Best Overall		Temtop M2000 2nd		SEE IT	The ability to test many things in one device, with consistent results and audible alerts, makes this monitor our top pick.
Best Smart		Atmotube Pro Portable		SEE IT	Impressive accuracy, and handy app alerts, help this keychain-sized monitor work well across a wide variety of temperatures and humidity.
Best Indoor Outdoor		Davis Instruments AirLink		SEE IT	This multienvironment-friendly unit offers easy-to-read graphs and charts, Weatherlink.com integration, and compatibility with Davis weather stations.

Nothing beats a breath of fresh air, but air can be contaminated by chemicals, soot, wildfire smoke, and other forest fire byproducts, making an air quality monitor a valuable tool. Even those with the best noses can have difficulty telling how good their local air is, especially with odorless gasses and “Volatile Organic Compounds” (VOCs) from products or processes lurking, so what are you to do? You could call in an air quality professional … or you can begin to do your own tracking with one of our picks for best air quality monitors.

• Best overall: Temtop M2000 2nd
• Best smart: Atmotube Pro Portable
• Best indoor outdoor: Davis Instruments AirLink
• Best portable: Sensirion SPS30
• Best budget: Temtop P20

How we selected the best air quality monitors

Largely, selecting the best air quality monitors was more a matter of hitting the research shelves than the shopping cart button. With such a product, the customer sentiment and manufacturer-supplied specs really mean a lot less than in-depth product analysis from researchers and experts that were able to compare consumer-facing products with laboratory-grade equipment. This results in a thin product selection, but I was able to identify five air quality monitors that I can confidently recommend.

The best air quality monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

What is the best air quality monitor? The best air quality monitors have been tested from official sources and come in various shapes, styles, and working methods. While the Temtop M2000 2nd Generation is the top pick for air quality monitor, due to its ease of use and robust testing ability, our four other monitors might be right for you depending on your circumstances. In any event, these five air quality monitors have both proper testing and current availability in the market.

Best overall: Temtop M2000 2nd Generation

Temtop

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Temtop M2000 2nd Generation tests for a wide variety of pollutants, has built-in calibration, and includes an audible alarm.

Specs

• Measures: CO2, HCHO (formaldehyde), PM2.5/PM10, Temp., Humidity
• AQ-SPEC report: High consistency
• Type: Handheld 

Pros

• Tests many things all in one device
• High consistency across many devices
• Has an audible alarm for when levels rise too high
• Tried and tested by several school systems

Cons

• Doesn’t work in temperatures below freezing

The Temtop M2000 2nd Generation is a relatively easily operated handheld air quality monitor that has been widely used. It has been used by the New York State Education Department, and the United Federation of Teachers has used it to measure carbon dioxide levels in schools in efforts to fight Covid-19.

The 2nd Generation product improves upon the original Temtop M2000 by adding a data export feature. This is really useful because, as mentioned by the AQ-SPEC report, where the Temtop M2000 2nd Generation suffers losses in accuracy, it makes up for it with high levels of consistency. Even across multiple Temtops, the reading levels should be consistently similar in the same situation. This means that you can pinpoint exactly when contaminant levels have started rising, even if you have to have a replacement device.

I’m also particularly pleased that it attempts a calibration system. While the accuracy, consistency, and difficulty for average users feel a bit daunting, the system’s overall capabilities are more than enough to begin with. Part of the calibration process being that you leave the device outside for lengthy periods is also annoying but manageable.

In reality, the main concern is the device’s limited capabilities during the colder months. Without being able to function below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the supposed “indoor-outdoor” nature of the device is cut off for many months of the year for those of us too far North or South of the equator. Luckily, in-home monitoring will still work year-round.

Finally, if you like the look of the M2000 2nd Generation, but are looking for something quite a bit cheaper, our budget choice also comes from Temtop. The Temtop P20 has reduced features but also a reduced price tag.

Best smart: Atmotube Pro Portable 

Atmotube

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Why it made the cut: The Atmotube Pro attaches directly to your backpack or belt clip and alerts your phone directly when there’s a problem.

Specs

• Measures: PM1/PM2.5/PM10, VOCs, Temp., Humidity, Barometric Pressure
• AQ-SPEC report: High accuracy, high precision
• Type: Wearable

Pros

• Impressive accuracy counts
• Handy app alerts
• Works well across a wide variety of temperatures and humidities
• Keychain size

Cons

• Shorter battery life than hoped for

The Atmotube Pro Portable is a keychain-size air quality monitor that won’t take up much space and can be put just about anywhere or come with you. All of the data collected will be at your fingertips via the Atmo app, available free for Android and iOS devices.

The app will give you your personal stats, access to personal and global maps, and a personalized series of articles to help you understand air quality. You can also export your device’s data as a CSV file for further analysis.

According to the Atmotube’s AQ-SPEC results, the device is quite accurate, ranging from 86% to 98% across various conditions. The AQ-SPEC report also notes that the device is highly consistent across various environmental conditions, saying that heat and humidity had “minimal effect” on the device’s precision. Despite its small size, the Atmotube Pro delivers at a high level.

One of the bigger disappointments with the Atmotube Pro is the battery life. As expected of such a small device, the battery is also quite tiny. When the device is set to take measurements only once every 30 minutes, you can squeeze about a week out of the little battery. However, when you crank that up just a notch, the battery dies much more quickly. This is very unfortunate when using a device that, by its very nature, you want to set up and forget about. Fortunately, if the device isn’t meant to be mobile, you can keep it plugged into the charger while it is running.

Best indoor outdoor: Davis Instruments AirLink

Davis Instruments

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Why it made the cut: The AirLink is made for both indoor and outdoor usage, provides beautiful charts, and works well with other Davis Instruments systems.

Specs

• Measures: AQI, Temp., Humidity, Dew Point, Heat Index
• AQ-SPEC report: Highly accurate for PM1.0/PM2.5, but not for PM10, consistent
• Type: Indoor or outdoor

Pros

• Weatherlink.com integration
• Easy-to-read graphs and charts
• Installs easily both indoors and out
• Integrates into your Davis weather station

Cons

• Poor PM10 reading

The Davis Instruments AirLink comes with a heavy-duty body that can be conveniently placed in indoor or outdoor environments. If you want it in your house, place the machine on a desk or table. It has four safety feet to reduce the chances of it sliding off smooth surfaces. Alternatively, mount it outside (near an outlet) and attach the provided weather-resistant cover.

If you’re into more than just air quality monitoring, you’ll really appreciate the extra things the AirLink tracks, such as dew point and heat index. You’ll also be happy to note that it will connect with weatherlink.com and can integrate with your other Davis weather station products. These services are also available on your phone via the WeatherLink app.

I really appreciate that the output looks professional but still feels closer to what you might expect from a cable weather station than what your average lab coat wearer would be reading. The only thing I was disappointed with is that, as per the AirLink’s AQ-SPEC report, the PM10 readings weren’t too accurate. Really, though, this is just a small trade-off for a good home system and typical consumers will be more than happy with this machine.

Best portable: Sensirion SPS30

SENSIRION

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Sensirion SPS30 is a no-frills machine dedicated to particulate matter testing.

Specs

• Measures: PM1.0/PM2.5/PM4.0/PM10
• AQ-SPEC report: High precision
• Type: Portable

Pros

• Small size
• 8-year lifetime
• Long-term stability and contamination-resistance
• Moddable

Cons

• Drab UI makes interpreting data difficult

If you want to feel like you’re really in the lab, the Sensirion SPS30 might be right up your alley. Right from the moment I opened the company’s product introduction video, I felt instantly reintroduced to the lab environment I once came from.

Where this really shines is the Sensirion SPS30’s great moddability. For example, some users are soldering them on bikes for CanAirIO, a citizen science project dedicated to building a citizen network for monitoring air quality worldwide. The simple USB port connection and loads of data quickly generated by the device lend it to lots of projects. Other possibilities include pairing it with air conditioners, smart home devices, HVAC equipment, and more.

Where this “lab environment feel” really doesn’t shine is the UI. If you’ve ever worked with in-company software or any niche data-collection devices, you probably already know what I mean. You sure get a lot of data, but it isn’t going to look beautiful or come easy to read. Check out the company’s demonstration video for an up-close look at the graphs provided by the machine before deciding whether to purchase.

As for the Sensirion SPS30’s AQ-SPEC report, the key thing to know is that the device is highly precise across temperatures and humidity levels. While PM1.0 and PM2.5 levels were highly accurately measured in field and laboratory testing, PM10 levels were shown to be highly inaccurate in the field trials.

Best budget: Temtop P20

Temtop

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This budget solution will take care of all of your basic air quality monitoring needs.

Specs

• Measures: PM2.5, Temp., Humidity
• AQ-SPEC report: Higher precision at low temperatures
• Type: Desktop or mountable

Pros

• Highly accessible interface
• Everything needed for wall mounting included
• Can double as a nice desk or wall clock
• Exportable data

Cons

• Limited pollutants measured, but still great for price
• Low battery life

Considering that a laboratory-grade air quality tester can cost thousands of dollars, it would seem impossible to make a competitive one in the two-digit range. However, with Temtop’s P20, that isn’t true.

The Temtop P20 can measure PM2.5 pollutants. While it’d be nice to measure other pollutants or even other sizes of particulate matter, doing one thing well is quite impressive for the budget tier. The P20’s AQ-SPEC report tells us that the machine’s precision is most accurate when the local temperature is lower. That being said, the measurements indicate an accuracy of over 90% for most conditions at 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

You’ll probably enjoy having the Temtop P20 around, as it is also a rather nice LCD screen clock. To take a bit of the mystery out of the reading counts, a cute smiley face interprets the PM2.5 levels as good, fair, or poor. Another smiley face interprets your local humidity levels in a similar manner.

While the device can be mounted on the wall and includes the screws needed to do so, I recommend using the back stand and using it as a desk monitor. On the wall, the numbers, time, and smiley faces will probably prove somewhat tricky to see clearly. This will also help you keep it plugged into a charger because the battery only lasts for about 6-8 hours on a single charge.

Finally, those of you interested in data will rejoice. Much like the Temtop M2000 2nd Generation, our top choice of air quality monitor, the Temtop P20 has USB connectivity to export the collected data in CSV format. 

Things to consider before buying the best air quality monitors

One thing to note from the current research is that air quality monitors for public usage are still an emerging market. As such, there are a lot of claims about accuracy that are either demonstrably false or haven’t been thoroughly checked by scientists or any actual regulatory board. With all of this in mind, here are the key things to remember when buying an air quality monitor:

Target pollutant

In a fantasy world, an air quality monitor could sniff out any potential harm in the air and let you know. Unfortunately, air quality monitors in the real world must be designed to target specific contaminants. While it is never a mystery what pollutants an air quality monitor tracks—as they are nearly always prominently displayed in the specs and ads—you may find yourself overwhelmed with a few new terms. Here’s a quick mini-guide to get you up to speed on air pollution vocab:

PM: PM stands for “particulate matter” and measurements of it can tell you how many liquid or solid particles of varying sizes are in your air. The particles are measured in microns, given after the “PM.” For example, PM2.5 tests for the amount of particles that are approximately 2.5 microns in your air. The makers of the Atmotube report that PM1 particles are typically emissions from factories and vehicles, PM2.5 particles usually come from fires and combustion, and PM10 particles are from pollen, mold, and fine bits of old plants and insects. You’ll find that PM2.5 is a common measurement taken by portable air purifiers.

AQI: This stands for Air Quality Index and is a popular, but somewhat outdated, method for measuring air quality. Essentially, the AQI measures pollutant levels for a wide variety of substances, gives them each a score from 0-500, and reports the highest one. It doesn’t matter if only one pollutant is high or if several are, only the top one is getting reported. Still, the data is historically known and the conversions for each pollutant can still be useful. If you want to play around with the system, a handy AQI calculator is available for you.

VOCs: These are “Volatile Organic Compounds” and largely come from human sources. The EPA warns that sources of these contaminants include household cleaners, building materials, and standard office equipment. They also have found that these pollutants are consistently found in much higher concentrations in indoor settings. VOCs are a big part of why our recommended floor cleaners focused so heavily on ingredients. Certain high-end air purifiers, such as the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde, are specifically equipped with sensors attuned to these byproducts we bring into our homes as we upgrade furnishings and electronics, etc.

Scientific usage

Before making any purchase of something as important as an air quality monitor, be sure to check out how the product is perceived by experts. That can be as simple as running a Google search with “site:.edu” or “site:.gov” followed by the product name or trawling through the depths of the “Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center” (AQ-SPEC) website.

AQ-SPEC provides comprehensive data on air sensors after real-world field trials. While AQ-SPEC reports explicitly state that they are not an endorsement of a particular monitor, the evaluations are free for the manufacturer if the sensors are “low-cost” and meet basic selection criteria. As a result, simply bothering to submit a sensor for an AQ-SPEC report is a sign of a manufacturer’s good faith in their product.

All of the air quality monitors on our list have a detailed AQ-SPEC report. Unfortunately, these reports can be a bit dense and read more like a Ph.D. journal submission than a consumer-facing report. I’ve attempted to condense these reports down into the relevant bits, but if you’ve got any interest, you’re highly encouraged to parse through them yourself as well.

Accuracy & consistency

Accuracy and consistency feel very similar at a glance but affect our perceptions of an air quality monitor in big ways. As you might be able to gather from a recent analysis by the Berkeley Lab, accuracy is going to be difficult to maintain. However, high consistency will make these machines still quite valuable sources of information for your home.

Part of this comes down to calibration, which laboratory equipment undergoes frequently. Take the humble pH machine, for example. Back in my lab days, I remember calibrating this machine nearly every day I would use it, using specialized liquid solutions. Now imagine calibrating something that measures air … at home. It appears that cheap calibration is on the way, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easy or reliably done by the average person.

The result is that we have to expect some loss of accuracy when high-quality calibration isn’t feasible. Depending on what is being measured, this might not necessarily be too much of a problem. For example, your home thermometer is likely about 1 degree off, but it is still enough to tell you that you have a fever. The key is getting something accurate enough for your purposes.

Perhaps more important is consistency. While several consumer-grade air quality monitors have a bias, especially after being run for multiple days, if that bias is consistent, we can still get extremely useful information. For example, if your reading for Carbon Dioxide suddenly skyrockets above what you are used to getting, you know you have a problem.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best air quality monitors

• Best overall: Temtop M2000 2nd
• Best smart: Atmotube Pro Portable
• Best indoor outdoor: Davis Instruments AirLink
• Best portable: Sensirion SPS30
• Best budget: Temtop P20

Getting a high-quality air quality monitor doesn’t have to be for laboratory professionals alone. While the world of personal air quality monitoring is still emerging, there are still some great products out there. Combining the most stringent testing circumstances with ready commercial availability produced a list of exactly these five air quality monitors, so we’re sure customers will find satisfaction from something on this list.

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 air quality monitors 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 Overall		Motorola MG7700		SEE IT	Comcast approved, this modem-router combo is quick to set up and the right bandwidth for most high-speed customers.
Best Netgear		NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V		SEE IT	Supporting up to 30 devices and a shared storage device, this is a robust reliable home internet hub.
Best 600 Mbps for Cable Internet		ARRIS SURFboard SBG7400ACS		SEE IT	Approved for Xfinity, with built-in virus protection features, this is a stable east-to-setup option.

When you sign up for Comcast’s Xfinity internet service, you’ll be presented with a choice that seems almost trivial but will turn out to be one of the most critical parts of your customer experience: Rent a modem/router combo from Comcast or go out and buy your own. At first, it might feel like a no-brainer to go with the Comcast-provided choice. You know it will work well with what you have and the quoted price is never too expensive. However, the math is clear: you’re probably going to be a Comcast customer for many years, so buying your own modem and router will be cheaper. It can be scary to go out and finally make the purchase, though, because you don’t know if the equipment you’re looking at will work with Comcast. That’s why we’ve worked hard to put your fears to rest and come up with this list of the best routers for Comcast.

• Best overall: Motorola MG7700 Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo 
• Best Netgear: NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V
• Best 600 Mbps for cable internet: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7400ACS
• Best Wi-Fi: Amazon eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi Router
• Best budget: TP-Link Archer A7

How we chose the best routers for Comcast

Getting one of the best routers for Comcast is typically a two-step process. First, you need to identify what kind of router you want. Are you going budget? Is Netgear best? Or are you searching for the best portable Wi-Fi? Whatever you’re looking for, there is probably a great router that works with Comcast in the list. This brings us to the second step: verifying that the router works with Comcast internet. This is done in a variety of ways, including researching the wide diversity of customer experiences, manufacturer claims, and product certifications. When combined, these two steps will lead you to one of our best routers for Comcast, just like they informed our list.

The best routers for Comcast: Reviews & Recommendations

The best routers for Comcast are ones that pick up on the key needs of consumers today, while also conferring some advantages of their own. It is tempting to fall into the trap of thinking that only DOCSIS 3.1, Wi-Fi 6E, multi-gigabyte-supporting routers are the best, but the reality is that a more measured approach is best. No over-the-top router built today will actually be the router of choice in the far future it imagines. Instead, our recommendations focus on the best routers for Comcast that will work great in 2023 and beyond … but not so far beyond that we enter a future beyond our current understanding.

Best overall: Motorola MG7700

Motorola

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A Comcast Xfinity-approved modem-router combo that has all you need for quality internet quickly.

Specs

• Modem combo: Yes
• Max speed: Supports internet plans up to 800 Mbps
• Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 5

Pros

• Comcast approved
• Quick Setup
• Right speed for most high-speed customers
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports

Cons

• Connectivity issues in large homes

The Motorola MG7700 is an upgrade to the very successful MG7550. As far as Wi-Fi routers for your home go, this one will prove to be a top competitor for the modern era. Serving up to 800 Mbps service plans and coming with four Ethernet ports ready to serve the gigabit generation, you should be happy for quite some time.

The MG7700 is only approved to work with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum, which works out in your favor as a Comcast customer. You’ll find that setup is generally quite quick, with only a power cord and your coaxial cable needing to be plugged in before following a few simple steps to secure your connection. Plus, if you do run into any problems, your customer support tech from Comcast Xfinity will likely be at least somewhat familiar with the MG7700 and can give you some pro tips about working with the device.

The Motorola MG7700 works best in medium-sized homes, with those in large homes finding some trouble connecting in the far corners of their home. For these customers, the Wi-Fi 6/DOCSIS 3.1 Motorola MG8725 might work better, but for the average person in the here and now the MG7700 will more than suffice.

Best Netgear: NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V

NETGEAR

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is a tried-and-true Netgear with the perfect balance between reliable performance and price.

Specs

• Modem combo: Yes
• Max speed: Certified for 800 Mbps Xfinity Cable (1,900 Mbps theoretical maximum)
• Wi-Fi range: Suitable for 1,800 sq. ft. homes

Pros

• Supports up to 30 devices
• Shared storage drive
• 4 gigabit Ethernet ports
• Access to Comcast Voice (VoIP)

Cons

• Older model

The NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V is a robust model that has not only stood the test of time but still competes as one of the best routers of today.

A manufacturing sticker tells us that the C7100V is “100% Certified Compatible” with cable internet from Xfinity up to 800 Mbps, while the actual speed that it can reach is somewhat faster. This should be enough for most consumers by itself, but the four gigabit Ethernet ports certainly aren’t reducing the value either.

Next, we have the access to Comcast Voice, a VoIP system signified by the “V” at the end of the product model. While VoIP is certainly nothing new, we aren’t into turning down well-tuned extras.

Speaking of being nothing new, the C7100V isn’t exactly the new kid on the block. When models have been out for a few years, you have the advantage of knowing exactly what you are going to get and the markdowns in price that come with time. The trade-off, of course, is lowered future longevity and the potential for reduced support from the manufacturer coming on the horizon. In all, with the C7100V you know you’re getting a modem-router combo that won’t break down easily and should still be worth something in a few years.

Best 600 Mbps for cable internet: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7400ACS

ARRIS

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is a recommended for 600 Mbps router that is capable of so much more.

Specs

• Modem combo: Yes
• Max speed: Approved for 600 Mbps cable, with 1000 Mbps download
• DOCSIS: 3.0

Pros

• Approved for Comcast Xfinity
• Built-in McAfee protection
• 4 gigabit Ethernet ports
• Password-free connection via WPS

Cons

• Tricky installation
• Not compatible with DSL or fiber

ARRIS’s SURFboard SBG7400AC2 is a DOCSIS 3.0 router that is suggested for cable internet plans of around 600 Mbps. Again, that’s cable plans (it won’t work with DSL or fiber) and that is a suggestion. In many instances, this product is capable of much higher speeds, such as via the Ethernet ports that can give you a full gigabit connection.

One interesting feature that comes with the SURFboard SBG7400AC2 is access to McAfee Secure Home Internet, part of the McAfee Secure Home Platform. When enabled, it provides McAfee-level security to all devices connected to your network, controlled via an associated app. You can control the security via Alexa or Google Assistant, set parental controls, and even set it to prevent your devices from accessing the internet while you’re away from home for an even higher level of security. For those of you seeing another McAfee product in your lives as a hassle, you’ll be happy to know that this part of the router is optional.

Getting connected to the router with your device is also quite easy. The small button below the status lights, labeled “WPS,” can be pressed to connect applicable phones and other devices. No having to give your password out and no lengthy password typing. A win-win for sure.

The initial setup feels like the main drawback with this router, as the provided instructions are a tad confusing and the SURFboard Manager app isn’t as user-friendly as we’d like. Still, once it works the SURFboard SBG7400AC2 provides a lot for the right niche it serves.

Best Wi-Fi: Amazon eero 6e Mesh Wi-Fi Router

Eero

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Amazon’s eero Mesh Wi-Fi Router sets up quickly to provide whole-home internet coverage.

Specs

• Modem combo: No
• Wi-Fi range: Supports 2,000 sq. ft. area
• Max Speed: Supports internet plans up to 2.3Gbps

Pros

• Tiny and lightweight
• 2 gigabit Ethernet ports
• Amazon Alexa support
• Stay secure with auto-updates

Cons

• No modem combo

If you’re looking for a pure router, no modem combo, to help distribute internet power throughout your home, Amazon’s own eero 6e Pro Mesh Wi-Fi Router is the perfect device to do so with. As a mesh router, it packs a lot of power in a tiny size and can help you destroy those pockets of your home that are currently just filling one or fewer internet bars on your phone.

The eero Mesh is an Amazon product, so there is no surprise that it comes with Alexa support. Here, Alexa can give you control over the access individual devices have to your Wi-Fi network, meaning your naughty child’s late-night Fortnite session can be shut down with a single sentence.

The eero Mesh is not expensive, with the three-pack option coming in at about the price of the modem-router combos on this list. This is a good thing because the only downside to this system is that in real homes it often isn’t meeting up to the 2,000 square foot coverage area suggested by eero. Too many customers are reporting difficulties using the product through their walls or just outside their home, suggesting a weak signal. Instead, give every room its own happy cube of Wi-Fi-fed internet joy.

Best budget: TP-Link Archer A7

TP-Link

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The TP-Link AC1750 Archer A7 provides Alexa support, a VPN server, parental control, and more at a price point anyone can afford.

Specs

• Modem combo: No
• Max speed: Supports plans up to 300 Mbps (1750 Mbps theoretical maximum)
• Wi-Fi range: Suitable for 2,500 sq. ft. home

Pros

• Competitive pricing
• 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 gigabit WAN port
• Award-winning customer satisfaction
• Built-in Alexa and parental control support

Cons

• Old model
• No modem combo

Finally, we get to the TP-Link Archer A7, which is a reliable older router without the modem combo. If you’re truly looking for the best routers for Comcast, as opposed to modem-router combos, and are on a budget this is the go-to pick that should satisfy you for quite some time.

What you might not be expecting from an older, budget router is the Alexa support and robust parental controls, which can set time limits and filtering levels. The router even has a VPN to secure your web-browsing privacy just an extra bit more.

Much like our commentary with the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V, there are certain pros and cons when it comes to getting an older router. With the Archer A7, you do get the satisfaction of knowing that the product you’re buying is a two-time winner of a customer satisfaction award from JD Power—the same group known for rating the best cars positively. If it were only to have a modem tied in with it, it could likely still be a high-ranking contender in its own right.

What to consider when buying the best routers for Comcast

So, you’ve followed the two-step approach outlined above and have arrived at a decent-looking router for Comcast. How do you evaluate it from here? A lot of the decision-making process from here comes down to stats and the nearly unlimited wealth of knowledge that comes from the huge Comcast user base. Numbers and individual experiences can tell you a lot about the short-term functioning of a router, but there is nothing like the masses to show you if a router outperforms the rest in the long run.

The next thing you should consider is possibly the biggest question you’ll face when getting a router for Comcast. A question so important, that it will divide the acceptable range of products for you to buy into two parts. So, what is this oh-so-essential question?

Max speed: Routers are rated on the max speed they can deliver. If that speed is higher than the internet speed Comcast is giving you, you’re overpaying for your router. However, if the speed is lower, you’re overpaying for your internet. Every. Single. Month. The recommendation is fairly straightforward and simple: Find the perfect internet speed for you, then buy a router that has a max speed somewhat above that speed. Getting a router with a bit extra leaves you some growing room as your internet package expands, as well.

For modem-router combo users, the next thing you’ll need to consider is DOCSIS. Standing for “Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification,” this factor affects your speed by determining how well the aforementioned “internet juice” can travel from the modem part of the combo to the router part.

In 2022, you’ll only need to select from DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1. If you want to skip the technical details, we can simplify this selection by saying that DOCSIS 3.0 will be fine for average internet users of the current age but DOCSIS 3.1 is better for top-of-the-line internet speeds and equipment and is more “futureproofed.” In the years that come, we can expect that the basic standard will switch from DOCSIS 3.0 to DOCSIS 3.1.

Now, onto the fine details. DOCSIS 3.0 is capable of 200 Mbps upload speeds and up to 1 Gbps download speeds. In a world where most Americans don’t have gigabit internet yet, it will do fine. However, as coverage expands and competition drives prices cheaper, this will rapidly change. DOCSIS 3.1 has 2 Gbps upload and 10 Gbps download speeds. To put that in comprehensible terms: FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is 60GB. With DOCSIS 3.1 and fast enough internet, you could theoretically download Elden Ring in just 6 seconds. The best gaming routers of tomorrow will certainly be DOCSIS 3.1 routers.

Wi-Fi standard: There are three Wi-Fi standards you are likely to hear about while router shopping. From most to least common, they are: Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E. Much like DOCSIS 3.0 above, Wi-Fi 5 is going to be fine for the vast majority of you. It isn’t until you get to faster internet speeds or want a dozen or so devices connected to the router at once that you will want something better. Let’s look at these future-thinking options now:

We’ve explained Wi-Fi 6 in detail before, but here are the key facts: Wi-Fi 6 just started to appear in 2019 and is made to handle the faster, multi-gigabit internet speeds we are commonly starting to see. More importantly, it is able to handle a much larger number of smart devices at once. Think about your home filled with you and your spouse browsing through your phones while doing work on your laptops, with the addition of your teen and about a dozen of their friends doing a group project on just about as many phones and laptops. This is the future Wi-Fi 6 will have us prepared for.

Wi-Fi 6 routers also tend to have next-generation security protocols, like WPA3, and an extended Wi-Fi range.

Wi-Fi 6E is even newer than Wi-Fi 6, with the E standing for “Enhanced.” It uses technology that few devices today can actually take advantage of. Understanding Wi-Fi 6E in detail is worth it for the futurist but, in the here and now, there is such a thing as being too prepared. If you want something to last far into the future, one of our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers should be more than enough.

Wi-Fi range: Wi-Fi range is quite a bit more simple to understand than the above. This is the range that you can get Wi-Fi signal from the router. The only time this calculation can get complicated to understand is if you have a multi-story home (at which point you might want to look at our suggestions for best Wi-Fi extenders). The range is a direct point A to point B count, so you might have to study up on your Pythagoras.

The last thing to consider is that walls, electronic devices, and certain other materials in between your device and the router can weaken the signal somewhat. Like a lot of stats in the tech product world, more is better, but just enough will suffice.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best routers for Comcast

• Best overall: Motorola MG7700 Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo 
• Best Netgear: NETGEAR Nighthawk C7100V
• Best 600 Mbps for cable internet: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7400ACS
• Best Wi-Fi: Amazon eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi Router
• Best budget: TP-Link Archer A7

At the end of the day, the most important thing when buying your own router for Comcast is making sure you end up with both a router and a modem, have a router that is compatible with Comcast, and are able to enjoy the speeds provided. All of our best routers for Comcast are suitable for Comcast and many have modems, too. Nearly everyone will be happy using the Motorola MG7700 with their Comcast Xfinity internet.

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 Comcast 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 for beginners		Flashforge Adventurer 3		SEE IT	This is a 3D printer that can be up and running in the space of an afternoon, not a weekend.
Best for pros		Anycubic Kobra Max		SEE IT	As a large 3D printer, it can print out pieces that the most dedicated cosplayers might want.
Best budget		Ender 3 Max Neo		SEE IT	It has a large enough printing area to get decently sized pieces out without breaking the bank.

More and more, cosplay enthusiasts are looking to 3D printers for themed clothing and accouterments. Cosplay—embodying a fictional character through costume and makeup—is a hobby that can be done at any level, with any material. Want to be a robot? A cardboard box and tinfoil aren’t an awful place to start. But, as your performance art progresses, getting more precision cuts and customized looks becomes a top priority—especially if you’re attending big conventions and entering competitions. For that, having one of the best 3D printers can seriously help. Notches on sword sheaths, perfect polygon placement, and more can all be achieved with one of the best 3D printers for cosplay, and here are our top picks for the most accurate accessorizing.

• Best overall: Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer
• Best for beginners: Flashforge Adventurer 3
• Best for pros: Anycubic Kobra Max
• Best for prototypes and accessories: Flashforge Finder 3
• Best budget: Ender 3 Max Neo

How we chose the best 3D printers for cosplay

When we search for the best 3D printers, we look for 3D printers that could be used by a wide assortment of people and a wide number of use cases. Many of these printers will be great for cosplay as well. Others, not so much. To help us sort the list, we got pointers on the best 3D printers for cosplay directly from a cosplay artist before making our final picks.

Alex Norimaki, a content creator (Twitch/Instagram), engages with her audience by doing the things that young her would like. Whether showing her viewers an older game that she enjoyed as a child or by cosplaying as her favorite characters, she can share her love of creativity. And she shared her love of 3D printers with us to help inform our selections.

The best 3D printers for cosplay: Reviews & Recommendations

The following 3D printers for cosplay cover a wide range of required skill intensity, cost, and overall ability to accommodate the widest range of cosplayers possible. Whether this is your first time using a 3D printer for home designs or you’ve been in the hobby producing costume play props for some time, you should be able to find something to up your craftsmanship in the printers that follow.

Best overall: Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer

Bambu Lab

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is the “dream 3D printer for cosplay,” according to experts.

Specs

• Speed: 500 mm/s
• Filaments: 4 filament inputs (PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PVA, PET)
• Size: 256 x 256 x 256 mm output
• Auto-leveling beds: Dual Auto Bed Leveling
• Enclosure: Yes

Pros

• Four filament holders mean user efficiency and multi-color printing
• Best out-of-the-box printer
• Upgradeable frame
• Advanced anti-fail detection systems

Cons

• On the expensive side

The Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer has it all and is the best 3D printer for cosplay if you want to start with the best and get something that can scale with your prowess. In a large way, this is due to its most simple feature—the four filament feeders—but the accompanying tech that comes with the machine will help you tremendously. The fact that it is built to go fast and has a built-in enclosure obviously helps, too.

Still, the main reason why Alex and other cosplayers like her look at the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon is due to the filament threads you see at the top of the machine. They allow you to use multiple colors in your print, up to four with the base model but more with upgrades. While Alex is very forthright that 3D-printed cosplay pieces are quite easy to paint with acrylics, she still values multicolored printing due to time reduction. Plus, if you want sharp edges on your colors but don’t have painting skills, this is a great way to do so. The Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer can also use a wider range of materials than most 3D printers due to its advanced nozzle, drive, and cooling mechanics.

You’ll also have access to some more advanced anti-fail checks on the progress of your prints. Sometimes traditional 3D printers will output something that’s just a tad off-center. For cosplay, that’s not acceptable, as wearables and fan-favorite designs highlight these sorts of imperfections quickly, and judges look at accuracy. To counteract this issue, the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer has AI-assisted bed leveling. Additional AI features include first-layer inspection and “spaghetti monster” (the term for stringy coatings on 3D prints that have suffered failures) detection so you can leave your printer alone and know that your time is being used with maximum efficiency.

Best for beginners: Flashforge Adventurer 3

Flashforge

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Flashforge Adventurer 3 will ease anyone into the world of 3D printing.

Specs

• Speed: 10-100 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.
• Size: 150 x 150 x 150 mm output
• Auto-leveling beds: No, but uses leveling-free design.
• Enclosure: Yes

Pros

• Leveling-free design, built-in enclosure with camera, quick snap nozzles, and Plug’n’Play nature make it very beginner-friendly
• Quiet, 50dB operation
• Lifetime technical assistance
• Price point allows you to get started without breaking the bank

Cons

• Internet connection can be spotty
• Smaller size

Want to get started 3D printing right away? The Flashforge Adventurer 3 will take you on that adventure without a problem. According to the manufacturer, after you unbox the Flashforge Adventurer 3, you can plug it in, follow a few simple directions, and start printing within around five minutes. In reality, that claim seems to be a sort of speedrunners edition of the setup, which includes carefully removing pieces from the inside of the machine and a several-page startup guide. Still, even for absolute beginners, this is a 3D printer that can be up and running in the space of an afternoon, not a weekend.

Beyond its essentially plug-and-play nature, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 comes with many of the hassles of 3D printing eliminated from its setup. Its build plate is factory calibrated, easing the hassle of leveling, and the build area is already enclosed. Proper nozzle cleanup—which can cause a number of printing errors if neglected—is easy due to the “snapping” nature of the nozzle connection. If, like Alex, you want to take an excited peek at the emerging product, you won’t have to take any special precautions to do so, as the Flashforge Adventurer 3 has a built-in camera specifically for this purpose. Be patient for visual feedback, though, as the internet connection quality is one of the few common complaints about this otherwise super 3D printer for beginners.

Best for pros: Anycubic Kobra Max

Anycubic

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Get the large pieces that the pros wear from the Anycubic Kobra Max.

Specs

• Speed: 80-180 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Size: 450 x 400 x 400 mm
• Auto-leveling beds: Yes
• Enclosure: No

Pros

• Easy-to-use machine
• Huge print volume for great gear
• Advanced, 25-point auto-leveling functionality

Cons

• Heavy device that requires some environmental planning

Anycubic’s Kobra Max is an easy-to-use 3D printer that can suit beginners, but that scales well for professional cosplayers. The reason is that, as a large 3D printer, it can print out pieces that the most dedicated cosplayers might want. At 17.7 inches in height, it can, for instance, print out a typical scimitar in just two pieces.

The Kobra Max uses the in-house LeviQ leveling function to ensure quality prints. This is a 25-point “inspection” for your 3D printer’s bed, which systematically double-checks and calibrates the machine’s leveling. There’s still a lot of room to demonstrate your skill when using the Kobra Max, though, as the machine is heavy, large, and doesn’t come with an enclosure. Be sure to plan around the environment of your home when using this device.

Best for prototypes and accessories: Flashforge Finder 3

Flashforge

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Flash Forge Finder 3 is a small 3D printer capable of getting precise cuts for small adornments.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 180 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA/ABS/HIPS/PETG/PETG PRO/TPU 95A, etc.
• Size: 190 x 195 x 200 mm
• Auto-leveling beds: No
• Enclosure: Yes

Pros

• Quick setup
• Takes up less space than others on this list
• Start/stop functionality (resume printing after power outage)
• Easily removable build plate

Cons

• Only works with Linux
• Best for small objects only

While a lot of 3D printing for cosplay is going to be centered around printing out cool swords, impressive armor, and other large objects, the accessories are just as essential. For brooches, pendants, and other gaming objects, you should consider the Flash Forge Finder 3, which utilizes a smaller printing area well.

Bonus features included with the Flash Forge Finder 3 that make it excellent for cosplay include the easily removable build plate. This way, you can use your full hand to remove small, more delicate printed objects and not worry about knocking your valuable equipment for a loop while doing so. Additionally pleasant is the resume printing function, which allows for mid-printing stops without ruining the finished product.

Best budget: Ender 3 Max Neo

Ender

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Large size, small price.

Specs

• Speed: Up to 120 mm/s
• Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.
• Size: 300 x 300 x 320
• Auto-leveling beds: Yes
• Enclosure: No

Pros

• Great size-to-price ratio
• Quick assembly time
• Perfect for bracers, hilts, saber blades, and more
• Multiple options available to match your needs

Cons

• No enclosure

If you are looking for a value pick when getting a 3D printer for cosplay, consider the Ender 3 Max Neo. It has a large enough printing area to get decently sized pieces out without breaking the bank and tends to be amongst the best choices when you compare output size to price. The manufacturer also provides alternative models of the Ender 3 that bring that value up even higher.

But can you get gorgeous cosplay-tier prints out of a budget printer? Alex thinks so, citing this pick for cheapest 3D printer as the most similar in design and functionality to the printer she has used most frequently for home use. It has the room to grow with your hobby and is affordable to use for experimentation. As Alex says of learning moments, “Don’t be afraid of trial and error because it’s gonna happen.”

What to consider when selecting the best 3D printers for cosplay

Whether you pick a 3D printer for cosplay or to print miniatures, things like speed and cost will matter. But what matters most in the specific needs of the cosplay artist? In talking to Alex Norimaki, we found three things mentioned repeatedly in relation to 3D printing for cosplay: the printing environment, the printer’s size, and automatic leveling.

Printing environment

One of the first things to consider before buying a 3D printer is what kind of environment it will be placed in. Look for temperature fluctuations and air movements around the machine, which can all potentially warp the final product.

For her part, Alex says she prefers printing in her small closet to keep air flow to a minimum. That being said, she’ll still take small peaks to see how a print is coming along or to measure progress. “They’re not quite as needy as you might think they are,” she admitted after chuckling about her impatience.

Don’t have such an out-of-the-way space? That’s what an enclosure is for. Some 3D printers are already enclosed or include an enclosure attachment, and these are the best for beginners, but it really isn’t a requirement. If you discover you truly need one later, you can buy your own enclosure separately or improvise. As a result, Alex recommends not to worry too much about a 3D printer for cosplay not having an enclosure if you’re otherwise sold on the device.

Size

To put it bluntly, size matters in the world of 3D printing for cosplay. To get a big sword, mystical crossbow, or magical greaves in the most efficient way possible, you’ll want the ability to print large, whole pieces out.

Still, Alex warns that you don’t have to buy the biggest 3D printer to start with. You can always assemble from several pre-printed parts. You might also just want to print out smaller accessories. The filament responds well to glues and is pretty hard, too, so you have several options when it comes to final assembly.

Auto-leveling beds

In 3D printing, leveling is important to keep the finished products properly aligned. Without it, things can get lopsided. With small miniatures, this isn’t always such a big deal or noticeable, but things get a bit different when cosplay gets thrown into the mix. Large wearables that are printed in a misaligned way can cause a cosplay performer to look off-balance. Iconic set pieces will look off.

Alex, who does not claim that balancing and leveling by eye are amongst her many skills, highly suggests getting auto-leveling beds if you can. Since she goes on stage with her printed works sometimes, she wants them always to look correct to the audience. It’s just one less piece to worry about in the 3D printing puzzle, improves print quality, and gives you increased peace of mind from before you tap that “start” key to when onlookers are appraising your final outfit.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 3D printers for cosplay

• Best overall: Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer
• Best for beginners: Flashforge Adventurer 3
• Best for pros: Anycubic Kobra Max
• Best for prototypes and accessories: Flashforge Finder 3
• Best budget: Ender 3 Max Neo

Getting the best 3D printer for cosplay, while not exactly cheap, isn’t as intimidating as it might once have been. With the technology becoming increasingly diversified, it is also becoming more accessible and cheaper. If you have the willpower and time, there is a 3D printer out there that can suit your cosplaying needs and match a reasonable budget.

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 3D printers for cosplay in 2023, according to experts appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best Overall		HP F660		SEE IT	Loop recording, a wide angle lens, and G-Shock sensor are just some of the features of this easily installed option.
Best 2-Channel		Ssontong Dash Cam		SEE IT	Including a backup cam with guidelines and a sensitive G-Sensor, this bundle (also available with four channels) offers a full value.
Best Parking Mode		Vantrue N1 Pro		SEE IT	Superior night vision, quality collision and motion detection, plus battery protection help make sure your car is monitored even in the dark.

For years, dash cams for cars have been a great way to catch hit-and-run automobile accidents, staged pedestrian accident scams, and even Russian meteor showers. For a long time, having this ability to monitor what really happens on the exterior of your car, and being able to carefully review the data after the fact, has seemed like a luxury. It was something you might have appreciated but didn’t necessarily seem like something that’d be worth the extra buck to put in your car. But now, the year is 2022 and the best dash cams under $100 that we’ve collected are actually solid, working units ready to help you out in a pinch. 

• Best overall: HP F650
• Best 2-channel: Ssontong Dash Cam
• Best parking mode: Vantrue N1 Pro
• Best heat handling: REXING V1
• Best budget: Angel Case Dash Cam

How we selected the best dash cams under $100

Selecting budget products can always be a bit tricky due to manufacturer shortcuts, inferior hardware, and the possibility of outright fraud. Fortunately, for dash cams, there are still high-quality products in the budget range. To find the best of the best, we scoured dash cam reviews from critics and real-world users, combining these with peer suggestions to select dash cams that boasted good specs but also provided intensive value for the cost. Highlighting cams across the full price spectrum—from the REXING V1 at just under $100 before tax to the Angel Case Dash Cam sitting at under $40—was also made a priority. In the end, we were able to compile a list of dash cams that you will be able to select something from.

The best dash cams under $100: Reviews & Recommendations

The following dash cams provide quality in a variety of different situations for people of all budgets. While none are particularly specialized, it is quite incredible that we were able to find one that can handle many channels well, another one that handles parking mode and night vision well, and yet another one that can handle fairly extreme temperatures, all on one budget list. As a result, it is our firm belief that you’ll be able to find something worthy of both your dash and your wallet from the following selections.

Best overall: HP F650

HP

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is a quick installation product that will get you started and dash cam ready within minutes.

Specs

• Storage: 32GB MicroSD
• Viewing angle: 150 degrees
• Resolution: 1080P front

Pros

• Warning system
• Low effort installation
• Loop recording with event highlights
• Locks video clips when an accident occurs

Cons

• No rear-facing camera

The F650 is a dash cam from your favorite laptop and printer maker, HP. It has a lot of features built-in that you will certainly want, but probably weren’t necessarily expecting to come together in one budget model. The F650 has simple, stick-on installation, and smart loop recording that locks files around the time of collisions. The dash cam’s 150 degree field of view means it’ll capture view of four lanes of traffic.

If you get into an accident, the F650’s G-Shock sensor will trigger, which will lock any video it records to prevent it from being overwritten. This is handy if you need to present evidence to the police several days after the incident occurs. This dash cam records video onto a MicroSD card, and while HP doesn’t include one in the box, you can get a 32GB card for well under $10.

It goes without saying that the HP F650 tops our list due to its insane value for the cost and its feature-packed nature. Like a lot of HP products, the F650 isn’t the best possible model out there but is instead an affordable product that tries its best to provide value to average customers. We wish it had a rear-facing camera to record video of what’s happening in your vehicle, but that isn’t a dealbreaker considering its sub $50 price.

Best 2-channel: Ssontong Dash Cam

Ssontong

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Ssontong Dash Cam comes with a fully featured backup cam, all for under $50.

Specs

• Storage: 32GB SD
• Angle of view: 170 degrees front / 140 degrees rear
• Resolution: 1080P front / 720P rear

Pros

• Includes backup cam with guidelines
• Sensitive G-Sensor
• Full value for price
• Bundles available for four channels

Cons

• Low angle of view rear cam

While the HP F660G has a second cam, the Ssontong’s second channel cam acts as a full backup camera with guidelines and everything. While the rear cam isn’t quite up to the standards of a backup cam proper (it has a low 140-degree angle of view), you are also getting it as part of a complete system for under $100. Note, too, that the Ssontong can become a four-channel system and has bundle deals available if you wish to expand the system to be larger.

The Ssontong comes alive when you aren’t driving quickly via the G-Sensor, which rapidly detects vibrations. Even small wiggles, such as from a shut trunk or when you go back into your car to retrieve the bag you left in the back, will trigger it into full recording mode.

Overall, the Ssontong takes the throne for low-budget multi-channel dash cams. Even if you upgrade to include more channels, which might take you over $100, you’re still getting discounts and good deals at every corner. Ultimately, the Ssontong is a solid choice worthy of its dollar value.

Best parking mode: Vantrue N1 Pro

Vantrue

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Vantrue N1 Pro works wonders at night, making its 24-hour parking mode worth every dollar.

Specs

• Storage: Up to 256GB MicroSD (not included)
• Angle of view: 160 degrees
• Resolution: 1080P 

Pros

• Superior night vision
• Quality collision AND motion detection
• Battery protection

Cons

• Front cam only

The Vantrue N1 is a seemingly standard forward-facing dash cam but—much like vampires, werewolves, and teenagers—doesn’t begin to show its real power until night falls. Again, it’s not bad during the day with the standard 1080P resolution, relatively good 160-degree angle of view, and high storage capacity. You can even get GPS functionality for around $20 more if you buy the N1 Pro add-on, which will put the total purchase right around the $100 mark. However, what you really want to see is how it functions at night.

When engaged in parking mode, you have a couple of modes to explore. First, there is collision-detection mode, which requires no extra steps to use. When your car is hit during parking mode, your Vantrue N1 camera will come alive and take a quick 20-second video for you to review later. The other option is a slightly more complex motion-detection mode, which requires a bit of wiring so the cam has access to your car’s battery. Your battery is protected from draining completely even while this mode is engaged due to battery protection mechanisms.

All of these great parking features go hand-in-hand with the “SONY Sensor.” This night vision brand is well-received by customers and actually works pretty well in a variety of environments. Combined with the recording modes above, you’re likely to have a good parking-mode experience with Vantrue. If it only had an included rear cam, it’d be just about perfect.

Best heat handling: REXING V1

REXING

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you’ve ever worried about heat (or cold) affecting a dash cam, you can relax with the REXING V1.

Specs

• Storage: Up to 256GB MicroSD (not included)
• Temperature range: -20 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit
• Angle of view: 170 degrees

Pros

• Best temperature range
• Sharp, clear image
• Phone support

Cons

• Tax could take it over $100
• Front cam only

As heat does affect cams to some degree, you’ll want some tough heat resistance if you are expecting to blast through yet another summer heat wave and possibly leave the cam in your car. With a 176 degree Fahrenheit max, way above the 117 degrees your car can become after an hour in 95-degree heat, the REXING V1 is a cam you can feel truly secure leaving in any conditions.

Furthermore, the REXING V1 can even function down at an extreme: -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Compare that to the Vantrue N1 Pro’s already ambitious -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit range and you’ll see that you’re gaining 28 degrees of flexibility with the REXING V1.

All of this comes with a high-quality cam that produces sharp, clear imagery. In addition to the typical loop recording, the REXING V1 is also capable of connecting with your phone and you can offload clips that way as well. If only it came with a rear camera that was just as capable, it’d be perfect.

The only other downside I can really see for this one is that it is on the higher side of product costs. If you encounter any sales tax, you’ll probably slide over $100. It’s a technicality, but worth mentioning!

Best budget: Angel Case Dash Cam

Zhrmghg

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Angel Case may not be easily pronounceable, but it is an ultra-low budget, legitimate dash cam with outstandingly good customer reviews.

Specs

• Storage: Up to 32GB MicroSD (not included)
• Angle of view: 170 degrees
• Resolution: 1080P 

Pros

• Quick installation
• Fully featured
• Incredible customer satisfaction

Cons

• Cheap suction mount
• Front cam only

For your super-budget needs, the ultra-affordable Angel Case is here for you. This cam is under $35 dollars and comes fully featured, making it our cheapest dash cam pick. It has the loop recording (with locks for special events), the parking modes and G-Sensors, and even the night vision you expect from higher models. Its installation is remarkably quick, too, though it does use an admittedly cheap suction-cup mechanism.

It’s worth noting that Angel Case has something special, in that it is one of the best-rated dash cams on Amazon. Not just in the best budget dash cams but in all of them, though the outrageously low price certainly is a contributing factor. Customers just love it and that certainly makes it something worth checking out.

Still, there are things to be desired coming from the Zhrmghg. In addition to somewhat more secure mounting, it’d be nice to see a rear cam, too. However, it is hard to expect too many extras when you’re getting sub-$50 quality. The Zhrmghg will serve you well and get you far beyond that bare minimum of peace of mind that you’re after.

Things to consider before buying dash cams under $100

Overall, selecting a dash cam under $100 isn’t too far off from buying other dash cams for your car. However, when looking at low-price products, different trends and problems will emerge. So, while things like resolution and screen type are still important, you may run into more important problems or have different concerns altogether as a budget customer. Here’s what we suggest you look at, specifically, when searching for the best dash cams under $100:

Recording time

How much time can a dash cam under $100 record for? It’s actually a pretty complex question, that won’t have the simple numeral answer you’re hoping for. At the most basic, you have to worry about power supply, but also the dash cam’s storage capacity. When you’re working within price limitations, there is a chance that either one of these factors will become the limiting one.

Manufacturers are, of course, aware of the difficulties of giving you something functional while keeping within tight production budgets. While not all companies will be dedicated enough to give you something functional, there are some pretty intelligent design features that make dash cams under $100 workable. Here are just a few of them I’ve seen quite a bit of:

Shake-on recording: You might be aware of systems that make a note of when activity is detected so you can come back and review the relevant footage later. Unfortunately, that mechanism won’t save battery and storage space. Instead, dash cams with shake-on recording come “alive” when the car is shook or jostled, recording what happens in these key moments.

This tech comes by many names, such as “collision detection” or “G-sensor,” but all of them work similarly. While the feature is fairly ubiquitous, more advanced units have settings that will let you determine the threshold for turning on. For example, if you park in a parking tower that vibrates a bit as cars drive by, you might not want just any bump setting off your dash cam. 

Loop recording: First-In-First-Out, or “FIFO,” is one of the first rules of the kitchen. It also appears as “loop recording” for dash cams and can make for a really good file storage system when you’re working on a budget. Instead of stopping future recordings when the system becomes full, dash cams with this style of recording start deleting your oldest files automatically to make room for new stuff.

This system has the advantage of making sure the latest information is taken into account but you do run the risk of losing something important if you don’t regularly backup your data. Many dash cams with shake-on recording will designate files taken around the time of a shaking incident as important and ‘lock’ them for later viewing.

All of the dash cams on our list use loop recording and it isn’t hard to figure out why—the system is a fantastic complement to the way dash cams operate. Still, if you’re planning on searching for your own budget dash cam, this is a keyword to look out for.

SD storage: Dash cams, and especially those under $100, typically store footage to an SD or MicroSD storage card. In many cases, a card will be provided with the purchase, but double-check to be sure.

This supplied card probably won’t have as much storage space as the ones we’ve detailed in our best MicroSD and SD card articles, considering the cost restrictions. If you are concerned about the storage space of the card given, be sure to check those articles out. Also, pay careful attention to which type of memory card your purchased dash cam uses, as MicroSD and SD are not the same!

Lastly, some of the dash cams on the list actually have a storage maximum. In other words, they aren’t designed to work with cards above a certain value. So, getting the best MicroSD or SD card isn’t necessarily going to be the best decision for your dash cam experience.

Viewing angle

Viewing angle becomes very important when you’re trying to get as much information as possible. Having too narrow of a view angle, and subsequently completely missing out on an accident that you should have been able to capture, completely misses the point of having a dash cam in the first place. On the other hand, if your viewing angle is too wide you could encounter other problems, such as barrel distortion, which causes straight lines to appear awkwardly bent. A viewing angle between 150 degrees and 170 degrees will be best in most cases.

Night-vision quality

If you’re wanting to know what goes bump in the night, or at least what bumps into your car at night, then you’ll need some degree of night vision. There is a lot of technical jargon, mixed with some company labeling, so expect to see a lot of different claims out there. Examples include technical explanation, such as using f/2.8 aperture lenses, or more vague gestures that reference the brand name’s “special” night-vision formula.

Luckily, you don’t really need to look at numbers or technical stats to understand night-vision quality—you need to look at pictures or at least get a sense of what you’ll be able to see. In reality, when it comes to night vision quality, your best friend is going to be user reviews, image stills, and word of mouth.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best dash cams under $100

• Best overall: HP F650
• Best 2-channel: Ssontong Dash Cam
• Best parking mode: Vantrue N1 Pro
• Best heat handling: REXING V1
• Best budget: Angel Case Dash Cam

By now you should have a good idea of what dash cam you want for your car, depending on your needs. Additionally, you’ll have a firm idea of what the best dash cams under $100 have to offer in case you decide to do some further digging. In any event, while your package is on its way, be sure to check out the easiest way to install a dash cam so you’re 100% ready when it arrives!

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 dash cams under $100 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 Overall		Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station		SEE IT	A solar-powered, connected measurement system that’s quick to setup and easy to monitor.
Best For The Money		Tempest Weather System		SEE IT	With a downward-facing intake and 1,000-plus feet of wireless data transmission, this solar-powered, Google Home-equipped station meets all needs.
Best Basic		EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station		SEE IT	Easy to install and clean, this inexpensive and highly educational station measures more than you’d expect.

With summers getting hotter and hotter each year, wanting a personalized weather statement each day is starting to make more sense. However, if you’re new to the home weather station game, you might not be sure of what you want yet. There are quite a lot of options to choose from, wired and wireless models to deal with, and even some viable analog products out there. When paired with samey-looking digital displays, it can be difficult to decide the overall best product. That’s why we’ve worked diligently to determine customers’ needs in a home weather station, while also avoiding common flaws these systems might have. The result is our list of the best home weather stations purchasable in 2023.

• Best overall: Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station
• Best for the money: Tempest Weather System
• Best with wind speed: WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter
• Best basic: EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station
• Best budget: Newentor Weather Station

How we selected the best home weather stations

I have experience with consumer weather station usage in a field environment, as per my previous career in the sciences. Used for much the same reason that anyone would want a personal home weather station—the desire to know very local meteorological conditions—I have a bit of insight into what you might desire from a home weather station. Not to mention what problems you might face! For, as it turns out when you have instruments measuring weather, you also have to open them up to the weather, a not always friendly beast. I combined that experience with critical reviews and online user impressions to select our top five models for home weather stations.

The best home weather stations: Reviews & Recommendations

The home weather stations we’ve collected vary in style, functionality, and pricing so that you’ll be able to find something that fits your desires. We’ve also looked at what you’re looking for, such as compatibility with the Google Home system, and found top-ranking products that match those desires.

Best overall: Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station

Ambient Weather

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Ambient Weather WS-2902C is Amazon’s best-rated home weather station and has robust weather monitoring capabilities.

Specs

• Measures: Wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, rainfall, UV and solar radiation
• Power supply: Solar with AA-battery backup
• Sensor size: 15 x 11 x 10 inches

Pros

• Solar-powered measurement station
• Connects with Ambient Weather system
• Quick setup

Cons

• Measurement station and display device use different types of batteries

The first home weather station, and the overall winner on our list, is the Ambient Weather WS-2902C. The WS-2902C earns this distinction by having appealing features and being the best-rated home weather station by online shoppers.

First and foremost is the easy setup-and-forget nature of this home weather station. After taking a few minutes to place it on a pole, you won’t find yourself fiddling with it often. Part of this is because of its hybrid solar and battery-powered measurement unit. Another important aspect is how easily accessible your data is via the Ambient Weather app environment.

One of the main problems I found with the product was that the display device and measurement stations used different types of batteries—the former taking AAA’s and the latter taking AA’s (may we recommend rechargeables). Admittedly, this is a minor problem, as the display device can be plugged in and the measurement station only needs batteries for cloudy days.

At the end of the day, this is a fantastic wireless weather station that also has nice power-saving features, making it amongst the best eco-friendly home weather stations as well. All for a sub-$200 price point!

Best for the money: Tempest Weather System

WeatherFlow

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Tempest Weather System provides information on par with a professional weather system but at a much more affordable price.

Specs

• Things measured: Temperature, “feels like” temperature, solar and UV radiation, wind speed and direction, dew point, humidity, barometric pressure, lightning strikes, rainfall
• Power supply: Solar with lithium-ion battery backup
• Sensor size: 11.70 x 4.23 inches

Pros

• Downward-facing intakes on measurement device
• Solar-powered
• Works well with Google Home
• 1,000+ foot wireless data transmission range

Cons

• Periodic measurement quirks

The Tempest Weather System provides a myriad of data points in a well-designed package. With the Tempest reporting around a dozen weather stats, it is hard to believe that it has no moving parts, reducing the impacts of age and wear and tear on the system. Furthermore, the design makes sure that any openings are downwards-facing, reducing the chances of clogging.

Unlike a lot of home weather systems, the Tempest Weather System does not have an indoor display unit. Instead, the Tempest Weather Station is “smart” and updates every 3 seconds to 1 minute to a wireless transmission hub you can locate within 1,000 feet of the weather station. From there, info is sent to your smartphone(s) and Internet-of-Things devices. This includes Google Assistant, making it the best weather station for Google Home. You can then use the data to program your smart home, such as by having fans turn on or off depending on temperature readings given by the device.

All of this advanced measurement isn’t 100% perfect, but once you understand the quirks, you’ll be able to get a good read. The rain gauge, for example, uses touch-based vibrational sensors to get a reading. Each pitter-patter of rain on the side gets interpreted as a raindrop. That’s great, but sometimes other vibrations or small things hitting in on the windiest of days will also set it into rain gauge mode. The lightning detection has its own quirks, with user reviews mentioning that the Tempest Weather Station has mistaken gunshots for lightning. However, once these small quirks are acknowledged and accounted for, you are left with the best home weather station for the money due to just how much it can do.

Best with wind speed: WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter

WeatherFlow

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter is your personal handheld view into the world of wind.

Specs

• Things measured: Average wind speed, wind gust, apparent wind speed, true wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, pressure, dew point, heat index, wind chill, etc.
• Power supply: Internal battery
• Size: Handheld

Pros

• High mobility
• Works directly with your phone
• Gives detailed wind speed analysis
• Multiple app integrations

Cons

• Uses phone’s compass instead of providing one

If you’re here just to know about wind speed, you’ll be delighted with the handheld WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter. This version is the newest update to the popular 2019 model and has the capability to give you a detailed look at your immediate wind conditions, making it a perfect golf, kiting, or overall nature companion.

One interesting thing that the WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter will tell you is both the apparent wind speed and true wind speed. The apparent wind speed tells you how fast the wind is going relative to the device, while the true wind speed gives a measure of how fast the wind is actually going. The WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter also reports gust wind speeds and average wind speeds.

The makers of the WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter clearly have the hobbyist in mind and that shows more in the selection of apps you can use it with than with any other factor. Pair this weather station with any of the following six apps: Wind & Weather Meter, iKiteSurf, iWindSurf, SailFlow, FishWeather, and WindAlert.

What might disappoint you about the WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter is the lack of an internal compass. Instead, you must rely on your phone’s compass for accurate wind direction readouts. However, we wouldn’t count this as too bad of a tradeoff considering phone compasses are getting better every year and you are able to get such an advanced wind meter in such a convenient-to-carry form.

Best basic: EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station

EZRead

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This analog weather station gives you a hands-on read of your local weather conditions.

Specs

• Things measured: Temperature, wind chill, rainfall, total rain, wind speed and direction
• Power supply: N/A; completely analog
• Item size: 1 x 8 x 10 inches

Pros

• Highly educational
• Easy to install and clean
• Measures more than expected
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Tiny measurement display can’t be read from window

For the weather hobbyist that wants to understand the weather in a way that transcends digital charts and displays, the EZRead 840-0052 is the best home weather station. Considering that it is only ~$20, the EZRead can also be bought in bulk, making it also ranked as the best weather station for kids and student projects.

To get started using the EZRead the only thing you’ll need to do is mount it and wait for weather to happen. The mounting process is relatively simple, as the metal frame has two preconfigured holes in it, which Headwind Consumer Products recommends affixing to a fence or patio support, but feel free to be creative.

The EZRead measures a surprising quantity of things, including total rain and wind speed, and does so in both the good ole American Imperial units as well as the more scientifically customary metric units. The EZRead has a wind chill chart directly on the device, to help you convert the thermometer’s temperature to a “feels like” number. In this way, this home weather station will become an arithmetic booster for your kids and bridge the gap between science, math, and reality.

Finally, for all that has been said about cleaning tubes and open holes in home weather stations, it must be said that nothing can be easier to clean than the rain gauge on the EZRead. It is essentially a removable graduated cylinder and can be cleaned with a vase or pipe cleaner quickly. The manufacturer recommends this rain gauge part be turned upside down during freezing weather to prevent damage, but it can just as easily be moved inside.

Best budget: Newentor Weather Station

Newentor

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This home weather station provides you with the reading and stats you really want without the extra costs and hassles of a premium model.

Specs

• Things measured: Temperature and humidity
• Power supply: AA-batteries
• Display size: 7.5 inches

Pros

• Also includes atomic clock, weather forecast, and lunar phase
• Display unit can accommodate up to 3 sensors
• Gets the fundamentals right without charging you extra

Cons

• Limited valid sensor placements

If the main thing you want to know is how hot of a summer day you are about to face and how much humidity will be bearing down on you, consider looking no further than the Newentor Weather Station. You aren’t being charged extra for delicate wind meters and rain gauges, and the whole apparatus is supplemented by local weather forecasts. This is definitely the best home weather station for those in rural areas where the local station’s rain forecast is good enough but local humidity and temperature change wildly based on local hills, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

This home weather station’s indoor display unit will also give you additional information, such as the time from the WWVB atomic clock system, a weather forecast, the current moon phase, and a mini calendar. A happy/sad/neutral face system will tell you about the outside weather conditions and there are optional temperature alerts. The Newentor should sync with the WWVB system within about 24 hours of initial use, after which all time-based additional features will begin working.

The sensors (this package comes with one, but you can order up to two more for the system) can be installed within 200 feet of your indoor display unit, but some care must be taken in this. Newentor recommends a North-facing wall and that the unit be out of the way of rain and direct sunlight. In my eyes, this makes a North-facing patio the best place for installation, but your personal circumstances may vary. Additionally, the unit requires two AA batteries.

Finally, while our best basic product (the EZRead, discussed above) is technically the cheapest home weather station on our list, we’ve listed this as our best budget pick. The reasoning is simple: The Newentor Weather Station is the best digital weather station under $50.

Things to consider before buying home weather stations

When you first decided to buy a home weather station, you probably excitedly asked yourself a few questions, such as: Can a home weather station measure more than temperature and humidity? Can I get one that is affordable? Where will I be able to put the measuring devices?

As it turns out, there are quite a few things that you will need to consider when making a home weather station purchase that aren’t that obvious, including:

Things measured

The big four for home weather stations are temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Nearly all home weather stations can measure these but there are things that you might want to be measured, such as the UV radiation level, that are nice to know and can add extra usefulness to your system. Some of our best home weather station picks can also measure other stats, such as dew point, lightning strikes, and gust wind speed.

One issue is that you may discover you don’t really want or need all of the measurements provided by a given home weather station. While being able to measure a lot of different things looks great for marketing, it also drives up costs. For many people, a home weather station that is able to measure a few things well is better than a home weather station that can measure dozens of things.

Additionally, as we’ll see in the next category, you should also consider the ability of each thing to be measured properly based on your local environment. Based on the instrument positioning, see below, measuring rainfall might be difficult if you’re wanting to set up your home weather station near a small-leafed bush.

Instrument positioning

Instrument positioning will likely be the most important, but also most obscure, factor that determines your overall happiness with your home weather station. One of the unfortunate parts of being a weather machine is that you have to experience a lot of, well, weather and nature. You’ll want to think about where you are going to put your home weather station’s measurement device as well as where any intake holes are placed on it.

Commonly, difficulties with instrument positioning will present themselves in an upward-facing hole, usually as part of the rain gauge. One aesthetically pleasing, but operationally sub-optimal installation onto a pole that has a bird feeder or bird house and you’ve got a major problem: bits of seeds or bird excrement clogging up your home weather station.

Other sources of problems include foliage blocking wind meters, mowed lawns kicking up grass into side-facing holes, and overheating equipment. Not all devices are made to withstand all conditions. You want one that’s durable and then you want it positioned thoughtfully so you can, say, find out how much action your home wind turbine might get today or whether you need to be worried for your solar generator’s panels.

Power supply

Are you going with a battery or a wire for your home weather station? The answer to this question is going to be very important for the quality of interactions you have with your home weather station.

While you might think that the choice will come down to having a wired model or something with a battery, the reality is a bit different. Some models tend to work off of solar power, with a battery used as a backup, while other models use solely batteries. We’ll be presenting a mixture of both styles to you, as each can be appealing at certain price ranges and functionalities.

We also have a very basic analog product, the EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station. This one forgoes the whole power supply problem altogether and relies solely on the power of wind and gravity to make it work.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best home weather stations

Getting one of the best home weather stations in 2023 means that you can get quality without having to spend the sometimes exorbitant amounts for professional weather stations that meteorologists use. Even basic analog weather stations like the EZRead can provide value to the right person, but we recommend the Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station for the right blend of quality and cost.

The post The best home weather stations 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		LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor		SEE IT	Plenty of display real estate, plus the ability to split the screen, make this wall-mountable USB-C monitor extra efficient.
Best 4K		HP 27-inch 4K UHD		SEE IT	Ultra-thin bezels, blue light protection, low-blur technology, and great tilt range make for an optimum viewing option.
Best Value		Samsung Business S27R650FDN		SEE IT	Wide viewing angles, plus equally robust connectivity options, are packed in an energy-saving easy on the eyes display.

Programming and living behind a screen are basically synonymous, so for high-quality coding and study you deserve comfort and an optimized monitor for programming is a great place to start. While the stereotype of the hacking coder, slouched into a chair, wearing a hoodie, and blasting their eyes with a bright screen in a dark room is fun to think about, the result will only be a horrible experience.

Instead, if you’re a real coder of today, you probably realize that you have a long, steady career ahead of you. Increased comfort and feeling good on the job will lead to a fruitful workday and a clear head, ready to innovate. With work from home not going anywhere soon, especially in the knowledge work sector, it is falling more and more on the shoulders of the worker to get their own computer equipment. As a result, we invite you to consider upgrading your life with one of our best monitors for programming picks.

• Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor
• Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD
• Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN
• Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9
• Best portable: SideTrak Swivel 14”
• Best budget: BenQ GW2780

How we chose the best monitors for programming

Staring at screens, typing out notes, and looking through comparison tables is something both the writer and the programmer handle on a daily basis, so personal experience helped guide this guide. Discussing the matter of picking a monitor with software engineers themselves helps too, of course, with key concerns including size and resolution. I also looked at user impressions, their concerns, and what critics see as coming trends, such as more working from home; for these reasons, I adjusted toward results that prioritize comfort and eye health after long-term usage.

Ultimately, good monitors for programming are good monitors for computing. Expect to see some overlap in how programming monitors are evaluated with other categories of monitor, such as gaming monitors and trading monitors, etc. The key differences, such as being used for work activities with less chances of a break, are going to be where we put in a significant portion of our comparison efforts, but a good monitor will always be a good monitor.

The best monitors for programming: Reviews & Recommendations

The best monitors for programming include a wide range of brands, makes, and features. Again, a good monitor for programming will be good for a wide variety of uses. Any of the monitors on this list will be good for any purpose, but also happen to have some qualities that give them the edge over the competition when it comes to quality coding time.

Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor

LG

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This monitor is ultrawide, the perfect size, and has on-screen controls to make it the best possible experience for people wanting to use multiple windows at once.

Specs

• Size: 34”
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels
• Screen: Anti-glare, Hard coating

Pros

• Built-in screen-splitting options
• USB-C works great with the MacBook Pro
• Excellent height adjustability for neck comfort
• 100 x 100 VESA wall-mountable

Cons

• Expensive

The LG 34WN80C-B Ultrawide is designed for intensive programming at home. This is seen in its On-Screen tech, maneuverability, and MacBook Pro connectability. It also happens to be one of the best ultrawide monitors for working at home.

The first way this can be seen is through the huge customization ability available through LG’s On-Screen control options. Using this feature you can subdivide your screen into defined boxes. Click, drag, and pop your relevant windows into place to fill each section and get the most out of the monitor. You’ll notice that you have space for debugging windows, coding screens, GitHub pages, and more all on one monitor without feeling cramped. Naturally, the 34-inch ultrawide size of this LG plays into that, but the on-screen controls will certainly pull their weight.

Next, let’s talk about maneuverability. This monitor does a great job of accommodating coders of any height by having just over half a foot of vertical height adjustment. Furthermore, this is accomplished without finicky knobs or difficult-to-reach panels, you can just move it with your hands and the spring-loaded mechanism of the stand will take care of the rest.

Finally, consider that this monitor supports USB-C, making it a really good combo with MacBook Pro laptops. Considering that macOS is a preferred programming environment, there’s a good chance that either your current or next company computer will be one. There are other good monitor options for MacBook Pro users but not all of them will prove to be best for programmers.

Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD

HP

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Why it made the cut: This is a 4K monitor for programming with built-in blue light filtering, excellent tilting, and the ultra high resolution you deserve.

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Tilt: 5 degrees forward, 16 degrees backward

Pros

• AMD FreeSync for low blur
• Ultra-thin bezel
• Built-in blue light protection
• Great backward tilt range

Cons

• Not VESA compatible for mounting

The HP 27-inch 4K UHD provides a decent size while giving you the 4K resolution you’ll need for intensive graphical projects and standard computer use. The added blue light protection that comes built-in with the monitor is a nice addition for making sure a couple of crunch time hours at night don’t cut into your success the next day.

Multi-monitor setups will particularly enjoy the sub-quarter-inch bezel around the sides of the monitor. Quickly flicking your eyes to your other monitor is comfortable and not immersion-breaking like it can be with some monitors. In fact, if you manage to bump your monitors close enough together, it can feel practically like one monitor from a vision perspective.

One thing I wasn’t so happy about with this monitor was the lack of VESA mount holes. Luckily, the monitor is still quite adjustable with six degrees downward tilt and 17 degrees upward, making this HP quite great for those of you that like to tower over your monitor as you work. Ultimately, we think you’ll likely not miss the ability to pair this with a monitor arm unless that just so happens to be a priority for you.

It all comes together to give us an outstanding monitor for programming that fits in well with HP’s solid general-purpose monitors. While this HP fits in as the best 4K monitor for programming, you should certainly check out the others if you are an HP fan.

Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN

Samsung

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This monitor approaches budget pricing while still having great features for professionals.

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Viewing angle: 172 degrees

Pros

• Includes Eye Saver Mode
• Wide viewing angle for collaboration
• Full connectivity panel
• Energy-saving mode

Cons

• Unreliable DisplayPort connection

The Samsung Business S27R650FDN has “business” right in the name but does it hold up to being the best value monitor for programming work? Based on the features and specs that Samsung has managed to pour into it, we’d respond with a resounding “yes.” That’s without mentioning one of the most businesslike features of all, its economical energy-saving mode and bargain sticker price.

With workers in mind, the Samsung Business uses the included Eye Saver Mode to reduce blue light from the monitor. Flicker-Free technology is also included to keep your eyes comfortable and feeling rested through a long shift.

Especially useful for teams and collaborative efforts, the Samsung Business has a 172-degree viewing angle and a wide connectivity panel to support a wide range of devices, including those that use USB 3.0 (including B type), USB 2.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, and old school RGB. For those with a ton of devices, this will certainly be the best value monitor for programming. The only caveat to this is that the DisplayPort is touchy and unreliable, dropping for some users.

Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: The Samsung Odyssey G9 is the best monitor for gaming and programming due to its size, resolution, and high-performance gaming screen.

Specs

• Size: 49”
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440 pixels
• Refresh rate: 240Hz

Pros

• Gigantic screen size
• Vivid color display
• Intensive curve

Cons

• Very expensive

Here’s another fantastic ultrawide option for your gaming and programming pleasure. Much like our pick for the overall best monitor for programming, the Samsung Odyssey G9 provides a massive screen ready to fit many windows, charts, graphs, debug menus, and the like.

What’s different about the G9 is that it is also one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, with insanely high refresh rates of 240Hz and a 1 millisecond response time. Add on top of this the AMD FreeSync technology that ensures that your monitor matches a compatible graphics card frame-by-frame and you have a recipe for back-to-back after-work headshots.

Additionally, the G9 has a curve at a degree that copies the curve of the human eye. This helps reduce the need to constantly bend your neck to take in the fullness of the screen. That doesn’t mean that you’ll never wish to crane your neck or tilt your head while using a G9, of course, but you should notice a subtle reduction in neck and shoulder stress when compared to other curved monitors for programming.

One thing to keep in mind is that the G9 is bigger than nearly any other monitor out there, which makes it a great choice of large monitor for programming. Unfortunately, the sticker price has had the chance to measure every square inch of the G9 and has been able to keep up with it. While this is certainly not a cheap monitor for programming, it will keep you happy.

Best portable: SideTrak Swivel 14”

SideTrak

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Why it made the cut: This portable monitor naturally attaches to your laptop to give you the dual-monitor office feel on the go.

Specs

• Size: 14”
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Weight: 1.5 pounds (3.1 with attachments)

Pros

• Connects to any laptop
• No tool installation
• Plug and play, download-free installation

Cons

• Designed for right-side attachment only

As working on the go has become more and more popular, especially in the programming field, the desire to have a second monitor to travel with us has grown immensely. This can be seen with the expansive list of fantastic portable monitors coming out over the past few years. So, what makes the SideTrak Swivel the best portable monitor for programming?

While maintaining the high quality of the other portable monitors, the SideTrak Swivel has superior attachment and connectability options. With a combo of sticky pads and computer-safe magnets, the monitor attaches directly next to the side of your laptop’s screen. Unlike other portable monitors that are stuck resting in a stand, you can tilt it to the angle you’re used to in the office. Really, that’s what it all comes down to, recreating the dual-monitor office setup that you like anywhere you go.

Furthermore, the SideTrak Swivel has a ton of connectivity options. You can have USB-C, with DisplayPort capabilities, for your MacBook Pro or use standard USB-A or HDMI for other notebook computers. It’s even compatible with Chromebook and can connect to just about any device while remaining plug-and-play.

The only disappointing thing about the SideTrak experience is the fact that it could just as easily be called the RightSideTrak. The attachment mechanism is designed to be attached to the left part of the monitor. If, like me, you’re used to having your second monitor on the left, you can do so, but you’ll be stuck with an unsightly upside-down monitor as a result.

Best budget: BenQ GW2780

BenQ

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Why it made the cut: This monitor checks all of the basic boxes, gives you a bit extra, and still has a price tag worthy of the best budget monitor for programming. 

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Screen: Glossy LED

Pros

• Intelligent brightness adjustment
• Wall mountable with 100 x 100 VESA
• Built-in cable management

Cons

• Low-quality built-in speakers

Our best budget monitor for programming, the BenQ GW2780, stays cheap but has a lot of nifty features that make it worth your while for programming or any other purpose. 

You can see the standard features that make it great for programming with the 27-inch screen or the fact that it has 100 x 100 VESA mount capabilities.

However, it is the extra features that aren’t costing you any extra that make the BenQ outcompete other budget monitor contenders. One cool example is a sensor that adjusts your screen’s brightness for you automatically. Another is the built-in cord control in the stand. Sure, these aren’t features most of you are begging for, but it’s these kinds of thoughtful touches that show BenQ is going the extra mile to make a worthwhile product for the budget tier.

One extra you probably won’t love, however, is the included speakers. They’re low-quality and quiet, and even people who aren’t professed audiophiles tend to struggle to like them. If you are in need of some speakers on the cheap, there are quite a few desktop speakers or budget Bluetooth speakers out there that will better suit your needs.

What to consider when buying the best monitors for programming

Getting monitors for programming, much like getting monitors for home offices, can be tricky because you’ll want the monitor to be good for other purposes, too. Luckily, many of the factors that translate to being one of the best monitors for programming, also make for great general monitors. For example, programmers are likely to care a lot about size but people watching Netflix aren’t complaining about monitors being too big. We’ll examine all of the big factors in this sort of multimodal way, including resolution and comfort.

Size

This one is relatively straightforward. In almost every case, bigger is better. The ability to have multiple windows open at the same time and look at things side-by-side cannot be overstated. Moving your head from one monitor to another can make direct comparisons tricky, whereas having everything ready at a glance will help keep you in a happy programming flow state.

While there are some people that might look at a very large screen and feel overwhelmed, it is easy to make your windows smaller and focus on what is important. You cannot do this the other way around—making windows larger than the screen to be more comfortable. Getting something a tad bigger than you’re used to will likely go fine, you’ll get acclimated to the larger size, but going too small will trap you in.

So, when might it be bad to have a larger monitor? When the monitor is so big that it pushes out your other monitors. Sure, the advantages of side-by-side comparison given by a large monitor are important, but that doesn’t mean that having the ability to throw something up in full screen on another monitor is less important. Finding balance and what works appropriately with your given desk space is critical.

Resolution

In the world of movies, we always seem to see blocky, pixelated coding text. The real world won’t have it. Resolution is the most important factor for getting a crisp, easy to look at picture out of your monitor. The higher the resolution, the more pixels you’ll see in a given patch of monitor space.

Resolution is defined by both numbers and letters, which can be somewhat confusing. The numbers give a reading of the pixels shown, horizontally and vertically. For example, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 shows 1920 pixels from right to left and 1080 pixels from top to bottom. Resolution numbers are often abbreviated to just show the vertical number—1920 x 1080 is known in this system as 1080p.

Letter abbreviations are also commonly used. Some of the most common abbreviations are as follows: FHD (Full High Definition) is 1920 x 1080; QHD (Quad High Definition) is 2560 x 1440; and UHD (Ultra High Definition) is 3840 x 2160. Interestingly, despite only getting to 3,840 pixels wide, this is commonly referred to as 4K.

So, what resolution is good for programming? This is another case of the bigger, the better, but we recommend going for at least 1080p, with 1440p and higher offering the best experience. One often unmentioned, but nonetheless worthy, note is that your desktop space changes with your resolution. So, if you’re the type of programmer with about 40 to 50 files and folders on your desktop, plus a dozen or so game shortcuts, then you’ll definitely want to be opting for the highest resolution possible!

Comfort

It’s a sad fact but you’re probably going to be working more often than you’d like to be. Be comfortable while you do it. For this review, we’re looking at three key comfort factors that can work for you:

Range of tilt: Your monitor’s ability to tilt will add comfort by increasing the flexibility of its facing. Having a monitor that is tilted too high or too low could have the negative effect of subconsciously forcing your head to match, giving you headaches or unnecessary shoulder tension.

Ability to wall mount: Rigging up your monitor with a reliable wall mount or desk stand will give you the advantages of increased desk space and heightened maneuverability of your monitor. Look for VESA-compatible monitors, with 100 x 100 mounting surfaces giving you the most options in terms of wall mounts to buy and 200 x 200 being an okay alternative for ultrawide monitors.

Eye comfort: Screens that are too bright, glossy, or that suffer from screen flickering can all cause discomfort to the eyes. Nowadays, monitors are also providing built-in blue light blocking to improve users’ sleep quality. All of these factors can greatly affect how you perceive your time with your monitor and the quality of your work, so much so that we’d recommend you check out our monitors for eye strain if this is a recurring problem for you.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for programming

• Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor
• Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD
• Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN
• Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9
• Best portable: SideTrak Swivel 14”
• Best budget: BenQ GW2780

Getting one of the best monitors for programming doesn’t have to be difficult. If you find a monitor that is easy to use in daily life, treats your eyes well, and connects properly with your work computer, then you’ve probably found a decent programming monitor. Still, considering a unique monitor like the LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide or the business-minded Samsung Business S27R650FDN might give you the extra edge you’ve been looking for.

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 monitors for programming 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 Overall		Honda Power Equipment HSS724AAWD		SEE IT	With an easy electric start and adjustable auger height, this beast of a blower will carve a path through frozen precipitation in no time.
Best Electric		EGO SNT2400		SEE IT	More eco-friendly, as well as noise pollution negligible, than gas-powered blowers, this electric option is still highly efficient.
Best for Long Driveways		Briggs & Stratton 1696619		SEE IT	A robust control panel, powerful engine, and highly flexible chute allow for a high level of precision, perfect for a long, winding driveway needing navigating.

You might be avoiding snow blowers for gravel driveways because you’ve heard they’ll kick up rocks and damage your property. At the same time, shoveling out your entire driveway probably sounds like a horrid chore. The answer is a two-stage or three-stage snow blower, capable of skimming across the top of your driveway, removing the majority of snow while leaving your driveway intact. If you feel like picking the right machine for the job has you between a bunch of rocks and a hard place, we’ve made it easier with our list of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

• Best overall: Honda 660780 Two Stage Snow Blower
• Best electric: EGO SNT2400
• Best 3-stage: Cub Cadet 3X 28”
• Best for long driveways: Briggs & Stratton 1696619
• Best budget: PowerSmart Snow Blower 212cc

How we selected the best snow blowers for gravel driveways

Selecting the best snow blowers for gravel driveways is a bit different than choosing the best snow blowers to use in a general sense. The main issue is that you cannot safely use a 1-stage snow blower on gravel driveways. Wheels and treads are another worthwhile consideration. In any event, we had to go beyond the top-rated snow blowers and look at each machine to make sure it would remove your snow and not the ground, without having to resort to snow shovels. We considered critical reviews and user impressions to help us narrow down our list to the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

The best snow blowers for gravel driveways: Reviews & Recommendations

The following 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers are all adequate choices for gravel driveways. While the typical choice is going to be a gas-powered 2-stage snow blower, we’ve also got some variety for you. Within this list, you’ll be able to find anything you would want from the category, from heavy-duty snow blowers to the best electric snow blower. In the end, all of the following choices will make for a good snow blower for gravel driveway clearing.

Best overall: Honda 660780 Two Stage Snow Blower

Honda

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This heavy-duty snow blower by Honda has the power to get big jobs done.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stage
• Size: Fits in 60 x 44 x 30 inches pre-assembly
• Weight: 220 pounds

Pros

• Easy electric start
• Adjustable auger height
• Clears 24-inches wide
• Expert assembly available

Cons

• Very heavy
• Expensive

The top of our list belongs to Honda Power Equipment for its sheer power. This beast of a machine can handle 1,500 pounds of snow a minute, with a 24-inch wide clearing opening. Keeping on your gravel driveway should be relatively easy with the tank-like treads on the back two wheels. Be sure to install skid shoes on the bottom of the front section to give your snow blower some lift, but also be aware that the height of the Honda Power Equipment’s auger (the part that gets rid of the snow) is adjustable.

You can also take advantage of the offered expert assembly, which will be especially useful since the Honda Power Equipment snow blower weighs over 220 pounds. I understand this weight, alongside the hefty cost, is going to turn some heads, but the overall efficacy of the Honda Power Equipment and advanced height adjustment earns it its slot at the top of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

Best electric: EGO SNT2400

EGO Power+

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The EGO SNT2400 is one of the few fully electric stage-2 snow blowers that can compete with a gas-powered snow blower.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stages
• Size: 49 x 26 x 45 inches
• Weight: 154.7 pounds

Pros

• Much quieter than gas-powered models
• Headlights
• Eco friendly
• Expert assembly available

Cons

• No provided batteries/charger

Our best electric snow blower for gravel driveways comes in the form of the EGO SNT2400. This product really outshines its gas-powered competitors in that it isn’t churning out noxious fumes into the air while also staying quiet in the mornings to not wake up the kids and neighbors.

The EGO SNT2400 uses arc lithium batteries to deliver the power of gas without all of the environmental downsides. The batteries also give you the chance for a completely electric but also cordless snow blower-for-gravel-driveways experience.

Unfortunately, the EGO SNT2400 does not come with the batteries and charger. This does, however, give you some choice and flexibility in what you’re getting, as well as save you some money if you’re an electric fan that already has the needed batteries for other EGO Outdoor Power Equipment. For this model, EGO recommends using two of the 56V ARC Lithium batteries, with the 7.5 Ah model being able to clear an 18-car driveway in a single charge.

Best 3-stage: Cub Cadet 3X 28”

CUB CADET

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Cub Cadet is the most accessible 3-stage snow blower on the market. 

Specs

• Stages: 3-stage
• Size: 48.5 x 29.5 x 34 inches
• Weight: 282 pounds

Pros

• Push-button start
• 4-cycle engine
• Heated grips
• Headlights

Cons

• No expert assembly option

When things get rough, such as when you get refrozen snow regularly, it becomes time for a 3-stage snow blower. These hardy snow blowers have an accelerator that pushes through into the heaviest and wettest of snows, giving you the power to get the job done. The Cub Cadet 3X 28” provides this power as one of the most accessible options to the general public.

Cub Cadet also makes the experience quite comfortable. Heated grips make using the machine palatable even during damp and frigid snowy mornings. You also won’t have to become overly worried about sideswiping your vehicles in those dark Northern mornings due to the high-quality headlamps the Cub Cadet possesses.

The Cub Cadet 3-stage doesn’t come with expert assembly, but you should be able to assemble it yourself in about 30 minutes. The main part of the machine will come pre-assembled in the box, leaving minimal work to you.

Best for long driveways: Briggs & Stratton 1696619

Briggs & Stratton

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Briggs & Stratton snow blower offers a lot of flexibility and ease in snow chute control.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stage
• Size: 56 x 29 x 43 inches
• Weight: 189 pounds

Pros

• Robust control panel
• Highly flexible chute
• Cold-start engine
• Expert assembly available

Cons

• Difficult self-assembly

The Briggs & Stratton 1696619 is yet another gas-powered snow blower operating on two stages. What sets the Briggs & Stratton apart from other snow blowers for gravel driveways is the high level of precision it gives in chute control via the control panel. It can rotate 200 degrees from left to right solely from dials at your fingertips. While more complex chute rotations might be viable on shorter driveways, you’ll be thankful for the flexibility along long driveways where different segments of the path will probably require different chute angles.

Another perk of this model is the powerful Briggs & Stratton 1150 motor that is qualified to work all the way down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. As part of the “Our Starting Promise” deal, Briggs & Stratton will fix your engine for free if your snow blower fails to start due to cold weather warmer than this point.

Getting the expert assembly option for the Briggs & Stratton is totally recommended as the instructions, even for those used to assembling store-bought products, come across as a bit arcane and are overall somewhat difficult to parse. Still, take a moment and look through the manual yourself before making a decision.

Best budget: PowerSmart Snow Blower 212cc

PowerSmart

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Why it made the cut: PowerSmart has provided us with a fully powered 2-stage snow blower for under $800.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stage
• Size: 32.3 x 24.8 x 22 inches
• Weight: 143 pounds

Pros

• Great power for the price
• Relatively lightweight
• Expert assembly available

Cons

• Jiggly chute

Finally, we have a 2-stage snow blower from PowerSmart. Despite being budget, the PowerSmart is tough enough to get through some pretty difficult snows thanks to a clearing height of up to 21 inches at full 2-foot width. It uses a 212cc standard gas engine with a corded electric start.

What the PowerSmart lacks in premium features, such as headlights or heated handles, it makes up for by being a solid unit that won’t break the bank. You’ll also notice that sticking to the essentials gives makes the PowerSmart comparatively lightweight at only 143 pounds. Where most units are considerably heavier than me, there’s a lot of comfort in working with a machine in the slippery snow that is more comparable in weight.

The PowerSmart features a 180-degree rotatable chute. While, in theory, this rotation should be under your control, consumer reports mention that the chute can have a mind of its own from time to time and change its aim. This is particularly noticeable in bumpy terrain. Still, you should be able to get it back under control quickly if you are attentive.

Things to consider before buying snow blowers for gravel driveways

While the number of stages is the most important thing to consider when buying a snow blower for gravel driveways compared to one for other use cases, there are other important things to consider before buying such a large, complicated piece of equipment:

Stages

At its most simple, we can describe the stage amount as the number of steps and parts used to chuck snow elsewhere. The most important distinction for users wanting to blow snow off the tops of gravel driveways is separating 1-stage and higher-stage snow blowers.

A 1-stage snow blower, also known as a “snow thrower,” has a more open build and no shielding to protect the ground. The result is snow—and gravel—thrown everywhere! These 1-stage snow blowers are not suitable snow blowers for gravel driveways.

The 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers, meanwhile, are made for gravel driveways. A large part of this is the addition in most models of skid shoes, which force the machine slightly off the ground. The result is a skimming-off-the-top effect, leaving just a thin layer of snow atop your undisturbed gravel. The main bonus of a 3-stage over a 2-stage is the addition of an accelerator that can help with harder, refrozen snow.

Please note that other terminology works for these products, as well. For example, 2-stage, dual-stage, and two-stage all work interchangeably. When looking for the best snow blowers for gravel driveways avoid snow throwers, 1-stage snow blowers, single-stage snow blowers, and one-stage snow blowers.

Expert assembly options

Regardless of how handy you are, a bit of help putting together a several-hundred-pound machine can be quite useful. This assembly can also ensure that the skid shoes—the part of the snow blower that raises the machine up to not eat your gravel—are attached properly. As a bonus, the cost of getting expert assembly is typically quite cheap. For example, the EGO SNT2400 has an expert assembly option that adds less than 5% to the overall cost of the machine. That being said, be sure to discuss the details with the service provider, as there is usually a clause that allows for an updated estimate based on the complexity of the machine.

Size & weight

Picturing your heavy-duty snow blower tossing snow out of your path sounds great as the season approaches, but will you be happy with a large and ultra-heavy machine sitting in your garage all year? Be careful and imagine setting a box with the weight and dimensions of your new product in your shed for a full year. Are you going to be using it enough during the viable season to make it worth having it from spring to fall as well or is it going to be weighing you down more than the full utility that it provides?

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best snow blowers for gravel driveways

Getting the best snow blowers for gravel driveways is easy once you’ve figured out the need to have a 2-stage or 3-stage snow blower at a minimum. The snow blowers presented on this list should appeal to anyone wishing to get something to make the winter more bearable, with the Honda 660780 Two Stage Snow Blower being a particularly strong choice.

The post The best snow blowers for gravel driveways 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		AUTO-VOX T2		SEE IT	With a full-color instruction manual and a complete kit that works with most cars, this dust- and water-resistant camera is the easiest wired install.
Best for RV		Furrion Vision S FOS07TAPM		SEE IT	Offering a four-camera, complete vision design, plus motion sensor tech with microphones, this IP65 camera can handle a crosscountry adventure.
Best budget		LeeKooLuu LK3		SEE IT	Great installation options and above-average weather resistance make you feel like speeding less didn’t mean compromising.

With backup cameras being mandated in newly made U.S. vehicles starting in 2018, it is inevitable that you’ll find yourself in a car with one, if you haven’t already. Whether you’ve been an Uber passenger or used a backup camera in your latest rental car, your immediate reaction may have been to wonder if there is an easy way to retrofit your car with this newly ubiquitous feature. We were curious, too, and spent some time researching what the market has to offer. The good news is that there are a wide number of types, brands, and price levels for the best aftermarket car accessories, and from these we’ve selected our top picks for the best backup cameras.

• Best overall: AUTO-VOX T2
• Best for RV: Furrion Vision S FOS07TAPM
• Best green: BOSCAM SunGo Pro
• Best for Jeep Wrangler: EWAY Backup Rear-View Spare Tire Mount
• Best budget: LeeKooLuu LK3

How we selected the best backup cameras

Backup cameras are a strange breed, in that what makes a good backup camera is completely different from what makes a good digital camera. While the latter is going to be all about PPI and the other hallmarks of high-quality imagery, including lenses and the like, the best backup cameras focus on functionality. Don’t get us wrong, we care about high-quality imagery from our backup cameras too, but in selecting the best backup cameras we reoriented from the basics and sought out the special qualities that make backup cameras function so well. We combined this research with critical reviews, peer suggestions, and user impressions to narrow down our choices to five use cases.

The best backup cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

The following recommendations and write-ups come after some careful review of the aftermarket backup camera market and combine the top picks of today with specific customer needs. As a result, you’re going to see a mixture of great general-use backup cameras and products that only support a particular car model. In this way, we’ve covered at least one product that will work for just about anyone.

Best overall: AUTO-VOX T2

AUTO-VOX

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The AUTO-VOX T2 has the best features a backup camera can provide, all wrapped up in a simpler design.

Specs

• Connection: Wired
• Power source: Reverse brake light
• Angle of view: 170 degrees

Pros

• Full-color instruction manual
• Easiest wired install
• Complete kit works with most cars
• Dust- and water-resistant camera

Cons

• Only works when in reverse

The incredible specs of AUTO-VOX’s T2 make it the go-to for a simple backup camera experience. The camera, which sits atop your license plate, has a wide view of 170 degrees, automatically adjusts for brightness, is rated IP68 to protect from dust and water damage, and provides vivid night vision colors. These top-of-the-line qualities carry the T2 heavily, but there’s a bit more going on here.

The T2’s internal display also makes it the best rear-view mirror backup camera. Instead of using a separate view panel, the T2 gives you a new rear-view mirror with a special electronic surface. When you engage in the reverse gear, a portion of your mirror turns into a camera display so you can check the digital view and the real mirror view side-by-side. When you shift out of reverse, the panel disappears and you have a full rear-view mirror again.

While the wired connection might put you off as there is a bit of installation work (if that’s you, check out the BOSCAM SunGo Pro, our best wireless backup camera and a solid “green” pick) you should also understand that the wiring on the T2 is in a league of its own. For one, the wires are limited by relying heavily on your reverse brake light’s power. You won’t even need a wire down to your cigarette lighter up front with you. This one-wire design keeps a lot of the trouble away from you and into the rear of your car.

Additionally, the provided kit comes with a lot of gear, including all of the wire casing and clamps you’ll need, plus different bracket adapters to make the T2 compatible with over a dozen of the leading car manufacturers. From Toyota and Nissan to Acura and Cadillac, the T2 will likely work with your car. Between the detailed instruction manual that includes full-color images and the plentiful YouTube videos showing the installation, you’ll be able to handle it.

Best for RV: Furrion Vision S FOS07TAPM

Furrion

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Furrion Vision S is pre-made to attach to over a dozen popular brands of RV and trailer, provides four cameras for complete coverage, and assembles completely wirelessly.

Specs

• Connection: Wireless
• Power source: Wired to marker lights
• Angle of view: 120 degrees x 4

Pros

• Four-camera, complete vision design
• Ready-to-attach mounting
• IP65 dust- and water-resistant
• Motion sensor tech with microphones

Cons

• Expensive

For those of you into mobile homes, RVs, campers, and trailers of immense length, even the thought of stopping for gas can send you into a rage of panic. One spouse at the wheel and the other outside the vehicle aggressively signing to come back, stop, or turn—the whole event is quite stressful.

That’s why you need something more intense for RVs than a standard backup cam … you need four of them! With the Furrion Vision S FOS07TAPM, you’re getting exactly that: four high-quality cameras with night vision and excellent weather resistance that beam images directly to a 7-inch anti-glare monitor. Now you can know your vehicle’s rear-view, as well as make sure your left flank, doesn’t clip that branch as you reverse out of trouble.

The thing that sets Furrion products above the rest is how many more big brands come Furrion-ready compared to others in the market. This includes Keystone, Starcraft, East To West, and Heartland. In other words, many of these models already have mounting brackets installed, at least for the rear camera. Plus, the entire thing is wireless, meaning no drilling through your vehicle to install your RV backup camera.

With all that you’re getting, it should come as no surprise that this is the most expensive product on our list at over a grand, but remember that you’re getting four times the cameras and equipment, so the price largely balances out in the end.

Best green: BOSCAM SunGo Pro

BOSCAM

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Finally, we have a solar-powered camera option that really works.

Specs

• Connection: Wireless
• Power source: Solar exterior, cigarette lighter interior
• Angle of view: 170 degrees

Pros

• Speedy install
• Low-light night display
• IP68 dust- and water-resistant
• Customer service winner

Cons

• License plate bracket tight

If you’re looking for the most sustainable backup cam, check out the BOSCAM SunGo Pro, which features a solar-powered camera and a low-light night display. It’s all wrapped up in a nature-resistant IP68 shell, as well, so you freely explore nature while putting a little less stress on the environment.

The BOSCAM SunGo Pro is able to be charged from your car’s exterior using a single-crystal silicon solar panel. Also known as monocrystalline solar cells, single-crystal solar panels are the most commonly used and convert sunlight more efficiently than polycrystalline designs. In a worst-case scenario, such as having your car parked under a tree for a week, an alternative USB charge port is available.

One of the things to note about the BOSCAM SunGo Pro is that the bracket mount for the camera, the part that goes around your license plate, is rather tight. Basically, there is a sense that it almost won’t fit, but it does. Don’t let this turn you off of a great product, though, and know that BOSCAM is there for you to help.

Speaking of help, when researching products online, the write-ups often bring up a lot of customer problems. What is much rarer is an honest discussion of solutions that amounts to more than “I fixed it myself.” One of the very promising things about BOSCAM as a company is how often you hear that a customer complaint led to real dialogue and reasonable help from the company.

Best for Jeep Wrangler: EWAY Backup Rear-View Spare Tire Mount

EWAY

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The EWAY modifies the traditional rectangular license plate mount and circle-fies it for the iconic Jeep Wrangler rear spare tire.

Specs

• Connection: Wired (RCA)
• Power source: Reverse brake light
• Angle of view: 150 degrees

Pros

• Made for Jeep Wrangler specifically
• Anti-fog lens
• Low impact installation
• Rearview-mirror display

Cons

• Included instructions lacking

The Jeep Wrangler’s iconic hatchback look, with the large spare tire affixed to the back, creates a sense of style and adventure for the driver but also an immediate problem: Where should I put a backup camera on my Jeep Wrangler? The truth is, the options are somewhat more limited for Wrangler drivers, but the EWAY camera is here to fix that problem by mounting directly behind that spare tire and peering beyond it.

Of course, it takes more than just proper, simple mounting to make something worthy of the title of best backup camera for a Jeep Wrangler. What gives? For one, the camera is in crisp HD, provides a full 150-degree angle of view, and sends the view to a 4.3-inch display on a modified rear-view mirror. It’s also using an anti-fog lens and pulling in an official IP68 rating, making it dust- and water-resistant. Essentially, the EWAY gets carried by stats, numbers, and overall value for the cost.

As far as wired backup camera installations go, the EWAY is relatively low impact. For example, the guideline view can be toggled without cutting and you are provided with ample cable length. What is difficult is dealing with the instruction manual, which can be a real head-scratcher. Definitely supplement the instructions with a very visual YouTube tutorial.

Best budget: LeeKooLuu LK3

LeeKooLuu

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With the LeeKooLuu LK3 you get a 1080p, 149-degree, IP69 camera quality for under $50.

Specs

• Connectivity: Wired
• Power source: Reverse brake light OR cigarette lighter
• Angle of view: 149 degrees

Pros

• Great installation options
• Above-average weather resistance
• Strangely superior camera

Cons

• Unusual angle of view

The LeeKooLuu LK3 is your super-affordable go-to if you’ve gotten used to backup cameras and want quality, but don’t want to spend extra for advanced features when upgrading your old car. Instead, what you’re getting with the LK3 is one of the best backup cameras with a relatively simple system.

Two qualities to immediately look at when assessing the LK3’s camera are picture quality and angle of view. At 1080p, you’re getting a really high-quality backup camera in a sub-$50 shell, which is nothing to sneer at. However, this is where we need to remind you of the more important factor: angle of view. And, wow, the LK3 sports an unusual 149-degree angle of view. If you’ve used a newer car’s built-in 150-degree angle of view and gotten really used to it, this will probably feel just slightly off.

Another unusual feature of the LK3, though this time in a positive way, is the IP rating. IP69 is unusually high for a backup camera, with most peaking at IP68. So, what does an extra numeral mean? Well, for the typical backup camera user, not much. This basically just means that the LK3 can spend extra time underwater, a situation that would be so catastrophic for you that the livelihood of your LK3 would be the least of your worries. At the very least, you can rest assured that the LK3 will survive your next torrential downpour.

Things to consider before buying backup cameras

Since a backup camera is going to be installed on your car in some place, oftentimes just behind the license plate, there are a lot of different logistical issues to consider than whether it feels comfortable in your hand like a traditional camera. You’ll also be viewing the typical fish-eye lens in a completely different light when you realize how important angle of view becomes to a backup camera’s functionality. Here’s our in-depth guide for each quality:

Power source

Expect quite a few different power sources for backup cameras. These range from connecting to your rear brake lights to being solar-powered. And that’s just for the camera part! Remember that the internal viewing unit will also need a power source. Again, there’s quite a bit of variation here, from cigarette lighter plug-ins to wires that sneak under your dash. We’ll detail our top picks here but if you venture out to make your own choice, do the extra time to research this thoroughly so you know what you’re getting into.

Wired vs. wireless

The debate over whether to get a wired or wireless backup camera is another subjective matter. While wireless backup cameras remove the hassle of wires and are just about the only way to go for trailers and exceptionally long vehicles, they do have the potential to introduce more lag into your system. If we lived in a world where people solely relied on backup cameras for backing up, that would be quite dangerous. The reality is, though, that backup cameras are a single tool in a multi-step process of backing up.

If you prefer an essentially lagless wired backup camera, be mindful that the wire will need to connect the camera (on the outside of your vehicle) to the camera inside your vehicle. This might seem like a hassle but it can be worth it for a quality backup camera, such as our top pick, the AUTO-VOX T2, which also happens to have a streamlined wire system. If you do get a wired model, be sure to check out the instructions thoroughly before attempting to install it to avoid damaging your vehicle.

Angle of view

In this list, you’ll see HD, 1080p, and all other kinds of assorted camera qualities. Remember, though, that these will only help you so much. You aren’t shopping for beginner travel cameras to come with you on vacation; you’re looking for the best backup camera. Instead, the main measure of quality here will be the angle of view.

A high angle of view will allow you to see more in one picture than you could by looking through a single mirror and will greatly reduce the overall chances of danger to your vehicle while backing up. Expect to see values between 150 to 170 degrees for angle of view in high-quality backup cameras.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best backup cameras

Getting the best backup cameras on your slightly older car does not need to be challenging or take an overly thorough amount of analysis. It is understandable to have some fear in regards to installing a product like this, especially with wired models, but offered with quality instruction manuals, online video tutorials, and even wireless models, backup cameras are indeed for everyone. Lastly, our picks for the top backup cameras, including the fantastic budget option from LeeKooLuu, will suit your needs perfectly well except in some special fringe cases.

The post The best backup cameras of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		KabelDirekt – 15ft		SEE IT	Featuring a locking connector and 3-year warranty, this cable can reliably reduce flickering without reducing your available funds.
Best Quality		FURUI Nylon		SEE IT	Highly durable (said to can survive over 16,000 bends) and supporting DisplayPort Version 2.0, this attractive VESA-certified cable is a future-proofed pick.
Best Gaming		Capshi DP Cable		SEE IT	When you want to play games with your friends but not your gear, this nicely priced VESA-certified cable brings with it high customer satisfaction.

DisplayPort cables, often described as the computer’s counterpart to television’s HDMI port, help connect your computer to other devices. That much is obvious. However, like all cables, DisplayPort cables include a million different brands, types, lengths, and more to select from, so getting a high-quality one isn’t as obvious. The DisplayPort digital A/V interface, a replacement for DVI and VGA and even HDMI, is a high-bandwidth standard you’ll find on many top-tier GPUs, so you want to make you get a good cable to take advantage of all that graphical goodness. Sorting through all of the factors, we’ve picked the best DisplayPort cables so you can spend less time staring at specs and product pages and more looking at whatever content gives your monitor life.

• Best overall: KabelDirekt – 15ft
• Best quality: FURUI Nylon
• Best gaming: Capshi DP Cable
• Best premium wiring: UGREEN 8K
• Best budget: Amazon Basics 8K

How we selected the best DisplayPort cables

Most DisplayPort cables are going to mechanically work relatively the same, so the primary thing to look for is if you have the physical connection on your PC or laptop that will let the cable work with your favorite ultrawide monitor, that nice secondary monitor you’ve bought for working from home, or one of the best gaming monitors around. Once that’s out of the way, we wanted to look for other factors that could make the cable stand out, such as high-quality wiring, a budget price, or some other special “wow” factor. We scoured specs, peer suggestions, and user impressions in our quest for the best. In the end, any consumer will be able to find an affordable, workable cable in our selection.

The best DisplayPort cables: Reviews & Recommendations

Our list of the best DisplayPort cables will cover a wide range of lengths and cord styles, but all of the cords should retain high quality and reasonably high-resolution capacities. The average consumer will be happy with any cable on the list, but there are also some great alternatives for specific situations that the discerning buyer might face.

Best overall: KabelDirekt – 15ft

KabelDirekt

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Why it made the cut: The KabelDirekt is a lengthy, officially certified cable with a long lifespan and the capacity to reduce flickering in your screens.

Specs

• Length: 15 ft.
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 8K@60Hz, also works for 240Hz and 144Hz

Pros

• Locking connector
• 3-year warranty
• Easily reduces flickering

Cons

• No built-in cord control

The KabalDirekt is the standard DisplayPort cable of the 1.4 version style. As it comes VESA certified, you know that you are getting the standard 1.4 experience and nothing less. This level of quality is compounded with a 3-year warranty and a multitude of customers raving about having reduced monitor flickering while using this KabelDirect.

KabelDirect also has a USB-C to DisplayPort version if you happen to be using a USB-C monitor that supports a DisplayPort signal, such as the Acer Nitro XV282K KVbmiipruzx.

While the 15-foot length of the cable is impressive with the given specs, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of built-in cord controls. That being said, this cable works wonderfully and will make the majority of people very happy. If you’re looking for something that excels in other ways, though, please read on.

Best quality: FURUI Nylon

FURUI

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Why it made the cut: The FURUI Nylon is the best version 2.0 DisplayPort cable you can buy. 

Specs

• Length: 6 ft.
• Version: 2.0
• Resolution capacity: 16K@60Hz, 10K@60Hz, 8K@120Hz

Pros

• Highly durable cord can survive over 16,000 bends
• Uses the highly quality 2.0 DisplayPort version, capable of 16K resolution
• VESA certified

Cons

• No locking mechanism

The FURUI Nylon presents us with a superb DisplayPort cable that is capable of producing an 8K resolution quality even at 120Hz. For the high-end monitors of the future, it can even go up to a whopping 16K. It can be hard to believe how high the quality of the FURUI’s resolution capacity is, far surpassing the needs of most consumers, but you can rest assured … the FURUI comes VESA certified.

Talking about high numbers, the FURUI is promoting a stat most companies do not: max bends. According to FURUI, the cord can withstand over 16,000 bends without degrading. While I doubt anybody has taken the time to independently test this with their own two hands, the nylon-braided exterior certainly seems durable! And triple shielding helps block out electromagnetic interference (EMI).

So, what is the FURUI Nylon lacking? One of those click-button locks to secure the cable in its port. That’s it; otherwise, this is the next-gen DisplayPort cable your futuristic monitors deserve.

Best gaming: Capshi DP Cable

Capshi

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Why it made the cut: This cable from Capshi was made with gamers in mind, and they seem to like it!

Specs

• Length: 10 ft.
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 1080P@240Hz

Pros

• Made with gamers in mind
• Good price
• High customer satisfaction
• VESA certified

Cons

• No locking mechanism

The Capshi DisplayPort cable is made with gaming monitors in mind, targeting frequencies thought to be best for gamers. A high user rating shows that gamers do, indeed, approve. It also happens to be VESA certified, so you know exactly what you’re getting when it comes to quality.

The cord is thin and bendable, so you can snake it around tricky setups. It will also stay relatively discrete with the black, nylon outer covering. Lastly for appearances, when you put the Capshi into storage, you won’t have any difficulty knowing what it is when you retrieve it months or even years later as “8K” is largely and prominently displayed on its head.

If you really like the locking-in mechanism that so many DisplayPort cables have, you’ll probably be a bit sad that it isn’t there. You’ll quickly recover when you see the price tag, though, as the Capshi DisplayPort cable is somewhat cheaper than other similarly capable cables.

Best premium wiring: UGREEN 8K

UGREEN

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Why it made the cut: The UGREEN 8k is multi-layered to protect the wires inside and look nice while doing it.

Specs

• Length: 10 ft.
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 2K@165Hz

Pros

• Outer braided shielding is a stylish, shiny black
• Golden colored heads
• Click-button locking

Cons

• Wide plugs (could be a plus)

For those of you looking for a snazzier cord, the UGREEN 8K should do the trick. The wires inside the cable are triple-layered, using layers of tin, aluminum, and nylon braids to reduce EMI. That outer nylon braid layer is a rich, shiny black that will compliment your battlestation’s LED light strips. The golden heads are a nice touch as well, with the click-button locking being a nice functional addition.

The plugs themselves are a touch wider than the average. For most people, this won’t be a problem and will allow for a snugger fit in looser ports. However, if you’re using a port that isn’t allowing room for a bit extra, you might not have as good of a time.

Best budget: Amazon Basics 8K

Amazon Basics

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Why it made the cut: This basic cable is in the single-digit price range and comes from Amazon, ensuring Amazon-level support.

Specs

• Size: 6-feet long, 1/4-inch thick
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 4K@120Hz, 8K@60Hz

Pros

• Can achieve 4K and even 8K on a budget
• Amazon Basics level of customer care
• Consistently delivers

Cons

• No locking mechanism
• Very wide cord (this could be a plus)

For our budget pick, we once again turn to the Amazon Basics store. In my mind, this is already a plus, since you’re likely already used to the brand and know what to expect from their customer service. The Amazon Basics DisplayPort cable provides a consistent DisplayPort connection and decent customer service, but how does it stack up in terms of functionality?

Just about the same as any of the other 1.4 DisplayPort cables on this list—4K@120Hz and 8K@60Hz really shouldn’t be making you blink an eye at this point. The wires themselves are quite standard.

Where Amazon cuts back and saves money is through the wire’s coating and head. Instead of using fancy nylon or metallic coverings, Amazon just uses a thicker wire. While this could be good for people worried about damaging their cable’s inner components, the thickness greatly reduces flexibility and can make running it through tight spaces challenging. The connector heads are also lacking the clicking lock mechanisms, which can also serve to disappoint.

While these setbacks make the Amazon Basics DisplayPort a difficult recommendation for a portable second monitor, it excels in just about every other way.

Things to consider before buying DisplayPort cables

DisplayPort cables are not super complicated, but there are some things that you’ll need to take into account before making a purchase. Your room or office setup will be one of the more critical factors. The distance between your monitor and the CPU, how many twists and bends the cord will need to make, and what kind of equipment you’re connecting all play a relevant role in this, too. To make it simple, we’ve broken this all down into three key things to consider when finding the best DisplayPort cable for your setup:

Length & width

An obvious reminder here first: You need to get a cable that is, at minimum, long enough to reach between the two devices you’re connecting. So, you absolutely have to remember to check the dimensions of your space against the length of the cable before purchasing it. Be sure to get something that will afford you a bit of wiggle room, too, as you don’t want to be unable to adjust your setup later on.

However, can you get a DisplayPort cable that is too long? Actually, yes. Beyond becoming a tripping hazard, the quality of a DisplayPort cable will go down the longer it is. Fortunately, this isn’t really a problem for customers because DisplayPort cable manufacturers will give you the resolution capacity (see below) of the cables they sell for the size they are sold in. If you buy a wire that fits your resolution needs and length needs, you’re good to go!

Now, what about width? Thicker cables are less bendy but are less flimsy and less prone to wear and tear bending. Thinner cables can be snaked into smaller places and bent at sharper angles, but will always be more susceptible to damage. High-quality coatings and protective materials on the outside of the cable improve durability for cables of all widths.

Version

Primarily, you’ll hear about DisplayPort 1.2, 1.4, and 2.0 cables. Our recommendation is to get 1.4 and higher DisplayPort cables. DisplayPort version 1.4 is able to take advantage of 8K video resolutions and supports nearly all audio formats, making it a fine choice for most consumers.

All of our recommended DisplayPort cables run 1.4, except for the FURUI Nylon, which runs DisplayPort version 2.0. Version 2.0 is capable of beyond 8K resolution, transmitting image data at lightning-fast speeds, and is backward-compatible with 1.4 if you need it to be. Still, at this point, you are unlikely to be in a position to truly need such a cable.

Resolution capacity

We’ve been alluding to it this whole time while discussing cable length and version, but one of the biggest defining features of a DisplayPort cable is its resolution capacity. Depending on the refresh rate used, cables have different max resolution capacities.

That sounds a bit confusing, so let’s use the Capshi cable’s stats to explain: 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 1080P@240Hz. At a refresh rate of 60Hz (60 frames per second), you can get an 8K resolution, while at a refresh rate of 240Hz you can only get 1080P.

Two things to note are the inverse relationship between resolution quality and refresh rate and the fact that your monitor will also be a major limiting factor. Just because your DisplayPort cable is capable of an 8K resolution, doesn’t mean your monitor will support such a thing.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DisplayPort cables

Getting a DisplayPort cable shouldn’t be a headache. While there can be some nuance for some situations, you are unlikely to not find satisfaction with at least one cable from this list. DisplayPort cables themselves are relatively simple, with the devices they connect with usually being the source of any difficulties.

The post The best DisplayPort cables of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System		SEE IT	Comes with everything you need for security inside and outside your home.
Best customer service		Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece		SEE IT	Talk to a real person and get your questions answered fast.
Best budget		Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System		SEE IT	Easy to use for people of all technical skill levels.

If you’re worried about crime impacting your household, it makes perfect sense to buy one of the many smart home security systems that have popped up over the past few years. However, with abundance comes analysis paralysis. To what system should the savvy, safety-conscious consumer turn? We investigated the market to bring you the best smart home security systems so you can pick the best choice for your living situation and loved ones.

• Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece
• Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit
• Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit
• Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

How we chose the best smart home security systems

While nearly every product you buy enters your home at some point, there is something particularly intimate about inviting in a smart home security system. Unlike shoes—something that only needs to function well enough when called upon—your smart home security system needs to function perfectly 24/7/365. That’s why one of the bigger ranking factors this time was brand satisfaction. Cybersecurity and data protection were other key factors because, while less is often more, in the world of security more really is more. You’re only as strong as your weakest entry point.

This guide was compiled after many hours of careful research; facts and opinions were cross-examined by editors. Ordinary users were asked about their experiences using these devices, and we interacted with customer service agents throughout the course of compiling this guide. Each company’s personal website and plan information were thoroughly checked for the most up-to-date service plan information possible.

The best smart home security systems: Reviews & Recommendations

Our selection of smart home security systems comes from a wide variety of well-known and trusted brands with a broad array of attached services. While kits differ, they all typically include sensors for your doors and/or windows and an alerting mechanism. One of our picks is sure to match your budget and lifestyle.

Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System

SimpliSafe

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Why it made the cut: The SimpliSafe 10-Piece system is a very complete kit that starts the security before your door is opened.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 4 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors, 1 indoor camera, 1 outdoor camera
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $28/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: N/A, but Alexa- and Nest-compatible

Pros

• Outdoor cam so your security starts before an intruder enters your home
• Comes with one free month of 24/7 professional monitoring service
• The variety of parts gives you a more complete sense of security
• Optics and branding

Cons

• Must learn to set up each part correctly

If you’re looking for a system that is essentially complete directly out of the box, the SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System is the kit for you. It includes a variety of sensors and indoor and outdoor cameras, meaning you should feel fully protected in your home. While each piece is easy to install in and of itself, you’ll have to learn and think about the placement of each part—however, you’ll be able to handle it on your own if you can handle a strip of 3M tape or a screwdriver. Let’s review each part individually to get a good picture of how they will function together in your home:

The SimpliSafe base can hold up to 100 SimpliSafe security devices and is the central hub for your equipment. It is also capable of emitting a 95dB alarm. The push-button keypad lets you arm and disarm the system with a PIN. Having four entry point door/window sensors will allow you to protect the primary entryways to your home, while the two motion sensors—which are designed to be pet friendly and decorative—protect the areas of your home with too many entry points or windows.

What makes the SimpliSafe 10-piece system better than the 12-piece version is the inclusion of both an indoor and an outdoor camera. Suppose you’re used to the grainy, near-worthless security cam footage often seen in local news coverage. In that case, you’ll be particularly happy with the full colors, 1080p quality, and night vision offered by SimpliSafe. For those concerned with privacy, the indoor camera comes with a stainless steel shutter, so you won’t have to worry about having your private moments enter someone’s data tables.

Finally, the package set comes with an official SimpliSafe flag that declares your home protected by SimpliSafe. While no one can guarantee that this will deter all criminals, there will be at least a few that will back down.

Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece

Ring

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Go from dialing a number to “Hello” in 1 minute, 18 seconds.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 8 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors
• 24/7 professional monitoring: Between $4-$20/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: Z-wave

Pros

• Fantastic phone technical support
• Dual keypads for increased flexibility
• Provides range extender for large homes
• Multiple 24/7 monitoring plans to choose from

Cons

• Overhyped WiFi functionality

The Ring Alarm Pro 14-Piece set has fantastic customer service and is a great smart home security system for larger homes. Its impressive networking and dual keypad design (some home security systems only allow for one keypad) allow for larger coverage areas than some of the best smart home security systems. With customizable ringtones, you’ll always know which door is being opened in your home. The Ring Alarm Pro even comes with Wi-Fi 6 functionality via its hub. This feature is handy but gets a bit overhyped, sometimes eclipsing what counts—there are better Wi-Fi 6 routers out there.

What should you get excited about with the Ring Alarm Pro? A very approachable DIY setup where a real human is there to help you quickly. After just a few button taps to specify exactly what we wanted, we could—right here, right now—contact a customer service agent 1 minute and 18 seconds after dialing Ring’s customer service.

Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

ADT

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Why it made the cut: ADT is amongst the most experienced and best professional monitoring companies.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Intermediate
• Sensors: 4 door/window sensors, 1 motion detector 
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $19.99/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: Z-wave

Pros

• Highly experienced monitoring team
• Perfect size for families
• Optics and branding

Cons

• Occasional installation snags
• Only works in the U.S.

The ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System is all you need to get started with the highly regarded ADT security model. It’s a brand that takes itself seriously, providing a yard sign to let customers proudly display their security status on the lawn. Sure, it is part marketing, but it’s also part confidence in the ADT name alone being able to ward off potential neighborhood thieves.

The package itself includes door/window sensors and a motion sensor, with the kit being targeted to owners of two- or three-bedroom homes. While not difficult, installing the sensors can take some time as you manually pair and label each one within your system. You can install them using the included adhesive backing or a more traditional screw-in technique. The time investment should feel closer to “weekend project” than “plug’n’play” for the typical first-time user.

When combined with the optional professional monitoring from ADT, it can almost feel as if you have a dedicated housesitter while you’re away.

Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit

Wyze

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Why it made the cut: Wyze’s Home Security Core Kit is just that, a quality core kit that can be easily added to as needed.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $9.99/mo
• Smart protocols: N/A

Pros

• Very affordable and complete starter kit
• Comes with three months of free professional monitoring
• Can easily add on more sensors or cameras
• Guided setup via Wyze app

Cons

• Service plan essential
• Only works in U.S.

If you prefer to wade through new technology instead of diving directly into the deep end, the Wyze Home Security Core Kit will be the best smart home security system for you. For starters, the core kit itself is very affordable, covers two entry points plus a room of your choice, and provides months of complimentary professional monitoring service to give you a taste of how Wyze works.

Once you’ve decided how much you like the system, you can start adding more components immediately. Finish off the rest of your home’s entry points with more door/window sensors, or transform your setup into a video surveillance system by adding a Wyze cam. Leak and home climate sensors are also available.

The modularity, as well as the stick-on setup guided by the Wyze app, gives the Wyze Home Security Core Kit a very DIY air to it. You can be confident that you, by yourself, should be able to install it. Unfortunately, the rugged individualism this inspires is dropped down a notch—it requires a 24/7 monitoring subscription for the device to truly shine. You’ll just have sensors, but the keypad won’t work after the three-month free trial runs out. The Wyze Cam add-on will also lose smart features and extended storage. Still, the service is cheaper than market averages, you probably wanted it anyway.

Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit

Abode

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Why it made the cut: Abode goes way beyond just Z-wave and Zigbee.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 1 door/window sensor, 1 motion sensor
• 24/7 professional monitoring: Between $7-$22/mo. (Semi-optional)
• Smart protocols: Zigbee, Z-wave, Homekit, IFTTT

Pros

• Connects and works with just about anything
• Variable professional monitoring options
• Sub-30-minute total setup time
• Easily expandable

Cons

• Limited sensors in starter kit
• Reviews note poor customer service

Can’t decide between Zigbee and Z-wave, so want access to both? Not sure if you want to use Alexa or opt for a Google home security system? Need HomeKit or IFTTT support? It’s time to look at an Abode Security System, a home security system that connects with all of these in some way.

The Abode Security System Starter Kit is a perfect way to get set up with the system, as it includes the main hub, a couple of sensors, and a key fob. You’ll find it surprisingly easy to set up and get going—even technological turtles report installation times of under 30 minutes—but will quickly find yourself wanting other pieces if you don’t have, for example, home security cameras from an existing, compatible system. If you decide to stick with Abode products, you can choose from glass break sensors, water leak sensors, smoke alarms, and indoor/outdoor cameras to tailor the system to your needs.

While all owners have access to alerts and live video feeds, more “advanced” features—such as video storage—require you to subscribe to one of Abode’s plans, either the Standard (self-monitoring) or Pro (professional monitoring).

Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

Tolviviov

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is the best smart home security system under $100.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 5 door/window sensors
• 24/7 professional monitoring: No
• Smart protocols: N/A

Pros

• Simple to use system with keychain fob and app control
• Very loud alarm
• Affordable for all pricing
• No monthly payments

Cons

• Supported by 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network only
• Lower brand recognition

If you’re wanting to avoid overly techy solutions to your problems and save money in the long run while doing so, the Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System is worth checking out. Tolviviov systems, in addition to being budget-friendly, also happen to be the best smart home security systems for elderly people due to their extremely loud alarm systems and manual keychain controls. It still has app functionality, including Alexa support, for those wanting a more modern feel.

Considering the price range, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Tolviviov system doesn’t have a professional monitoring system. However, this lack comes with a silver lining, as systems with professional monitoring on a recurring monthly subscription often tie other features into it. With the Tolviviov, what you see is what you get. A loud siren to alert you to entries, app alerts that tell you what sensor was disturbed, and the option for Alexa voice support. It’s simple, but it works.

The main concerns for the Tolviviov system are its connections and brand recognition. The Tolviviov only works with the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Be prepared to isolate the 2.4GHz band. Lastly, the brand recognition just isn’t there yet. Sure, the super loud alarm will make burglars scram, but you won’t get the same response from the name “Tolviviov” that you will from an “ADT” sign in your yard or a Ring video doorbell near your front door.

What to consider when buying the best smart home security systems

From the surface, the best smart home security systems appear to be quite similar, just different collections of the same parts. This is compounded by the fact that, when things are running smoothly, our residential security systems blend into the background of our lives. However, if you do even a tiny amount of digging, you’ll see that there is more complexity in both the hardware and the included customer service plans than meets the eye.

Options for 24/7 professional monitoring

If you have a smart home security system that alerts you when intruders come into your home, or when your house faces other problems, you are all in the clear, right? While it is a nice thought, it is potentially untrue if you are incapacitated or unable to reach your phone to assess the threat (such as while out at work or on vacation).

Typically, 24/7 professional monitoring services come as part of a subscription fee, usually around $30 per month. While all systems retain some functionality without the subscription, others only provide limited service without the full subscription.

Zigbee and/or Z-wave connection

Much like Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Z-Wave represent frequency bands that can connect the pieces of your smart home security system together. Zigbee systems typically run faster, but burn through batteries quicker, while Z-Wave systems can have a bit of response delay but require less battery maintenance work.

In reality, which of the two systems is better depends on your overall network. If you have a lot of Z-Wave products already, going with another Z-Wave device is great because they are all mandated to work together. Zigbee devices can usually “find” each other but don’t always interconnect in a fully functioning way, sorta like pairing non-Apple headphones to your iPhone via Bluetooth. 

Another possibility includes using neither system and operating solely through Wi-Fi and the system’s own proprietary hub. If you are looking for a smart home security system and not a full smart home network, this should be fine. Alternatively, super-compatible systems can connect to both networks and have other connection options as well. Whether you want to go with Zigbee or Z-Wave or both is entirely up to you.

Branding and flags

Some smart home security systems have a flag to stick in your lawn to scare potential thieves away. Some customers are happy to see it, but others are skeptical about the usefulness of a sign to deter thieves, who might use the info to “crack” through the system.

What does the science say? Our friends at Bob Vila took a deep dive into the research on security signs and crime deterrence. Here are some of their findings:

• ~25% of criminals will skip a home with a security sign.
• ~50% of criminals will skip a home with a security sign and a visible camera.
• The optimal locations for such signs are in a place visible from the street and in the backyard.
• Branding matters. A recognizable or easily searched-for brand name works best to convince thieves your home is really protected.

Privacy

Whenever you bring something into your home, you want to feel comfortable about your privacy. This goes doubly so for home security products that can record and monitor the inside of your home. As such, you should pay particular attention to a brand’s privacy track record.

Take, for instance, the recent controversy over Anker’s eufy brand, which promised end-to-end encryption but didn’t deliver. If that wasn’t damaging enough, the company’s initial response was to merely change their privacy commitment statement. They’ve since come clean, but the sour taste still lingers.

For full transparency, this is not the only brand to have publicly suffered a privacy breach. In 2021, a former ADT technician pleaded guilty to charges of criminal spying while employed at the company. Important things to note here are how well ADT handled the situation compared to eufy, that their internal procedures and systems have since been changed to reduce the likelihood of a similar situation happening in the future, and that this was an incident involving a single employee and not the company at large. The ADT system in this guide does not include a camera.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart home security systems

Getting one of the best smart home security systems in 2023 is not as difficult as in years past. Installation should be smoother due to the simplicity of wireless Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi connections that can integrate these systems with the existing smart home gadgets you already own. With app integration and voice support, you can get the truly convenient home security you desire.

The post The best smart home security systems of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best Overall		Ergotron HX Single Ultrawide Monitor Arm		SEE IT	Heavy-duty and widely compatible, this highly maneuverable option will improve any modern monitor set up.
Best Height-Adjustable		Mount-It! Sit-Stand Wall Mount		SEE IT	If your wall can accommodate it, your workflow will appreciate what is essentially a complete standing desk.
Best Budget		VIVO Full-Motion Wall Mount		SEE IT	Standard users with the time to invest will appreciate the money saved on this monitor mount.

Installing monitor wall mounts is a great way to upgrade the home office or gaming battle station. When combined with monitors optimized for home office spaces, the best monitor wall mounts can create an environment that is comfortable for the neck and eyes while also helping clear off the top of your desk.

As the name implies, wall mounts attach directly to your wall, so corner (or L-shaped) computer desk setups work the very best for them. While the best wall mounts for TVs can simply affix onto the wall once a viewing sweet spot has been established, it is often advantageous for monitor wall mounts to have swiveling arms and increased maneuverability. In this way, the monitor can be adjusted for an individual’s height. The monitor should also be able to be moved closer or further away for different purposes, such as study or casual viewing of streamed programs.

These mounts will create a good environment for the home office, a place people are spending an increasing amount of time in. From ergonomic designs to simple installations, these are our best monitor wall mounts.

• Best overall: Ergotron HX Single Ultrawide Monitor Arm
• Best height-adjustable: Mount-It! Sit-Stand Wall Mount
• Best dual: Mount-It! Dual-Monitor Wall Mount
• Best large VESA: Mount-It! Full-Motion Monitor Wall Bracket
• Easy-to-assemble: Antimbee No-Stud Drywall TV Mount
• Best budget: VIVO Full-Motion Wall Mount

How we chose the best monitor wall mounts

Both monitor and monitor wall mount sales have skyrocketed as remote work and schooling became the new normal. As a result, manufacturers have been making an increasing number of monitor wall mount models. To sort out the best, we have taken into consideration manufacturer reputations and claims, peer reviews, forums, the impressions of the large user base, as well as key features, such as weight capacity and VESA sizing. Lastly, we picked through niche options to take into account some increasingly common situations, such as those wanting standing desks.

The best monitor wall mounts: Reviews & Recommendations

The results are in and we’ve found the best monitor wall mounts for whatever you desire. Whether that means a solid mount with incredible flexibility in swivel and motion, a mount for a large VESA monitor, or the perfect mount for your standing workstation, we’ve found it all and more.

Best overall: Ergotron HX Single Ultrawide Monitor Arm

Ergotron

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Why it made the cut: A heavy-duty build with a wide range of motion and high compatibility with most modern monitors makes this a lasting choice.

Specs

• Weight capacity: 42 lbs.
• VESA sizes: 100×100, 75×75, 200×100, 200×200
• Tilt & swivel: 180-degree pan and 360-degree rotation

Pros 

• Works with most ultrawide monitors
• Intense pivoting with flexible arm
• Impressive 10-yr. Warranty
• Bright, shiny color scheme

Cons 

• Need extra parts for wood stud installation
• Struggles with the Odyssey G9

This wall mount is perfect for just about any office setup due to its incredibly flexible arm. Instead of just making minor adjustments to reduce screen glare or neck pressure, the Ergotron’s arm is able to move into nearly any desirable position.

It works especially well as a mount for your second monitor when the side of your desk touches the wall. You can pull your monitor out when you want to use it, but then push it up perpendicular to the wall when you want it out of the way.

As a result of its heavy-duty manufacturing, the Ergotron is great for ultrawide monitors, including most curved ones. One unfortunate exception to this is our favorite curved ultrawide, the Samsung Odyssey G9, which has a bit too much curvature for the mount to handle easily.

Finally, an aesthetic touch. While many wall mounts are a drab gray or dull black, the Ergotron HX offers brilliant white and polished aluminum coloring. The white goes great with the aesthetic of Apple products for the modern office look. Alternatively, the polished aluminum is complimented highly by LED light strips for that futuristic gamer battlestation feel.

Best height-adjustable: Mount-It! Sit Stand Wall Mount

Mount-It!

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Why it made the cut: If you can meet the structural requirements, this mount converts into a complete standing desk, with desktop support, on command.

Specs

• Weight capacity: 17.6 lbs. monitor, 2.2 lbs. keyboard
• VESA sizes: 75×75, 100×100
• Height adjustment range: 19.9”

Pros 

• Expert installation available
• Sturdy for typing
• Includes CPU wall mount with cable management functions

Cons 

• Only meant for concrete walls

The Mount-It! Sit Stand combines the ideals of a standing desk with the functionality of a wall-mounted monitor. It includes a mount for your monitor, CPU, keyboard, and mouse. As per the instructions, it is only truly meant to be installed into concrete walls. That being said, it has been used in a variety of situations successfully. When in doubt, consider the expert installation option and have a chat about your particular situation before purchasing.

While it can be used as a purely standing desk, it does have the capability to be lowered up to 19.9 inches. This should be enough for most body types to take advantage of this desk as a standard “sitting” desk, too. Preferably, with an ergonomic chair.

The keyboard and mouse tray feels roomy and comfortable, though it can be a tad difficult to get used to if you’re used to using a full desk. Upon first use, it feels surprisingly sturdy to type on. The tray also juts out into the room a full 41 inches from the wall. This can feel extreme at first, but the extra distance from the monitor helps reduce eye strain. Finally, the tray can be folded up while not in use.

The included CPU holder works well to reduce cord length-related difficulties. Putting your CPU halfway between the highest and lowest places on your monitor will allow for full motion with reduced worries. That being said, we still recommend getting both a wireless mouse and wireless keyboard so you can utilize the folding keyboard tray to its fullest.

Best dual: Mount-It! Dual Monitor Wall Mount

Mount-It!

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Why it made the cut: The Mount-It! Dual Monitor Wall Mount is durable, affordable, and can be installed just about anywhere.

Specs

• Weight capacity: 14.3 lbs.
• VESA sizes: 75×75, 100×100
• Tilt & swivel: 90-degrees up/left/right, 45-degrees down

Pros 

• Easy adjusting arms
• Lightweight
• Made for brick, cement, and wood installation
• Slide-in VESA plates for monitor

Cons 

• Difficult to have monitors side-by-side

You wouldn’t be alone if you feel somewhat claustrophobic at the thought of one monitor computing in 2023. Instead of installing two wall mounts for the dual-monitor effect, it is best to get one really good dual wall mount.

Mount-It!’s dual mount comes with a lot of flexibility, including 90-degree tilt-and-swivel control in three directions. Each monitor is maneuvered by a gas spring arm for easy, responsive, and precise manipulation.

Despite this flexibility, you should be aware of the special limitations of using a dual wall mount that still apply to the Mount-It! The monitors attached have to be a bit smaller to allow full movement. In this case, that maximum is going to be 27 inches, which is still good enough for a couple of good gaming monitors on the cheap.

Even with monitors of the right size, it can be tricky to get them in a position where they touch if that is your preference. While possible, it requires them to jut out from the wall quite a bit, which can reduce your space. To visualize why, try clapping your hands without bending your elbows. The monitors here move in a similar fashion.

Finally, expect easy installation. The product is lightweight and can be installed in many materials. The VESA attachments for the back of your monitors allow you to slip them on the arms yourself, no helper required!

Related: Best dual monitor stands

Best large VESA: Mount-It! Full Motion Monitor Wall Bracket

Mount-It!

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Why it made the cut: Extreme versatility in VESA sizes and weight loads at a price anyone can afford.

Specs

• Weight capacity: 66 lbs.
• VESA sizes: 75×75, 100×100, 200×100, 200×200, 300×300, 400×300, 400×400
• Tilt & swivel: 180-degrees left/right, 20-degrees up/down

Pros 

• Expert installation option
• Lightweight
• Installs in wood stud

Cons 

• Needs 8” x 8” mounting port on monitor

This Mount-It! mount provides a lot of flexibility for you to experiment with different monitors now and in the future. It has seven compatible VESA sizes that include the common 75×75 and 100×100 options but also go up to 400×400.

Another unexpected feat of the mount at this price range is its holding capacity of up to 66 pounds. In fact, Mount-It! claims to have gotten the mount to hold up to 132 pounds in testing. We do recommend keeping with the suggested weight limit, though, as the mount installs into a wood stud.

The mount has fantastic right and left swivel, due to its arm. While it doesn’t have the additional up-and-down range of motion of the best monitor arms, you’ll still be pleasantly surprised by the triple-jointed swivel on offer. If you use a small enough monitor, it can even work for setups where the side of your desk touches the wall like a budget Ergotron.

One quirk of having such an impressive range of VESA sizes is that the mounting area is quite large. Make sure that you have a mounting area of at least 8 inches by 8 inches on your monitor to accommodate this large aspect of the design.

Easy-to-assemble: Antimbee No Stud Drywall TV Mount

Antimbee

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Why it made the cut: This Antimbee is a no-studs-necessary monitor mount that can be installed in less than 15 minutes.

Specs

• Weight capacity: 100 lbs.
• VESA sizes: Any from 100×100 to 400×400
• Monitor sizes: 13”-55”

Pros 

• Includes everything needed for installation but the hammer
• Expert installation option
• Easy “hanging” VESA mounting bracket

Cons 

• No arm
• No tilt & swivel

The Antimbee No Stud is great for those situations where you need a non-invasive installation. While that does come with some downsides, if you appreciate the mount for what it is and buy it with the right frame of mind, you will be very satisfied with it.

The installation can be compared to hanging a picture, both in difficulty and mechanism. Using the only tool you’ll be required to bring on your own, a hammer, nail the base into the wall. There is even a small bubble level included, ensuring a non-tilted hang. Finally, screw the hanger into the horizontal VESA holes of your monitor and hang it on the wall. The entire installation should take less than 15 minutes and can be completed by a single person.

Overall, this makes the Antimbee a great choice for dorm rooms or other situations where your landlord wouldn’t want you drilling deep into your wall. With this in mind, consider it as a cheap secondary gift for the child you are sending off to college this fall.

An unfortunate downside of the hang-on-the-wall like a picture frame approach to this wall mount is that the mounted monitor will also act as a picture hung on the wall. There is no arm, tilt, or swivel. Test out monitor heights before installation to avoid disappointment.

Best budget: VIVO Full Motion Wall Mount

VIVO

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Why it made the cut: Has all of the basic features, including an arm, at the price you want.

Specs

• Weight capacity: 44 lbs.
• VESA sizes: 75×75, 100×100
• Tilt & swivel: 5-degrees up, 12-degrees down, 45-degrees left and right

Pros 

• Expert installation option
• Swiveling arm
• Cable management included

Cons 

• Difficult tension adjustment
• Installation is a group project

Our budget option, from VIVO, comes with standard features, a good weight capacity, and a relatively good arm for the price. If you are a standard user that is willing to invest a bit of extra effort into installation, this could be the only monitor mount you’ll ever need.

When looking at budget products it is often the little things that the manufacturer bothers to include that make the whole experience worthwhile. For the VIVO Full Motion, that includes the three-jointed swiveling arm and a small hook to enhance cable management.

The swiveling arm works in a similar manner to Mount-It!’s Full Motion, though in a pared-down form. For example, the tension settings that hold the monitor in place require a tool for adjustment. This can be tricky to set since you will need to get the tool between the back of your monitor and the wall to access the adjuster. It is best to set this up with relatively high tension and leave it.

Speaking of setting up, expect this one to take at least two people. One person will need to hold the monitor while the other screws it into the mount. While there is optional expert installation available, the surcharge will negate the budget appeal this VIVO mount has to offer. We recommend grabbing a friend that owes you an easy favor, having a fun chat, and installing this monitor wall mount together.

Things to consider before buying one of the best monitor wall mounts

While your monitor wall mount will usually be cheaper than your monitor, a bad monitor wall mount will destroy your monitor. As a result, it really pays to be careful when selecting a mount and to make sure you are getting one that will work to support your monitor. You’ll also want to think about how you’ll be using it. How much rotation will it need to offer for your setup? We also look at the ease of installation and the possibility of expert installation add-ons with your purchase.

Weight capacity

One of the easiest factors to consider. In short, all other factors considered equal, an ability to hold a higher amount of weight on your wall is always better. While you can always weigh your monitor (or look up the weight of the monitor you’re about to purchase) in order to pick a mount with a capacity to match, we always recommend going for at least some wiggle room. As monitor technology continues to grow and change, you might want to upgrade to a heavier monitor down the line.

VESA size

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has created a standardized set of hole patterns that monitors, TVs, and their mounts typically follow. The sizing is given in a pair of numbers, such as 75×75, to represent the size of the square pattern the holes create in millimeters. The first number is the horizontal distance and the second is the vertical.

Before buying a mount, it is critical that you check your monitor’s VESA size. However, you shouldn’t stop there, as many mounts have several compatible sizes, and having this kind of flexibility will help for future monitor purchases. Very common VESA sizes are 75×75 and 100×100, though others do exist. The largest VESA sizes can go over 600×400.

Not all monitors come with VESA compatible mounting on the back. In that case, search for the manufacturer-specific mount, if available.

Tilt & swivel

For most monitor users, there is some level tilting, nudging, and adjusting that occurs after placing the monitor on your desk. This doesn’t magically change when the monitor is attached to a wall mount. Sometimes that can even mean making micro-adjustments to your monitor position on a daily basis, such as to avoid the glare of the early morning sun.

Another common feature of wall mounts is maneuverable arms. They help to increase left-to-right tilt so your monitor can face your seat directly. Particularly high-quality arms can even work with desks that are only beside a wall instead of pushed into one. In any case, you will want to make sure the selected tilt and swivel levels hold. Strong, tight joints are critical.

Installation

Installation can be tricky and rightfully makes many buyers nervous. Incorrectly installed wall mounts can destroy your monitor, not to mention your wall. When purchasing a wall mount, consider how tricky the installation process will be and if the mount includes all of the tools and parts required for a successful mounting.

Alternatively, consider purchasing a professional installation along with your mount. Many companies offer this service, but be warned that it can be very expensive, potentially many times more expensive than the mount itself.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitor wall mounts

Monitor wall mounts are space-savers that give your workstation a very comfortable feel. They can change your work, or gaming, area into an open space with the flick of a wrist. From the dorm-friendly Antimbee No Stud Drywall TV Mount to the incredibly flexible Ergotron HX Single Ultrawide Monitor Arm, our choices include a monitor wall mount for any purpose or budget.

The post The best monitor wall mounts 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		HP VH240a		SEE IT	An adjustable all-around comfort pick that reliably facilitates trading in all conditions.
Best for crypto trading		AOC C24G1		SEE IT	Whether you work or play late into the night, or a little bit of both, you’ll find something to like in, and on, this monitor.
Best budget		Acer SB220Q		SEE IT	If you’re looking for great value for the dollar, this is your safest, smartest investment.

If you’re trading frequently, you know that monitors for trading are the ones that let your mind directly enter the screen, not just notice what’s ticking across it. They don’t distract you as you dive headfirst into the world of crypto, dividends, or corporate mergers. With West Coast stock trading hours opening at 6:30 a.m. and crypto being a 24-hour scramble for the best, there are a lot of environmental conditions to consider. So, what can bring you the best in terms of eye health, easy reading, and, of course, financial gain? We’ve delved into what’s available and found the best monitors for trading, no matter your purpose or needs.

• Best overall: HP VH240a
• Best for stock trading: Dell P2419H
• Best for crypto trading: AOC C24G1
• Best for day trading: LG Ultrawide WN80C
• Best budget: Acer SB220Q

How we selected the best monitors for trading

To compile our list, we combined personal experience, peer input, respected critics, and user impressions. We also considered the environment of the modern work-from-home trader and what they needed. The reality is that there is a lot of diversity in these needs. For example, the stock trader is the most likely to complain of morning light due to the early nature of market openings. On the other hand, the day trader needs to assess information rapidly with the most readable and information-dense screen possible.

To make the cut, each monitor had to fit the profile of individual user types. Questions were asked that took us into an individual trader’s point of view: What are the potential pain points of this trader, what lighting will this person’s monitor most likely need, etc.? Along with those questions, the following are things we believe you should keep in mind before buying monitors for trading:

The best monitors for trading: Reviews & Recommendations

We have quite a selection of monitors, across quite a range of prices and styles. Ultimately, all of them are top-of-the-line modern monitors, which can be used for all purposes throughout the day. Still, some monitors perform just slightly better at certain times of day and give your eyes that extra bit of comfort you desire:

Best overall: HP VH240a

HP

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Why it made the cut: This all-rounder performs well for all trading purposes, with some extra bells and whistles thrown in, all for a price anyone can afford.

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Screen Surface: Anti-glare matte
• Size: 23.8 inches

Pros

• Great tilt and swivel for added comfort
• Rotates to portrait and landscape modes
• Slim edges
• Bonus built-in speakers

Cons

• Could have a higher refresh rate

The HP VH240a is an all-around comfort pick that reliably facilitates trading in all conditions. You’ll also appreciate that the price isn’t too steep for this one, leaving more money for your brokerage. Plus, there are bonus speakers, which might be on the quiet side but can certainly create a nice ambiance.

The screen is a decent 1080p with an anti-glare matte screen. While it only refreshes at 60Hz, from a hardware perspective it holds up and there are very few eye health complaints with this monitor.

For personal comfort, the screen has the ability to tilt upwards by 30 degrees and down by 5 degrees. It also offers a 90-degree rotation for people that prefer to trade in a vertical portrait mode. Furthermore, you can use it with one of our best computer monitor stands to make the whole experience more customizable than ever.

The thin edges are great if you want to set up a second monitor for your computer explicitly for trading. Swivel it into vertical mode and you’ve got a great secondary monitor with a screen that practically touches your first. Alternatively, keep it horizontal and throw your old monitor off to the side for a similar effect, it is all up to you.

Best for stock trading: Dell P2419H

Dell

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Why it made the cut: This Dell is an anti-glare, flicker-free monitor that goes beyond just getting the job done.

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Screen Surface: Anti-Glare
• Size: 24”

Pros

• TUV-certified, ComfortView display port
• Great connectivity options (HDMI, VGA, USB)
• Dell Display Manager access
• Rotates to portrait and landscape modes

Cons

• Could have a better refresh rate
• Dullish blues

The Dell P2419H works perfectly for those mornings when you want to jump straight out of bed and head straight to the trading desk. Open your blinds fully and harness the power of the rising sun without fear of glare and eye strain with the anti-glare screen.

In fact, this screen should work wonders for your eyes throughout a heavy day of trading, reading business reports, and keeping up with the news. Being TUV-certified, the screen has passed tests showing it to be flicker-free and a reducer of blue light, which affects sleep. While the blue light adjustment does seem to have bled over into the color quality a tad, the trade-off seems well worth it.

In addition to rotating into portrait mode, as the HP VH240a did above, the Dell also has access to the Dell Display Manager. This software allows you to subdivide your screen as you wish, as if it were two screens in one. This is perfect for the trader with low desk space or that wants to compare two charts side-by-side.

Best for crypto trading: AOC C24G1

AOC

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Why it made the cut: It provides a fantastic low-blue mode for those crazy trading nights.

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz 
• Size: 24”

Pros

• Uses AOC’s Low Blue mode
• AMD Freesync tech
• Sharp text for easy reading
• Ready for post-trade gaming

Cons

• Occasionally experiences slight ‘ghosting’

The AOC C24G1 is a powerful monitor made for late nights in the trenches of crypto forums, NFT debates, and r/SatoshiStreetBets memery. Plus, while waiting for the Musk tweet that will send DOGE to the moon again, it can double as a great gaming monitor to service your other addiction.

Part of this comes down to the Low Blue mode software built into the monitor, so you can adapt your monitor for nighttime use easily. Paired with AMD FreeSync tech, which adjusts the refresh rate to match the FPS of used programs, and you have a system that is easy on the eyes.

Whether you find yourself working or playing late into the night, or a little bit of both, you’ll find something to like about the AOC C24G1. The sharp contrasts, but soft colors of the monitor allow for easy reading and the monitor is a great gaming monitor in its own right. One of the few downsides is that you might experience a tad bit of “ghosting,” or image-trailing artifacts, when gaming. Overall, this rates as a way above-average pick for a standard price.

Best for day trading: LG Ultrawide WN80C

LG

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Why it made the cut: If you can afford it, this monitor is a great ultrawide with easy on-screen splitting for quick information access when it counts most.

Specs

• Resolution: 1440p
• Screen Surface: Anti-Glare
• Screen Size: 34”

Pros

• Cool On-Screen control options
• USB-C connectivity for MacBook Pro
• Great height adjustability

Cons

• Could have a higher refresh rate
• Expensive

The LG 34WN80C-B is an ultrawide that proves itself wonderfully in the world of work-at-home productivity. The software included creates a powerful office display that will make you want to work. Easy USB-C connectivity makes it one of the best monitors for MacBook Pro trading, with the extra screen space making it all that much more enticing.

LG’s On-Screen control options allow you to choose a grid for various apps and windows, divvying up your screen like new residential lots. Just drop everything into place and go. The whole thing gives a pseudo-multi-monitor feel without all of the extra desk space, installation, or neck movement required.

Speaking of neck movement, the monitor has a great overall height adjustment at 6.3 inches with a spring-loaded mechanism. Just lift or push down and release, the monitor won’t move or slowly sink as time progresses. If that doesn’t work for you, there is always the 100 x 100 millimeter VESA mounting mechanism that is compatible with most monitor arms. Like most of the best ultrawide monitors, the LG 34WN80C-B is a bit on the expensive side. Since it is mostly meant as a great work monitor for professionals, we can’t say that the price can be offset by a top-of-the-line gaming experience either. Still, the LG 34WN80C-B packs a powerful punch in the office, keeps your eyes on the charts, and supports you where it counts.

Best budget: Acer SB220Q

Acer

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Why it made the cut: This is a go-to budget monitor for any purpose, that also happens to be good for trading.

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh Rate: 75 Hz
• Size: 21.5”

Pros

• Rotates to portrait and landscape modes
• Thin “Zero Frame” edges
• Ultrathin, lightweight, and compact
• Surprisingly high refresh rate

Cons

• No VESA mount compatibility
• A bit small

There’s a certain level of trader that looks for good value in everything, always looking to buy low while getting good value. The Acer SB220Q is the monitor for that trader. Not so ironically, the one thing that identifies it as a “trader monitor” is the great value for the dollar you’re getting when you buy it.

You can see quite a few of the features, like rotation to portrait mode and thin edges (Acer calls it “Zero Frame,” which feels a bit too generous), that other monitors on the list had. The humble Acer even has a refresh rate over 60Hz, all without the extra cost.

One thing to note is the option to add a webcam to your purchase. Our recommendation is to not take Acer up on the offer. The webcam costs nearly half as much as the monitor itself, making it a budget-unfriendly choice. Besides, if you’re wanting to get a monitor/webcam bundle, why not get one of the best monitors with built-in webcams instead?

While the screen does come a bit small and it does lack VESA mounting and associated features, this monitor could easily fit as the budget option for just about any monitor listing it qualified for. People simply like it, and we all have to respect what it can do for the cost.

Things to consider before buying the best monitors for trading

With all of the monitors out there today, it can be quite overwhelming to assess all of them. Overall quality remains a top priority, so a lot of the considerations you’ll see in our best monitors for home offices or even our best ultrawide gaming monitors guides will apply here. For the best monitors for trading, however, we wanted to push beyond the average factors.

Resolution

The higher the resolution of the screen, the better your data will appear. Resolution, at a very basic level, means how many pieces of information are in a given area. For your computer screen, that means that high-resolution monitors are able to display more info in a smaller space.

If your trading world is filled with candle-and-stick charts, bar graphs, line charts, and the like, you’ll be able to see the outline of the boxes with greater precision the higher the resolution is.

To give an extreme example of how this can matter for charting, imagine a monitor that is only 10 pixels tall. When viewing a bar chart of percentages on this monitor, a bar with a value of 61% would appear the same as a bar with a value of 69%. At 20 pixels tall, these two values would only appear to be one pixel apart.

Fortunately, there are no modern monitors with such terrible resolutions, but the principle remains the same. Low-resolution displays can mess with our ability to interpret charts correctly and lead to big, preventable losses in the trading world. Meanwhile, high-resolution screens can display accurate information from several windows simultaneously.

Screen surface finish

There are three main monitor finishes: glossy, matte, and semi-gloss. Sometimes individual manufacturers have their own type of monitor, too, but most screen types fall within these three categories. Let’s take a look at these three types from the perspective of an active trader:

Glossy: Glossy finish screens are smooth and have a reflective shine. Praised for the vibrant, bouncy colors they give off, glossy screens are bright and exciting, with rich and crisp colors. Unfortunately, they also have a tendency to reflect light and give off glare. For the early morning stock trader, this can be a huge disadvantage when trying to catch up on the latest news or get in that early morning options pick as markets open. Even worse, you’re much more likely to wake up to a layer of visible dust across the screen when using a glossy finish monitor.

Matte: On a microscopic level, these screens are “rougher” than glossy monitors. The result is a screen that is a bit duller with somewhat muted colors, which won’t make them amongst the best monitors for color grading. Matte screens, however, are much less prone to glare, even when in direct light. In the mornings, you’ll be greeted to a screen that appears cleaner and less dusty. The dust will still be there, and possibly more difficult to clean away due to the rough nature of matte screens, but it won’t be as much of an apparent hassle.

Semi-gloss: This type of screen is somewhere between the other two. As a result, it has some of the pros and cons of each and can be a good compromise for those that prefer a balanced approach to their purchases.

From this perspective, it can seem like matte is the only way to go for stock traders and day traders looking for that early morning clarity. While this is somewhat true, there are also a few monitors with “anti-glare” tech. The good ole-fashioned close-the-blinds trick can work wonders as well.

Casual traders or night owl crypto experts might drift toward glossy or semi-gloss more easily, but this all comes down to aesthetic preferences.

Screen flicker

Monitors constantly flicker as a result of changing pixel colors. This flickering quality is measured in times-per-second using Hertz (Hz). Screen flicker, even when not noticeable, can pull you out of flow, make you miss important details, and give you major eye strain and fatigue (factors that are avoidable with the right monitors). Traders wanting to burn the midnight oil, either catching up on the day’s news or watching crypto markets, can be particularly damaged by this tiring phenomenon.

The lower the refresh rate, the worse the effects of screen flicker. Unfortunately, refresh rates aren’t the only issue. Even monitors with 144Hz can have flickering issues with hardware malfunctions, as our best 1440p 144Hz monitors guide sadly had to mention about the experiences of the early buyers of the Samsung Odyssey G7.

So, don’t look at refresh rates as the sole reducer in screen flicker. Take a close look at customer reports of hardware issues, especially months after purchase. Similarly, look for “anti-flicker” tech to make sure the monitor has your eyes’ best interest at hand. Still, there is nothing wrong going with a monitor with a high refresh rate and we won’t be considering those below 60Hz.

OLED vs LED vs LCD

These three acronyms are commonly used for screen lighting technology and should be properly understood by the trader before making a monitor purchase. Here is the relevant background on each type:

OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode. OLED monitors are relatively new and do away with backlighting in favor of thin screens. They are capable of the lowest response times and highest refresh rates.

LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode and is probably the type of lighting you are most familiar with. After all, the typical Christmas tree lights are LED. When used in monitors, they have great viewing angles and reduce eye fatigue when compared to LCD screens.

LCD stands for Liquid-Crystal Display and uses backlighting to help you see the display. Typically, this type of monitor will use more power, have a lower viewing angle, and be slightly worse for your eyes than LED screens.

Typically, most traders will want OLED or LED screens for a high-quality, low-energy product that also reduces eye strain. For a majority of cases, that will mean using an LED screen, but we’re excited about the potential for more OLED monitors to make the cut as more and more are produced.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for trading

With so many monitors to choose from, it can be hard to come out feeling that you are getting the best deal. For traders, who want to feel like they are getting their money’s worth, sticking to the fundamentals and looking for eye health options are always a great start. Our favorites will get you headed on that path, so your head can stay in the markets.

The post The best monitors for trading 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 Overall		Samsung Odyssey G7		SEE IT	Get that big-screen feel without sacrificing the critical 16:9 aspect ratio.
Best for Twitch		ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN		SEE IT	Highly recommended due to its hardcore refresh rate, response time, and Twitch-compatible aspect ratio.
Best for Gaming		BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K		SEE IT	Retaining a lot of the power of the previous model, it comes in an upgraded package with even more FPS-playing potential.

With more and more people livestreaming content, you aren’t alone if you are wondering if there are some monitors for streaming out there that perform better than average for creators and consumers of everything from unboxings to speed runs. Monitors are rarely seen when watching someone online, yet they are so vital for the whole streaming experience. For that reason, we’ve put together this round-up of the best monitors for streaming so you won’t have to hope to catch a faint reflection of them in glasses’ frames. 

Thanks to the best webcams for streaming, we’ve all gotten a good look at the headsets and other accessories inside of our favorite streamer’s rooms. Some of the more observant of you might even have a solid idea of the best streaming devices and best mics for streaming already available. Well, read on and the best monitors to finish your setup will no longer be a mystery. 

• Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN
• Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K
• Best for livestreaming IRL: ASUS ZenScreen MB166C
• Best budget: Acer SB220Q

How we selected the best monitors for streaming

Streaming is an incredibly diverse field. In just a few hours of watching streamers you’re likely to see a huge assortment of content: From Maya in the great, bright outdoors working with wildlife to MoonMoon cursing at Mario in a dark room … from a woodblock printmaker showing detailed shots of his knife work to intensive screen transitions from the two-time himself, DrDisrespect, creators have different needs and uses for monitors.

The result is that it is difficult to select a monitor that is the very best for all streamers. Instead, we looked at monitors that are good for categories like gaming, sitting down and working for long hours, and also a few specialty monitors, like those that work well on the go. We also made sure to consider the current monitors of top streamers and the monitors we predicted they’d buy if they were to buy a new one right now. Combining personal experience, research on high-profile personalities, critical consensus, and user impressions, we narrowed down our list.

Best monitors for streaming: Reviews & Recommendations

Generally speaking, the best monitors for streaming are the best monitors for gaming that have a useful aspect ratio. They also tend to be monitors that keep your head and neck comfortable after many hours of streaming … gotta grind out those ranks, after all. We’ve also included an IRL streaming pick, for streaming on the go, due to the massive surge in popularity of that category. Many of them have already been top-streamer tested or belong to product lines used by your favorite eCelebrities. These are our best monitors for streaming.

Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7

Samsung

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is one of the best monitors around, with a possible 240Hz refresh rate and that big-screen feel while keeping the preferred 16:9 ratio.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: Up to 240Hz
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• Competitive response time
• Elegantly curved display
• Low eye strain

Cons

• Expensive

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is a monitor that provides for consistently comfortable gaming and streaming experience. With a 31.5-inch curved screen utilizing WQHD level resolution, you get that big-screen feel without sacrificing the critical 16:9 aspect ratio.

If you’re into grinding out the hours in your streamer chair, you’ll be happy to know that it also ranks as a top monitor for reduced eye strain. This is largely in part due to the max refresh rate of 240Hz and the quick 1ms response time all displayed on a comfortably curved screen. What’s even better for the streamer is the fact that these factors also contribute to getting the best KDA in the squad.

When it comes time to complain about this monitor, it can be difficult. However, there is one spec we just don’t like so much about this monitor: the price. While it outclasses the competition in so many ways, we just wish that this wasn’t one of them.

Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN

ASUS

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It has a top-of-the-line refresh rate and response time with about as much eye care as you can pack into a premium gaming monitor, all while maintaining that key 16:9 aspect ratio.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 360Hz
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• Impressively high max refresh rate
• TUV-certified flicker-free and low blue light tech
• Good connectivity (HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, USB)

Cons

• Included stand quite large

The ASUS ROG Swift comes highly recommended for any Twitch streamer looking to make it big in FPS or battle royale games due to its hardcore refresh rate, response time, and Twitch-compatible aspect ratio. It even has great maneuverability for neck comfort and TUV Eye Comfort Certification for those 14+ hour weekend stream marathons. Anyone familiar with the streaming powerhouse XQC will find themselves drawn to this ASUS due to his time with its predecessor, the ASUS ROG Swift 258Q.

Aside from long hours of use, you’ll also find that the ASUS ROG Swift has great connectivity options, with USB and HDMI 2.0 alongside the somewhat better DisplayPort for the best possible frame rate.

The main irritation with this monitor is that the included stand is quite expansive. While it is sturdy and doesn’t shake easily, the stand is just about as wide as the monitor itself and has some depth to it, too. Consider using a wall mount to conserve desk space.

Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K

BenQ

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Why it made the cut: This monitor is used by some of the best gaming streamers in the world and has the specs needed to be a top FPS player.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1 ms 

Pros

• Dynamic Accuracy Plus tech for low blur
• Smaller stand base than predecessor
• Intensive response time
• FPS Pro-Grade refresh rate

Cons

• Duller colors than predecessor

Used by YouTube’s favorite medical unprofessional, DrDisrespect, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is an overall upgrade to the very popular BenQ ZOWIE XL2540. While retaining a lot of the power of the previous model, it comes in an upgraded package with even more FPS-playing potential.

The Dynamic Accuracy Plus (DyAc⁺) used by BenQ nearly eliminates motion blur. Where the typical LCD monitor will have an intermediary softer color between a flash white and a return to black, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K will skip this to produce a crisp transition between colors. When coupled with a 1ms response time, this tech can give you the edge you deserve when you need to get precise headshots and track CS:GO recoil patterns down to the pixel.

We like how it compares to the previous model overall. Not only is the response time better, but it also has a much smaller base at approximately 20% smaller. We weren’t as impressed with the vividness of the colors, which appeared somewhat dull. There’s no other way to put it, though, this monitor will take the top 20% of FPS players to the next level of gaming.

Best for livestreaming IRL: ASUS ZenScreen MB166C

ASUS

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The ASUS ZenScreen is a portable USB monitor with all of the features, including the ability to be tripod mounted, certain to make your next IRL stream a hit.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.
• Size: 15.6” screen, 8.9″ x 14.2″ x 0.5″ total

Pros

• Tripod mountable for any terrain
• Very portable
• TUV-certified flicker-free and low blue light tech
• Single cord for power/connectivity

Cons

• USB only
• Not intended to work with phone

If you are an on-the-go IRL streamer that wants to set up a stream station just about anywhere, we would strongly encourage you to consider the ASUS ZenScreenMB166C. A tripod-mountable portable monitor for your laptop has the potential to spruce up live events and outdoor festivities. Popping one of our best cheap webcams on top can give convention attendees a fun way to wave and say “Hi” to your audience as well. The whole experience is enough to have you asking, “How much data does streaming live TV use?”

Not everything that comes with a tripod attachment is easily portable by default. Heavy, bulky objects are a pain to take with you. So will ease of movement be an issue with a ZenScreen? The verdict is “not likely.” At less than 2 pounds and under 0.5 inch in thickness, you can probably keep it in your laptop case so it will always be ready to go. The included protective sleeve will keep it from getting any scratches barring the most extreme of collisions.

You’ll also be happy to know that you won’t have to carry a million accessories to keep this monitor functional. A single USB cord will simultaneously cover the connection to your laptop and powering up the monitor. Unfortunately, that USB connection is the only connection possible. Overall, though, this monitor works incredibly well for its small size.

Best budget: Acer SB220Q

Acer

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Why it made the cut: This is a reliable Acer with a price that is nearly impossible to beat, made perfect for chill “Hearthstone” card slinging or grinding TFT ranks.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Response time: 4ms

Pros

• Great refresh rate for the cost
• Good enough response time for average gamers
• Image quality for everyday gaming

Cons

• No VESA mounting

For many streamers, especially those starting out or who want to focus on slower-paced games, getting a super-advanced monitor isn’t a great choice. A quality affordable monitor, like Acer’s SB220Q makes a lot more sense.

Looking at the raw stats, you see a monitor that pushes way above its paygrade. The monitor has a surprisingly high refresh rate of 75Hz in a tier where you’d usually expect 60Hz. For all but the very top players, the 4ms response time of this humble Acer won’t be any different than the 1ms response times sported by some monitors over four times this one’s cost. Additionally, not all games are so twitchy and reaction-based. A Top 100 “Hearthstone Battlegrounds” player is going to do just as well on this as they will anything else.

Really, the only thing we don’t like about it is that you can’t use your own mount with it as it doesn’t have VESA holes. The mount it comes with is okay, but losing the potential for options is always a bummer.

Things to consider before buying monitors for streaming

The No. 1 thing to consider is what kind of streamer you want to be. There is always some extra that might fit your particular niche the best. Be creative and work with your audience. Despite how much they enjoy OMEGALUL’ing your every failure, they really do care about your gaming experience, stream quality, and overall well-being. Well, at least, sorta.

Aside from niche favorites, there are some key things that pop up more frequently than others, including screen resolution, response time, and screen flicker. Aspect ratio, in particular, plays a unique role in livestreamed video gaming that you just might not expect.

Aspect ratio

For most streamers, the best aspect ratio for a monitor will be 16:9. The details of why that is the case are a bit lengthy, but worth learning if you want to stream.

Understanding what aspect ratio is and how it affects your streaming experience can be a bit tricky. Aspect ratio falls into a similar category as resolution, as it is a ratio of pixels. Where it diverges from resolution, however, is that it directly describes the rectangular shape of your screen.

The aspect ratio of your monitor can give you a good idea about how it will look. A 2:1 aspect ratio monitor could be 2 feet across and 1 foot up OR 6 feet across and 3 feet up. The vertical-to-horizontal ratio stays the same.

Stream hosting sites have standard viewing windows that can adjust to different viewers’ browser window sizes. Twitch and YouTube both default to 16:9 for this. Try changing your browser window size while watching a stream and see the display automatically adjust. The website automatically adjusts the image size to fit your window based on the aspect ratio selected.

How does this translate to the streaming experience? When aspect ratios don’t match, stream hosting services have to squeeze everything into a smaller space, shrinking the visible area. This can also happen even if you adjust the aspect ratio of your stream away from the 16:9 default if your viewers don’t have equivalent monitors to match.

To get around this, ultrawide streamers have to play games windowed, use specialized software, or find some other way around the issue. The result is a friction between what the viewer and streamer see on the screen, which is undesirable for all. Again, it is best to keep to a 16:9 ratio for a streaming monitor, or keep as close to it as possible.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate is going to be something that affects you, the streamer, directly more than it does the audience. While lower refresh rates can contribute to eye fatigue, which possibly lowers stream length, the biggest deal will be when you’re trying to edge out those headshots in FPS games or avoiding getting ganked in your MOBA of choice.

Refresh rates are measured in Hertz, or Hz, and reflect the number of times per second that a monitor’s image refreshes. The higher, the better, these typically start at around 60 Hz and start to level off around 144Hz, but there are those that go beyond.

For slow, tactical games like “Sid Meier’s Civilization” or casual “Hearthstone BG” runs, this won’t be a huge factor for you. However, when you’re in a 3-on-1 situation in the last minutes of a battle royale, it could make all of the difference in the world.

Response time

Another metric of screen changes, response time tells us how fast it takes a pixel on the monitor to go from one color to another. Measured in milliseconds, the testing usually covers the time to change from white to black or one shade of gray to another.

Much like refresh rate, above, this can make a lot of difference to your performance while playing fast games, especially FPS games. Additionally, it is another factor in the trailing white line behind your rapidly moving white cursor on dark-mode’d websites.

You should strive for a response time around 5 milliseconds or less, but a little bit over won’t affect the average individual too much. To put it into perspective, a blink takes about 150 milliseconds, so an extra millisecond or two in your monitor’s response time isn’t going to make a huge difference unless you’re in the top few percent of players in your game.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for streaming

Getting a high-quality gaming monitor, like the Samsung Odyssey G7, is going to go a long way for you in your streaming career or hobby. At the same time, I also feel certain that any of the monitors on our list (except the ZenScreen) has all of the qualities necessary to be the main monitor for any person ready to start dedicating themselves to streaming. Now, go order your monitor, say your “Kappa 1, 2, 3” and get that stream started!

The post The best monitors for streaming 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 overall		BHY 320 CFM 150 MPH Battery Leaf Blower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charge		SEE IT	Quick to set up, with a locking trigger-grip and multiple speeds, this leaf blower shows cost-efficient doesn’t mean lacking.
Best with trimmer		WORX 20V GT Revolution 12" WG930.2		SEE IT	Not only a leaf blower, but also an edger and mini mower—a bargain combo tool, especially if you’re already invested in the WORX PowerShare system.
Best with vacuum		BLACK+DECKER 40V Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum Kit		SEE IT	With a built-in mulcher and long-lasting battery, this leaf blower with vacuum gives you options for clearing debris effectively.

It’s never more than nine months away from autumn, which means it’s never a bad time to be thinking about yard care, and lawn tools like cordless leaf blowers. As cities get more crowded and more expensive, the suburbs get more appealing, which means the competition for tools can get intense. Don’t wait till your lawn is smothered to find out that hard way that the local hardware store has been emptied. Whether you are new to leaf blowers or want an upgrade, the best cordless leaf blowers will up your “raking” game into the 21st century.

• Best overall: BHY 320 CFM 150 MPH Battery Leaf Blower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charge
• Best with trimmer: WORX 20V GT Revolution 12″ WG930.2
• Best with vacuum: BLACK+DECKER 40V Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum Kit
• Best lightweight: Somorei YS-710
• Best small: Abeden Cordless Leaf Blower
• Best budget: Expansion Wellness Leaf Blower

How we selected the best cordless leaf blowers

Naturally, there are countless cordless leaf blowers to choose from, but not every one of them will suit your individual needs. To make this list, I first explored critical reviews to determine what are considered the best cordless leaf blower brands. Then I investigated what people were searching for in a model. As it turns out, a lot of folks are really interested in getting leaf blowers with accessories like vacuums and trimmers or aren’t too shy about wanting a small cordless leaf blower. I took all of these expectations and impressions into account and sorted out the winners into the right categories so you can get exactly what you want.

Things to consider before buying cordless leaf blowers

When you want a cordless leaf blower, it can feel like the only thing that matters is that you avoid getting an annoying, dangling cord. The reality is that there are a lot of things going on in the world of cordless leaf blowers these days. They aren’t just refined to one or two items on a list of the overall top leaf blowers anymore. With all that variety, here’s what you should consider more before making a cordless leaf blower purchase on your own:

Weight & grip

Having a good hold on the cordless leaf blower will help you properly aim it, maintain good wrist health, and fight fatigue. The average leaf blower will weigh less than 7 pounds, but even that can be enough to damage sensitive wrists. The best lightweight leaf blowers are under 4 pounds.

You’ll also want a steady, comfortable grip. While hard, hollow plastic grips reduce price, consider nicer materials such as rubber or PVC around a sturdy metal interior to improve the overall quality of your time with your leaf blower. The best cordless leaf blowers will also consider that the line between the end of fall and the start of winter is usually a bit blurry—having enough room to grip the leaf blower’s handle while using mittens is very desirable.

Power

A leaf blower’s power is usually measured in CFM and MPH. CFM, or cubic feet per minute, measures air volume used while MPH, or miles per hour, measures airspeed.

Since we’re dealing with completely invisible air, it can be quite tricky to properly visualize what is going on when we read these numbers. Instead, try imagining a hose filling up a pool. You’ll probably want to know how much water is coming out of the hose so you can see how long the job will take. That’s what CFM gives you for a leaf blower—how much air is coming out of the hose. You also might find it interesting to see how fast the water is moving when it comes out of the hose, in which case you’ll probably use MPH.

Our cordless leaf blower will work just like the hose. If you have a high volume (CFM) of air coming through the leaf blower, you will be able to get more work done quickly. With a high speed (MPH), you’ll be able to move heavier stuff. High CFMs get jobs done fast and high MPHs get heavier jobs done.

Length

Finally, don’t discount the importance of the length of your leaf blower. You’ll want one that suits your height and needs. For the ground, people of average height will want something over three or four feet long, so you can comfortably stand and not have to tilt the handle too aggressively. Raised beds, car tops, and other places can use shorter lengths.

Some leaf blowers, such as our choice for best cordless leaf blower, have multiple section tubes which can be removed or added so you can have more flexibility. The two-tube adjustable leaf blower is the best of both worlds.

The best cordless leaf blowers: Reviews & Recommendations

While any of the following leaf blowers will work well, and we especially love what BHY has to offer, we’ve categorized our selections with the special features and accessories that we know you need to be happy with a cordless leaf blower. For example, if having a vacuum is essential for you, go with this option from BLACK+DECKER. No matter what you’re looking for to deal with the yearly deluge of fallen foliage, take a look through our list and we bet you’ll find it.

Best overall: BHY 320 CFM 150 MPH Battery Leaf Blower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charge

BHY

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This offering from BHY is a powerful tool with lots of versatility that doesn’t make you pay for extra frills.

Specs

• Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Power: 320 CFM, 150 MPH
• Length: 2-tube adjustable

Pros

• Quick setup
• Locking trigger-grip for hand comfort
• Multiple speeds
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Loses battery quickly at top speeds

The BHY is the top cordless leaf blower because it has the top hardware available without scaring you at the checkout counter. With six speeds and two section tubes for adjustable length, the BHY is very adaptable and consumer friendly. Incredibly, it comes in at under $100.

The six speeds to choose from come in particularly handy, as you won’t often need the full 150 MPH for average leaf-blowing scenarios. In fact, I wholeheartedly recommend you turn down the speed a notch or two as the only real fault of the BHY is how charge-draining the top speeds are, killing the battery in under a half hour. While this isn’t unusual for cordless leaf blowers, it can be irritating if you’re just now going cordless. Use what you need for a majority of the yard, then finish up with short bursts of the max power to get the tough stuff left behind.

While on the topic of the battery, I do like how BHY sets out to save your battery instead of letting it get damaged in an attempt to sell you another one. How does the BHY save batteries? Automatic battery overheating protection! There’s a sensor that will shut things down if you’re running too hot. While it can feel annoying in the moment, this is a feature that has your long-term satisfaction in mind.

Finally, if you have arthritis or wrist issues, take note, because while you may notice that the BHY is a bit heavier than most items on this list, there is one big thing that makes up for that: the locking trigger mechanism in the grip. Instead of having to hold down a button, like on most trigger grips, you can lock it into the on position and go, saving yourself some tension in the joints.

Best with trimmer: WORX 20V GT Revolution 12″ WG930.2

WORX

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This kit from WORX provides two batteries that interchange with the two machines you’re looking for to get your yard cleaned up.

Specs

• Weight: 4.9 pounds
• Power: 360 CFM, 75 MPH
• Batteries Included: 2

Pros

• Batteries work with other products in the WORX PowerShare system
• Blower uses wide handle with thumb toggle
• Trimmer also converts into an in-line wheeled edger and mini-mower
• “Combo” pricing

Cons

• Unfortunately, not just one machine

This 2-in-1 offering from WORX is the combo meal of yard work accessories. You’re getting a high-quality trimmer and leaf blower along with two interchangeable batteries that suit the system. In fact, the batteries provided will work with not only the trimmer and blower provided here but also other yard work equipment within WORX’s PowerShare system. Today, let’s focus on what this package provides:

The blower half of the combo is a lightweight, two-speed unit with a comfortable grip. From the top of the handle, you can choose between the slower 240 CFM, 50 MPH setting or the faster 360 CFM, 75 MPH option with just a flick of your thumb. Getting extra bursts of power when you need it should be easy!

The trimmer half is a tool that can tackle a lot of tasks in one package. It quickly converts to an edger and a mini mower by rotating the head. Your main time with the device will likely be in standard trimmer mode—the mini mower certainly isn’t meant to replace your amazing zero-turn mower—but the other features are a nice bonus. The trimmer also features a line feed, a single button to push to feed more line into the head, and a two-handed two-handled grip for precision cutting.

There’s nothing particularly negative to say about this system. I know a select few people looking for a leaf blower with a trimmer are probably looking for both in one device. Unfortunately, that isn’t going to be the case here or with any of the other top products researched for this article. Luckily, that isn’t the case for our next product, the best cordless leaf blower and vacuum combo, which has both in one unit.

Best with vacuum: BLACK+DECKER 40V Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum Kit

BLACK+DECKER

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The BLACK+DECKER leaf blower with leaf vacuum kit has a space-saving mulcher and plentiful battery life.

Specs

• Weight: 5.2 pounds + bag
• Power: 120 MPH
• Length: 37 inches

Pros

• Soft-grip handle
• Built-in mulcher to reduce leaf size
• 17.6-liter bag
• Long-lasting battery

Cons

• Cannot disassemble once assembled

The BLACK+DECKER brings the best of both worlds with its blower and vacuum. We’ve also reviewed the best leaf vacuums, focusing more on the vacuum. The BLACK+DECKER has a comfortable grip and the power to get big blowing jobs done.

This 40-volt cordless leaf blower has a battery life worth commenting on. In my research through customer reviews of cordless leaf blowers, battery life was a common complaint … so much so that you’ll notice a few products on our best cordless leaf blowers list come with a backup battery. The BLACK+DECKER completely reverses this script, with average users mentioning satisfaction with the battery life and one even going so far as to say that they were able to clear their courtyard twice on a single charge.

The leaf mulcher breaks down leaves on their way to the bag, reducing the area they take up in the bag by about a sixth. Don’t worry about sucking up other organic debris by accident, either, as the mulch grinder is strong enough to take on the occasional acorn.

While you can take the bag on and off easily enough, both to remove mulched debris and to convert the vacuum back to blower mode, you won’t be able to disassemble the main blower body once you’ve put it together. 

Best lightweight: Somorei YS-710

Somorei

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Why it made the cut: The Somorei YS-710 packs quick bursts of intense power into a 3-pound frame.

Specs

• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Power: 140 CFM, 130 MPH
• Length: 2-tube adjustable (up to 35 inches)

Pros

• Lightweight, full size
• Anti-slip handle
• Quick charging
• Easy to transport

Cons

• Low battery life on high power

It will be hard to find a full-length leaf blower lighter than the one offered by Somorei, which comes in at 3.4 pounds. Surprisingly, it is still able to muster up speeds up to 130 MPH and has a comfortable anti-slip handle. This isn’t just a cheap hollow plastic leaf blower with a random fan stuck inside.

The ideal usage for the Somorei is to clear off your deck, patio, or sidewalk using the lower speed setting, where power lasts for about 50 minutes. Then, you can finish up with a quick burst of power using the 130 MPH high speed. Unfortunately, for this mode, power only lasts about 10 minutes, but you probably won’t need it for very long. In the worst case, a full charge only takes around an hour. Even 20 to 30 minutes should be enough for a partial charge to finish the job. Take a quick rest and get back at it!

Since the Somorei cordless leaf blower is easy to disassemble and is also very light, you pop it in a work bag or backpack to take it to relevant work sites with ease, making it a perfect complement for field workers or people that travel to many job sites. Overall, the Somorei is an incredibly handy lightweight leaf blower, cordless and maneuverable.

Best small: Abeden Cordless Leaf Blower

Abeden

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Why it made the cut: This small cordless leaf blower from Abeden is great for cleaning out small places.

Specs

• Weight: 3.15 pounds
• Power: ~100 CFM
• Size: 22 inches x 5.9 inches x 7.5 inches

Pros

• Press-response speed control
• Mini vacuum
• 18,000 max RPM fan

Cons

• 2.5-hour full-charge time
• Small vacuum bag

For the times when you need to get into nooks and crannies and really blast them clean, the Abeden Cordless Leaf Blower has your back. At only 22-inches long, with a thin-tip nozzle, you’ll be able to pop the Abeden underneath that difficult hedge or in that hard-to-reach space behind the fence. An optional vacuum mode will make the Abeden great for getting between car seats and underneath couches as well.

One thing that is particularly cool about Abeden’s system is how easy it is to adjust between the two-speed offerings. Just pull the trigger harder for more power! It will almost feel automatic as you go around on low speed to pull the trigger a bit more tightly to go full blast. You should find the system very intuitive and in rhythm with what your brain is wanting from you.

The main frustrations with this cordless leaf blower are the small vacuum bag and long charge times. As a product going for the best small cordless leaf blower with vacuum, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Abeden Cordless Leaf Blower’s vacuum bag is on the small side. What might shock you a tad is that it takes around two-and-a-half hours to get a full charge on the thing. So much for small body, quick charge.

Best budget: Expansion Wellness Leaf Blower

Expansion Wellness

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is the best full-power leaf blower at or under $60.

Specs

• Weight: 6 pounds
• Power: 320 CFM, 150 MPH
• Length: 2-tube adjustable

Pros

• Great power for the cost
• Locking trigger-grip for hand comfort
• A full 6-speed dial
• Over 15 minutes of charge at high speeds

Cons

• Not-so-great battery experience

The budget consumer is in luck when it comes to finding the best cheap cordless leaf blowers. While most of the best cordless leaf blowers are going for at or over $100, I was able to find this gem, the Expansion Wellness Leaf Blower, at around $60.

When thinking about budget products, it is almost better to think about what you are sacrificing than what you are getting. With this offering from Expansion Wellness, it can be a bit tricky to find what you aren’t getting. At 320 CFM and 150 MPH power, it can hold up with the big boys. The same goes for the 6-speed offering and the locking trigger. You can even say that the battery does well by being able to handle over 15 minutes of air blasting at max speeds.

Unfortunately, Expansion Wellness’s battery comes with a couple of other flaws. First of all, you have to discharge the battery fully when you receive it, then charge it back fully, before your first use. While it doesn’t seem unreasonable to have to charge a battery before using it, the discharge process seems like it should be the manufacturer’s job. Of course, there wouldn’t be much complaining about all of this at all if it weren’t for the unusually long full-charge time: 3 hours.

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Final thoughts on the best cordless leaf blowers

Getting a high-quality cordless leaf blower is getting easier and easier every year, especially with cordless electric leaf blowers getting such a boost in popularity recently. Every leaf blower on the list above will work for its given circumstances, and you will be able to find an attachment or accessory you want as well. Have a happy, prepared fall!

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