If you grew up with self-tanners, you may remember them as an orange, streaky mess. Today's formulas have come a long way, delivering a natural, sun-kissed glow—as long as you know how to apply them correctly.

In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Ayanna Redwood-Crawford explains how today's self tanners work better for a range of skin tones. She shares how to choose the right formula for you, avoid the dreaded orange streaks, and find the best self tanner whether you're a first-timer or getting ready for a beach vacation.

This episode covers: 

• Why self tanners aren't just for light skin. Self tanners work on virtually every skin tone. While lighter skin may develop a deeper tan, darker skin tones can use them to even out uneven pigmentation and add a healthy glow.
• How they actually work. The active ingredient in self tanners, DHA,  is a sugar-derived ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to temporarily darken it without any UV exposure.
• How self tanners differ from spray tans and bronzers. At-home self tanners use the same active ingredient as professional spray tans, while bronzers only provide temporary color. Self tanners are also a much safer alternative to tanning in the sun or a tanning bed.
• How to apply without streaks or orange patches. Ayanna walks through her step-by-step routine, from exfoliating and moisturizing dry spots to using an application mitt and choosing the right clothing while your tan develops.
• How to make it last longer. The right maintenance routine preserves an even tan for up to a week. Consider how to shower, when to moisturize, and avoiding exfoliation until you're ready for the color to fade.

Products we recommend: 

• Best for beginners: Jergens Natural Glow + Brighten Daily Moisturizer
• Best for a streak-free tan: Norvell Venetian Self-Tanning Mousse
• Best for the quickest, darkest tan: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

Additional reading:

• The 3 Best Self-Tanners of 2026
• Most Self-Tanners Look Orange on My Pale Skin. This One Doesn’t. 
• Actually, Self-Tanner Works for Every Skin Tone 

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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Buildings generally aren’t designed for people with disabilities—and when your own home poses daily physical barriers, it can be incredibly frustrating. But smart home technology can offer surprisingly simple, life-changing solutions for people with disabilities, those aging in place, or anyone with temporary mobility issues.

This week, Wirecutter accessibility editor Claire Perlman and smart home editor Jon Chase join us to discuss a recent project where they retrofitted Claire's apartment with smart light switches. Because Claire uses a wheelchair and has limited arm mobility, her apartment's light switches were too high for her to easily turn on, leaving her in the dark if a helper wasn't around. Jon and Claire share how they solved this issue using switches that allow Claire to control her overhead lighting using just her voice.

They also break down the learning curve of setting up smart home devices, the frustrating realities of Wi-Fi pairing, and the best devices to start with if you want to make your home more accessible.

This episode covers:

• The limitations of standard ADA compliance: An "ADA compliant" apartment is designed to meet a wide range of needs, which may not work for every disability.
• Smart switches vs. smart bulbs: If you want to automate built-in overhead lighting, you don't need to replace your bulbs. Instead, you can replace the physical wall switch with a smart switch that wires directly into your existing setup and can be controlled via an app or a voice assistant like Alexa.
• The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi pairing trick: If you are struggling to get a new smart device to connect to your phone during setup, it's likely because your phone is on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network while most smart devices use a 2.4 GHz network. You can often fix this by temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band on your router until the setup is complete.
• The best smart devices for accessibility: You don't have to automate your entire home at once. Start small with high-impact devices. Smart plugs can turn any standard lamp into a voice-controlled device. Smart locks allow you to let guests or helpers in without needing to get up. Smart smoke detectors let you silence false alarms from your phone, and automated shades can help control room temperature and glare without physical effort.
• Why you should stick to name brands: When investing in smart home gear, established companies offer better cloud support, longer software updates, and more reliable compatibility with major ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Products we recommend:

• The best smart switch for Z-wave users: Leviton Decora Smart Z-Wave Dimmer ZW6HD
• The best smart switch, neutral wire not required: Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD
• The best smart plug: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25)
• The best smart deadbolt lock: Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt
• The best smart light bulb : WiZ 60W A19 Color LED Smart Bulb
• The best smart shade: SmartWings Motorized Light Filtering Roller Shades
• The best smart smoke alarm: Kidde Smart Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm
• The best power washer for the constant user: Ryobi RY142500 2500 PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer

Additional reading:

• She Was Physically Unable to Use Her Light Switches. Smart Switches Gave Her Convenience and Control.
• The 4 Best In-Wall Smart Light Switches and Dimmers of 2026 
• The 4 Best Smart LED Light Bulbs of 2026
• 18 Best Smart Home Devices to Help Aging in Place in 2026
• The 5 Best Smart Plugs of 2026
• The 4 Best Smart Window Shades, Blinds, and Curtains of 2026 
• The 3 Best Smart Smoke Alarms of 2026
   

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A soccer ball, a football, a tried-and-true set of cornhole are all classic go-to’s for a summer gathering. But there are a lot more outdoor games worth trying. 

This episode, Wirecutter staff writer and resident games expert James Austin shares his favorite lawn games for every kind of summer hangout, from backyard barbecues to picnics and camping trips. He explains a few under-the-radar picks that might earn a permanent spot in your warm-weather rotation this season.

Products we recommend: 

• Best cornhole set: AllCornhole Tournament Series Cornhole Boards
• Best for highly competitive groups and energetic beach days: Spikeball
• Best for an easy-to-learn game that's great for mixed ages and abilities: EastPoint Sports Steel Ladderball Set
• Best for something with a little more strategy: GoSports Kubb Viking Game Regulation Size
• Best for a packable, string-based shuffleboard game: Helinox StringTrees
• Best for a portable, fun version of chess: Hive Pocket
• Best for a chunky tabletop game that travels well: Azul
• Best for a frisbee-based game that’s especially good for tailgates: Kan Jam
• Best kite: Prism Vertex

Additional reading:

• 7 Offline Games We Love for Camping (That Are Also Great for the Backyard)
• The Best Gear for Cornhole, Bags, Sack Toss, or Whatever Y’all Call It Where You’re From 

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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Finding the right deodorant or antiperspirant can feel weirdly difficult. Maybe your go-to product suddenly stops working, maybe you're tired of pit stains ruining your clothes, or maybe you're still not entirely sure what the difference is between deodorant and antiperspirant in the first place.

In this episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Abbie Kozolchyk explains why choosing an underarm product is so personal. She breaks down the science behind sweat and body odor, debunks common fears about aluminum, and shares what she learned from testing dozens of products with everyone from teenagers to older adults. 

Plus, we hear about one of the strangest jobs in the personal care industry: a professional armpit sniffer.

This episode covers: 

• The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant masks odor and antiperspirant reduces sweat. Understanding the difference can make it much easier to find the right product for you.
• Why finding your perfect deodorant or antiperspirant is mostly trial and error. Everyone's body chemistry is different, which means the product your friend swears by might do absolutely nothing for you.
• Why aluminum in antiperspirants probably isn't something to fear. Abbie breaks down why scientists aren’t concerned about antiperspirants causing breast cancer or Alzheimer's.
• How to get better results from the products you already use. From applying antiperspirant at bedtime to giving a new deodorant a full week before judging it, small tweaks can make a big difference.

Products we recommend: 

• Best to prevent pit stains Degree UltraClear Black + White Antiperspirant Deodorant
• Best for preventing white streaks on clothing: SheaMoisture Fresh Antiperspirant Deodorant
• Best for heavy sweaters: Mitchum Women Advanced Control Antiperspirant & Deodorant Gel
• Best for odor control with elevated scents: Nécessaire The Deodorant
• Best for exotic fragrances: Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant
• Best for people with sensitive skin: Dove Aluminum Free Deodorant Stick
• A controversial deodorant balm: Akt’s The Deodorant Balm

Additional reading:

• Best Deodorants
• Best Antiperspirants
• Why Finding a Good Deodorant is So Tricky 

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you want to get your kids off screens this summer, you aren't alone. Along with a growing nostalgia for '90s tech like point-and-shoot cameras and MP3 players, parents are increasingly turning to Wi-Fi landlines to avoid smart phones. These Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones look and feel like old-school corded phones but run over your home internet connection.

This episode, Wirecutter baby and kid editor Rachel Hurn explains why families are embracing these devices. She shares how her own Wi-Fi phone, a Tin Can, has given her eight-year-old independence to set up playdates and created an environment for undistracted conversations.

This episode covers:

• Why parents are returning to landlines: Phones like the Tin Can delay the need for smartphones and allow kids to have more independence and less distraction.
• How VoIP phones differ from traditional landlines: Instead of using physical copper wires, VoIP phones make calls using your internet connection.
• Kid-friendly safety features: These phones feature controlled contact lists to prevent spam calls and allow parents to set quiet hours.
• Competitors and costs: Although we’ve only tested the Tin Can, other companies (including Ooma, Pinwheel, and Ring Ring Club) sell similar devices. These phones typically cost between $60 and $100, and subscriptions for added features (like a controlled contact list) typically cost around $10 per month..
• The limits of Wi-Fi: Because these phones rely entirely on your Wi-Fi connection, they won't work during an internet or power outage.

Products we recommend: 

• A Wi-Fi–enabled home phone: Tin Can
• You can also check out Ooma, Pinwheel, and Ring Ring Club for other kid-friendly Wi-Fi landlines. 

Additional reading:

• 8 Ways to Create a “Light-Tech” Summer for Your Kids
• Parents Are Lining Up to Pay $100 for Tin Can’s Screenless, App-Free “Landline”
• The 4 Best First Phones for Kids 2026

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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It’s officially summer, and prime time for ice cream, ice pops, slushies, and more. Making frozen treats at home lets you customize flavors and accommodate dietary restrictions, and having the right tools on hand can help make the process more fun. 

Wirecutter senior kitchen editor Marilyn Ong walks us through the most reliable gear for every type of frozen treat, from $10 ice pop molds to an $800 gelato maker. Plus, she reveals Wirecutter’s take on popular gadgets like the Ninja Creami, Ninja Slushi, and KitchenAid shaved ice attachment. 

We also hear from Wirecutter experts Lesley Stockton, Ciara Murray Jordan, and Kathleen Squires, who share their favorite treat recipes and tips for making great frozen treats.

This episode covers:

• Why DIY treats are worth making: You won’t necessarily save money on ingredients, but you will have total control over those ingredients. You can control the sugar content, dairy options, and flavor combinations.
• Popsicle molds that actually work: Our favorite ice pop molds are easy to fill and release with little effort. You can choose from kid-friendly shapes (think fun animal shapes) all the way to refined classic molds fit for adults.
• Shaved ice and slushie makers we like: The KitchenAid shaved ice attachment is a powerhouse for making Bingsu (a popular Korean-style shaved ice), while our kitchen team was surprised by how much they like the Ninja Slushi for making frozen drinks at home.
• Why we don't recommend the Ninja Creami: Despite its viral popularity for making healthier frozen treats, in our testing it resulted in burning smells and complaints of plastic shavings.
• Choosing an ice cream maker: Start by asking yourself how much you’re willing to spend and the texture you want to create. Our recommendations range from a $60 option that makes denser scoops, to an $800 machine that makes smooth, airy gelato.

Products we recommend: 

• Traditional, easy-to-make pops: Tovolo Classic Pop Molds with Tray
• A colorful spin on the classic: Williams Sonoma Rainbow Pop Molds
• Best metal pop molds: Ecozoi Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds
• Lie-flat molds in cute shapes:  Zoku Cat and Dog Ice Pop Mold
• Cute penguins in silicone molds: Tovolo Penguin Pop Molds
• Best push-pop style molds: Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Pop Maker
• Easy to tuck in a crowded freezer: Tovolo Classic Stackable Pop Molds
• For sweet treats, cocktails, and more: KitchenAid Shave Ice Attachment
• An at-home frozen drink maker:  Ninja Slushi
• The best ice cream maker: Cuisinart ICE-21P1
• A great compressor model for lighter-texture ice cream: Whynter ICM-201SB
• A great compressor model for denser ice cream: Whynter ICM-15LS
• The best of the best ice cream maker: Lello 4080 Musso Lussino
• An inexpensive slushie cup: Frozen Magic Squeezie Cup
• A higher-end slushie cup ZOKU Original Slush and Shake Maker
• Marilyn loves: Bissell Little Green

Additional reading:

• The Best Popsicle Molds
• The 4 Best KitchenAid Attachments of 2026
• We Tested the Ninja Creami. The Ice Cream Tastes Great. But That Burning Smell ... 
• We Regret to Inform You That the Ninja Slushi Lives Up to the Hype
• The 4 Best Ice Cream Makers of 2026

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The iconic robot vacuum—the autonomous bot that can roam your home sucking up pet hair and Cheerios–is evolving. Manufacturers are shifting almost entirely to combo robot vac-mops. The question, for our vacuum tester, is whether they’re any good and if they’re worth the very steep prices (upwards of $1,600 for top-of-the-line models).

Wirecutter writer Evan Dent joins us to explain how the new vac-mops handle everyday messes, the homes they’re best suited for, and what you should know about storing and repairing them.

If you’re looking for a deal on a robot vac or vac-mop combo, he also shares the prices to watch for during Amazon’s upcoming Prime Day sale (or any deals event). 

This episode covers:

• Why robot vacuums are disappearing: Basic robot vacuums have reached a profit ceiling, so manufacturers are phasing them out. Instead, they can charge a premium for the added features of vac-mops.
• These new bots are only decent cleaners: The mop function isn't great for tough stains, and the mop pad actually makes them sit higher off the ground, which slightly reduces their vacuuming power. But they serve just fine as maintenance cleaners.
• The ideal home for a vac-mop: They work best on hard flooring on a single level of a  home (they can’t really  handle stairs). While carpet detection has improved, it still isn't flawless.
• The realities of bulky docks and limited repairability: Newer models rely on large docking stations that take up a significant amount of floor space. Plus, the added mopping components mean there are more parts that can break.
• When to buy and what to spend: Wait for major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, or look for deals when newly updated models are released. A good price to look for on a mid-range combo vac-mop like our pick is around $600 or below.

Products we recommend: 

• A great vacuum-only robot: Roborock Q7 M5+Roborock Q7 M5+
• A decent $200-ish vacuum-only bot: Tapo RV30 Max Plus
• A solid entry-level robot vac-mop: Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25
   

Additional reading:

• Even Robots Don’t Want to Vacuum 
• The Best Robot Vacuums of 2026
• The 4 Best Robot Mop-Vac Combos of 2026 
• We Tested 16 Newfangled Robot Vacuum-Mop Combos. Don’t Buy One.

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Consumer tech is getting more expensive just as laptops and phones have become more essential than ever. In this episode, Rosie leads a roundtable discussion with Wirecutter’s senior editor Caitlin McGarry, supervising editor Arthur Gies and senior staff writer Kimber Streams, about why the era of truly cheap computers is ending. They discuss how AI is reshaping the hardware supply chain and what you can do if you need a new device right now.

This episode covers:

• Why RAM and storage costs are spiking. AI companies are buying up much of the supply of RAM and storage, increasing the price for these tech essentials. Consumer tech companies that make our laptops and phones are struggling to compete.
• How price hikes are showing up across devices. From Chromebooks and Windows laptops to flagship phones, microSD cards, and video game consoles, 2026 has brought record price increases.
• What to prioritize in a new computer today. If you need a new computer, look for models with enough RAM and storage, even if that means refurbished models from manufacturers or third party retailers.
• Guidance on when it makes sense to buy. While the landscape of truly affordable computers is shrinking, there are great options like the MacBook Neo available now. We may see summer sales on other models, but consider purchasing your “back-to-school” tech early for the best prices.

Products we recommend: 

• A surprisingly great budget laptop: Apple MacBook Neo

Additional reading:

• The Death of the Cheap Laptop Is Coming 
• The Best Cheap Laptops Under $500 for 2026
• MacBook Neo Review: A Surprisingly Great Budget MacBook 
• The 6 Best Laptops for College Students in 2026 
• Tech Prices Are Skyrocketing. Nintendo’s Switch 2 Might Be Next.

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and if you're stuck for ideas, Wirecutter’s dads and gift experts are here to help. We asked the dads on our staff to share the gifts they actually loved receiving—including custom socks, a backyard fire pit, and sweet handmade crafts.

Our experts also open up about the meaningful gifts they’ve given their own fathers that sparked deeper appreciation and a closer family connection.

Products we recommend: 

• Funny and comfortable custom socks: DivvyUp Custom Socks
• A lightweight smokeless fire pit: Solo Stove Classic Bonfire Fire Pit

Additional reading:

• The 48 Best Gifts for Dads of 2026 
• The 41 Absolute Best, Wirecutter-Approved Father's Day Gifts Under $50
• The Best Personalized Photo Gifts
• Why I Love (Safely) Using My Backyard Fire Pit

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you've ever tried shopping for headphones, you know there’s an overwhelming selection to choose from.  We asked listeners to send us their most pressing headphone questions and brought in Wirecutter audio expert Lauren Dragan to answer them. 

From earbuds that stay put in small ears to the best headphones for sleeping, Lauren shares practical advice from years of testing more than 2,000 pairs. She also addresses concerns about Bluetooth safety, hearing loss, and how to keep your headphones clean and working properly.

We had too many great questions to address in the episode alone, so we’ve included an added selection of listener questions and Lauren’s answers on our website. 

Products Lauren recommend: 

• The best built in microphone: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
• The best earbuds with a hook over the ear (for small ear canals): Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
• The best earbuds with a stabilizing wing (for small ear canals): Sony LinkBuds Fit
• The best over-ear headphones for wearing with glasses:  Sony WH-1000XM6
• An example of a third party tether you can add to most earbuds
• The best bone-conduction headphones for running: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
• The best bone-conduction headphones for swimming: H2O Audio Tri 2
• Another option for non-bluetooth streaming while swimming is the Mighty Wave
• Great options for sensory issues: soft headband-style earmuffs and Quiet Sense hoodies
• The best headphones for sleeping, if you dislike wearing earplugs or earbuds: AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless
• The best earbuds for sleeping:  Soundcore Sleep A20
• The best earbuds that adapt to your hearing: Apple AirPods Pro 3
• Better sounding open earbuds:  EarFun OpenJump
• A tool for cleaning earbuds
• The best packable headphones for travel: Sony WH-1000XM5 or XM6
• The best budget packable headphones: Soundcore Space One
• The best sounding wired earbuds: TinHiFi T3 Plus
• Retro-looking wired earbuds: Sivga M260
• Earbuds with hearing protection: Elgin Rebel
• A more affordable earbud if you like the Apple AirPods: EarFun Clip
• Durable headphones for kids: Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus and the Puro Basic
• The best bluetooth transmitter: 1Mii ML300
• Noise cancelling earmuffs: 3M Pro-Grade Earmuffs
• Lauren loves: OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker

Additional reading:

• The Best Bone-Conduction and Open-Ear Headphones
• The Best Sleep Headphones
• How to Clean AirPods, Earbuds, and Headphones
• How Good Are the AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids? We Tested Them to Find Out.
• The Best Headphones

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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Gone are the days when canned alcoholic drinks meant only hard seltzers and tailgate beverages. Today’s ready-to-drink cocktails include everything from espresso martinis and old-fashioneds to gin- and soju-based spritzes. 

Wirecutter kitchen writer, Antara Sinha, joins us to explain how she tested 40 canned cocktails, what separates a great canned drink from a mediocre one, and which ones are actually worth bringing to your next picnic, barbecue, or dinner party. Plus, we conduct a live taste test in the studio.

This episode covers:

• Why canned cocktails have become a legitimate alternative to bar drinks. Antara explains how the category has evolved from hard seltzers and tailgate beverages into a market full of carefully crafted cocktails made with premium spirits, higher alcohol content, and recipes designed to mimic what you'd order at a cocktail bar.
• How to identify a great canned cocktail before you buy it. After tasting 40 different drinks, Antara found that the best brands are transparent about their ingredients and feature high quality spirits.
• How to choose the right canned cocktail for your tastes and occasion. Antara suggests using canned cocktails as a low-commitment way to explore drinks you might not otherwise make at home, whether that's a negroni, espresso martini, or old fashioned.

Products we recommend: 

• A citrusy, soju-based cocktail: Jumo Soju Cocktail (Mango, Yuja, Citrus Mint)
• Bold, rich, and complex: Tip Top Old Fashioned
• Botanical, light, and crushable: The Original Southside
• Indulgent, luxe, and seasonal: Cutwater White Russian

Additional reading:

• The 9 Best Canned Cocktails of 2026 
• 21 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2026
• Wirecutter’s Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe’s

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.