the aspiring drone enthusiasts: DJI Mini 2 SE

DJI

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Getting started with drones can be tricky. Not only are they hard to fly, but most drones require registering with the FAA before taking to the skies. The DJI Mini 2 SE is different. It weighs just 249 grams, which fits conveniently under the FAA’s 250-gram limit for registration. Despite its being lightweight and a small size, the Mini 2 SE captures 2.7K video and employs an object avoidance system to keep it away from power lines or other hazardous obstacles. We love travel drones and think an adventurous dad will as well.

Best watch: Citizen Men’s Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet

Citizen

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Your dad’s a nerd, and that’s OK. In fact, we recommend you encourage their nerdy tendencies as much as possible. This Citizen watch is a full-on Eco-Drive model, so it doesn’t require winding. It draws enough energy from light in its environment to keep on ticking. The handsome stainless steel bracelet makes it totally appropriate for work or classy events. But, your pop can always look down and think about Star Wars while they’re wearing it. Find a more versatile piece of nerd merch than that. We dare you. 

Final thoughts on the best Father’s Day gifts

You don’t need to sweat over finding a cool gift for your dad this year. If you get him a Father’s Day gift that he’ll be able to use long-term—or, even better, something he can use with the whole family—it’ll be something he treasures. Consider it a success if you find fun presents that complement one of his hobbies or unique gifts that spark interest in a new pastime. And using this gift guide should help narrow down the best options for cool gifts for any and every dad.

The post The best Father’s Day gifts that say, “Thanks, Dad!” appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for campers		Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock		SEE IT	A durable option that doesn’t hurt the bank.
Best for hikers		Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks		SEE IT	These socks are made of Merino wool, which will keep your feet warm and dry.
Best solar generator		Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300		SEE IT	Power small appliances while camping.

It feels safe to assume that—after spending the better part of many years cooped up inside classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, and/or dorm rooms—any grad is ready for a change of scenery, especially grads who love the actual outdoors. Once all their schoolwork is done, grades have been entered, and degrees are in hand, these grads will surely feel it’s time some exploits braving the elements, and you can help by giving graduation gifts for outdoor lovers that travel well. Wherever their love for the outdoors takes them, we have you covered with the best graduation gift guide for well-accessorized adventurers.

• Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  
• Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks
• Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro
• Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print
• Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
• Best personalized gift: Engraved Compass
• Best useful: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife
• Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection
• Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag
• Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee
• Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag
• Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit
• Best fire starter: Pull Start Firestarter
• Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler
• Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle
• Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses
• Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot
• Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
• Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit
• Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro
• Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  

Wise Owl Outfitters

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If your favorite grad is equipped with just about everything they need to make it through a backcountry trip, get them camping gifts to introduce even more relaxation and fun to their next outdoor escape. A camping hammock is a perfect way to sit back, take a nap, read a book, or drink a calming beverage outdoors. This is the best hammock from Wise Owl and weighs under 2 pounds, including the hanging straps, so it’s perfect for campers who prioritize portability. When packed down, it’s about the size of a grapefruit, so your grad should be able to easily carry it with them or keep it stashed away in their car. Each hammock comes with tree straps and carabiners for easy setup, with no need for any additional equipment. It comes in over 10 colors so that you can choose their favorite. It’s 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, with a 400-pound weight limit, which should be suitable for just about any user. You can even grab a two-person hammock (weighing only 5 ounces more) if they tend to go camping with a partner or friend.

Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

Brandt Ranj

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No graduation gift guide would be complete without some great speakers. If your recent grad is always on the go—heading out for day hikes, camping trips, beach hangouts, long bike rides, and more—you can’t go wrong gifting them a portable Bluetooth speaker. No matter where they are or what they are doing, a smartphone and a compact speaker will provide the perfect soundtrack for any outdoor activity. The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is an excellent option, weighing under 1 pound and equipped with a flexible handle that can easily attach to a backpack, bike basket, or belt loop. It’s only 4 inches tall, but the small, compact design doesn’t mean you sacrifice anything when it comes to sound. The portable speaker can reach up to 87 decibels (equivalent to standing next to a loud blender or vacuum) and produces full 360-degree sound coverage. This powerful Bluetooth speaker can also withstand the elements and is one of our favorite waterproof speakers for a good reason; it has an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being dropped into a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour, plus it’s dirt/dust-resistant. In addition, the battery lasts a full 13 hours, so your grad can jam outside all day long. And, if they want to be a party-goer and a party-thrower, you can up the energy with a portable party speaker.

Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks  

Smartwool

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A hiker is only as good as their socks are strong, so give a grad who loves to ramble amongst the rocks a pair that will last. While socks may seem like a simple gift, a quality pair or two is one of those hiking gifts that can go a long way. You’ll be taking care of an essential need any avid hiker has and investing in their overall outdoor experiences. Take it from us: nothing ruins a hike faster than angry blisters and constant friction. Smartwool hiking socks come in various colors and sizes, both men’s and women’s. From a tried and true brand, these socks are designed for rugged day hikes and moderate backpacking. An elasticized arch brace provides extra support, medium cushioning absorbs impact, and a flat-toe seam keeps things comfortable. Made from Merino wool and nylon, these socks will keep their feet warm even during cold winter hikes. If your loved one likes to embark on a variety of adventures, you can check out Smartwool’s other socks specifically designed for activities like running, cycling, skiing, and more. There’s a reason we listed them as our favorite wool socks.

Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro

Garmin

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Whether your grad is thinking more about the backcountry or the boardroom, they could use a smartwatch that helps them get where they need to be when they need to be there. And when it comes to multi-band GPS smartwatches, Garmin makes the best adventure accessories out there. Endurance athletes to purposeful wanderers can benefit from the rugged, sensor-embedded case, metrics-rich displays, and accurate navigation resources found in Garmin’s newest Pro editions of the company’s multisport timepieces—available in multiple sizes and colors with different types of scratch-resistant/solar-charging glass.

Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print

Fuzzy Ink

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The perfect grad gifts for outdoor lovers aren’t always the ones they’ll bring on their adventures—they can be ones they’ll appreciate before and after an excursion. A woodsy print or poster is a great present for a graduate who needs a little help decorating their new apartment. At this point, they might have all the gear they need, but what they probably don’t have are elegant pieces that express their personality but also provide a sense of maturity for an adult abode. This print from Fuzzy Ink is an artistic way for your grad to stay inspired. It measures 18 inches by 24 inches and is printed on coated paper with a matte finish, so they won’t have any trouble finding a great spot to display it. This print quietly depicts the beauty and awe that many outdoor enthusiasts find so mesmerizing about being in nature. From the crackling campfire to the expansive display of fir trees, this piece will surely bring joy to a grad who longs to roam around the forest.

Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack

CamelBak

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Any outdoor lover knows how important it is to stay hydrated. Whether hiking, cycling, or running, drinking water is key to preventing heat stroke, dehydration, fatigue, and other issues. Of course, a water bottle is the first thing we think of when it comes to H2O on the go; however, bottles can be bulky and cumbersome. So, if you want to get your grad a great outdoor gift that prioritizes function and efficiency, we recommend a CamelBak Hydration Pack. This multisport hydration backpack can hold 50 ounces of water and easily straps to your back with a long drinking tube and trap management to make hydrating hands-free. All they need to do is bite down and suck to get as much water as necessary—no need to stop during a long run or bike ride to grab a water bottle. The 3D vent mesh provides lightweight comfort and airflow, while front harness pockets can hold snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials. Reflectivity strips are added for extra safety during early morning or nighttime exercise. Your grad will be able to get a run in anytime, anywhere, and stay hydrated all the while. If you’re looking for more options, consider our list of the best hydration packs.

Best personalized gift: Engraved Compass

Etsy

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A personalized gift is always a good idea, especially when you’re celebrating a significant achievement. Giving a gift designed specifically for them—something special that only they will have—will let your grad know how much you care for and support them. If you want to give a personalized gift suited for the outdoors, check out these engraved compasses. You can choose from existing mountainscapes or upload your own favorite photos and illustrations to be perfectly recreated on the compass’s cover. Practically any part of the compass can include etching, so you won’t have to choose between a picture or a message. You can even ask for your own handwriting to be impressed on the metal so your graduate can take a piece of you with them no matter where they travel.

A useful graduation gift for the outdoors: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife

Victorinox

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Outdoor enthusiasts know that it’s essential to prioritize gear that is lightweight, portable, and multipurpose. You will rarely find a seasoned camper lugging around a toolbox, though the need for various utensils and instruments is frequent. From quick repairs to food preparation, a survival tool or multipurpose knife is a helpful gift for anyone who spends a lot of time outside (they can also be pretty practical for indoor use). A Swiss Army knife is practical, classic, and cool. A household name when it comes to compact knives, the Trekker lives up to the hype. Its attached tools include a wood saw, large blade, 3-millimeter and 5-millimeter screwdrivers, wire stripper, can opener, tweezers, toothpick, and more. It’s one of those camping gifts that offer pretty much everything you need to make it through the trek without any issues. A knife like this is a thoughtful graduation gift that they are guaranteed to use for years to come.

Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection

Paddywax Candles

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A candle is a fantastic gift for any graduate, signifying new beginnings and ordaining their adult apartment, or childhood bedroom, with sophisticated, balanced scents to keep them calm as they figure out their next steps. We’re a fan of scented gifts in general. But if your recent grad pines for the outdoors but doesn’t have time to travel just yet, a candle that brings nature to them is even more highly recommended. Paddywax has created a National Park Service-inspired collection that features the complex aromas of our country’s natural wonders. “Yellowstone” has hints of sagebrush and fir, the “Great Smoky Mountains” features Maplewood and moss, “Acadia” has seagrass and driftwood, while the “Grand Canyon” smells like cactus flowers and fern. Each candle is 11 ounces and has a burn time between 50 and 60 hours. When they’ve used up every drop of wax the candle has to offer, grads can upcycle the jars and repurpose them as plant pots, beauty tool holders, catch-alls, and more. Best of all, Paddywax donates a minimum of $25,000 per year to the National Parks Foundation, so your gift will not only go to your graduate but support the beautiful natural landmarks they love so much.

Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag

YETI

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There is only one thing better than a day outdoors, and that is a day outdoors with snacks. Whether they plan on packing a lunch for a mountaintop picnic or bringing a few celebratory drinks to a grad party on the beach, beverages, and munchies are a must-have for your graduate’s next outside hang. A cooler is the best way to keep their tasty treats fresh all day long, so they never have to worry about their food heating up in the sun while they hike or swim. This YETI lunch bag is the perfect gift for grads to take food outside or pack a tasty lunch for their new job. Available in two sizes, a standard box or larger bag, and a variety of colorways, this pack uses Coldcell Flex insulation” technology and a “thermosnap” closure to keep food at the correct temperature, hot or cold. The adjustable grid means you can set the size by simply closing the top hook into any one of the available hoops. That way, the lunch bag can easily fit under a desk or be stuffed with snacks and drinks using all of its available 15.75 inches. This bag will pair well with just about any outdoor excursion, so your grad will be able to pack all the necessities and then some.

Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee

540Brands

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If you want to get sweet, versatile graduation gifts guaranteed to make them smile, go with cute graphic tees like this one from Outdoor Life. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, the “Go Play Outside” slogan is a fun way for you to tell everyone you see where your priorities lie. Made from 100-percent cotton and available in five colorways, this T-shirt will complement any hunter, angler, hiker, camper, surfer, sailor—just about any outdoor enthusiast you could think of. The soft material makes these tees particularly great for lounging around a campfire, though we recommend sizing up for maximum coziness—your grad will thank you.

Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag

STNKY

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STNKY’s Bag Pro Wash Bag is the simple gift our adventurous grad didn’t know they needed. The zip-up laundry bag can hold all of their dirty clothes during multi-day camping and hiking trips to prevent unwanted odors and bacteria from getting onto their clean ones. When it’s time to wash their clothes, the STNKY bag can be unzipped and turned inside out, at which point the clothes will fall into the washing machine without being touched. The bag itself is also machine washable, which is a nice bonus. Anyone who struggles to stay organized and sanitary during their next outdoor trip will love this gift.

Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit

Colsen

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Sometimes setting up a big outdoor fire pit isn’t feasible or reasonable, but that doesn’t mean giving up s’mores for the night. Colsen’s Tabletop Portable Fire Pit runs on the company’s odorless liquid fuel, can be set up and ignited within a few minutes, and produces flame up to one foot tall for roughly 45 minutes. This is the ideal gift for someone who’s into glamping or wants a fire pit they can use indoors and out at any point during the year. The fact that you don’t need firewood to ignite it is particularly important because rainy weather can make dry fuel hard to find. And if you happen to have a grad living somewhere with a sizeable backyard/patio, you can give them a tasteful taste of the campfire life at home with a Solo Stove Bonfire firepit.

Best firestarter: Pull Start Firestarter

Pull Start Fire

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On the other hand, if you’re shopping for someone who spends days upon days out in the woods, they’re going to need Pull Start Firestarter. The fire starter is literally ignited by pulling a string built into its small box. Smoke will begin to billow from the box, indicating that the fire starter will be fully ignited within three seconds. It lasts up to 30 minutes once fully ignited. Beyond the convenience of not having to strike a match, keeping a pack of these around can be helpful during an emergency. It’s very difficult to light wet wood with a match, but prolonged exposure to a fire starter can do the trick. Whether they’re trying to save time or their own life, your grad will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Firestarter in their pack.

Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler

RTIC

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No campsite or boat is complete without a cooler that can reliably keep foods and beverages cold for hours—or days—at a time. If you’re shopping for a grad who’s planning a big summer trip, there’s a good chance Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler is the perfect gift. The high-capacity cooler has three inches of insulation to maintain a consistent temperature inside, but it was engineered to be nearly a third lighter than the competition. This means it’ll be easier to carry when filled with ice, food, and dozens of cans. A cooler is one of the few gifts that may actually last your grad a lifetime, so it’s important to make the right choice. If you know they tend to pack extra light, RTIC also offers a 32-Quart model of this same cooler. Want more options? Check out more of the best coolers for camping.

Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle

Hydro Flask

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Enjoying a bottle of wine on a mountain sounds like a dream—but wine bottles and hiking don’t exactly mix. Give your grad the gift of sneaky boozing with this ceramic reusable wine bottle from Hydro Flask, which fits one 750 mL bottle of wine. It’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and BPA-free for peace of mind. TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation keeps whites chilled and reds at room temp, and a ceramic-lined interior prevents flavor transfer. Although it’s advertised for wine, we think it’s also perfect for any spirit: Our favorite nature-inspired aqua vitae is Tin Cup Whiskey, cut with water from the Rocky Mountains and named after the tin cups miners used to drink. Need a more traditionally shaped option? Check out our favorite insulated water bottles.

Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses

Silipint

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We’ve included the Silipint in our best camping gifts guide, but we think it makes a great gift especially for someone who may be too transient for real drinkware. These shatterproof “glasses” are made of 100% food-grade silicone, meaning you don’t have to deal with dangerous broken glass. Plus, they’re a fun, bright way to reduce the amount of plastic your grad may use between graduation and their very first job.

Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot

Amanda Reed

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Chaco is known for its rugged and arch-supporting sandals, but we think their covered shoe offerings deserve some praise. The Ramble Puff Ankle Boot feels like a down parka for your feet, and they’re perfect for throwing on after a day of skiing or hiking. And, water-resistant rip-stop nylon means they’re not just indoor shoes—they can hold up in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for something that slips on, the Ramble Puff also comes in a clog style just as comfy and dreamy as its boot brethren. Our staff writer lives in both the clog and boot for women—don’t ask her to pick her favorite. Speaking of puffy stuff …

Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down

ThermaRest

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We all know the importance of having appropriate layers for hiking—but what if you want to stay warm without having to wear the same jacket you’ve worn all day. The Honcho Poncho from Therm-a-Rest (also makers of excellent sleeping pads) combines the lightweight, warm properties of 650-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down with a water-resistant 100% recycled polyester shell for a wearable sleeping bag. You can wear it around the campsite or campfire or lay it out in your tent and use it as a blanket. Its front pocket doubles as a stuff sack to make it easy to stow away back into your pack (or to use it as a lite pillow).

Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit

Opinel

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These knives are great for a grad who trying to step up their outdoor cooking game. The kit comes with a serrated folding knife, a folding corkscrew knife, a pocket peeler, a beechwood cutting board, and a microfiber cleaning cloth that doubles as a travel pouch. A Virobloc safety ring is attached to all knives/peelers to make it safer to open and transport the kit. Your grad never has to struggle to cut a piece of campfire-cook beef or a hunk of crusty bread again.

Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot

Tony Ware

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Your grad deserves a new pair of hiking boots for successfully climbing the mountain that is college. This one from Vasque is comfortable—our assistant managing editor (his ankles and dog shown above) says, “Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to … boot … the Vasque Breeze immediately impressed me by requiring zero break-in, then continued to impress me with its stability and traction.” This means grads can climb the highly-graded mountain of post-grad life and worry more about their rent than getting blisters. They’re waterproof and made of sustainable, durable materials for years and years of adventures.

Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro

BioLite

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Grad gifts are all about shiny new things, and this new headlamp from BioLite should excite your night crawler. It packs 800 powerful, bright Lumens to illuminate any dark trails … or the way to the bathroom at night. Your grad will get 150 hours of power on low; seven hours on high; and 8 hours on reserve. It recharges using a micro USB port, and includes a Constant Mode for full illumination without auto-dimming. Plus, 3D SlimFit tech gives you bounceless, slipless, and near-weightless wear. Being comfortable and able to see where you’re stepping? Sounds like a win.

Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Jackery

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Jackery topped our list of the best solar generators, and we love the company’s small-but-mighty portable power station that can be charged by a wall outlet, car outlet, and the sun (!!!). The solar panel isn’t included, but you can get this bundle that solves the lack of solar panel upon purchase. It’s easy to carry at 7.1 pounds and can charge up to six devices while your grad is on outdoor adventures. Your grad may go outdoors to unplug, but you’ll get peace of mind that their phone or other powered essentials won’t die out in the wilderness.

Things to consider when picking gifts for folks who love the outdoors

From lite hiking gifts to entertaining accessories to full-on camping gifts, you can help recent graduates prepare for whatever their next exploration entails. Or, for graduates moving to a new city or starting a new job and unsure they’ll get out much in those early post-grad days, give graduation gifts that remind them of what they love, from naturally scented candles to beautiful nature prints. The key is determining their favorite outdoor activities, skills, comfort level, and existing accouterments, allowing you to match the grad with the gift.

Final thoughts on the best graduation gifts for outdoors enthusiasts

• Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  
• Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks
• Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro 
• Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print
• Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
• Best personalize gift: Engraved Compass
• Best useful: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife
• Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection
• Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag
• Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee
• Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag
• Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit
• Best fire starter: Pull Start Firestarter
• Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler
• Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle
• Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses
• Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot
• Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
• Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit
• Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro
• Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

We hope this graduation gift guide for grads who love the outdoors has filled you with ideas and inspiration for the perfect present. Whether you’re celebrating a trekking champion, kayaking aficionado, or dedicated camper, you’ll find grad gifts for outdoor lovers that fit their specific interests. After all, a graduation gift, whether it’s hiking gifts or camping gifts, or apartment decor, is about celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them to follow their dreams while holding onto their passions. 

PopSci wants to help you find the most useful shopping recommendations for the best gifts regardless of occasion or preoccupation. Searching for more unique gifts? Check out our additional expert gift guides, including Best Gifts for Travelers, Sustainable Gifts, Gifts to Turn Any Kitchen Into a Café, New Gear for those New Year New You Resolutions, and Science Toys for Kids.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post A graduation gift guide for grads who love the outdoors: From practical tools to personalized accessories appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Memorial Day is over, but you most likely have leftover burgers, snacks, and beers in the fridge from your celebrations. The Memorial Day deals also linger with $100 off a Jackery solar generator, among other savings.

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 $239.99 (Was $349.99)

Stan Horaczek

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The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is an excellent starter portable power station if you want to power smaller appliances before moving on to a larger, more powerful solar generator. It weights less than 10 pounds and can be charged with an outlet, car charger, and via solar power (although you’ll have to purchase solar panels separately). It can charge up to six devices, including laptops, drones, and cameras. It may not be able to power a refrigerator, but it can keep your WiFi running (important so no one gets bored in a power outage after all the board games are exhausted).

We’re also fans of Bluetti—another brand included in our best solar generators round-up—and the company’s EB3A, 268Wh portable power station (another excellent starter portable power station) is on sale for 40% off, down to $209 (from $349).

Like the meat in your fridge during a blackout, this deal will expire if you don’t act. Although it won’t smell as bad, you’ll still feel sorry that you didn’t act sooner and avoid the situation altogether.

Here are more post-Memorial Day deals for continued savings all week long:

• iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum & Braava Jet m6 (6112) Robot Mop Bundle $949 (Was $1,599.99)
• iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum $749 (Was $999.99)
• iRobot Roomba j7 (7150) $399 (Was $599.99)
• iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) $599 (Was $799.99)
• iRobot Roomba Combo™ j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop $799 (Was $1,099.99)
• iRobot Braava Jet M6 (6110) Robot Mop $299 (Was $449.99)
• iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) Robot Vacuum and Braava Jet m6 (6113) Robot Mop Bundle $679.99 (Was $899.99)
• iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum $179 (Was $274.99)
• Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage with Spinners, 3-Piece Set $416.75 (Was $779.97)
• Casper Sleep Original Hybrid Mattress, Queen $1,196 (Was $1,495)
• LG 48GQ900-B 48” Ultragear UHD OLED Gaming Monitor $1,099.99 (Was $1,499.99)
• SAMSUNG 49” Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor $1,099.99 (Was $1,399.99)
• TP-Link WiFi Extender with Ethernet Port $17.99 (Was $34.99)
• Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs $19-$30 (was $49.99)

The post Power post-Memorial Day savings with $100 off a Jackery solar generator appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

A generator is a must-have if you’re RV-ing, camping, or just spending time away from an outlet. A portable power station helps you stay charged, which is incredibly important if your phone is the only thing connecting you to modern society. Plus, they’re incredibly handy in a power outage. We found plenty of generators on sale for Memorial Day, from tried-and-true gas generators to newfangled solar generators.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000, 1002Wh Capacity with 2 SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels $1,299 w/ coupon (Was $1,649)

Jackery

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This Jackery solar generator-panel combo package has everything you need to get started on sustainably powering burners, laptops, drones, and cell phones when you’re not near a wall outlet. In fact, it can power up to eight devices at a time. And, the included solar panels can bring it up to full charge within 6 hours—if you’d rather charge it beforehand via AC outlet, that process is shortened to 5.5. hours. Talk about timely.

If you decide to get a beefier Jackery generator, like the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO, you’ll get a free Jackery dual-sided 80W solar panel when you spend over $2,000 on Jackery products. That’s a $249 value right there, and your savings only get bigger when you combine it with the $150-$350 coupons Jackery is offering on Amazon.

Here are more generator deals to shop this Memorial Day:

Solar generators

• Jackery Solar Generator 1500 1534Wh Capacity with 4XSolar Panels $2,298 (Was $2,899)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 $269.99 with coupon (Was $349.99)
• Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station $1,529 with coupon (Was $1,699)
• Jackery Solar Generator 1000 PRO $1,447 with coupon (Was $1,597)
• Anker 521 Portable Power Station $186.99 (Was $249.99)
• BioLite BaseCharge 600 $559.20 (Was $699)
• BioLite BaseCharge 1500 $1,359.20 (Was $1,699)

Gas generators

• Generac 8250 GP2500i 2,500-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Generator $508.92 (Was $636.15)
• Generac 76763 GP8000E 8,000-Watt Electric-Start Gas-Powered Portable Generator $919.20 (Was $1,149)
• CRAFTSMAN C0010250 2,500-Watt Gas Portable Generator $564.58 (Was $639)
• Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 4650 Peak Watt Portable Generator $349 (Was $379)

Dual-fuel generators

• DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start Dual-Fuel Generator $549 (Was $649)
• DuroMax XP12000EH Dual-Fuel Generator $999 (Was $1,399)
• Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator $460.47 (Was $839)
• Champion Power Equipment 201052 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start $564 (Was $799)
• Pulsar 5,250W Dual Fuel Portable Generator $475 (Was $699.99)
• Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Generator $929 (Was $1,249)
• Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel $899 (Was $949)
• Westinghouse 4650 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with CARB Compliant & Champion Weather-Resistant Storage Cover $557.20 (Was $662)

Inverter generators

• Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator $940.64 (Was $1,399)
• Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 4500 Peak Watt Inverter Generator $879 (Was $1,099)
• Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator $715.22 (Was $1,089)

The post The best Memorial Day generator deals: Solar, electric, and gas-powered models appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Summer is just around the corner, meaning backyard cookouts and outdoor parties with family and friends. You can save on the gear you’ll need for more than a seasons-worth of gatherings by shopping the best sales on kitchen items and appliances. From an outdoor pizza oven to a mug that has a basketball hoop, we have you covered.

Ooni Fyra 12 $244.30 (Was $349)

Ooni

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Ooni is hosting a 30% off sale on select pizza ovens and accessories for Memorial Day Weekend, and you can score a $105 discount on the entry-level Fyra 12. This pizza oven runs on wood pellets and can reach temperatures of up to 950 Fahrenheit, necessary for cooking a traditional Neapolitan pie in about a minute. The Fyra 12 reaches its maximum temperature in about 15 minutes so that you can get cooking quickly—you don’t want to leave your guests hungry. If you’re not the one hosting the pizza party, the Fyra 12 is only 22 pounds, so you can easily grab it and go with ease. If you’ve been curious about getting a pizza oven but uncomfortable committing to one due to its price and typical size, don’t skip Ooni’s sale. The company even offers a 60-day guarantee, so you can knock out a few pies without making a full commitment.

Here are more Memorial Day kitchen and appliance deals:

Microwaves

• Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven $189.95 (Was $229.95)
• TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo $279.99; $239.99 with Prime member coupon (Was $299.99)

Toasters & toaster ovens

• Revolution R180B Touchscreen Toaster $341 (Was $450)
• Wolf Gourmet Elite Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven $739.99 (Was $949)
• Geek Chef 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots $49.99 (Was $79.99)
• Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster $22.61 (Was $28.99)

Air fryers & pressure cookers

• Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker $114 (Was $169.99)
• Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer $165 (WAs $199.99)
• Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker $129.99 (Was $169.99)
• Geek Chef Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo $129.99 (Was $199.98)
• Chefman 2-Slice Pop-Up Stainless Steel Toaster $24.99 (Was $29.99)
• Chefman TurboFry 2-Quart Air Fryer $42.99 (Was $49.99)
• Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo $124.99 (Was $179.99)
• Chefman Air Fryer 8 Qt with Probe Thermometer $88.99 (Was $119.99)

Blenders, food processors, & stand mixers

• Cuisinart 14 Cup Food Processor $229.99 (Was $249.95)
• Cuisinart SM-50BC Stand Mixer $179 (Was $299.95)
• KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender $49.99 (Was $59.99)
• Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System $159.99 (Was $199.99)
• Bonsenkitchen Handheld Blender $14.44 (Was $24.99)
• Ninja AMZ493BRN Compact Kitchen System $129.99 (Was $159.99)
• Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer $19.99 (Was $24.99)
• Chefman Immersion Stick Hand Blender $24.99 (Was $29.99)
• CHEFMAN Cordless Portable Immersion Blender 5-in-1 Blender Set $79.95 (Was $99.99)

Coffee & espresso machines

• Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, Matte Black $189.49 (Was $219.95)
• Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, 38 ounces, Matte Black $149.25 (Was $199)
• Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker $170 (Was $249.99)
• De’Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System $699.99 (Was $899.95)
• De’Longhi Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15″, Stainless Steel $149.95 (Was $199.95)
• De’Longhi ECP3420 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, 15″, Black $139.95 (Was $207.95)
• Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker $26.99 (Was $29.99)
• Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker $44.99 (Was $64.99)
• Miele CM 5510 Silence Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Combo $1,599 (Was $1,899)
• Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine $399 (Was $549)
• Famiworths Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and Ground Coffee $46.18 (Was $72.99)
• The Original Glass French Press Coffee Maker by Cafe Du Chateau $24.99 (Was $42.99)
• Miele CM 6360 MilkPerfection Automatic Coffee Machine $2,078.52 (Was $2,799)
• Miele CM 5510 Silence Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Combo $1,599 (Was $1,899)
• Miele CM 6160 MilkPerfection Automatic Coffee Machine $1,700.52 (Was $2,299)
• Miele CM 6360 MilkPerfection Automatic Wifi Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Combo $2,499 (Was $2,799)
• Miele CM5300 Coffee System $1,079.92 (Was $1,399)Café Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine $399 (Was $549)

Appliances

• Antarctic Star Compact Mini Refrigerator Separate Freezer $149.99 (Was $179.99)
• FRIGIDAIRE EFR372-MINT 3.2 Cu Ft Retro Compact Rounded Corner Premium Mini Fridge $287.60 (Was $328.95)
• Koolatron 12 Bottle Wine Cooler $186.60 (Was $218.49)
• Koolatron 10 Bottle Wine Cooler, Black $195.50 (Was $229.99)
• NewAir Compact Wine Cooler Refrigerator $222.50 (Was $359.99)
• RCA 1.6 Cubic Foot Fridge, Black $135.60 (Was $163.49)

Pots, pans, and utensils

• CAROTE 8 Inch Nonstick Skillet Frying Pan with Lid $19.54 (Was $29.99)
• Ninja C39900 Foodi NeverStick Premium 16-Piece Cookware Set $369.99 (Was $529.99)
• Get 25% off sitewide at Great Jones with the promo code MDW25
• Caraway 13-piece set $395 (Was $545)
• Lodge 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet $19.90 (Was $34.25)
• Meyer Accent Series 6-piece set $179.99 (Was $199.99)
• Mercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12-Inch $25 (Was $43.99)
• Mercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 8-Inch $14.75 (Was $26)
• Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware, 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set $169.99 (Was $199.99)
• Bear 2L Electric Hot Pot $23.79 (Was $31.99)
• bredemeijer Cast Iron Tea Cups Set of 2 Green $18.97 (Was $24.95)

Miscellaneous

• MAX’IS Creations | The Mug with a Hoop $24.99 (Was $34.95)
• Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher $29.09 (Was $38.79)
• Meat Slicer, Anescra 200W Electric Deli Food Slicer $119.99 (Was $139.99)
• Cuisinart CBW-201 Butter Wheel Stainless Steel $20.31 (Was $29.99)
• Cuisinart CBP-116 Sauce Pot and Basting Brush Set $13.50 (Was $15.78)
• Weston Professional French Fry Cutter and Vegetable Dicer, Stainless Steel $79.99 (Was $99.99)
• Toshiba Induction Low Carb Rice Cooker Steamer $139.89 (Was $199.99)
• Toshiba Rice Cooker 6 Cup Uncooked $114.75 (Was $149.99)
• Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill with Locking Lid $31.99 (Was $39.99)
• Ice Cream Scoop $5.59 (Was $12.99)
• Atlas Coffee Gift Subscription $99 (Was $120) 
• Ninja KT200 Precision Temperature Electric Kettle $69.99 (Was $89.99)

The post The best Memorial Day kitchen & appliance deals cook up major savings appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Definitive Technology just recently released its Dymension Tower Speaker. With new releases mean you can get older tech that still holds up for a crazy good deal, like this Definitive Technology BP9020 High Power Bipolar Tower Speaker with Integrated 8″ Subwoofer—it’s on sale for $299.99, down from $649. That’s 54% off!

Definitive Technology BP9020 High Power Bipolar Tower Speaker with Integrated 8″ Subwoofer $299.99 (Was $649)

Definitive Technology

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Upgrade to an expressive stereo system with the Definitive Technology BP9020 High-Power Bipolar Tower Speaker, which gives you detailed, room-filling sound. A Forward-Focused Bipolar Array—featuring a front 1″ tweeter and (2) 3.5″ mid-drivers paired with rear-facing 3.5″ mid-driver—gives you a precise center image along with bodied, expansive sound, and an integrated 8″ powered subwoofer gives you better low-end extension without having to add a separate cube into your set-up. You can also get specific with your bass-iness with intelligent bass control, which lets you modulate deep bass levels up and down without wrecking mid-range tonal balance. And Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support lets you get multi-dimensional with your sound when you expand to a compatible AV receiver and additional channels, including the optional A90 height speaker. All of this tech is packed into an inert, resonance-free cabinet so your floors don’t bungle the tech magic happening inside. Pick up a pair today, hit play, and slay!

If you have more room in the budget, the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Floorstanding Speaker in Red Walnut is also going for a crazy price. It’s currently on sale for $999.99, down from $1,874.98—that’s 47% of savings on a third-gen speaker that still gives immersive, clear sound.

Once you go hi-fi, it’s hard to go back—and you won’t be able to experience audiophile-level quality this cheap if you don’t snag this deal.

Here are other speaker and home audio deals that speak to us:

• Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker $249 (Was $299)
• Definitive Technology AW 5500 All Weather Speaker $199 (Was $249)
• Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor Speakers $99.99 (Was $129.99)
• JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel Soundbar $499.95 (Was $599.95)
• JBL Bar 1000: 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar $999.95 (Was $1,199.95)
• Mackie CR-X Series, Premium Desktop PC Soundbar with Bluetooth $143.99 (Was $259.99)
• Mackie CR-X Series, Powered Floor-Standing Subwoofer (CR6S-X) $143.99 (Was $179.99)
• Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth $149.95 (Was $199.95)
• Klipsch Reference Next-Generation R-50C Horn-Loaded Center Channel Speakers $263 (Was $379)

The post Listen to this—get 50% off a Definitive Technology speaker on Amazon before Memorial Day appeared first on Popular Science.

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From its iconic AirWrap to a three-in-one air purifier, Dyson has continually wowed us with product innovation with a streamlined look—that’s no easy feat when talking about a vacuum cleaner. You, too, can try Dyson for yourself with up to $100 off vacuums and air purifiers before Memorial Day.

Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum Cleaner $399 (Was $499.99)

Dyson

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We’ve raved about Dyson’s cordless vacuums in the past, and we think their corded vacuums deserve their stars, too. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum Cleaner—on sale for $399, down $100 from $499.99—is excellent if your furry friends leave a light dusting of fur all over the house. A de-tangling cleaner head automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush as you vacuum, and three cleaning modes allow you to customize how you clean. An included pet grooming tool lets you suck up dog hair from the source, and a turbine tool tackles fur shellacked to the couch. Getting rid of dirt and fur and getting a good deal? Color us impressed.

Don’t wait on this deal—this pre-Memorial Day deal will truly be a memory if you don’t act ASAP.

Here are more Dyson and vacuum deals that blow us away:

• Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner $449.99 (Was $549.99)
• Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum $349 (Was $449.99)
• Dyson Pure Cool TP01 Air Purifier and Fan-White / Silver $299 (Was $399.99)
• BISSELL Little Green Pro Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner $144.79 (Was $164.79)
• Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner $124.99 (Was $139.99)
• BISSELL 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum with HEPA Filter Sealed System $169.89 (Was $236.89)
• Bissell 2747A PowerFresh Vac & Steam All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop $159.39 (Was $185.39)
• Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner $135.09 (Was $175.09)
• Vacmaster VZA306P 1101 Canister Vacuum 3 Gallon Corded Dry Vacuum Cleaner $79.99 (Was $99.99)
• Kenmore Friendly Lightweight Bagless Compact Canister Vacuum $269.99 (Was $299.99)
• Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum $179.90 (Was $199.99)
• Shark IZ462H Vertex Ultra Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum $299.99 (Was $429.99)
• Shark ZU782 Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean Pro Upright Vacuum $258 (Was $399.99)
• Tineco A11 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner $199 (Was $289.99)
• Tineco iFLOOR 2 Complete Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Floor Cleaner and Mop $159.99 (Was $229.99)

The post Clean up with $100 off a Dyson before Memorial Day appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’re in the throes of apartment hunting like myself, you know how fun it is to window shop and imagine what cool gadgets you will put in the new crib. If you’re lucky enough to have a place locked down and are moving in, you can turn window shopping into real shopping. If security deposits and pet fees have your wallet crying for relief, find respite in these SharkNinja deals on Amazon.

Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven $209.99 (Was $349.99)

Ninja

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This countertop appliance has 10 presets: air fry, air roast, bake, whole roast, broil, toast, bagel, dehydrate, reheat, and pizza. No offense to your toaster, but can it bake? Exactly. A digital display lets you know exactly what temperature it’s currently at, and a 90-second preheat time means you don’t have to wait around to get a frozen pizza going. I personally have seen someone put at least two dozen chicken wings in this thing multiple times to feed an entire party of people participating in a group Hot Ones challenge. If the price and the capacity don’t sway you to purchase it, then I don’t know what will.

If you’re upgrading your car while you drive boxes over to the new pad—or if you’re picking up an Uber/Lyft side job to help get back on your financial feet after that deposit—we have a completely different recommendation on sale. The Rexing V33 3 Channel 1440p Resolution Dashcam is on sale for $199.99—a $120 savings from the usual $319.99 price. It comes with a front, cabin, and rear camera, and records in 2K resolution. Plus, it comes with voice control and a built-in GPS logger in case of an accident.

Someone else could swoop up that apartment you want, and plenty of people could sell out these deals—snag them before they’re gone. You can also check out our other air fryer recommendations.

Here are more SharkNinja deals to make your new place feel like home:

• Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker $129.99 (Was $169.99)
• Ninja FD302 Foodi 11-in-1 Pro 6.5 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer $129.95 (Was $199.99)
• Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum with LED Headlights $149.99 (Was $249.99)
• Shark CH964AMZ 2-in-1 Cordless & Handheld Vacuum Ultracyclone System $99.99 (Was $149.99)
• Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, Auto-iQ Tea and Coffee Maker $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• Shark AV993 IQ Robot Vacuum $219.99 (Was $299.99)
• Shark HD112GNBRN HyperAIR Fast-Drying Hair Blow Dryer $149.99 (Was $229.99)
• Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• Shark IQ Robot Vacuum AV970 with Self-Cleaning Brushroll $219.99 (Was $399.99)
• Ninja BN301 Nutri-Blender Plus Compact Personal Blender $64.99 (Was $79.99)
• Shark HD112BRN Hair Dryer with Alligator Clips and Non-Slip Silicone Mat $164.99 (Was $247.97)

The post Enhance your countertops and carpets with SharkNinja appliances up to 40% off at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

You might have 20 hours logged into realistic physics masterpiece The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but you can’t get the full experience of diving off sky islands and running away from the creepy, hand-like Gloom Spawn if you have a subpar gaming monitor. Solve that problem and get back to saving Hyrule—and save some cash while you’re at it—with up to 40% off Samsung monitors on Amazon.

Samsung 32″ Odyssey G65B QHD Curved Gaming Monitor $499.99 (Was $799.99)

Samsung

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If you’re looking for a step up from an HD gaming monitor but don’t want to pay 4K prices, find a happy meeting in QHD, which packs 1.7 times more pixel density than full HD. A 240Hz refresh rate means you’ll be able to fire off arrows at lickety-split speeds, and a 1000R curve gives you some ergonomics while you spend hours looking for Korok seeds.

Thankfully, if you’re looking just to upgrade your office monitor, Samsung has you covered there as well. The company’s 27-inch S39C monitor is ergonomically curved and on sale for $199.99, down from $269.99.

And don’t forget to pick up an HDMI cable to make a master connection so you can get that Master Sword. Ultimately, seeing is believing, and you’ll be happy you tried a monitor when questing for the Triforce. Don’t wait to add one to your inventory.

Here are more Samsung monitor deals to look at:

• SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 Series 27-Inch WQHD Gaming Monitor $499.99 (Was $699.99)
• SAMSUNG UR59 Series 32-Inch ViewFinity 4K UHD (3840×2160) Curved Computer Monitor $349.99 (Was $449.99)
• SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey G65B QHD 240Hz 1ms (GTG) HDR 600 Gaming Hub 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor $499.99 (Was $799.99)
• SAMSUNG 27-Inch CF39 Series FHD 1080p Curved Computer Monitor $159.99 (Was $219.99)
• SAMSUNG 32″ M70B Series 4K UHD USB-C Smart Monitor & Streaming TV $299.99 (Was $399.99)
• SAMSUNG 43-Inch Odyssey Neo G7 Series 4K UHD Smart Gaming Monitor $699.99 (Was $999.99)
• SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB Series QD-OLED Ultra WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor $1,299.99 (Was $1,499.99)
• SAMSUNG Odyssey G52A Series 32-Inch WQHD (2560×1440) Computer Monitor $369.99 (Was $529.99)
• SAMSUNG 28” Odyssey G70B Series 4K UHD Gaming Monitor $599.99 (Was $799.99)
• SAMSUNG CJ79 Series 34-Inch ViewFinity Ultrawide QHD (3440×1440) Computer Monitor $499.99 (Was $594.99)

The post Get a better glimpse of Hyrule when you take up to 40% off Samsung monitors appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Poor internet is the bane of a modern person’s existence. Looking like you’re streaming in from a potato on a work video call? Breaking up like Pangea? And you can’t even game with your friends because it takes 10 years to download Rocket League? All awful experiences! Help turn your slow internet to something fast and furious with Amazon eero mesh WiFi routers, on sale for up to 30% off.

Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi System $319.99 (Was $399.99)

Amazon

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You’ll already need a modem if you’re going to invest in the eero, or else you won’t be able to take advantage of the 4,000 square feet of network coverage it provides. You can also connect your smart home devices and control compatible Thread and Zigbee devices with an Alexa device. Plus, you don’t have to worry about how many devices you connect—the eero can handle more than 100 of them. The router also gives you peace of mind, thanks to automatic updates about your network’s safety and security.

If you’d like to take this time to snag a modem—one that you don’t have to rent or return to your provider—check with your internet provider first. We love the Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem, which is on sale for $89.98 and works with Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.

Faster internet with more even coverage is just a mouse click away—which equates to a minute or two if you don’t have an eero.

Here are more eero and router deals we’re speeding to get our hands on:

• Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 system $319.99 (Was $399.99)
• Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 router $159.99 (Was $199.99)
• Amazon eero mesh WiFi router $49.99 (Was $69.99)
• Amazon eero Pro mesh WiFi system (1 Pro + 2 Beacons) (brown box packaging) $229.97 (Was $309.99)
• Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi system $439.99 (Was $549.99)
• Amazon eero Beacon mesh WiFi range extender $74.99 (Was $99.99)
• Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi router $199.99 (Was $249.99)
• Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 system $239.99 (Was $299.99)
• Amazon eero mesh WiFi system $129.99 (Was $169.99)
• Amazon eero Pro mesh WiFi router $79.99 (Was $159.99)
• TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Range Extender Signal Booster for Home(RE715X) $104.99 (Was $119.99)
• TP-Link EAP613 Wireless Access Point w/o DC Adapter $79.99 (Was $89.99)
• TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) $74.99 (Was $99.99)
• Linksys Mesh Wifi 5 Router $89 (Was $199.99)
• Wyze AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro $159.98 (Was $179.98)

The post Save up to 30% and bring internet dark spots into the light with Amazon eero mesh WiFi routers appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Smartwatches are a handy way to keep weather notifications, health tracking, texts, and music accessible without taking your phone out of your pocket. If you have an iPhone, there’s no better choice than the Apple Watch, which easily syncs to your phone and other Apple devices. Our favorite starter Apple Watch—the Apple Watch SE—is on sale today, warranting you some savings.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] $219 (Was $249)

Apple

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If you don’t need a blood oxygen sensor like in the Apple Watch 8 or the ultra-long battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra, the Watch SE is the best choice. The 2nd-gen. SE comes in two varieties, appropriately: a GPS and cellular variety (also on sale for $299) and one that just comes with GPS, on sale for $219. As an Apple Watch makes a great fitness tracker, we also like pairing one with our favorite headphones for working out—luckily, the Apple Beats Fit Pro earbuds are also on sale.

Like we say in our Apple Watch comparison explainer, “If you just want an Apple Watch that works, and you don’t necessarily care about getting every kind of data, the SE 2 is probably the move.”

You know what’s also the move? Snagging this deal before it ends.

Here are more Apple, smartwatch, and electronics deals that are the apple of our eyes:

• Apple AirPods Max $479.99 (Was $549)
• Apple 2021 iMac All-in-one Desktop Computer with M1 chip $1,199 (Was $1,299)
• Apple Studio Display-Standard Glass $1,499 (Was $1,599)
• Apple 2023 Mac Mini Desktop Computer M2 Pro Chip, 512 SSD $1,199 (Was $1,299)
• Apple 2023 Mac Mini Desktop Computer M2 Chip, 256 SSD $559 (Was $599)
• Apple 2023 Mac Mini Desktop Computer M2 Chip, 512 SSD $749 (Was $799)
• Fitbit Charge 5 $109 (Was $149.95)
• Fitbit Sense 2 $244 (Was $299.95)
• Fitbit Luxe $89.95 (Was $129.95)
• Fitbit Versa 4 159.95 (Was $199.95)
• Google Pixel Watch (LTE) $329.99 (Was $399.99)
• Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) $299.99 (Was $349.99)
• Garmin Vivoactive 4 $199.99 (Was $329.99)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 40mm LTE $249.99 (Was $329.99)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 44mm LTE $279 (Was $359.99)

The post Get an Apple Watch SE for less than $250 on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best sustainable gift		Lomi		SEE IT	Turn egg shells, banana peels, and apple cores into compost for the garden.
Best robovac		iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop		SEE IT	You can control this mop and vacuum combo with Alexa or your phone.
Best cooking aid upgrade		Vitamix Propel 750 Blender		SEE IT	This blender can tackle tough veggies and fruit to make yummy soups and smoothies for the whole family.

Mother’s Day provides an excellent opportunity for you and your siblings or children to try and one-up each other in an effort to prove yourself as The Favorite. Yes, being supportive is not a competition, but you can’t be the one who gives mom a gift that doesn’t suit. Thankfully, the PopSci staff has extensive experience in gift-giving of almost every variety. If you’ve spent years cultivating the perfect gift for mom—or grandmom, or the mother of your children—and have run out of ideas, we have recommendations to make her smile and you shine. Win-win! 

• Best coffee: Zend
• Best coffee maker alternative: SAKI Electric Turkish Coffee Maker
• Best for loud children: Vibes Ear Plugs
• Best wine upgrade: Ullo Open Wine Purifier
• Best cookbook: Eataly Contemporary Italian
• Best cooking aid upgrade: Vitamix Propel 750 Blender
• Best snacks: Spirit Almonds
• Best for new moms: Birthdate Pendant
• Best shoes: Allbirds
• Best for working moms: Troubadour Ember bag
• Best for outdoorsy mom: Backpackers Pantry 
• Best sustainable gift: Lomi
• Best for traveling: Monos Carry-On Pro
• Best to recreate the spa at home: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket 
• Best splurge: Dyson AirWrap
• Best for those expecting: Proxies Tasting Set
• Best for music-loving moms: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best robovac: iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop
• Best for working out: OMORPHO G-Vest+
• Best for sore muscles: Theragun Mini 2.0
• For grandmas: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame
• Best cozy: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket
• Best watch: Garmin vivoactive 4S
• Best for crafting: Cricut Explore Air 2 Lilac Machine Bundle

Best coffee: Zend

Zend

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These coffee beans go way beyond that crummy old can of Folgers mom keeps on her counter. Zend coffees give a mom the option to enjoy the coffee on its own, or they can infuse them with one of three functional blends: Beauty, which supports hair, skin, and nail health; Recovery, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation; Serenity, which supports stress relief and balance. Mom deserves plenty of caffeine for everything and most definitely deserves to feel beautiful, healthy, and serene. If a single cup of coffee accomplishes both, we can’t think of a better gift. Unless …

Best coffee maker alternative: SAKI Electric Turkish Coffee Maker

Saki

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Turkish coffee is rich, silky, and delicious, but you can’t expect moms to master the copper pot method of making it with the little free time they have. To use this electric Turkish coffee maker, simply fill the pot with water, add Turkish coffee, and insert it into the machine. Choose how many cups you want (you can choose between 1-2 or 3-4), and you’ll have a hot, frothy, yummy cup of coffee within seconds, sans accidental spills and overflow. If mom is a caffeine connoisseur, they’ll appreciate taking advantage of one of the oldest ways to brew coffee.   

Best for loud children: Vibes Ear Plugs

Vibes

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Let us be frank: babies are not quiet. Toddlers are cacophonous. Kids make a lot of noise. You only reach silent nirvana when they ship off to college. Before then, you’ll still need to hear in case they break something or start a fight with each other. By gifting a mom these reusable high-fidelity earplugs, you’ll give them a little peace without being completely unaware of what the kids are up to. 

Best wine upgrade: Ullo Open Wine Purifier

Ullo

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Enjoying a bottle of wine is all fun and games until two glasses warrant a hangover the next day. Help prevent them with the Ullo Open Wine Purifier, which uses a selective filtration system to remove sulfites and reduce the histamines that can cause headaches and hangovers—all while preserving the wine’s flavors and aromas. A built-in aeration dial lets you choose the amount of air to incorporate, from off for light whites to full air for rich red varietals. Plus, it’s easy to transport and use: just place the device over your glass and pour. Don’t worry about mess, either—the Ullo’s lid can be used as a base to rest the filter on when not used, making it perfect at home and easy to take to book club.

Best cookbook: Eataly Contemporary Italian

Eataly

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“What should we eat for dinner?” is sometimes the hardest question to answer. Make the decision process 100 times easier with the “​Eataly: Contemporary Italian Cooking cookbook, which packs 300 recipes, including pasta with cavolo nero pesto and clams. With clear instructions and helpful tips, mom won’t want to ditch the entire recipe and just order takeout (although we’re not judging if they do).

Best cooking aid upgrade: Vitamix Propel 750 Blender

Vitamix

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Kitchen gadgets shouldn’t make life more difficult and this Vitamix, with a powerful 2.2 horsepower motor, can crush ice into a smooth slushie consistency and demolish vegetables to make hearty, yummy soups. A 64-ounce cup means that mom can make enough servings for the whole family with enough for seconds for themselves. We also think the Yummly—a wireless smart meat thermometer that’s app-controlled—is also a great choice if she already has a swaggy countertop appliance setup and is a fan of roasting, grilling, broiling, and more.

Best snacks: Spirit Almonds

Spirit Almond

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If there’s a mom-on-the-go in your life who can appreciate always having a snack packed, look no further than Spirit Almond. Each protein- and healthy fat-rich nut gets one of six Japanese-style flavorings: black garlic, curry, koji salt, miso, mustard, and seaweed. It comes in a handy single-serve pack to easily throw in a purse or bag (making it easy to snag one for yourself, since one gift box comes with three packs of each flavor). If they’re more of a sweet snack mom, consider the Sahale Snacks Glazed Nut Variety Pack, which adds dried fruit and expands the nut varieties to pistachios, cashews, and pecans. 

Best for new moms: Birthdate Pendant

Birthdate Co.

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Technically, these pendants are meant as a lovely wearable to show off the wearer’s astrology (if they’re into it). However, between the unique collection of stones for every day of the year and personal engraving, we think it makes for a great gift to celebrate a firstborn. Each stone tells the story of their birthday, including their birthstone. Talk about a personalized gift. 

Best shoes: Allbirds

AllBirds

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Moms are always on their feet, between running after grandkids or working off all the child-related stress at the gym. Between their lack of flashy logos and synthetic materials, Allbirds is a natural gift for moms: they’re stylish, comfortable, and come in plenty of styles: Need some business-professional flats? They have that. Need some running shoes? They have those, too. The company itself is dedicated to sustainability, so you can feel good gifting them.  

Best for working moms: Troubadour Ember bag

Troubadour

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Work backpacks don’t have to be boring. This leather-and-neoprene variety has a waterproof lining to keep things dry, a sturdy grip handle that won’t break on the go, and a trolley sleeve for use as a carry-on. The main compartment folds down once opened for easy access to essentials, and a separate laptop compartment can fit a 16-inch laptop. Plus, there are plenty of pockets for essentials, like keys, a phone, or an emergency pacifier. A five-year guarantee means a mom always gets quality in case something goes wrong in manufacturing. 

Best for outdoorsy mom: Backpackers Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry

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Camp cooking can involve a lot of grilled cheese, reheated soups, and boxed mac and cheese. These aren’t bad meals, but sometimes that mom deserves something a little more five-star after a long day of hikes. Backpackers Pantry has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert covered with various dried and dehydrated foods. These meals aren’t wimpy, either—each averages around 15 grams of protein, which energizes you on your hike. We like to start our outdoor morning with the company’s Blueberry walnut oats and a cup of coffee. Once we get to basecamp, we sit down and enjoy some lasagna (it’s what Garfield would want), followed by the most important meal: dessert. Our choice? Dark chocolate cheesecake. 

If you want to give a mom the outdoor experience at home, we love the Solo Stove Mesa tabletop fire pit, which makes it safe and easy to roast some marshmallows on the balcony or porch.

Best sustainable gift: Lomi

Lomi

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Mom’s coffee grounds, egg shells, and banana peels can live second lives as compost in the flower garden with this gift. Lomi makes composting easy: It’s odor-, pest-, and mess-free, and turns food waste into compost in less than four hours. It easily fits onto countertops and is discreet. With all that compost, your special someone’s rose garden—and kitchen—will be the envy of the neighborhood. 

Best for traveling: Monos Carry-On Pro

Monos

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Jet-setting moms will appreciate the gift of nice luggage that makes traveling a little less stressful. Our pick is the Monos Carry-On Pro, made for organization and easy access. It comes in eight standard colors and four limited-edition colors and includes an integrated TSA-approved lock for keeping belongings safe. An aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell prevents breaking from TSA agent rough-handling, and a built-in front compartment lets you store a laptop, passport, and other need-haves in one easy place. All-paid vacation not included.  

Best to recreate the spa at home: Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket 

Amanda Reed

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If there’s something a mom rarely rues and can most likely use, it’s a trip to the spa. Instead of giving a gift card to a spa, why not bring the spa along with the Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket, which allows you to feel the heat without even needing to become vertical. It helps relieve stress and anxiety and can help treat chronic pain. It’s like a sleeping bag that makes mom feel like a Hot Pocket in a microwave. 

Best splurge: Dyson AirWrap

Dyson

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The Dyson AirWrap is the hair styler to have—it dries, curls, and styles hair, combining at least four styling tools into one. We’ve gone hands-on with it before and love that it gives salon-quality, shampoo commercial blowouts at home. It comes with two barrel sizes (both with switches to change airflow direction), a soft smoothing brush, a firm smoothing brush, a round volumizing brush (our favorite attachment), and a blow-drying attachment. If the AirWrap is out of your budget, consider the Shark FlexStyle, which has a bendable arm and a diffuser attachment for curly hair. Protect strands beforehand with the K18 molecular repair oil, and help keep hair healthy when it’s shower time with the Kitsch Pre Wash Scalp Oil and K18 leave-in conditioner. For the in-between days, we recommend the Act+Acre Plant-Based Dry Shampoo, which uses rice and tapioca powders—along with fulvic acid—to keep tresses bouncy and fresh.

Best for those expecting: Proxies Tasting Set

Proxies

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If a pregnant person in your life wants to enjoy a fancy little beverage sans alcohol (we happen to have tons of recommendations), nothing looks better in a wine glass than Proxies. There are de-alcoholized wines on the market, but some may have traces of alcohol left after the process. Proxies, however, is boozeless from the start, made from wine grape varietals without the fermenting. The resulting product has a similar mouthfeel and taste to wine but without the “Am I hurting baby?” anxiety. They’re perfect to pair with pizza, fish, pickles, and any other pregnancy cravings. 

Best for music-loving moms: Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony

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If mom has a killer vinyl collection and puts you on to some of the best artists, you should give them a gift that says, “Thanks for giving me good taste.” We think the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent choice. They’re sleek and comfortable on the head, including some killer noise cancellation (perfect for tuning out nosy neighbors) and four beamforming microphones to be heard clearly on work calls. If they’re more of an earbud person, the easily pocketed Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have excellent sound and the most effective noise cancellation on the market. 

Best robovac: iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop

iRobot

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Messes happen, and if you’re not going to help clean them up, at least buy a robot that will. This Roomba is both a mop and a vacuum cleaner, and it’s pretty smart for a robot: It can sense objects and pet accidents (meaning no poop smeared around your home because of the dog, at least), and detects when changing from flooring to carpet. It lifts the mop head to prevent soggy carpets and self-empties. It connects to Alexa (meaning you can control the robovac with your voice) and can be controlled via the iRobot app. Mom will appreciate someone finally helping out around here. 

Best for working out: OMORPHO G-Vest+

OMORPHO

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Up any workout with this weighted vest from OMORPHO, which adds five pounds of resistance to level up burpees, sprints, and more. However, it doesn’t feel like a five-pound vest, thanks to even weight distribution. It’s a comfortable piece of workout gear that fits great (adjustable cables and straps help, too) and doesn’t limit your range of motion. Connecting the vest to the OMORPHO app gives you workouts that are quick but effective. If someone wants to outrun the other soccer team moms, gifting this vest is a great start. This leads us to our next pick …

Best for sore muscles: Theragun Mini 2.0

Theragun

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For soothing sore muscles after working out—or anytime, really, especially for someone actually outrunning the other soccer team moms—we recommend the Theragun Mini 2.0, which is small enough to throw into a gym bag or hide in a drawer away from small hands. It comes with three attachments, but we love the thumb attachment, which is great for lower backs and pinpoint therapy. My back hurts, I don’t even have children, and even I could benefit from a percussion massager—we’re sure your mom will get a lot of use from the Theragun.

For grandmas: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame

Tess Ware

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Although it’s perfect for any and every generation of moms, we think grandmas especially will love the Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame. Grandmas love showing people pictures of their extended family (including granddogs), and this WiFi-connected cloud-fed frame makes it easy to update those photos from anywhere. Add photos and videos to the Aura app, and they’ll show up on your loved one’s frame as long as it’s connected to a network—there’s no work they need to do to get the photos up after the initial connectioon. You don’t need to worry about storage, either—it’s unlimited. And, you don’t need to worry about photo orientation, since the Aura automatically rotates and resizes based on whether it’s placed landscape or portrait. PopSci’s associate managing editor sent one to his mother for their birthday—take their word for it: “What I have enjoyed the most … is the burst of joy every time I see a photo of a loved one or a picture a loved one has shared with me!” You can get an Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame for the entire family, or you can check out some other digital picture frames we recommend. 

Best cozy: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket

Big Blanket Co.

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If you know someone that hogs the blanket, or someone tall who deserves to have their feet covered when sleeping at night, the Big Blanket—providing 100 square feet of blanket—was made for them. This extra-large, giant soft blanket gives whoever is in the nap trap plenty of real estate to turn into a blanket cocoon, with room for you. We’re not kidding. It’s huge and soft—just like mom’s heart.

Best watch: Garmin vivoactive 4S

Garmin

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The Garmin vivoactive 4S is just as smart as is it beautiful—it has a standard watch face with 20 built-in apps, including GPS, yoga, running, swimming, and more. Mom gets seven days of battery life, and Gamin Pay lets them pay for a post-jog coffee without having to bring their wallet with them. They don’t even need to bring their phone, thanks to the ability to download music onto the watch. People won’t even know it’s a sports watch until Mom turns and says, “Thanks, it’s a smartwatch!” when they get a compliment on it.

Best for crafting: Cricut Explore Air 2 Lilac Machine Bundle

Cricut

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If mom is crafty and they don’t already own a Cricut, change that with this bundle gift that combines an Explore Air 2 machine with everything they need to get started on making their own bespoke goods for family, friends, and themselves. Heck, they could even start a small business! Built-in Bluetooth allows for wireless cutting, writing, and scoring, and the included spatula, weeder, scraper, scissors, and tweezers make it easy to lift and transfer your designs onto cups, mugs, sunglasses, and more. And if they already have a crafty corner, consider a Cricut Bright 360 lamp to help them capture and cherish all the details of their hard work customizing.

The post The best last-minute Mother’s Day gifts to show your appreciation appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Are you curious about what your pet does when you’re not home? The result could be heartwarming or heartbreaking—or you could just learn that they bark at whoever is delivering mail or walking by. Find out if your pet is a menace or an angel behind your back with a Ring Indoor Camera, on sale as part of Amazon Pet Day, which is today—and today only.

Ring Indoor Cam (1st Gen) $39.99 (Was $59.99)

Amanda Reed

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The Ring Indoor Camera is small and discreet, letting you hear and even speak to your pets from a phone, tablet, or Echo device. It’s a great introductory indoor camera at an even better price. If you already have a Ring doorbell, you’re in luck if you add a Ring Indoor Camera—you can access all of your cameras in the Ring app. Set-up is easy—all you have to do is place the camera on a flat surface or mount it to the wall with a separate wall mount and scan the QR code on the back of the device. We personally love using Live View to see if our pets are snoozing on the couch, running around and meowing, or making a mess by rooting around in the litterbox, with Live Notifications letting us know if the plumber has decided to make a surprise visit.

Amazon Pet Day is one day only—here are other Pet Day deals we think you should take advantage of:

Pet cameras

• Furbo 360° Dog Camera $147 (Was $210)
• Petcube Cam Indoor Wi-Fi Pet and Security Camera with Phone App $29.99 (Was $49.99)

Feeders, bowls, and fountains

• PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain $23.99 (Was $39.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder $55.99 (Was $89.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder for Two Cats $69.99 (Was $109.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera for 2 Cats w. 1080p Camera $109.99 (Was $149.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera (One Cat) $99.99 (Was $159.99)
• PETLIBRO Automatic Dog Feeder $63.99 (Was $89.99)
• FUKUMARU Elevated Cat Ceramic Bowls $21.92 (Was $37.99)
• UPSKY 70oz Dog Water Bowl 2L $17.84 (Was $30.99)
• FOREYY Raised Pet Bowls for Cats and Small Dogs $16.99 (Was $29.99)
• Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Pet Dog Water And Food Bowl $12.99 (Was $15.74)
• Amazon Basics Gravity Pet Waterer for Dogs and Cats $16.47 (Was $21.87)
• Hyper Pet IQ Treat lick mat for Dogs $11.96 (Was $14.95)
• Wonder Creature Cat Water Fountain with Stainless Steel Lid $17.99 (Was $34.99)
• PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountains $48.95 (Was $54.95)

Treats, chews, and vitamins

• Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs $23.18 (Was $28.97)
• Zesty Paws Probiotics for Dogs $23.18 (Was $28.97)
• Zesty Paws Turmeric Curcumin for Dogs $23.18 (Was $28.97)
• Zesty Paws Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies $11.18 (Was $13.97)
• Solid Gold SeaMeal Multivitamin for Cats & Dogs $21.59 (Was $26.99)
• Solid Gold Calming Chews for Dogs $18.39 (Was $24.97)
• Solid Gold Wet Cat Food Variety Pack $17.59 (Was $21.99)
• Pet Honesty Dog Allergy Relief Chews Max Strength $27.99 (Was $39.99)
• Pet Honesty Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs $27.99 (Was $39.99)
• Pet Honesty Salmon SkinHealth for Dogs $18.89 (Was $26.99)
• Pet Honesty Flea & Tick Defense Supplement $19.59 (Was $28.99)
• PetHonesty Grass Green Grass Burn Spot Chews for Dogs $18.89 (Was $28.99)
• PetHonesty Omega-3 Fish Oil for Dogs $19.59 (Was $28.99)
• PetHonesty PureMobility Glucosamine for Dogs $27.99 (Was $38.92)
• PetHonesty Cat Hairball Support Chews $8.39 (Was $11.99)
• Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics Max Strength for Cats Supplement $18.99 (Was $32.99)
• PetHonesty Calming Chews for Cats $8.39 (Was $11.99)
• PetHonesty Cat Hip & Joint Health Chews $8.39 (Was $11.99)
• PetHonesty Immune Health Lysine $17.49 (Was $24.99)

Toys, beds, and stairs

• PETLIBRO Interactive Mouse Cat Toy for Indoor Cats $18.99 (Was $25.99)
• PETMAKER 80-PET6016 High Density Foam Pet Stairs, Gray $37.99 (Was $59.95)
• Chew King Fetch Balls $13.60 (Was $18.99)
• Wobble Wag Giggle Treat Ball $15.99 (Was $19.99)
• PetSafe SlimCat Meal-Dispensing Cat Toy $6.45 (Was $8.95)
• Benebone Tripe Bone Durable Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers $11.26 (Was $14.95)
• Nylabone Power Chew Textured Dog Chew Ring Toy $7.95 (Was $13.59)
• Nylabone Power Chew Toys Customer Favorites Bundle $20.19 (Was $44.99)
• PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone $9.95 (Was $15.99)
• Kitty City Large Cat Tunnel Bed $31.60 (Was $40.99)
• Minions: The Rise of Gru Stuart Plush Flat Crinkle Dog Toy $4.37 (Was $5.59)
• Nickelodeon for Pets Rugrats Reptar Figure Plush Dog Toy $6.39 (Was $7.99)

Pet cleaning products

• ChomChom Pet Hair Remover $25.45 (Was $31.95)
• Rocco & Roxie Carpet Cleaner Solution for Pets $18.98 (Was $34.25)
• Bodhi Dog Natural Pet Cologne $11.89 (Was $13.99)
• Boshel Dog Nail Clippers $12.99 (Was $15.99)
• GoPets Dematting Comb with 2-Sided Professional Grooming Rake for Cats & Dogs $27.99 (Was $46.99)
• Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush $8.47 (Was $18.39)
• Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags $11.19 (Was $13.99)

Pet care

• FRONTLINE Plus For Cats and Kittens Flea and Tick Treatment, 6 Doses $53.19 (Was $70.90)
• FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs Flea and Tick Treatment (Extra Large Dog, 89-132 lbs.) 6 Doses (Red Box) $53.19 (Was $81.99)
• FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs Flea and Tick Treatment (Medium Dog, 23-44 lbs.) 6 Doses (Blue Box) $53.19 (Was 81.99)
• FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs and Puppies (Dogs 8 weeks or older 5 to 22 lbs.) Flea and Tick Treatment, 6 Doses (Orange Box) $53.19 (Was $75.99)
• FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs Flea and Tick Treatment (Large Dog, 45-88 lbs.) 8 Doses (Purple Box) $65.79 (Was $104.99)
• IRIS USA Premium Square Top Entry Cat Litter Box with Scoop $67.99 (Was $79.99)
• Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter $15.69 (Was $17.39)
• Artificial Grass Puppy Pee Pad for Dogs and Small Pets $30.99 (Was $39.95)
• neabot P1 Pro Pet Grooming Kit & Vacuum $127.49 (Was $179.99)
• PETKIT Extra Large Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box for Multi Cats $419 (Was $598)
• BV Pet Potty Training Pads for Dogs Puppy Pads $16.14 (Was $18.99)
• Cuby Dog and Cat Sling Carrier $17.99 (Was $24.95)

Tests

• Embark Breed Identification Kit $109 (Was $129)
• Allergy Test My Pet Dog Sensitivity and Intolerance Testing $80 (Was $107.99)

The post You only have today to take advantage of these Amazon Pet Day deals appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. We have plenty of recommendations, but if your mom has a green thumb—or needs something easy to take care of—we think she’d love AeroGarden’s variety of indoor gardens, and they’re up to 60% off on Amazon.

AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit $69.99 (Was $164.95)

AeroGarden

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The AeroGarden Harvest lets you easily grow herbs thanks to the power of hydroponics, where plants are grown in water instead of soil. This particular model comes with Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil, and mint seed pods—although there are other pods for meadow flowers, cherry tomatoes, and more that you can buy separately. It’s a mess-free way to take care of plants without killing them, thanks to 20-watt LED lights that automatically turn on and off.

If counter space is a consideration, consider the AeroGarden Sprout, which packs the hydroponic power into a pint-sized pack just as potent as its larger pals.

Don’t be the offspring known for getting every gift at the last minute—take advantage of this deal before it withers away.

Here are more garden & patio deals that have us seeing (and saving) green:

• AeroGarden Bounty Basic $154.95 (Was $299.95)
• AeroGarden Bounty Elite $262.47 (Was $429.95)
• AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim $99.99 (Was $205.95)
• AeroGarden Harvest Elite $99.99 (Was $205.95)
• Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker $699.95 (Was $899.99)
• (2023 Upgrade) AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner $199.99 (Was $299.99)
• (2023 Upgraded) AIPER Cordless Pool Vacuum $135.99 (Was $169.99)
• Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub $404.89 (Was $529.99)
• SereneLife Portable Full Size Infrared Home Spa $341.99 (Was $379.99)
• Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Radius Zone $30.79 (Was $39.99)
• TomCare Garden Kneeler Seat Garden Bench $47.69 (Was $52.99)

The post Give Mom the gift of fresh herbs with 60% off an AeroGarden on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Bissell MultiClean Wet Dry Vac		SEE IT	This sleek machine is perfect for small clean-ups or large wet messes.
Best mini		Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum		SEE IT	A small shop vac with powerful suction.
Best budget		Stanley SL18910P-3		SEE IT	This lower-priced option has what it takes to clean up any wet or dry mess.

More powerful than the average Hoover, more versatile than the typical Dyson, and tougher than your pet Roomba, a shop vacuum is a must-have for any household. These cleaning tools can suck up almost anything. But shop vacuums aren’t just for cleaning big construction messes. Even the average homeowner should include one in their armory of cleaning supplies. They can take on even the most hard-to-clean areas, like a fireplace or barbecue pit. A cordless shop vacuum is easily transported out to the car to vacuum impossible corners and crevices between the seats and is powerful enough to pick up the dirt, leaves, and even matted-down pet hair littering the floor of your car. Once equipped with the best shop vac, you can attack any mess thrown at you, whether it’s sawdust in the workshop, a mosaic of Goldfish crumbs under the kid’s car seat, or even the two inches of water flooding the basement.

• Best overall: Bissell MultiClean Wet Dry Vac
• Best powerful: Ridgid WD1450 Wet Dry Vac
• Best mini: Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
• Best cordless: Milwaukee 0880-20 Wet Dry Vac
• Best budget: Stanley SL18910P-3

How we chose the best shop vacs

In short, the best shop vac can do just about anything. Sometimes referred to as bucket vacuums, these machines resemble little R2D2s. Used most often in construction, shop vacuums are durable enough to suck up dust, dirt, and most other debris found at a worksite. We looked at reviews, recommendations, conducted user testing, and performed heavy research while on the hunt for the best shop vacuum. We’ve also written plenty about the shop vac’s cousins, like upright vacuums, so we applied some of that knowledge here.

The best shop vacs: Reviews & Recommendations

Bear in mind that durability may come with unwieldiness. You might want to go all out with the most powerful shop vacuum you can find, but if a lightweight, portable shop vac is enough to handle the job, you’ll have an easier time maneuvering—not to mention, storing it when it’s not in use. Bigger might not be better, so tailor your choice to your needs. We chose five of the best shop vacs to crank up your cleaning game and have your space spotless in no time.

Best overall: Bissell MultiClean Wet Dry Vac

Bissell

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Why it made the cut: This vacuum can power through wet or dry messes on multiple surfaces—you can even detail your car with it.

Specs

• Capacity: 6 gallons
• Weight: 16.1 lbs.
• Hose length: 6.5 ft.
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Two-stage filtration
• Blower function
• Easy to move

Cons

• Loud

If you want a wet-dry shop vacuum that handles anything, the Bissell MultiClean vac covers all the bases. This versatile cleaning tool comes with a variety of features and functions, including a blowing function for clearing leaves or blowing up inflatables, a wet suction tool, and a toolkit of different brushes for vacuuming various surfaces and crevices. The tank is on wheels for easy movement while vacuuming, and its balanced body keeps it from tipping over when it’s pulled. This machine is sleek and easy to use for both small at-home messes and bigger shop cleanups.

Best powerful: Ridgid WD1450 Wet Dry Vac

Ridgid

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Why it made the cut: A six-horsepower motor and 14 gallons of storage let you vacuum your entire garage … and then some.

Specs

• Capacity: 14 gallons
• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Hose length: 6.8 ft.
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Six horsepower motor
• Lots of storage capacity
• Easy to maneuver

Cons

• Expensive

This Ridgid shop vac’s 6-horsepower motor and top-notch dust filters make it one of the most powerful shop vacs on the market. Its 14-gallon tank makes it one of the larger models available, which is great if you have a big job and want to avoid frequent stops to empty the tank. Despite its size, this large shop vacuum is easy to maneuver thanks to its handled tank and a Tug-A-Long hose that stays locked in during use. Another perk? The powerful motor is made with noise-reducing technology, offering a quieter performance than other brands.

Best mini: Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum

Armor

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Why it made the cut: This little shop vac packs a powerful punch—good things sometimes come in small sizes.

Specs

• Capacity: 2.5 gallons
• Weight: 5.6 lbs.
• Hose length: 4 ft.
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Wall mountable for storage
• Portable
• Easy to carry and transport

Cons

• Hose length shorter than others on our list

The Armor All 2.5-gallon Wet Dry Vacuum has a 2.5-gallon tank and weighs 5.6 pounds, so it’s light enough to transport out to your car for some detailing or give the couch a quick once over before guests arrive. It has an easy-to-carry handle and a 10-foot power cord to take advantage of its portability. The 2-horsepower motor in this mini shop vacuum strikes the perfect balance between lightweight and power.

Best cordless: Milwaukee 0880-20 Wet Dry Vac

Milwaukee

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Why it made the cut: No cord or plug? That’s not a problem with this sturdy, compact shop vac.

Specs

• Capacity: 2 gallons
• Weight: 10.1 lbs
• Hose length: 6 ft.
• Power source: Battery-powered, cordless

Pros

• Washable HEPA filter
• Sturdy design
• Easy to carry

Cons

• Full charge only lasts 20 minutes

This highly rated, battery-powered shop vac is great for car detailing and ideal for travel or minor clean-ups. The design of this vac is different from the typical cylindrical tank—this one is rectangular and looks almost like a toolbox. The body is sturdy and doesn’t tip easily, and the box has a handle for easy carry. It yields a strong suction, and you can expect about 20 minutes of continuous use on one battery before needing to recharge.

Best budget: Stanley SL18910P-3

Stanley

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Why it made the cut: This powerful, budget-friendly shop vac rivals its pricier counterparts.

Specs

• Capacity: 3 gallons
• Weight: 8 lbs.
• Hose length: 4 ft.
• Power source: Corded electric

Pros

• Washable and reusable filter
• Lots of included accessories
• Easy to carry

Cons

• No casters to move vacuum around

This Stanley shop vac has a 3-gallon tank and a 3-horsepower motor. With more capacity than mini shop vacs, this vac is performance on a budget. While it may not complete a job as quickly as one of the more expensive models with higher horsepower and a larger tank, this lower-priced option has what it takes to clean up any wet or dry mess.

What to consider when buying the best shop vacs

Shop vacs come in a variety of sizes and efficacy, so the biggest thing to consider is what kind of performance and capacity you’re looking for. Also, consider shop vacuum attachments: different nozzles may be available for cleaning small crevices or for sucking up that flooded basement, or you may need to buy adapters to use the inflation feature (no more manually blowing up giant pool floats!). You can get pretty creative using your shop vac. Here’s what else we recommend when shopping for a shop vac:

Wet dry shop vacs

What really sets shop vacs apart from regular vacuum cleaners is the wet vac feature. Many, if not most, shop vacuums can clear dry and wet messes, which is clutch in some of homeownership’s most difficult-to-handle situations. A wet-dry vac can clean up the jar of applesauce your toddler dropped in the middle of the living room. It can be shoved down the drain in your kitchen sink to retrieve a missing earring. And it can suck up all the water if—shudder—your basement is flooding. A wet-dry shop vac can remove unwanted water from your home, clean out a fish tank, unclog a drain—the list goes on. On top of this feature, many shop vacuums have a blowing function for added versatility—your leaf blower wishes it had that versatility.

Power

Shop vacuums come in a variety of sizes and levels of power, so the biggest thing to consider is what kind of performance and capacity you’re looking for. If you’re purchasing a vac for a construction business, you might want to consider at least a 12-gallon shop vacuum with the capacity to clean up larger, heavier debris.

Wall-mounted shop vacuums are powerful and offer excellent filtration and capacity, although their immobility can hold you back without an extra-long hose and fixtures to stretch your reach. When overall suction strength is your biggest concern, look for a machine with high horsepower.

Size

Shop vacuums aren’t just for big industrial messes. A small shop vac can be a lifesaver for smaller jobs, like crumbs and pet hair. These lightweight micromachines come as small as 1.5 gallons.

The one caveat to mini shop vacs is that the size and weight may come at the expense of suction, as the small body doesn’t allow for a more powerful motor. We looked for a model that brings the most power in relation to its small size.

Battery-powered vs. electric

While most shop vacuums are electric, battery-powered vacs are also available. The electric shop vacs will provide more power for a longer duration of time. Still, a battery-powered vac has the upside of being portable and usable even when you don’t have access to a reliable power source.

On the downside, the batteries don’t last very long, and you’ll be stopping to recharge frequently. Electric shop vacuums will be better for long jobs, like clearing out a flooded basement, but a battery-powered vac is perfect for a quick and easy pickup. Some users recommend them for cleaning up during a long road trip.

Budget

Shop vacuums are by nature powerful and versatile, so even a less expensive model will complete a job better than a regular vacuum. The mini vacs are the least expensive models, but you can get a more mid-sized shop vac with a larger tank and more powerful motor at a reasonable price.

A mid-sized shop vacuum, even a cheaper model, ensures you’re ready for whatever small disaster hits your home. For minor floods, clogs, home workshop messes, spills, or pet cleanup (have you ever wished for an easier way to clean the kids’ hamster cage?), a simple budget shop vac will have your home spotless.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best shop vacs

• Best overall: Bissell MultiClean Wet Dry Vac
• Best powerful: Ridgid WD1450 Wet Dry Vac
• Best mini: Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
• Best cordless: Milwaukee 0880-20 Wet Dry Vac
• Best budget: Stanley SL18910P-3

A shop vacuum is a versatile piece of equipment—the cleaning equipment you never knew you needed. They provide a quick and easy way to clean up the messes you once thought were impossible. Make a list of the features that are most important to you—Do you want them to be portable? Is power the biggest factor? Do you need a shop vac for a car?—and determine which is the best shop vac for you. It’s hard to go wrong, and many affordable options are available. This is a purchase you won’t regret. Happy cleaning!

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best shop vacs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Lorell SOHO 18-Deep Two-Drawer File Cabinet		SEE IT	A no-fuss, no-frills file cabinet is perfect for keeping documents organized.
Best three-drawer		INTERGREAT Locking Three-Drawer Filing Cabinet		SEE IT	You don’t have to sacrifice style for organization with this three-drawer file cabinet.
Best wooden		DEVAISE Three-Drawer Rolling File Cabinet with Lock		SEE IT	This wooden file cabinet blends into decor and rolls for ease of use.

Life comes with inevitable office detritus that still should be stored in a file cabinet. While more and more of modern life is going digital, there are still bills, birth certificates, warranties, tax records and returns, the deed to your house, etc., that need to be filed in some secure storage space. The key to keeping your important documents organized and easy to find—and stopping them from taking over your living space—is to find the filing system for your particular needs. The great news is, unlike the austere rectangles of yore, the best file cabinets can be super stylish to amp up your interior decor instead of detracting from it.

Even if they’re more concentrated on function than form, filing cabinets are more a boon than a burden. While it may sound counterintuitive, dedicating this space can help free up space, so check out our selections for the best file cabinets.

• Best overall: Lorell SOHO 18-Deep Two-Drawer File Cabinet 
• Best wooden: DEVAISE Three-Drawer Rolling File Cabinet with Lock
• Best three-drawer: INTERGREAT Locking Three-Drawer Filing Cabinet
• Best for small spaces: COASTER Brennan 3-Drawer Reversible Office Deck
• Best fireproof: Fireking Turtle Fireproof File Cabinet
• Best budget: Aesthetic File Organizer Box

How we chose the best file cabinets

File cabinets don’t just hold any old papers—they protect important documents that ensure we can live our lives to the fullest. They also allow us to revisit important memories if they’re used to store film. This means there’s a lot at stake when it comes to distinguishing the finest file cabinets from the flops. Plus, storing things physically looks a lot different than storing things online. In our judging, we took the number of drawers, materials, wheels, fireproofing, and design into consideration. We also looked at critical reviews and user recommendations and conducted heavy research to choose the best file cabinets.

The best file cabinets: Reviews & Recommendations

Most of us think of office cabinets as pieces that belong at, well, the office. But with more and more people working from home, and the traditional workday moving from eight hours to reachable all the time, having dedicated home office furniture for your work documents can add a real peace of mind—and allow you to distinctly delineate your work-life balance (even when they’re technically in the same place). Here are the best file cabinets that can make it easier to establish a filing system organized from A to Zen.

Best overall: Lorell SOHO 18-Deep Two-Drawer File Cabinet 

Lorell

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Specs

• Lock: Yes
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 18 x 24 inches
• Number of drawers: N/A
• Wheels: No

Pros

• Made of sturdy steel
• A built-in lock ensures security
• Deep for papers for all sizes

Cons

• Heavy

At 2 feet high, this file cabinet is a no-fuss solution that fits easily in your home office. It features two drawers that open and close easily thanks to its glide suspension. Its 18-inch depth fits most papers and folders. Weighing 19 pounds and without wheels, you’ll want to place this somewhere you plan to keep it. However, this is a fuss-and-frills-free file cabinet that is perfect for keeping important documents organized. An included key lock means you can keep them secure if need be.

Best wooden: DEVAISE Three-Drawer Rolling File Cabinet with Lock

DEVAISE

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Specs

• Lock: Yes
• Dimensions: 17.7 x 15.5 x 25.8 inches
• Number of drawers: 3
• Wheels: Yes

Pros

• Two stationary drawers
• Lock-in-place casters
• Stable and strong

Cons

• Technically has only one drawer to store documents

If you’re looking for a stylish file cabinet that is as secure as it is beautiful, look no further than this wooden file cabinet on wheels. Five anti-tipping, swiveling, lock-in-place casters make this one easy to move from room to room but stable enough to stay put wherever it lands. No handles give it a modern look. Two stationery drawers and one filing drawer that fit letter-size hanging folders hold up to 55 pounds each. Ball bearings ensure the drawers open and shut smoothly. Plus, one lock secures all three drawers. Security and style aren’t sacrificed with this wooden file cabinet.

Best three-drawer: INTERGREAT Locking Three-Drawer Filing Cabinet

INTERGREAT

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Specs

• Lock: Yes
• Dimensions: 19.8 x 15.7 x 25 inches
• Number of drawers: 3
• Wheels: Yes

Pros

• Stylist
• Durable
• Adjustable hanger

Cons

• Technically has only one drawer to store documents

This unique filing cabinet looks like a furniture piece straight from “The Jetsons” and is sure to be a stylish addition to your office. Two stationery drawers let you store office supplies and other essentials—hello, snack drawer. The bottom third drawer of this cabinet features an adjustable hanger that’s perfect for folders for ultimate document organization. Inset handles and ball bearings make the drawers easy to open and close. The entire unit can hold up to 330 pounds, making it pretty but tough. Plus, it’s treated with eco-friendly powder to keep it corrosion, rust, and damage-free after purchase.

Best for small spaces: COASTER Brennan 3-Drawer Reversible Office Deck

Coaster Home Furnishings

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Specs

• Lock: No
• Dimensions: 23.5 x 47.25 x 30 inches
• Number of drawers: 3
• Wheels: No

Pros

• Built-in desk
• Neutral colors match many color schemes
• Can hold legal documents

Cons

• Heavy

There’s no need to get a separate desk with this cabinet-tabletop combination, making it perfect for your small home office. This simple setup, with a silver steel frame, is the perfect combination of form and function at a relatively reasonable price point. It comes in a weathered grey to go with any color scheme and includes two storage drawers and one file cabinet with Euro glides (it can hold letter/legal/A4 files). Simply add a desk chair and you’re ready to get to work. However, it’s a little on the heavy side at 72.6 pounds.

Best fireproof: Fireking Turtle Fireproof File Cabinet 

FireKing

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Specs

• Lock: Yes
• Dimensions: 22.13 x 17.75 x 52.75 inches
• Number of drawers: 4
• Wheels: No

Pros

• Legal-size drawers
• Incredibly durable
• Scratch-resistant finish

Cons

• Expensive

Get ultimate peace of mind with this ultra-protective fireproof file cabinet. All four letter/legal-size drawers of this tower are deep enough and equipped to hang folders (no extra accessories required). A key lock stores everything inside securely, and a scratch-resistant finish keeps the outside free of damage too. The fireproof insulation is 100% gypsum reinforced by a 1-inch x 2-inch lattice made of 14-gauge galvanized welded steel wire, providing safety in case of fire, impact, or explosion. Although it is expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to store important documents and know that they’ll stay safe.

Best budget: Aesthetic File Organizer Box 

ZICOTO

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Specs

• Lock: No
• Dimensions: ‎15.95 x 13.1 x 10.2 inches
• Number of drawers: N/A
• Wheels: N/A

Pros

• Cheap
• Looks less intimidating than a standard file cabinet
• Collapsible when not in use

Cons

• Might need something sturdier if looking for a long-term solution

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to stay organized thanks to this cheap file box. The best part of these space-saving linen cabinets is that when you’re not using them, they collapse down to a slim, flat square for easy storage. Built-in handles make them easy to move around, and a card slot allows you to label each box so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Note that when hanging files are present, you won’t be able to use the lid. 

What to consider when buying the best file cabinets

At their root, all filing cabinets do the same thing: file. But finding the best file cabinets for you has everything to do with your particular needs and preferences. Do you want something on wheels that can be moved from room to room? What about something fireproof for incredibly important, sensitive documents? Are you looking for a two-drawer, three-drawer, or four-drawer file cabinet? Do you need an option that locks? Do you like the austere, all-business look of a metal filing system, or would you prefer something a bit warmer, like wood? Do you like the classic straight-up-and-down vertical filing system, or do you prefer lateral file cabinets, which feature drawers on the wide side? Perhaps even instead of searching for one that fits your desk, you want to purchase a cabinet that comes with a desk! 

If you’re looking for some serious office organization, here is what you should know about choosing the best file cabinet:  

Material

There’s a reason metal filers have been around for so long. First and foremost, they’re sturdy and durable, and they can also be lighter than some other materials, such as wood. What you sacrifice is style: For the most part, metal file cabinets look like, well, metal file cabinets. But if aesthetics aren’t your main concern and you just want a safe place to organize important papers, you really can’t go wrong with a steel style.

Aesthetics

If aesthetics are important to you and you’re turned off by the austere look of metal, there are plenty of other good-looking options. Wood pieces have the look of regular furniture, so they blend seamlessly with the rest of your furnishings and don’t scream “filing cabinet.” The only downside is that you may have to pay a bit more to get the look, and they get heavy quickly. There are also some cool metal file cabinets out there that look modern thanks to rounded corners and a unique design.

Movement

If movement is important to you, be sure to pick a style that has 360-degree wheels for maximum ease. They move in every direction and on most surfaces, so whether you’ve got hardwood floors or wall-to-wall carpeting, you should be all set. The good news is that many cabinet models—in loads of styles—feature casters, so it’s not hard to find a pick that’s right for you and also rolls with it, baby.  

All-in-one vs. standalone

The greatest part about buying a minimalist all-in-one desk with a file cabinet is that you get the best of both worlds: a work surface plus a place to store your important papers without the cumbersome design of a solid desk with multiple drawers. Plus, you know all the pieces will match, and you won’t have to worry about measuring to make sure the cabinet clears the desk. It’s by far the easiest way to incorporate a filing system into your desk.

Fireproofing

A combination of fireproof insulation and metal is what makes a file cabinet resistant to flames and smoke. Look for a cabinet with a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating that corresponds with what you need to protect: 350 for paper, 150 for tapes and film, 125 for floppy disks (the numbers correspond to the heat resistance the cabinet can provide; e.g., a UL Class 350 can withstand 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour). These are not cheap, but if what you’re storing is priceless (or at least extremely difficult to replace), shelling out now for a cabinet that will protect you later is a worthwhile investment.

Budget

You can be on your way to a more organized life for less than $50. Perhaps you won’t get something as heavy-duty as an old-school filer, but you can certainly create your own system using lots of freestanding file boxes. In fact, a filing system comprised of affordable separate boxes gives you flexibility: You can store some boxes in one room, others in another, hide some away in a closet … they’re actually a great option for anyone looking for a little more latitude in the way they store. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best file cabinets

• Best overall: Lorell SOHO 18-Deep Two-Drawer File Cabinet 
• Best wooden: DEVAISE Three-Drawer Rolling File Cabinet with Lock
• Best three-drawer: INTERGREAT Locking Three-Drawer Filing Cabinet
• Best for small spaces: COASTER Brennan 3-Drawer Reversible Office Deck
• Best fireproof: Fireking Turtle Fireproof File Cabinet
• Best budget: Aesthetic File Organizer Box

The best news about being ready to buy any filing system is that it means you’re on your way to a less cluttered life. Once you’ve committed to office organization, you just need to figure out the features you want and need in your filing cabinets—wheels, sleek design, versatility, lateral drawers—and get shopping for other office furniture to keep your work-from-home set-up clean and efficient.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best file cabinets of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best NA beer sampler		Athletic Brewing Co. Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer		SEE IT	All the beer taste without the beer regret.
Best non-alcoholic aperitif		Ghia		SEE IT	Inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture, Ghia is herbaceous and perfectly bitter.
Best canned alternative cocktails		Flyers Cocktails		SEE IT	Cocktail mainstays are made with CBD to give you a relaxing buzz without any next-day remorse.

Between bottles at family dinner(s) or popping Champagne at New Year’s, it’s hard for someone looking for a little non-alcoholic fun to kick off a year of healthier habits. “Liquid courage” and social lubricant, alcohol tends to be everyone’s favorite coping mechanism during the holiday season and gatherings in general, whether when first introduced to the extended family, dealing with distant relatives you’d rather remain removed, or being surrounded by friends of friends. Hence, the growing popularity of Dry January and the opportunity to learn that there are better, healthier ways to cope. Moderation can improve your mental health, lower blood pressure, and, best of all, prevent a dreaded hangover and related hang-xiety … and maybe an argument or two with strangers. Instead of snagging another lazy, hazy IPA out of the fridge, consider an NA beer or alternative spirit. Even better, the best non-alcoholic drinks are proof of the deliciousness of zero-proof that can be enjoyed as new year’s recompense transitions into sober spring and beyond.

Note: If you have moderate to severe alcohol use disorder, please see a healthcare provider before withdrawing, as it can be quite dangerous to detox at home by yourself.

• Best NA beer sampler: Athletic Brewing Co. Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer
• Best NA stout: Guinness Non-Alcoholic Draught Beer
• Best NA import beer: Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0
• Best aperitif: Ghia 
• Best tequila alternative: Optimist Botanicals Smokey
• Best gin alternative: Abstinence Spirits Cape Citrus
• Best whiskey alternative: Ritual
• Best botanical spirit: Wilderton Botanical Spirit
• Best value: Dhōs
• Best celeb-made non-alcoholic botanical beverage: De Soi
• Best bundle: Seedslip
• Best mood lifter: Crisp & Crude
• Best canned alternative cocktails: Flyers Cocktails 
• Best bottled mocktails: DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve
• Best wine: Surely Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rose
• Best wine alternative: Proxies

How we chose the best non-alcoholic drinks

I had my own Dry January journey in 2021, after years of problematic college drinking habits and at-home COVID-19 happy hours. I ended up extending it until the middle of February. Instead of a month of regrets and voicing my displeasure of imposing a personal Prohibition—like some other “low to no” participants—I realized, simply put, that alcohol can be bad and getting drunk is dumb. Now, I am a self-proclaimed “beverage girlie” and lead a damp lifestyle: I don’t keep alcohol in my home but will enjoy a beer after improv. I also won’t shut up about how moderation is great. My partner doesn’t drink at all, so we’re always on the hunt for a bubbly, crisp, cold NA bev to sip on during dinners or concerts.

I’ve also reported on beverages in the past for Gear Patrol and have a fridge stocked with Diet Coke, Limoncello La Croix (the best flavor, fight me), and my favorite NA beers. We also consulted Dry Atlas, a non-alc database, for picks.

The best non-alcoholic beverages: Reviews & Recommendations

Going for an NA beer or alternative spirit is just like a vegetarian or vegan going for a meatless chik’n patty or Impossible Burger: you’re simply enjoying a just-as-tasty substitute for something you don’t want to ingest for personal or health reasons. One of these will level up your seltzer or become your innocuous favorite to enjoy while eating takeout and watching Love Island.

Best NA beer sampler: Athletic Brewing NA beer 

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Why it made the cut: This NA beer tastes as nuanced as its boozy counterpart without post-six-pack regrets.

Specs

• Milliliters: 12 fluid ounces (or 355 ml) per can
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Beer
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Alcohol removed
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Tasty
• Gluten-free
• Made of clean and natural ingredients

Cons

• Might not be able to be consumed if you’re pregnant

If a fresh, cold one is more your style, Athletic Brewing has your back with its NA brews. They don’t have a bready aftertaste like other NAs; in fact, they are some of the best-tasting NAs you can buy, with the company racking up plenty of awards over the years. This 24-pack can fill the fridge so everyone can crack open one outside without the mood threatening to be cracked when too many full-strength brews make tongues loose.

Best NA stout: Guinness Non-Alcoholic Draught Beer

Guinness

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Why it made the cut: An Irish classic gets a non-boozy touch without sacrificing quality.

Specs

• Milliliters: 14.9 millimeters per can
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Beer
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Alcohol removed
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Guinness taste without the alcohol
• Pours like a real Guinness
• Tasty

Cons

• Heavy beer
• Might scare some who are sober because of the realistic taste

NA beer can sometimes taste like carbonated bread instead of a bodied, complete fizzy beverage. That is not the case with Guinness Non-Alcoholic Draught Beer, which tastes like its malty cousin. If you’re sober and in recovery, the realistic taste of NA Guinness might make you feel like you’ve seen an ex walk into a room—ignore this one if that would make you uncomfortable, which is what you would also do when seeing your ex walk into a room. This tasty, dark beverage is a reliable choice (unlike your ex!) if you’re looking for a stout without stout regrets.

Best NA import beer: Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0

Amanda Reed

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Why it made the cut: Evoke the Amalfi Coast with a light Italian lager that’s refreshing and full-bodied.

Specs

• Milliliters: 330 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Beer
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Alcohol removed
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Light and refreshing
• Full-bodied
• Tasty

Cons

• Potentially too-close to comfort beer taste

Sometimes you need a light international beer akin to a Stella or a Heineken. We’re personal fans of Peroni, a light Italian lager that screams “warm summer breeze and riding a Vespa.” However, maybe you’re the person driving the Vespa and can’t imbibe a lovely Peroni? Enter Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0, which, for an NA lager, is incredibly full-bodied (read: not watery). It tastes like its Peroni Nastro Azzurro boozy cousin, which might cause you to do a double-take at the label, but for those hoping to hop on a Vespa or behind the wheel of a Fiat, the Nastro Azzurro 0.0 is a solid choice.

Best non-alcoholic aperitif: Ghia 

Ghia

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Why it made the cut: This twist on a traditional aperitif is tasty and can be consumed on its own or mixed.

Specs

• Milliliters: 500 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Aperitif
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: Some adaptogens (lemon balm; rosemary)

Pros

• Tasty
• Versatile
• Makes you feel sophisticated and fancy

Cons

• Small bottle compared to others on this list

Inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture—think Campari and Amaro over finger food before 9 p.m. dinner in a bustling Milanese café—Ghia is light, dry, and the right amount of bitter. Drink it on its own or combine it with a mixer of your choosing for a spritz or cocktail. If a bottle seems like too much of a commitment, check out Ghia’s transportable cans that add lime, salt, and ginger to the OG Ghia aperitif.

If you’re already a Ghia fan and looking for something in the same vein, try Figlia—both have similar ingredients (white grape juice, rosemary extract, and elderflower, for example), but we love this NA aperitif’s earthiness thanks to clove and chamomile extract. Figlia, like Ghia, also sells spritz-in-a-can for on-the-go sips.

Best tequila alternative: Optimist Botanicals Smokey

Billy Cadden

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Why it made the cut: A mezcal-like sipper that is smokey and makes for a perfect mocktail margarita.

Specs

• Milliliters: 500 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Spirit
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Designed to use mixed like a premium spirit
• Lots of body
• Spicy

Cons

• Not that many fluid ounces compared to others on this list

This botanical spirit has woody, floral, and bitter notes, and is designed to be mixed like a premium spirit. This one specifically drinks like smooth tequila or mezcal. Mix it with your favorite ginger ale and garnish with a jalapeno slice or an orange peel for a scrumptious sipper sans alcohol. However, each bottle is only 16.9 fluid ounces, meaning you’ll have to be cognizant of how much you use before running out.

We also recommend Clean Co.’s CleanT—not only is it a lovely substitute in a margarita or paloma, it pairs lovely with Winderton Lustre (more on that later).

Best gin alternative: Abstinence Spirits Cape Citrus

Jen McCaffery

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Why it made the cut: You’ll feel good the next day after drinking this gin alternative, thanks to its lack of alcohol and the company’s dedication to protecting the South African Cape Floral Kingdom.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Spirit
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Proceeds go to wildlife conservation
• No artificial flavors
• Feels sophisticated

Cons

• Those looking for an exact gin dupe will be disappointed

Skipping alcohol doesn’t mean you have to skip out on delicious flavor. Abstinence Spirits Cape Citrus is inspired by South Africa’s Floral Kingdom, one of the world’s most diverse habitats. It’s infused with familiar citrus flavors, like orange, grapefruit, and grapefruit along with ginger, fennel, and pepper that give this concoction a subtle savory kick. Other notes, such as the mandarin naartjie and bucchu, are native to South Africa. And with no sugar and zero calories, you can swirl this botanical gin substitute into your seltzer as a pick-me-up any time.

Best whiskey alternative: Ritual

Ritual

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Why it made the cut: Have a better boulevardier with this whiskey alternative that’s highly rated by restaurant professionals.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Spirit
• Alcohol or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Heat on the tail end—just like whiskey
• Rated highly by professionals
• Soft and round flavor profile

Cons

• Those looking for a straight whiskey dupe will be disappointed

This whiskey alternative is rated 85/100 Silver by the Beverage Testing Institute, a spirits research & review company. This makes it the highest-reviewed alcohol-free whiskey alternative. The numbers don’t lie! Vanilla and oak overtones mingle with notes of stone fruit and a little kick of heat at the end. Although it’s not meant to be sipped straight, you can use it to make an almost-NA Boulevardier or safer whiskey sour. We’re also fans of NKD LDY’s whiskey alternative, which is smoky and has the whiskey taste without the regret.

Best botanical spirit: Wilderton Botanical Spirit

Wilderton

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Why it made the cut: Each flavor is unique and delicious—probably the best we’ve tasted.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml.
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Spirit
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Bittersweet Aperitivo a Campari dupe
• Unique in their own way
• Versatile

Cons

• Expensive
• Not a straight dupe for gin or whiskey

Wilderton’s line of botanicals is a loving homage to spirits like Campari, whiskey, and gin. In fact, their Bittersweet Aperitivo is a spot-on dupe, taste-wise, to Campari or Aperol, making it a great choice if you’d like to make your spritz even lower in ABV. Earthen—with cardamom, white peppercorn, and pine-smoked tea—is rich and spicy and even leaves a bit of heat when you’ve put down your glass and returned to the conversation. Lustre is a dreamy, citrusy blend of bitter orange peel, tarragon, lavender, and coriander that pairs great with tonic or soda water for a crisp mocktail in the garden.

Best value: Dhōs

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: Refresh your bar with spirits that contain organic ingredients.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml.
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Spirit
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Less than $80 for three bottles
• Made by a well-established distillery
• The cheapest bottle on this list

Cons

• Bundle subscription includes all three flavors—a bummer if you’re looking for multiples of the same flavor

Practicing moderation doesn’t mean sacrificing pleasure; distillers don’t have to forego flavor to achieve alcohol alternatives. These are the immediate takeaways after sampling the Dhōs non-alcoholic spirit/liqueur lineup—made in a three-step process using natural pesticide-free ingredients. Cooked up at an organic farm and distillery in Sheridan, Ore.—also home to Ransom Spirits, known for reviving Old Tom Gin and making whiskeys and vermouth—the mindful mixtures come in colorful stopper-topped bottles with small batch silhouettes and make for captivating (and keto-friendly) cocktail counterparts. Gin Free is savory, herbaceous, and refreshing—redolent of juniper and lime backed by a peppery note. It’s warm and spicy upon first sip, almost gingery, but turns cool thanks to a cilantro and peppermint component. Want to transition from gin & tonic to an NA Negroni? Mix Gin Free with Bittersweet, which carries over a hint of mint threaded through a sunset-colored elixir of rhubarb, pithy pink grapefruit, flamed citrus peel, and monk fruit. Or add it to soda water for a friendlier spritz. Orange, meanwhile, presents a melange of blood orange and vanilla with a dash of cayenne and coriander. It’s a great replacement for triple sec in off-dry “margaritas” but makes for a creamy, dreamy mocktail on its own with soda water, tonic, ginger ale, and more. Offered for $10 less than competitors on average, Dhōs is a premium product without a top-shelf price tag.

Best celeb-made non-alcoholic bubbly botanical: De Soi

De Soi

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Why it made the cut: Each flavor is fine, fresh, and fierce—this bubbly mocktail has it on lock.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Bubbly craft cocktail
• Alcohol or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: Adaptogens like reishi, ashwagandha, L-theanine

Pros

• Crisp and carbonated
• Darn tasty
• Adaptogenic for a little healthy buzz at the party

Cons

• Those who hate tart things may not enjoy these mocktails

Katy Perry is known for hits like “Teenage Dream” and “Hot N Cold,” but did you know she is also in the health and wellness biz? Not only is she an investor in apple cider vinegar giant Bragg Live Food Products, but she co-founded De Soi, an adaptogen aperitif company, in 2022. Golden Hour (shown here) is made with maca and L-theanine for relaxation and is great for making mocktail mules and a non-alcoholic spritz. Champignon Dreams is a bitter, earthy reishi and passion flower spirit for negroni or old-fashioned lovers. Purple Lune mixes ashwagandha, tart cherry, and botanicals to give the feel of a nightly glass of red. If bottles aren’t your style, De Soi also sells its three flavors in cans. All flavors have a tart bite—if that’s not your jam, stick to something sweeter.

Best bundle: Seedslip

Seedlip

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Why it made the cut: A delicious bundle means you can experiment and explore, all while saving some cash.

Specs

• Milliliters: 700 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Spirit
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Allergy-friendly
• High-quality ingredients
• Versatile

Cons

• Expensive

If you’re looking for a bundle package, look no further than this one from Seedlip. It includes Seedlip Grove 43 (a citrusy, ginger, and lemongrass spirit), Seedlip Spice 94 (a waltz between allspice, cardamom, and grapefruit), and Seedlip Garden 108 (an herby promenade of peas, rosemary, and thyme). They are best served with ginger ale and a citrus peel garnish—perfect for breaking out the fancy glasses sans next-day guilt.

Best mood lifter: Crisp & Crude

Crisp & Crude

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Why it made the cut: These keto-friendly, gluten-free mocktails are infused with terpenes and safe to drink while pregnant.

Specs

• Milliliters: 8.45 fluid ounces per can (250 milliliters)
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Canned cocktail
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: Botanical terpenes

Pros

• Tasty
• Dietary friendly
• Pre-mixed

Cons

• Expensive
• Only available in cans

These NA craft cocktails are made with botanical terpenes extracted from plants, fruits, and roots for calmness, creativity, and relaxation. You can purchase each flavor individually, but we’re fans of the variety pack that includes four cans of its three flavors: Paloma Daydream (a salty, woody grapefruit drink with Space Queen terpenes); Gold Fashioned (bitter orange, zesty dandelion, and Chocolate Thai terpenes); and Mellow Mule (ginger, citrus, and mint with Pineapple Express terpenes). Leave the joint at home and pass around a can of this instead.

Best canned alternative cocktails: Flyers Cocktails 

Flyers

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Why it made the cut: These canned mocktails are inspired by bar favorites and feel just as fancy to imbibe.

Specs

• Milliliters: 237 ml or 8 fluid ounces
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Canned cocktail
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: 20 milligrams of CBD

Pros

• Pre-mixed
• Cocktail-inspired
• Feels fancy

Cons

• Only available in cans, which are small

These sparkling, non-alcoholic drinks are made with 20 milligrams of CBD and are inspired by cocktail menu mainstays. BKLN Gold is reminiscent of an American Bourbon cocktail thanks to its oakiness, spice, and smooth vanilla. Tokyo Marg is a citrusy Yuzu sparkler with a touch of heat. Our favorite, however, is the Sydney Spritz Highball: a bold, herbaceous blend of citrus zest, mandarin orange, and bitters.

Best bottled mocktails: DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve

Amanda Reed

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Why it made the cut: A fizzy mocktail is a screwcap undoing away with DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml bottle
• Spirit, beer, or wine: N/A
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Tasty
• Zero-effort
• Good for those with dietary needs

Cons

• Could use some more carbonation

If you’re looking for a not-so-stiff drink after work but don’t have the brainpower to create something new, take the guesswork out of mixology with these pre-mixed mocktails from DRY. They come in three flavors: Lavender 75, a botanical boozeless take on a French 75; Rose Soleil, a Provence Rose-style beverage with touches of strawberry, rose, and oak; and Spiced Pear, which blends ripe pears with vanilla and cardamom. We also love the company’s line of sparkling water that makes for a great mixer. Although the Botanical Bubbly Reserve flavors could use some more carbonation, they taste like a craft concoction you would find at the bar without the craft concoction price.

Best NA wine: Surely Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rose

Surely

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Why it made the cut: Get all the wine taste without the next-day regrets from drinking the entire bottle.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Wine
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Alcohol removed
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Delicate body
• Friendly to specialty diets
• Great dupe

Cons

• Pregnant people may not be able to drink it due to low alcohol content

Some NA wines include fruit juice, but if you’re looking for something that screams more wine glass and less Welch’s, Surely’s line of dealcoholized wines is for you. It’s aged in the barrel just like its boozy counterpart, but then the alcohol is removed. The final product is a dry, full-bodied sparkling rose that pairs well with seafood and dessert—just like what someone would find at a liquor store. Coupe glasses sadly not included.

In case you’re looking to expand your NA wine palate, we also are fans of Joyus. For those looking for something that’s on the floral side, look no further than Starla’s NA sparkling rose.

Best wine alternative: Proxies

Proxies

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Why it made the cut: As the name implies, Proxies is an homage to the wine experience while setting itself apart from its boozy cousin.

Specs

• Milliliters: 750 ml
• Spirit, beer, or wine: Wine
• Alcohol removed or zero alcohol: Zero alcohol
• Enhancements: N/A

Pros

• Tasty
• Has a similar look and mouthfeel to alcoholized wines
• Safe for pregnant people to drink

Cons

• Some flavors can come off as too juice-like

Wine alternatives tend to taste like fancy grape juice. Although that’s not a bad thing, sometimes it’s more enjoyable to drink something that tastes like it came from Napa Valley and not from a toddler’s sippy cup. Proxies—vinegar giant Acid League’s wine alternative brand—uses wine grapes, tea, vinegars, and other fruit for its enchanting wine-inspired blends. Blanc Slate is reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc, and Red Ember is all body without the bite. Red Clay is probably the most “wine-like,” with its velvety mouthfeel and lingering pucker. Although you can’t get single bottles, the company’s sets let you explore to find new favorites, then stock up on the ones you love.

What to consider when buying the best non-alcoholic beverages

Non-alcoholic beverages are a great way to get the ritual feel of making a cocktail or pouring a glass of wine sans alcohol. You can find them online or at your local liquor store—in my experience, NA beers have their small section in the beer aisle; NA wines are housed by the bartending accessory or mixer section. If you’re lucky, you might have an NA bottleshop in your neighborhood—like Spirited Away in NYC and The Open Road in Pittsburgh—that you can peruse IRL or that offers to ship and delivers right to your door. Here’s what you should know before making your pick.

NA vs. alternative spirit

NA is short for non-alcoholic. Most beverages with the NA moniker—like beer, wine, and liquor—are made like their alcoholic counterparts. However, they don’t ferment or go through a process that removes the alcohol from a finished, alcoholic product. The result is a beverage with less than .5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which can be labeled as “non-alcoholic” per the FDA. According to the FDA, those who are pregnant should go for a truly zero-alcohol beer or spirit to prevent birth defects, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).

This is where alternative spirits come in. They are made of herbs, vinegars, juices, and more to give off the vibe of a standard alcoholic spirit. An alternative wine will not taste exactly like Cabernet Sauvignon, but it will offer a similar mouthfeel and body. A botanical gin-like spirit will include juniper or pine to replicate the notes of its alcohol-included cousin.

Adaptogens, nootropics, and CBD

If you’d like a little extra jazz in your drink, consider ones with adaptogens or CBD. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and L-theanine are used in herbal medicine to help the body return to homeostasis, or the body’s state of natural balance. The science is a bit nebulous, so don’t expect them to fix your problems. Nootropics have a similar effect as adaptogens: they claim to boost mood and improve cognition but are scientifically hazy.

Animal studies, self-reports, and research in people suggest that CBD, or cannabidiol, can help with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain without the “high” from THC. If you’re looking for something to sip on to unwind after a long day, a CBD-infused beverage is perfect—just make sure it’s coming from a reputable source that posts third-party lab results on their site.

Storage

Unlike your typical bar cart, you’ll need to refrigerate most—if not all—non-alcoholic spirits since they don’t have the high-alcohol content to keep them shelf-stable. If you don’t have the refrigerator space for your bounty of friendly spirits, consider one of the best beverage coolers.

Mixers

You have your spirits and such to make a mocktail—but where do you start? Of course, you can always go for the classic tonic or soda water touch, but the world is your oyster when it comes to mixers. Try Tangerine La Croix with Abstinence Spirits’ Cape Citrus for a citrusy play on a gin soda; Blood Orange Carrot Ginger-flavored Health-Ade Kombucha mixes great with Wilderton’s Lustre; and doesn’t Waterloo’s blackberry lemonade seltzer sound heavenly with Ritual’s alternative whiskey? You can even opt for a pre-made drink mix—espresso martinis, anyone?

Safety

There are only two substances that you can die from unsafe withdrawal: barbituates and alcohol. Quitting cold turkey is OK if you or someone you know does not struggle with alcohol use disorder. Otherwise, supervised alcohol withdrawal is the safest since alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures, delirium tremens, and death if untreated or improperly executed. Also, consult with a doctor before stopping use—they can help decide if you or someone you know should complete your withdrawal in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best non-alcoholic drinks

• Best NA beer sampler: Athletic Brewing Co. Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer
• Best NA stout: Guinness Non-Alcoholic Draught Beer
• Best NA import beer: Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0
• Best aperitif: Ghia 
• Best tequila alternative: Optimist Botanicals Smokey
• Best gin alternative: Abstinence Spirits Cape Citrus
• Best whiskey alternative: Ritual
• Best botanical spirit: Wilderton Botanical Spirit
• Best value: Dhōs
• Best celeb-made non-alcoholic bubbly botanical: De Soi
• Best bundle: Seedslip
• Best mood lifter: Crisp & Crude
• Best canned alternative cocktails: Flyers Cocktails 
• Best bottled mocktails: DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve
• Best wine: Surely Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rose
• Best wine alternative: Proxies

Non-alcoholic beverages—including NA beer and wine, wine alternatives, botanical spirits, and more—are a great way to moderate your drinking during Dry January and beyond. Abstaining from drinking completely, cracking open a euphoric seltzer after drinking a Manhattan, or sticking to a mocktail during a pregame can help you re-evaluate your drinking habits. And let’s be real: the best non-alcoholic drinks are just plain tasty. Plus, your sober friends—weary from having soda, seltzers, and plain water as the only option at restaurants or functions—will appreciate that you have fun, craft non-alcoholic options available at your next backyard shindig.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best non-alcoholic drinks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Picnics are all fun and games until someone’s Bluetooth party speaker dies, your phones are on their last leg, and you can’t even charge your eReader to read a book in the sun. Do not fret: a portable power station gives you enough power to charge everyone’s speakers and phones and still has some in reserve to maintain good-time vibes. You can also keep some cash in reserve because this EcoFlow portable power station is on sale on Amazon for 30% off—and that’s not even including the $10 coupon.

EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station, $189 w/ $10 coupon (Was $289)

Ecoflow

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The River 2’s powerful, larger sibling, the EcoFlow Delta Pro, is our pick for the best solar generator for homes. With this in mind, we feel confident recommending the River 2 for weekend camping trips or ensuring no one has to leave the outdoor hang early because their phone is dead. You can power six essential appliances simultaneously thanks to a bevy of ports (including two AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port) and a 600W output. When plugged into an AC outlet, this portable generator charges in an hour, and you can even charge it with a separate solar panel. Although it takes three hours to charge via solar, you’ll feel good about using renewable energy to power your device. And, the portable power station is built to last up to 10 years—that’s less time being in a landfill and more time fueling your adventures.

Another portable generator favorite, the Anker 521 Portable Power Station, is on sale for $186.99—25% down from its $249.99 standard price. This particular one includes a temperature control system to prevent overheating and is impact resistant.

Don’t wait until the sun sets to take advantage of this deal—it will be over before you know it.

Here are some great deals so you can take advantage of the great outdoors:

• AcuRite Iris (5-in-1) Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Weather Station $119.99 (Was $172.79)
• AcuRite Digital Weather Forecaster $29.10 (Was $53.99)
• Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub, 4-Person AirJet Spa $407.99 (Was $539.99)
• Camp Chef PG24MZG SmokePro Slide Smoker $551.70 (Was $649)
• AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner $199.99 w/ $100 coupon (Was $299.99)
• PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Pet Fence for Stubborn Dogs $299.95 (Was $339.95)
• CooZero Turf Outdoor Rug & Dog Grass Mat $31.99 (Was $35.99)
• Gardzen 10-Pack 3 Gallons Grow Bags $16.99 (Was $19.99)
• Greenworks 40V (150 MPH / 135 CFM) Cordless Blower, Tool Only $38.99 (Was $59.99)
• Greenworks 40V 12″ Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $96.59 (Was $139.99)

The post Power hangouts without hangups with 30% off this EcoFlow portable generator on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom comes out in 23 days—not that anyone is counting. This means it’s time to prepare, including snagging the new Zelda OLED Switch, this Zelda control, this Zelda controller, this Zelda controller, and upgrading your gaming laptop so you definitely don’t emulate old TLoZ games to refresh yourself on the lore. Amazon has you covered there with this 17-inch Razer gaming laptop that’s $700 off.

Razer Blade 17 Gaming Laptop $2,699.99 (Was $3,399.99)

Razer

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Perform precise gameplay thanks to an RTX 3070 TI GPU, 12th-gen Intel Core i9 14-core CPU, and a QHD 240 Hz display. And, you can easily upgrade memory and storage, but an included DDR5 RAM and M.2 NVMe SSD should keep you happy and content while you hunt ghosties with friends in Phasmaphobia or dress up your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. Vapor Chamber Cooling will minimize the laptop heating up when gameplay does, all while remaining quiet. Plus, it has all the important ports, like HDMI 2.1, 2 USB-C ports, 3 USB-A ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack, an Ethernet port, and an SD card slot.

No gaming setup is complete without some RGB lights, and this GE CYNC Smart LED Light Strip bundle— compatible with Alexa and Google Home—is on sale for $15.68, down from its $20.25 OG price.

The sage village leader tells our hero protagonist that they have to act quickly to overcome the powers of evil that are plaguing the land in every video game—we at least agree on the “acting quick” part. Snag this gaming laptop deal before it gets into the wrong hands.

Here are other deals that are fair game:

• Acer Predator Aethon 700 Gaming Keyboard $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• Acer Predator Cestus 330 Gaming Mouse with PixArt 3335 Sensor $29.99 (Was $64.99)
• Acer Nitro Gaming Headset with Flexible Omnidirectional Mic $29.99 (Was $40.99)
• Acer Nitro 24.5″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 PC Gaming Monitor $149.99 (Was $219.99)
• Acer Nitro XZ270 Xbmiipx 27″ 1500R Curved Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor $179.99 (Was $329.99)
• Acer Nitro QG241Y Pbmiipx 23.8″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor $119.99 (Was $179.99)
• AOPEN 27HC5R bmiix 27″ 1500R Curved Zero-Frame Full HD (1920 x 1080) Gaming Monitor $109.99 (Was $139.99)
• SK hynix Gold P31 1TB PCIe NVMe Gen3 M.2 2280 Internal SSD $64.79 (Was $71.99)
• HP Pavilion Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 7 5700G, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD $689.99 (Was $834.99)
• ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 Dual-Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router $234.99 (Was $329.99)
• SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe Gen 4 Gaming M.2 Internal Solid State Drive Memory Card $59.99 (Was $139.99)
• SAMSUNG 870 QVO SATA III 2.5” SSD 2TB Internal Solid State Hard Drive $109.99 (Was $229.99)
• SilverStone Technology Air Slimmer 90 ARGB Enhanced Performance 92mm Slim Fan with PWM and ARGB Lighting $22 (Was $29.25)
• Western Digital 240GB WD Green Internal SSD Solid State Drive $22.53 (Was $27.23)

The post Get a Razer gaming laptop for $700 off on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

For casual use, clunky computer towers of yore have been replaced with compact, streamlined desktops. However, if you’re gaming or video editing, you still benefit from a powerful processor. Lucky for you, Apple’s 2023 Mac Mini desktop computer is diminutive, dynamic, and on sale for $499.99 on Amazon—its lowest price in 30 days.

Apple 2023 Mac Mini Desktop Computer (M2 Chip, 256 SSD) $499.99 (Was $599)

Apple

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Apple updated its Mac Mini with M2 hardware at the beginning of this year, with options to stick with the M2 chip or upgrade to M2 Pro. The baseline option with M2 chip and 256GB of solid state drive (SSD) storage (featured above) packs an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and 8GB of unified memory. If 256GB isn’t enough, the 512GB option is on sale for $689.99, down from its $799 OG price. Ethernet, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and two USB-A ports let you plug anything your heart desires into this powerful machine.

Hook a Mac Mini up to a 4K monitor or stick with the Apple ecosystem and pair it with the Apple 32-inch Pro Display, our favorite professional monitor for graphic design. You’ll be cutting through large files, videos, and photos like butter.

This is the lowest price we’ve seen the Mac Mini M2 this year, so snag it before the deal ends. While you’re at it, pick up a pair of Apple AirPods (2nd Generation), AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), or AirPods Max, all of which are on sale, too.

If you’re looking for more processing power specifically for gaming, check out the HP Victus 15.6″ Gaming Laptop, which has a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5800 processor and a thermal design that keeps your laptop cool when the boss battle heats up. It’s on sale at a cool 20% discount, down from $1,099.99 to $884.

Here are other computing deals that are the Apples (and oranges) of our eye:

• Apple 2021 iMac (Orange, 8-core GPU, 256GB SSD) $1,199.99 (Was $1,499)
• Apple 2021 iMac (Blue, 7-core GPU, 256 SSD) $1,199 (Was $1,299)
• Apple Studio Display-Standard Glass-Tilt-Adjustable Stand ​​​​​​​$1,499 (Was $1,599)
• Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad $101.98 (Was $129)
• Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (Black keys) $189.99 (Was $199)
• Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (White keys) $159.99 (Was $179)
• Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (White keys) $139.99 (Was $149)
• Apple Magic Trackpad $114.99 (Was $129)
• Apple Magic Trackpad (Black) $139 (Was $149)
• Apple Magic Mouse (Black) $94 (Was $99)
• Apple USB SuperDrive $72 (Was $79)
• Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter $29.97 (Was $49)
• Apple 67W USB-C Power Adapter $54.99 (Was $59)
• Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter $71.99 (Was $80.38)
• HP P22va G4 21.5 inch 1080P Computer Monitor $89.99 (Was $149.99)
• Dell 27-inch Monitor FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 Ratio with Comfortview $143 (Was $159.99)
• HP Envy Desktop Bundle PC $1,229.99 (Was $1,699.99)
• Acer Nitro 24.5″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 PC Gaming Monitor $149.99 (Was $219.99)
• Acer Nitro XZ270 Xbmiipx 27″ 1500R Curved Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Zero-Frame Gaming Monitor with Adaptive Sync $179.99 (Was $329.99)
• Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop $299.99 (Was $379.99)
• Dell 24-inch Monitor FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 Ratio with Comfortview $134.99 (Was $149.99)

The post Get Apple’s latest Mac Mini for the lowest price we’ve seen on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

April showers bring May flowers and, judging by the weather, April has certainly lived up to its wet reputation. That means yard work will abound this spring and you will need the right tools for the job. From getting rid of fallen winter leaves or getting around to pressure washing the deck, Greenworks has you covered with up to 47% off power tools on Amazon.

Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25052, Black/Green $69.22 (Was $129.99)

Greenworks

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We know a good Greenworks deal when we see one. Their discounted snow blowers blew our minds in December, and the company’s 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower remains our best budget snow blower pick. With all that in mind, we feel confident in the Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, which is 47% off on Amazon. A 16-inch cutting path allows you to cover a larger area faster, and a built-in bag catches the grass you cut down. You can even use the mower to mulch your garden. The 10-inch front wheels and two-inch rear rollers make it easy to traverse thick grass and uneven ground, and it doesn’t use gas, making it quiet and easy to use. You can adjust the mower height from 1 1/8″-2 1/4″ to get perfectly cut grass that will make the neighbors envious.

If you have a larger yard, the Greenworks Pro 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, with two included 2.0Ah batteries and 30-minute rapid charger, is on sale for $344.49, 31% off its $499 OG price. You get a 21-inch cutting path and a Trubrushless motor that gives you more torque, more power, a quieter operation, a longer runtime, and a longer motor life.

Grass may regrow when you cut it, but deals like this don’t always resurface. Take advantage before someone else plucks them up.

Here are more Greenworks deals that will be quick to grow on you:

• Greenworks 40V 8″ Brushless Edger, 4.0Ah USB Battery and Charger Included $167.99 (Was $279.99)
• Greenworks 2000 Max PSI @ 1.1 GPM (13 Amp) Electric Pressure Washer (Black Frame) PWMA Certified $99.99 (Was $159)
• Greenworks 2000 PSI (13 Amp) Electric Pressure Washer (Wheels For Transport / 20 FT Hose / 35 FT Power Cord) $103.35 (Was $159)
• Greenworks 40V (150 MPH / 130 CFM) Cordless Leaf Blower, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $90.30 (Was $129)
• Greenworks 1600 PSI (1.2 GPM) Electric Pressure Washer (Ultra Compact / Lightweight / 20 FT Hose / 35 FT Power Cord) $64.99 (Was $109.99)
• Greenworks 24V 12″ Cordless String Trimmer / Edger, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $55 (Was $109.99)
• Greenworks 10 Amp 14” Corded Electric Dethatcher (Stainless Steel Tines) $90.90 (Was $129)
• Greenworks 40V 17″ (2-In-1) Push Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $259.99 (Was $332.97)
• Greenworks 40V 12″ Chainsaw, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included (Gen 2) $111.99 (Was $159.99)
• Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer (1″ Cutting Capacity), 2.0Ah USB Battery and Charger Included $132.99 (Was $189.99)
• Greenworks 40V 12″ Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $97.99 (Was $139.99)
• Greenworks 40V 8.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery(Genuine Greenworks Battery) $174.99 (Was $249.99)

The post Beautify your backyard with up to 47% off Greenworks power tools on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The weather is warming up, meaning it’s time to throw on some running shoes and work on that mile time. If the winter has disrupted your training routine, the first few runs might leave you a little sore the next day. Recover with the TheraGun Pro, which is 50% off on Amazon.

TheraGun Pro (4th Generation) $300 (Was $599)

Theragun

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The TheraGun (4th Generation)—one of our favorite percussion massagers—is among the best on the market. Its professional-grade motor is quiet, and four arm positions make it easy to reach almost any sore spot on your body. The TheraGun has five speeds between 1,750 and 2,400 percussions per minute (PPM), and it has a five-hour battery life if your body needs to be mashed like a potato. Six attachments—supersoft, dampener, standard ball, wedge, thumb, and cone—help you unfurl those pesky knots. An OLED screen, carrying case, and wireless charging round out the high-quality features that add convenience. If you don’t need the latest model‘s quieter motor and crisper screen, save major cash by snagging the previous (and just as formidable) generation.

If you want to feel like you’ve put your body through a pasta machine, consider the BestMassage Zero Gravity Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair, on sale for $599 (down from $999.99), plus take an extra $100 off with clickable coupon. The company’s recliner chair is our best budget pick for the best massage chairs, and we think the foot rollers, built-in heat therapy, and easy remote controls are a bonus. If you’re looking for all-over relief, you need (knead?) a massage accessory like this.

The more you work out, the less sore you should feel naturally—but one of these great massagers can help the transition. And the longer you wait to hit “add to cart,” the less chance you’ll have to get a best-in-class percussion massager for a steal—and you’ll feel a different kind of sore if you miss out on this deal.

Here are other massager deals we’re feeling out:

• Sportneer Mini 3 Massage Gun $39.99 (Was $145.99)
• Sportneer Massage Gun $107.99 (Was $259.99)
• TheraGun Mini (1st Generation) $120 (Was $199)
• Hyperice Hypervolt GO $99 (Was $129)
• Hypervolt 2 Pro $329 (Was $399)
• RENPHO C3 Percussion Massage Gun $69.29 (Was $189.99)
• RENPHO Motorized Foot Spa with Heat and Massage Jets $87.99 (Was $149.99)
• RENPHO Back Massager with Heat $135.99 (Was $189.99)
• TOLOCO Massage Gun $49.99 (Was $249.97)

The post The best percussion massager is 50% off at Amazon right now appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses		SEE IT	With 32 colors to choose from, you’ll find a pair—or two—that are perfect for you.
Best for gaming		GUNNAR Razer Edition Gaming Glasses		SEE IT	A yellowish tint prevents eye strain for endless KOs.
Best budget		MAXJULI Blue Light Blocking Glasses		SEE IT	A pair of blue light glasses can be yours for just under $10.

Here’s the pitch for blue light glasses: our screens emit all kinds of light, notably blue, and this light, the argument goes, can affect your eye health, your sleeping patterns, and your health. Blue light glasses—technically, they should be called “blue light blocking glasses”—filter out blue light, letting in the other wavelengths of light, thus theoretically reducing the danger that blue light presents. We’re all spending more time staring at glowing rectangular screens than ever before—and, frankly, more than we ever wanted to. You may have experienced headaches, dry eyes, and other uncomfortable symptoms, or you may just assume that all of this screen time simply can’t be good for our vision. The best blue light glasses can alleviate these symptoms without cramping your style.

• Best overall: TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses
• Best for gamers: GUNNAR Razer Edition Gaming Glasses
• Best stylish: Gaoye Glasses
• Best for kids: SEEAFUN Kid’s Glasses
• Best retro-style: Livho Blue Light Glasses
• Best budget: MAXJULI Blue Light Blocking Glasses

How we chose the best blue light glasses

Not all blue light glasses are created equal. Whether using them to protect your eyes from the blue light emitted from your eReader while getting in some pre-bedtime reading or to stop your daytime computer use from keeping you up at night, a good pair of blue light glasses should be able to do it all. We looked at reviews, recommendations, conducted our own testing (read: wore a bunch of blue light blocking glasses), and researched heavily to separate the flops from the favorites.

The best blue light glasses: Reviews & Recommendations

Blue light can get a bad rep: If it’s so bad, then why does the sun emit blue light? And being exposed to sunlight has multiple benefits! And wearing blue light glasses isn’t the only way to reduce eye strain. Consider blue light glasses a tool in your arsenal to reduce eye strain and blue light exposure—one of our options should have you seeing clearly in no time.

Best overall: TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses

TIJN

SEE IT

Specs

• One size?: Yes
• Color options: 32
• Polarized?: No
• Dimensions: Lens width: 53mm; Bridge width: 18mm; Arm length: 140mm

Pros

• Lots of options available
• Lightweight
• Stylish

Cons

• One size

If you’re looking for blue light glasses that are lightweight, stylish, and work, consider these from TIJN. There are 32 style options available, including pairs that come in packs of two and gaming glasses that have a yellower lens for more intense protection. Although they only come in one size, spring hinges that bend more than 90 degrees compensate for wider faces, and a keyhole bridge makes for a more comfortable fit than nose pads. You can get away with wearing them out and about (our staff writer definitely has), and they block out blue light without the lenses being noticeably yellow. The lenses are also UV400 protected to block out almost 100% of UV rays. At less than $20? Talk about an easy investment.

Best for gamers: GUNNAR Razer Edition Gaming Glasses

Gunnar

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Specs

• One size?: Yes
• Color options: One
• Polarized?: No
• Dimensions: Lens width: 57mm; Lens height: 26mm; Bridge: 18mm; Arm: 138mm

Pros

• Patented blue light blocking tech
• Built for gamers
• Lightweight

Cons

• Expensive
• One size

Gamers are among the most likely to suffer from digital eye strain; after all, they’re staring at screens very intently for hours on end. These yellow-tinted frames from GUNNAR aren’t fakeouts—they block 450nm (nanometers) of blue light and have patented lens tech to protect your eyes (look it up for yourself). They’re also designed for panoramic viewing if you game with a curved monitor. They also are compatible with gaming headsets so that you won’t get a glasses-arm-related headache and a screen headache. If you’re shopping for a young gamer, consider these HyperX Spectre Scout glasses. And if you’re looking for something more stylish, GUNNAR has computer glasses with a stylish round frame and 70s-inspired aviator glasses. If you can’t justify the price, fear not: any yellow-tinted lens will work, including these cheap wireframes our staff writer rocks on the daily.

Best stylish: Gaoye Glasses

Gaoye

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Specs

• One size?: Yes
• Color options: 15
• Polarized?: No
• Dimensions: Lens width: 52mm; Lens height: 42mm; Temple length: 140mm; Nose bridge: 14mm; Frame width: 140mm

Pros

• Classic design
• UV400 protection
• Anti-reflective

Cons

• Only available in a multiples

If you’re looking to block blue light but don’t want to look like an extra in The Matrix, this Gaoye three-pack might be right for you. Available in tons of different patterns and combinations, the square design is a classic for a reason. Plus, it’s hard to beat that price. UV400 protection gives you peace of mind out and about, and the lenses are treated with an anti-reflective coating. If you don’t believe these blue light glasses are the real deal, each pair comes with a test card: simply place the glasses in front of the card, shine the light, and see them block blue light in real-time.

Best for kids: SEEAFUN Kid’s Glasses

SEEAFUN

SEE IT

Specs

• One size?: Yes
• Color options: 8
• Polarized?: No
• Dimensions: Lens Width: 48mm; Lens height: 41mm; Nose bridge: 15mm; Frame width: 125mm; Temple length: 131mm

Pros

• Comes with adjustable lens strap
• Cute carrying case
• Tough for kids

Cons

• One size

It’s not just us adults who are subjected to excessive screen time these days. Kids, whether they’re attending school remotely, working on homework, gaming, or chatting with friends, are staring at screens, too. This SEEAFUN set is perfect for kids, with cheerful colors and a fantastic car-shaped carrying case. It also comes with an adjustable lens strap if your child is prone to losing things (it’s way harder to lose something strapped tightly to your head), and the arms are flexible. They also block 400-450nm of blue light.

Best retro style: Livho Blue Light Glasses

Liveho

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Specs

• One size?: Yes
• Color options: 7
• Polarized?: No
• Dimensions: Lens width: 51mm; Lens height: 45mm; Frame width: 134mm; Temple length: 140mm; Nose bridge: 19mm

Pros

• Glare reduction
• Anti-scratch lenses
• UV400 protection

Cons

• Slightly flimsy, per reviews

After years of chunky plastic frames, wireframes have come right back around to be trendy again. So you don’t have to sacrifice style just to protect your eyes. This Livho set is available in multiple colors, all with a classic round wireframe design. They include glare reduction, anti-scratch lenses, and UV400 protection. The company also offers a 1,000-day warranty (around three years) in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase.

Best budget: MAXJULI Blue Light Blocking Glasses

MAXJULI

SEE IT

Specs

• One size?: Yes
• Color options: 22
• Polarized?: No
• Dimensions: Lens width: 52mm; Lens height: 47mm; Frame width: 141 mm; Temple length: 138mm; Nose bridge: 14mm

Pros

• Lightweight
• Cheap
• Come in many colors

Cons

• Reviews note they fit a little tight on the face and head

Many of the glasses on our list come in packs of two, three, or more. “I just need ONE pair of blue light blocking glasses,” you grumble to yourself, a pragmatic minimalist. Look no further than this single pair. Just one. And it will only cost you $7. Sure, it doesn’t make sense when you do the math (technically, the Gaoye glasses on the list are the best bang for your buck), but having exactly what you need without extras rotting in your office drawer makes up for technical cost-effectiveness. They work, there is one of them, and they only cost $7. That should put a smile on your face.

What to consider when buying the best blue light glasses

Thanks to both the COVID-19 pandemic and a general technological transition, more and more of us transitioned to remote/work-from-home setups, and more and more of our days are spent peering into screens. Now, with even meetings that used to be face-to-face happening as face-to-screen-to-face meetings, plus the predominance of smartphones, we’re all staring at blue light more than ever before. Here is what you should know before snagging a pair for yourself:

Why are blue light glasses so popular? 

There’s a significant industry in making our computer time healthier; you may have spotted gadgets like under-desk bikes or standing desks or guides on proper keyboard posture and ergonomic offices. These can all help with the strain that a sedentary workspace forces on our bodies. But what about blue light glasses? 

Blue light glasses are designed to reduce what’s known as digital eye strain, or DES. There are an array of symptoms associated with DES, including headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. 

How effective are blue light glasses? 

We’ll start with the bad news: there is no evidence that blue light glasses have any effect on eye strain from digital screens. One recent study used blue light blocking filters, which filter out 99% of blue light from screens. These screens are far more effective than blue light glasses, which block out, at most, around 65% of blue light and more often can only block under 40%. That study tested subjects for a half-hour and found no correlation between symptoms of DES and blue light. No other study has indicated anything different. In fact, one British optician was actually fined for insinuating that blue light glasses can protect against DES, given that there’s no scientific evidence of this.

What’s more likely is that DES is caused by the overuse, or misuse, of screens. After all, the sun is a substantially more powerful purveyor of blue light than our screens, and DES isn’t associated with the decidedly analog sun at all. The general consensus is that DES is caused by spending too long, staring too hard, and sitting too close to our screens. Health experts generally recommend taking breaks to combat DES, rather than relying on blue light glasses.

But there is one thing that blue light glasses might help with. Some studies have indicated that blue light can be bad for our circadian rhythms; a review of the available studies found that it seems likely that blue light inhibits the brain’s ability to produce melatonin. In other words, exposure to blue light could make it harder to fall asleep. There haven’t been enough studies to tell if blue light glasses, worn for a few hours before bed, could help you sleep better, but it’s not out of the question.

That said, there are anecdotal reports of people loving their blue light glasses. Even if it’s just the placebo effect, well, that can be incredibly powerful, and if it works for you, keep doing it.

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Final thoughts on the best blue light blocking glasses

• Best overall: TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses
• Best for gamers: GUNNAR Razer Edition Gaming Glasses
• Best stylish: Gaoye Glasses
• Best for kids: SEEAFUN Kid’s Glasses
• Best retro-style: Livho Blue Light Glasses
• Best budget: MAXJULI Blue Light Blocking Glasses