• You can make a YouTube video private when you publish it, or you can make a public YouTube video private at any point after it's been published. 
• Most YouTube videos are public, which lets anyone see and comment on them, but making a YouTube video private ensures that no one else will see it (unless you share that private video with others). 
• Here's how to make a YouTube video private on your computer or the YouTube mobile app. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

By default, videos that you upload to YouTube are set to public. 

This way, they are available for anyone to see and comment on. If you prefer, though, you can choose to make a video private. 

That means just what it sounds like – it's hidden from the general public and only you, the creator, can see it (though it is possible to share private videos with specific people).

Here's how to make a YouTube video private on your computer or mobile device. 

How to make a YouTube video private in a web browser

You can make a video private either when you upload and publish it, or afterwards, after it's published. If you're uploading the video from a computer, do this:

1. Open YouTube in a web browser.

2. Click the Create a video or post button at the top of the screen (it looks like a camera) and then click "Upload Video."

3. In the Select files to upload box, click "Public" and then choose "Private."

4. When you complete the process to upload and publish, it will now be saved as a private video.

How to change a published YouTube video from public to private in a web browser

If you have already published a public video, it's easy to change it to private. 

1. Open YouTube in a web browser.

2. Click your avatar in the upper right corner and then click YouTube Studio (beta) in the menu.

3. In the pane on the left, click "Videos."

4. Find the video you want to change. In the Visibility column, you should see it's currently set to Public or Unlisted. Click it. 

5. In the pop-up window, click "Private" and then click "Save."

How to make a YouTube video private on the mobile app

Just like on your computer, you can use the YouTube mobile app to make a video private when you upload it, or afterwards. Here's how to do it when you are publishing the video:

1. Start the YouTube app and tap the Upload Video icon at the top of the screen (it looks like a camera).

2. Choose a video from your phone and then tap "Next."

3. On the Add details page, tap "Public."

4. In the pop-up window, choose "Private – Only you can view."

5. Tap "Upload" and finish publishing your video. 

How to change a published YouTube video from public to private on the mobile app

If the video is already live, here is how to change its visibility to private:

1. Start the YouTube app and tap "Library" in the bottom right corner of the screen. 

2. Tap "My videos."

3. Find the video you want to change and then tap the three dots at the right side of the screen. In the pop-up screen, tap "Edit."

4. On the Edit details page, find the Privacy section. It should say either "Public" or "Unlisted." Tap it.

5. In the pop-up window, tap "Private – Only you can view."

6. Tap "Save."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to share a private YouTube video with anyone by giving permission to their email address

• A beginner's guide to YouTube Studio, YouTube's built-in video editor, which offers basic editing for free

• How to block YouTube channels to keep certain users from commenting on your videos

• How to temporarily hide or permanently delete your YouTube account, and erase any trace of yourself from the site

SEE ALSO: The best budget laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's why phone companies like Verizon and AT&T charge more for extra data

• The Arrivals is most often associated with its $1,095 leather shearling moto jacketand its celebrity following. 
• But the retail startup just launched the Softwear sweatshirt and T-shirt line that ranges from $45 to $105.
• Like the rest of the company's offerings, the quality and design are reflected in their higher prices. If these pieces aren't in your budget, though, we recommend checking out similar options at Everlane. 

The Arrivals, the buzzy outerwear startup christened by the fashionable underbelly of the internet, recently launched its first-ever line of sweatshirts and T-shirts. Better known for the Moya III shearling moto jacket ($1,095)— a favorite among celebrities, fashion editors, and supermodels — this $45 to $105 collection is a more affordable expansion for the company. 

Dubbed the Softwear Collection, the sweatshirt and T-shirt line is derivative of the brand's sharp-lined, next-gen and next-tech aesthetic that materializes in pieces like $185 transparent acetate sunglasses. It's available for both men and women in the following hoodie styles:cropped ($85), co-ed zip ($105), co-ed team ($95), andco-ed crew ($75), and in three T-shirt styles:cropped tee ($45), co-ed '90s tee ($45), and co-ed long sleeve tee ($65). 

The line's color options range from the avant-garde tones of punched-up neons to neutrals and subtle, cool mauves and cobalt blues. Prices are still high for basics, but the extra dollars get you thick, plush materials and deep, vivid colors that don't dull in the first wash. In other words, no one is going to tell you it's necessary to spend $75 on a sweatshirt, but if you're able to drop some more money for design and quality, then The Arrivals' Softwear is a worthy contender. 

The company's contemporary, urban designs are as smooth and exact as urban planning — a parallel that wouldn't be lost on co-founders Jeff Johnson, a former architect at UNStudio in Amsterdam, and Kal Vepuri, an entrepreneur and investor in companies like Warby Parker and Harry's. And while its leather pieces such as the Rainier Moto Jacket ($795) are edgy and gender-fluid like the uniform of a chic, futuristic vigilante, the Softwear pieces are decidedly proletariat in influence. The line's (relatively) inexpensive price range opens the brand up to a greater number of potential customers who want cooler, more high-quality basics but don't necessarily want to drop a thousand dollars on any one piece.

To see how The Arrivals' new basics line stacks up for the price, we tried a couple of the sweatshirts and T-shirts. If you're on the fence, here's what to expect:

The Co-Ed Crew, $75

The Arrivals do color pops and sharp silhouettes exceptionally well, so I doubled-down with the phosphorescent, highlighter-yellow of "Faded Bolt." It's the same dramatic color in person — as vivid and deep as displayed on the site — but the sweatshirt is far comfier than I had expected. Had I known that I would want to throw out my other sweatshirts in favor of this one, I would have invested in a more versatile tone.

The company describes the Crew as having its "custom European-origin Cumulus cotton blend," but industry-jargon aside, it's just a thick, dense, soft mass of comfort. Despite how substantial the material is, it doesn't look bulky thanks to design hacks like a well-placed drop shoulder. A couple not-your-average features that make it feel a bit cooler are the soft-touch 3D silicone logo on the front, and back ventilating mesh grommets that help facilitate some airflow.

Overall, I won't say you should spend $75 on a sweatshirt, but if you can do it comfortably and want just one really cool version to replace your four "meh" options, then this should be in the running. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

The Cropped Tee, $45

Here, what you're paying for is less the (still soft and cool-to-the-touch) cotton/modal blend material and more the intense color saturation and perks of things like draping and longevity. The tee has the added style points of mesh grommet ventilation and a 3D rubberized logo detail on the chest, but it is otherwise just a great iteration of the relaxed crop tee. Whether that's worth $45 is up to you. After a couple of washes, the tee hasn't shrunk nor has the color faded. I wear this tee around the city and when traveling, but if I had to choose, I'd pick the sweatshirt every time. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

The Cropped Hoodie, $85

It's a good thing my central air likes to run all night long — it gives me the perfect excuse to cozy up and sleep in The Arrivals' cropped hoodie, even during the summer. The fabric is very soft, comfortable, and warm, and I love the cropped fit, which feels a little more put-together than a long sweatshirt would. I'm not sure (or not willing to admit) if my head is just big, but I wish the head opening was a little larger. For that reason, I usually don't cinch up the hood drawstrings too tightly, but I do like that I have the option to retreat completely into a warm cocoon of micro-fleece. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

The bottom line

We're not going to say you should spend double what you need to pay for comfortable loungewear (there are good options for $40 at Everlane), but it's not unheard-of. There are other hypercomfortable options — minus the design legacy — that are going for about the same amount at startups like Tommy John and Richer Poorer. Ultimately, if you can spare a bit more change for a basic that still has the architectural, high-end effect of The Arrivals, then you'll be happy with the quality.

Shop The Arrivals Softwear Collection here, for $45 to $105

Join the conversation about this story »

• If you decide to build your smart home with devices that are compatible with Apple's HomeKit ecosystem, you want to be sure that you're choosing the right gadgets.
• We've rounded up the best HomeKit devices you can buy to build your smart home from the ground up with only Apple-approved products.
• You'll want to get an Apple TV or the HomePod speaker to serve as your smart home hub, the Philips Hue smart lights, Belkin's WeMo Mini smart outlet, and the Logitech Circle 2 security camera to start.
• We also have more recommendations for advanced smart home tech like the Ecobee4 smart thermostat and the Schlage Sense smart door lock, as well as entertainment devices like the Sonos One.

Although the Google Home and Alexa smart home ecosystems might be larger, there's something to be said for an ecosystem of products that all work together perfectly. Apple's HomeKit is the ideal smart home ecosystem to base your smart home around if you prefer a more carefully curated selection of smart home products. All HomeKit compatible products are vetted by Apple and made to work seamlessly together with the same ease that the Mac, iPhone, and Apple Watch all work together.

Of course, the HomeKit ecosystem is already pretty big, and it's only getting bigger, so it can be tough to find the right devices for your smart home. That is why we've put together this guide — to help you find the perfect HomeKit devices for your needs.

There are a number of things to consider when buying something for your HomeKit setup. For starters, you'll want to check whether or not you can use the device with HomeKit alone or if you'll need to use the manufacturer's app for setup. For many people, using a third-party app initially won't matter, but others prefer to stick solely within the Apple Home app.

You'll also want to make sure that the devices work with your house's physical setup. Light switches, wall outlets, thermostats, and other similar devices all have to be wired into your home, and different homes might have slightly different wiring setups.

It's also important to keep in mind that to use HomeKit devices outside of your home, you'll need to set up a HomeKit hub. A number of devices can work as a hub in a HomeKit setup, including an Apple TV, HomePod, and in some situations, an iPad. We've noted our favorite HomeKit hub below along with all the other gadgets you might want for your HomeKit smart home.

Here are the best HomeKit devices you can buy:

• Best HomeKit Hub: Apple TV 4K
• Best HomeKit smart speaker: Apple HomePod
• Best HomeKit lights: Philips Hue
• Best HomeKit light strip: Philips Hue Lightstrip
• Best HomeKit switch: Belkin WeMo Mini
• Best HomeKit lock: Schlage Sense
• Best HomeKit dimmer switch: Belkin WeMo Dimmer Switch
• Best HomeKit light switch: Eve Light Switch
• Best HomeKit security camera: Logitech Circle 2
• Best HomeKit non-Apple speaker: Sonos One
• Best HomeKit thermostat: Ecobee4
• Best HomeKit motion sensor: Eve Motion Sensor

Updated on 8/22/2019 by Les Shu: Updated formatting, prices, and links. Added related buying guides.

The best HomeKit hub

The Apple TV 4K is a great streaming player and it works as a HomeKit hub, so you can control your HomeKit devices from outside the home.

If you're looking for a hub for HomeKit and like the idea of bringing your TV into the Apple ecosystem, then the Apple TV 4K is definitely the way to go.

Buying an Apple TV serves multiple purposes: Not only can you use it to control your HomeKit devices when you're outside your home, but you can also use it to make your TV smart and stream video from apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and more.

There are a few things that make the Apple TV 4K such a great choice. As you can probably tell from the device's name, it's the only Apple TV to support 4K streaming, but it also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, plus HDR10. The device itself is relatively sleek and stylish. It's black, has a HDMI port on the back of it, so it should look right at home on any TV stand.

Of course, in the context of Apple's HomeKit, it can come in handy, too. That's because with the Apple TV set up as a hub, your HomeKit devices will connect to it and your Wi-Fi network, so you can control your HomeKit devices from outside your home. Without a hub set up, you can only control your devices when you're within range of your home.

I've been using the Apple TV 4K for quite a while now, and I absolutely love it. Not only is it an excellent way to elevate the TV-watching experience, but it works like a charm with HomeKit, too.

Other reviewers love it as well. The device scored 8.7 out of 10 on CNET, while TechRadar gave it a 4 out of 5. The downsides? Well, it's a little pricey, but that's about it.

Pros: Easy to use, great design, works excellently with HomeKit

Cons: Expensive

Read our guide to the best streaming sticks and boxes

The best HomeKit smart speaker

The Apple HomePod works great as a HomeKit hub, plus it boasts excellent sound and has Siri built right into it.

Want to be able to control your smart home with your voice? The Apple HomePod is a great way to do so. The HomePod was released by Apple a few years ago, and it has Siri built right into it. You can ask Siri to turn your lights on and off, change the temperature of your HomeKit-enabled thermostat, and so on.

One of the main reasons you might buy the HomePod is to listen to music, and thankfully, it sounds great. The speaker boasts smooth yet powerful bass response, sculpted yet still very nice sounding mids, and a ton of clarity and detail in the high-end. In fact, we would argue that the HomePod is one of the better smart speakers in terms of sound.

It's important to note that the HomePod can work as more than just a smart speaker. It can actually also be used as a HomeKit hub, so if you don't want to get an Apple TV, then you can use this as your hub instead.

The HomePod has gotten some pretty great reviews since it was first released. TechRadar gave it a 3.5 out of 5, while WhatHifi scored it a perfect 5 out of 5.

However, many reviewers did note a few downsides. For example, the speaker is pretty expensive, and while Siri might be fine for many users, it most certainly lags behind the competition and could use an update.

Pros: Excellent sound, works great as a HomeKit hub, stylish design

Cons: Expensive, Siri needs work

Read our guide to the best smart speaker you can buy

The best HomeKit lights

Philips' Hue range of smart bulbs are excellent, easy to use, and very affordable, plus, in the Home app, you can control their brightness and use them in home automation.

Philips is a pioneer in smart lighting, and if you want great smart lighting that works perfectly with HomeKit in 2019, then Philips Hue is absolutely the way to go. Hue lights are the most reliable smart lights out there, and there is a range of lighting products that work with the Hue hub.

If you're looking to get started in the world of smart lighting, then we recommend the Philips Hue starter kit. There are a few starter kits available, but the one we recommend comes with four A19 white bulbs and a Philips Hue hub. That hub is a necessary part of any Philips Hue setup, as it connects the lights to your Wi-Fi so you can control them remotely. The hub is what makes Philips' lights more reliable than any other smart lights.

If you have the hub, you can add bulbs without buying another hub, which means that while there is a higher upfront cost, in the long run, the cost evens out a little. If you want to change the color of your lights, you need the color bulbs, but you can add those to your collection over time.

Philips Hue lights work flawlessly with HomeKit. You will need to connect the lights to HomeKit through the Philips Hue app, but once you've used that app to set everything up, you can safely store it on your fourth home screen and only use it to add extra bulbs.

We've been using Philips Hue bulbs for a few years now, and have yet to run into any real issues. If you want to expand, you can do so, too — not only with extra bulbs, but also with switches.

But are there any downsides? Well, there's one — the fact that Hue has a higher upfront cost than other systems. Some smart bulbs connect directly to Wi-Fi so that you don't have to use a hub, but we think going for Hue is better overall, as that hub ultimately makes your system more reliable.

Pros: Reliable, huge range of bulbs, ultimately affordable

Cons: Higher upfront cost

Read our guide to the best smart light bulbs

The best HomeKit light strip

The Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus can be as long or short as you want it to be, plus it's super reliable and works well in the Apple Home app.

Looking to expand your lighting setup and add some accent lighting to your home? Then the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus is the way to go. Like other Philips Hue lights, you will need to make sure you have the Philips Hue hub, but if you already do, then the Lightstrip Plus is a great addition to any home.

The strip is 80 inches long, and you can buy a 40-inch extension for it if you want it to be even longer. If the 80 inches is too large for your space, you can simply cut it to better fit your needs. On top of that, the Lightstrip Plus is relatively flat and easy to attach to surfaces using the included adhesive.

Of course, there are a few downsides to the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus. The biggest downside is that it is expensive, coming in at $80. Also, as mentioned, it requires a hub to work, so if you don't already have the Philips Hue hub, then you'll need to pay an even higher price.

Still, we found that the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus was ultra-reliable, and like other Philips Hue products, worked perfectly in the Apple Home app.

Pros: Reliable, colorful, versatile lengths

Cons: Expensive

Read our guide to the best smart light strips

The best HomeKit plug

The Belkin WeMo Mini is small and stylish, plus it's relatively inexpensive, so you can deck out your home with these switches without spending too much cash.

While smart appliances are set to become increasingly common, the fact is that not everyone wants to replace all their older appliances with new ones. Thankfully, you can turn almost any dumb appliance into a smart one, thanks to a smart switch like the Belkin WeMo Mini.

There are a few reasons we recommend the WeMo Mini over other smart switches. For example, the switch is shaped so it doesn't block the other outlets. You can even plug two WeMo Minis into a dual-plug outlet. Most other smart switches are too large for that.

The switch is also relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for those who want to outfit their home with smart switches.

Not everything about the Belkin WeMo Mini is perfect. For example, the switch is pretty basic. If you want to be able to do things like track power usage, then you'll need to shell out a little more cash for a different outlet. Also, the actual WeMo app isn't great, though, thankfully, you can use the Home app instead.

Pros: Inexpensive, easy-to-use, works with a range of smart home ecosystems

Cons: Basic, WeMo app isn't great

Read our guide to the best smart home devices

The best HomeKit lock

The Schlage Sense comes in a few different designs and colors, plus it's relatively easy to install and works well with the Apple Home app.

Adding a HomeKit-enabled lock to your home allows you to set it to automatically lock and unlock depending on your location. You can also lock the door from bed if you happen to forget. If you're looking for a great HomeKit-enabled lock, then we recommend the Schlage Sense. It has a nice design and works well in the Apple Home app.

The lock is actually available in a few designs, so you should be able to find one that fits nicely with your home's style. Installing it is also very easy, though you will want to set aside a good half hour or so to do so. Thankfully, the Schlage app walks you through the process.

Once installed, the lock is very easy to use. Not only can you control the lock with HomeKit, but you can also use the number pad on the outside of the device to lock and unlock the door, or you can use the good old fashioned key that comes with the lock, too.

There are a few downsides to this lock. Perhaps the biggest is that you have to be willing to replace your entire deadbolt, which means this probably isn't the best lock for someone who's renting. The device is also a little more expensive than some other smart locks. Still, we used the Schlage Sense for around six months and found that it worked excellently.  

Pros: Nice designs, easy to use, lots of ways to lock and unlock

Cons: Requires complete replacement of deadbolt

Read our guide to the best smart locks

The best HomeKit dimmable light switch

The Belkin WeMo Dimmer switch connects to your HomeKit setup through Wi-Fi so you can control your lights with your phone or the switch itself.

For many, smart light switches make more sense than smart light bulbs. With a smart light switch, you can continue to control your lights with your phone even if the switch has been turned off, which is great for those who live with people who don't want to use their phones or voice to control everything. If you want a dimmable light switch, then we recommend the Belkin WeMo Dimmer.

There are plenty of reasons why the Belkin WeMo Dimmer switch is a great option. For starters, the switch is well designed so it won't stick out like a sore thumb, and it's easy to use manually like a normal light switch, which is perfect for guests.

It's also relatively easy to install, though it does require a neutral wire, so you'll want to double-check that your home has neutral wires for light switches.

But what are the downsides to the switch? Well, perhaps the most notable is that it's expensive, which means you'll have to shell out a lot of cash to outfit your entire home with switches. Still, if you have the cash, or only want to set up one or two switches, then the Belkin WeMo Dimmer switch is well worth the money.

Pros: Nice design, relatively easy to install

Cons: Expensive, requires neutral wire

Read our guide to the best smart home devices

The best HomeKit non-dimmable light switch

The Eve Light Switch works great with HomeKit and it's very simple looking, so it should fit right in at home.

If you're looking for a basic light switch and don't need dimming capabilities, then we recommend the Eve Light Switch. The switch is simple, elegant, and highly functional.

This switch is specifically built to work with HomeKit, but it can also be used with the Eve app, which itself can be used to control all of your HomeKit devices, regardless of whether or not they were built by Eve.

Unlike some of the other switches, the Eve Light Switch connects to your phone through Bluetooth, so you have to be in range to control it with your phone.

Unfortunately, like other smart switches, the Eve Light Switch is a little expensive, which seems to be the main downside to the device. You'll also need to have a neutral wire to set the device, which is something to keep in mind.

Pros: Beautifully simplistic design, easy to use

Cons: Still a little pricey, only connects through Bluetooth

Read our guide to the best smart home devices

The best HomeKit security camera

The Logitech Circle 2 has a nice design, it works well with the Logitech Circle app, and it is one of the few security cameras that connect to HomeKit.

In the past few years, Apple has added a lot more support to HomeKit for security cameras, and you can now see your security camera's feed at any time through the Home app. If you're looking for a security camera to integrate with HomeKit, then the Logitech Circle 2 is the camera to go for.

The camera has a 1,080p resolution with a 180-degree field-of-view, which is more than wide enough for most use cases. Even though you may mostly use the HomeKit app to see your camera's feed, the camera requires setup through the Logitech Circle app.

Logitech offers you free 24-hour cloud storage of video footage, though you can upgrade to get more storage. Other features include two-way talking, a smart time-lapse brief for each day, smart alarms, the ability to set motion zones, and more.

We've been using the camera with HomeKit for a while now, and while there are some limitations in how it works with HomeKit, that has more to do with HomeKit than the camera itself. For example, with HomeKit you can't set a security camera to turn on or off, but you can do that in the Circle app.

It's also important to note that the Logitech Circle 2 is available in a wireless version, but the wireless version does not work with HomeKit, so if you want HomeKit integration, you'll have to stick with the wired model. The other main downside is that the camera is a little pricey, though not overly so.

Pros: Quality camera sensor, nice design, easy setup

Cons: Wireless version doesn't work with HomeKit, HomeKit has limited functionality with cameras, a little pricey

Read our guide to the best security cameras

The best non-Apple HomeKit speaker

The Sonos One (Gen 2) has AirPlay 2 built into it, so you'll be able to control it straight from the HomeKit app, and it sounds great.

The HomePod is great, but it's a little expensive. Thankfully, it's not the only speaker that can be viewed in the Apple Home app. It's important to note that if you want Siri integration, you will need the HomePod, though.

However, any speaker with AirPlay 2 compatibility can be viewed in the Home app, and we think the second-generation Sonos One is the best of them. For those who dabble with other digital assistants, the Sonos One also has Alexa built-in, with Google Assistant set to come to it soon.

Sonos has been building its range of smart speakers for a few years now, and the Sonos One is the culmination of that work. The speaker is well-designed with either an all-black or all-white look, plus it's easy to set up and integrate with other Sonos products within the Sonos app. Once it's all set up, through AirPlay 2, you can also connect the Sonos One to your speaker, so meaning you can use it with automation.

One of the best things about Sonos' speakers is that it sounds great. It boasts deep, powerful low end, with well-tuned mids and clear and detailed highs. While it not a totally natural sound, anyone who's not a dedicated audiophile should be more than happy with the frequency response that it delivers.

There are a few downsides to the Sonos One, despite the fact that it's such a great speaker, For example, the speaker is a little pricey, coming in at $199. On top of that, Google Assistant's release has been pushed a few times, so this probably isn't the best choice for those who want Google on their speaker now.

Last but not least, while AirPlay 2 speakers can be viewed in HomeKit, you can't actually do much to control them in the Home app, though you can use Siri on your phone or another device to play music on speakers in Home.

Pros: Great sound quality, very smart

Cons: A little expensive, Google Assistant has yet to arrive, control in Home app is limited

Read our guide to the best smart speaker you can buy

The best HomeKit thermostat

The Ecobee4 allows you to control your home's temperature and use it with home automation in the HomeKit app.

Perfecting the heating and cooling in your house can play a huge role in ensuring that your home is comfortable, and integrating that system with your smart home can be important when it comes to automation and daily routines. If you want a smart thermostat that works excellently with HomeKit, then we recommend the Ecobee4.

One of the best things about the Ecobee4 is that it's incredibly functional. At its core, the thermostat is all about keeping your home comfortable. While other thermostats focus on adding techy features, the Ecobee4 ensures that the temperature is always within a good range. It also has a remote sensor, so the thermostat can track temperature in different rooms. That's perfect for those who live in a multi-story home, where the top floor can get excessively hot.

The Ecobee works beautifully in the Home app, too. From the app, you can control the temperature and use the thermostat in home automation. If you want to up your smart home game, the thermostat also has Alexa built right into it, which is perfect for those who use Alexa as their voice assistant.

There are a few downsides to consider when it comes to the Ecobee4. For example, while the thermostat is well-designed, it's not as beautiful as the Nest Learning Thermostat. It's perhaps not as intuitive, either, though once you get used to it, it should be pretty easy to use.

Last but not least, if you want external sensors with the device, you'll need to shell out a little more cash, which can make it quite an investment.

Pros: Well-designed, highly functional, very smart, works with external sensors

Cons: Not as beautiful as Nest, price with sensors adds up

Read our guide to the best smart thermostats

The best HomeKit motion sensor

The Eve Motion Sensor may not be the fanciest motion sensor on the market, but it can be used to unlock a ton of home automation in the Home App.

Adding motions sensors to your HomeKit setup can unlock a ton of possibilities. Not only can you use motion sensors to control your lights, but you can also use them to control other devices.

Want your switch connected to your essential oil diffuser to turn on when you enter the office for the day? Want your garage door to open whenever you enter the garage? Motions sensors can help with all of those situations, and we think the best motion sensor is the Eve Motion Sensor.

Perhaps the best thing about the Eve Motion Sensor is how elegant and basic it is. That's to say it doesn't draw much attention to itself. It should be easy to hide on a shelf or between other items. It runs on two AA batteries, but those batteries should last months on end without needing to be replaced.  

As you would expect, the Eve Motion Sensor is easy to integrate into HomeKit. Once connected, the device can be used for a range of automation, which is where you'll truly unlock the power of the Home app.

Perhaps the main downside to the Eve Motion Sensor is that it is a little expensive. The device comes in at $49.95, so adding one to each room in your home can add up.

Pros: Basic, simplistic, can be used to control automation in Home app

Cons: Expensive

Read our guide to the best smart home devices

Check out our other great smart home guides

The best smart speaker you can buy: Amazon Echo vs. Google Home vs. Sonos One

We've tested smart speakers that use Amazon Alexa and Google Home and researched numerous reviews and customer feedback to find out which are the best. We've also gone over the basics of what's going on in the smart speaker space and why you might want one in your home. Here are the best Alexa and Google Home smart speakers you can buy.

• Best overall: Amazon Echo (Second Generation)
• Best for sound quality: Sonos One
• Best for Google fans: Google Home
• Best cheap smart speaker: Amazon Echo Dot
• Best small Google speaker: Google Home Mini
• Best Alexa with a screen: Amazon Echo Show
• Best Google speaker with a screen: Google Nest Hub
• Best for big sound: Google Home Max

The best smart displays you can buy

Smart displays can come in handy for a ton of different reasons. For starters, they can be used to control your smart home and offer visual, on-screen controls. On top of that, they can show you things like the weather and upcoming appointments that you might have on your calendar. You can pull up the latest photos from friends and family. You can also use a smart display to video chat with your friends and family, as well as play video from select services. There are a number of things to consider when buying a smart display. We show you how and what to consider. Here are the best smart displays you can buy:

• Best Alexa smart display overall: Amazon Echo Show
• Best Google Assistant smart display overall: Lenovo Smart Display
• Best sounding Google Assistant smart display: JBL Link View
• Best budget Alexa smart display: Amazon Echo Show 5
• Best budget Google Assistant smart display: Google Nest Hub

The best Amazon Echo devices you can buy

Amazon was first to the smart-speaker space with the Echo, which introduced the world to its smart assistant, Alexa. The company has since expanded its Echo-family of products, ranging from the affordable Echo Dot to the Echo Show with a color display. Here are the best you can buy:

• Best Echo overall: Echo
• Best Echo for smart home: Echo Plus
• Best budget Echo speaker: Echo Dot
• Best Echo with a big screen: Echo Show
• Best Echo with a small screen: Echo Show 5

The best third-party Alexa-enabled speakers you can buy

Amazon's Echo products aren't the only ones that are Alexa enabled. There are plenty of third-party products that support Amazon's smart assistant, ranging from portable speakers to even a clock radio. Here are some of the best you can buy:

• Best Alexa speaker overall: Sonos One
• Best portable Alexa speaker: UE Megablast
• Best Alexa sound bar: Sonos Beam
• Best cheap Alexa speaker: Eufy Genie
• Best Alexa speaker with an alarm clock: iHome iAVS16
• Best stylish Alexa speaker: Cavalier Maverick

• Love Beauty and Planet makes personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for under $10 each.

• They smell great, deliver on quality, and are good for the planet, too. They're also widely available in drugstores and beauty retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Target, or Ulta.

• I tried the coconut and jasmine shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, as well as the rose and murumuru butter body wash. They hydrated my skin and hair exceptionally well. 

I was on the hunt for a new shampoo, conditioner, and body wash when I first read about Love Beauty and Planet.

The claims that its products were made made from sustainable, high-performance natural ingredients, all at an under-$10 price point, seemed almost too good to be true. To be honest, I was skeptical that a company could deliver on all of these promises at such a low cost — but after incorporating their products into my routine, I'm a believer.

Love Beauty and Planet's line includes many types of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for a wide variety of skin and hair concerns. Color treated hair? Check. Dryness? Check. Clarifying shampoo for buildup? Check. Dullness? You get the picture.

My hair is wavy to curly (I'm a 2B, for those who know all the different curl types), and definitely dryness- and frizz-prone. It never looks good on the second day, and whenever I can get my curl to form, it undoes itself throughout the day. So I was interested to see if Love Beauty and Planet's curly-hair products worked for me. 

Read more: The best shampoos for any hair type

My experience with Love Beauty and Planet

I decided to try the Divine Definition Coconut Milk & White Jasmine Shampoo and Conditioner, along with the Murumuru Butter & Rose Bountiful Moisture Body Wash. 

When I looked at the back of the packaging, I was that all the products were cruelty free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, dye-free, and formulated without phthalates. Sulfates can strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, which can make my dry hair worse. And I've always had clogged pores after I use anything with silicones. They make your hair and skin feel smooth but that's because they create a layer over each strand, which can trap bacteria in your hair and on your scalp.

In terms of the good ingredients, the coconut milk and jasmine shampoo and conditioner that I opted for both contain, well, coconut milk, which helps to moisturize hair. After using the shampoo and conditioner, my hair does feel moisturized and there is less frizz than I experience with other shampoos and conditioners. While I do have to add a styling product to get curlier hair, my hair is very easy to comb out and other products can be layered nicely. 

All of the products had scents I'd want to use all the time in the shower. The Rose and Murumuru Body Wash I've been using smells fruity and decadent, and the shampoo and conditioner smells like jasmine, my favorite scent. 

But what about the "and planet" part of the company's title? The products are encased in bottles that are made of 100% post consumer recycled plastic. They also developed special "fast rinse" technology that can cut down on water use, and the company is trying to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% by 2020. 

The bottom line

All in all, I've been really happy with these products, especially considering that they're each under $10. I haven't experienced any skin problems when using these, and I really appreciated that they're widely available at CVS, Walgreens, Target, or Ulta.

Shop all Love Beauty and Planet products at Ulta, CVS, Walgreens, or Target

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: What El Chapo is really like, according to the wife of one his closest henchman

• Nike is having a huge clearance sale on sneakers and clothes for men, women, and kids.
• Now through August 28, you can save an extra 20% on sale styles by using the promo code "SAVE20" at checkout.
• To help you shop the sale, we rounded up 15 of the best sneaker deals in the sale
• Visit Business Insider Coupons to potentially save more at Nike.

Nike's sale section is always filled with great stuff. From athletic wear to lifestyle clothing and sneakers, it's hard not to find something you like (maybe even too many things).

Right now, Nike is running a sale-on-sale promotion to give you just one more excuse to buy those shoes you've been eyeing. 

During the current promo, running until August 28, you can save an extra 20% on all sales styles by using the code "SAVE20" at checkout. Whether you're shopping for new sneakers for the upcoming school year or fresh gear for the gym, you'll find what you're looking for.

Also, remember that Jordan Brand, Converse, and Hurley all fall under the Nike umbrella, so you'll also find great deals from those brands included in the sale.

Shop the Nike sale now. 

Check out the best sneaker deals in the sale, below:

Men's Nike Free RN 5.0

Nike Free RN 5.0, $54.38 (Originally $100) [You save $45.62]

Men's Nike Epic React Flyknit 2

Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, $79.98 (Originally $150) [You save $70.02]

Men's Nike React Element 55

Nike React Element 55, $79.98 (Originally $130) [You save $50.02]

Men's Nike Cortez Basic "Los Angeles"

Nike Cortez Basic "Los Angeles," $43.98 (Originally $80) [You save $36.02]

Men's Nike Air Force 1 '07 LV8 3 Realtree

Nike Air Force 1 '07 LV8 3 Realtree, $59.98 (Originally $100) [You save $40.02]

Men's Nike Air Terra Humara 18

Nike Air Terra Humara 18, $83.18 (Originally $130) [You save $46.82]

Unisex Nike M2K Tekno

Nike M2K Tekno, $71.98 (Originally $100) [You save $28.02]

Women's Nike Air Max 720

Nike Air Max 720, $93.58 (Originally $180) [You save $84.42]

Women's Nike Air VaporMax 2019

Nike Air VaporMax 2019, $111.98 (Originally $190) [You save $78.02]

Women's Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo

Women's Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo, $87.98 (Originally $180) [You save $92.02]

Women's Nike Air Max 98

Nike Air Max 98, $87.98 (Originally $170) [You save $82.02]

Women's Nike Shox R4

Nike Shox R4, $78.38 (Originally $140) [You save $61.62]

Big Kids' Nike Air Max 90 Leather

Nike Air Max 90 Leather, $57.58 (Originally $90) [You save $32.42]

Big Kids' Nike Trainer Huarache

Nike Trainer Huarache, $63.18 (Originally $105) [You save $41.82]

Little Kids' Nike Huarache

Nike Huarache, $46.98 (Originally $68) [You save $21.02]

• Burning Man, which starts on August 25, is one of the most fascinating festivals in the world.
• The annual "counterculture" event sees roughly 70,000 people visit Black Rock City, Nevada each year.
• Visitors form a giant semi-circle in the desert for a weekend of self-expression, civic responsibility, music, and art.
• Burning Man photographer and "anthropological enthusiast" Phillip Volkers shared a selection of the most bizarre and intriguing photos he's taken at the festival over the past decade with Business Insider.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Burning Man is arguably the most captivating festival in the world.

The annual "counterculture" event sees around 70,000 people visit Black Rock City, Nevada each year and form a giant semi-circle for a weekend of self-expression, civic responsibility, music, art, and some pretty crazy fashion choices.

Founded in 1986, the festival — which starts on Sunday, August 25 and lasts until Monday, September 2 — has been home to some pretty incredible scenes over the years.

Read more:24 photos that show the 30-year evolution of Burning Man's wild fashion

Burning Man photographer and "anthropological enthusiast" Phillip Volkers compiled the most extraordinary, never-before-seen images from the past decade of the festival in his book, "Dust to Dawn."

He shared a selection of the photos, from what he calls "a haven for enquiring minds," with Business Insider, and is also releasing a limited number of collector's boxes for €980 ($1,090).

Scroll down to see his most bizarre and intriguing photos from the last decade of Burning Man.

SEE ALSO: Surreal photos from Burning Man take you deep inside the madness

Burning Man photographer and "anthropological enthusiast" Phillip Volkers has photographed the festival for the past decade. Here are some of his most mind-bending, never-before-seen photos.

2007: "Equatorial Encounter" by Matt Evans.

2007: "This is a photograph of the Burning Man taken in 2007," Volkers said. "In the foreground is an art installation of the Bone Tree which was created by Dan Albany."

2007: "Exodus, back to the default world, everyone leaving Black Rock City."

2012: "Watching a Burn."

2012: "Expose Yourself to Nature."

2012: "Alex on the Playa at Dawn."

2013: "Coyote" by Bryan Tedrick.

2013: "Spike the Big Red Dragon" by Captain Carburettor.

2013: "Believe" by Laura Kimpton.

2013: "Truth is Beauty" by Marco Cochrane.

2014: "This a photograph of the Man taken at night in 2014, as you can see there is a light installation in the foreground with people interacting with it."

2014: "This has to be one of my favourite mutant vehicles at the Burn, its called Rhino Redemption by Reared in Steel."

2014: "This is my friend Alex Wreckage from the Mutoid Waste Company in the UK with his moving art installation called the The Lost Tea Party."

2014: "This is the Burning Man. He has been set alight on the Saturday night in front of 70,000 revellers."

2014: "Walking on the Wildside."

2014: "Temple of Grace" by David Best.

2014: "The Lamplights Returning."

2017: "Lamplighter Lighting the Avenues at Sunset."

• Countries across the globe differ in their commitments to the issues of gender equality and women's rights.
• According to a 2019 list of the Best Countries for women to live in, Sweden ranked the highest — they scored top marks for human rights, gender quality, income equality, progress, and safety.
• Singapore and Portugal ranked much lower, landing at No. 21 and No. 20, respectively. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Sweden has returned to the top spot as the best country in the world to live in for women, according to a 2019 ranking from US News & World Report. In 2018, the spot was taken by Denmark — the country is now back down to No. 2. 

The media organization surveyed more than 9,000 women as part of its wider Best Countries ranking in order to determine which of 80 countries around the globe are the best for women to live in. 

Read more:Thousands of people are calling on Japan to ban employers from requiring women to wear high heels in the workplace

The full 2019 Best Countries List surveyed 20,000 global citizens to discover how 80 countries are perceived on a global scale for a range of criteria, from economic influence to citizenship and quality of life.

The best countries for women were given a score out of 10 on these five attributes: human rights, gender quality, income equality, progress, and safety.

In honor of Women's Equality Day, scroll down to see the 21 best countries in the world to live in if you're a woman, ranked in ascending order.

SEE ALSO: The CEO of a company that calls itself 'the future of law' says she still can't escape sexism at work — but she's on a mission to prove mentorship can break the glass ceiling

21. Singapore

Despite being world-renowned as a thriving metropolis, Singapore was not favored by female respondents. The Southeast Asian country scored a measly 0.7 for gender equality and a 1.1 in human rights. 

20. Portugal

This Western European nation has struggled financially, and income equality remains low (0.9). However, it's relatively safe (7.7), with an above-average score on human rights (6.0).

19. Spain

Unemployment continues to be an issue in Spain, with income inequality at just 1.0. The country's ranking in gender equality dropped from last year's score of 6.4 to 5.8, and their human rights score also lowered.

18. Japan

One of the most technically advanced nations, Japan scored a perfect 10 on progression. However, it has ways to go in terms of gender quality, scoring a shocking 0.8, with only 2.9 for human rights.

17. Italy

The home of art, wine, and good food had mediocre scores for gender equality (5.6), progression (4.3), and human rights (6.5), but female unemployment is still a huge concern.

16. United States

Income inequality is one of the challenges still faced by the US, with a score of just 1.1 — it lowered by 0.3 points since 2018. However, the North American powerhouse manages to be highly progressive (8.9). The country's gender equality score lowered from 7.6 in 2018 to 7.0.

15. Ireland

Considered to be a conservative society, Ireland scored relatively low on progression (4.9), but it's worth noting it did up its 2018 score of 3.6. Income equality in Ireland came in at just 3.8 — but its human rights score (7.9) helped it move up the ranks. History was made in Ireland when citizens voted to pass a law that legalized abortion — the country's ranking for gender equality stands at 6.4.

14. France

This Western European nation has plenty of influence on the world and was one of the first countries to champion the rights of the individual. It scores highly on gender equality and human rights, but poorly on income equality at just 2.0. 

13. United Kingdom

With a female Prime Minister and a new addition to the royal family, outwardly-feminist Meghan Markle, the UK scored well on gender equality (8.8) and human rights (9.1). However, income equality is shockingly low, at just 2.6.

12. Belgium

Belgium is widely known for its beer, mouth-watering chocolate, and magnificent castles. According to the 2019 Best Countries report, people living in Belgium are seen as being environmentally conscious as well as caring about human rights. The small European country received a 9.0 in human rights, 8.2 in gender equality, and 7.2 in progressiveness. 

11. Luxembourg

The wealthiest country in the European Union with a high standard of living and a strong score for human rights, Luxembourg only scored a 6.9 for gender equality, a 6.5 for progression, and a 4.8 for income equality.

10. Germany

The country ranked very highly for its score on progression — 9.8 — but only received a 7.0 on gender equality and a 7.5 on human rights.

9. New Zealand

In 2017, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led the progressive Labour party to victory and became the youngest female leader in the world. However, two years later, the country only received a 7.3 for gender equality.

8. Australia

With a high life expectancy for both men and women, Australia scored 8.7 out of 10 for human rights, but a slightly lower score of 8.3 for gender equality.

7. Switzerland

As the overall best country in the world, according to the ranking, this neutral, peaceful country scored an 8.6 out of 10 on gender equality, a 9.2 in human rights, and an 8.4 in progressiveness. 

6. Finland

The first country to offer unrestricted rights for women to vote and be elected in Parliament, Finland is one of the most welcoming environments for women. It received a score of 8.9 in gender equality and a 9 out of 10 in human rights. 

5. Netherlands

The Dutch have managed to narrow the gender gap across health, education, economy, and politics, providing benefits such as a maternity nurse to new mothers. The Netherlands scored a perfect 10 out of 10 in both gender equality and commitment to human rights.

4. Norway

Coming in third out of 144 countries in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2016, generous maternity leave policies are just one of the reason's Norway is one of the most gender-equal nations in the world. Norway scores very high in caring about human rights (9.9) and gender equality (9.1). 

3. Canada

The North American country champions diversity and ranked highly for human rights (9.8) and gender equality (9.1).

2. Denmark

Though Denmark dropped from their No. 1 ranking last year to No. 2 this year, it still ranked highly for human rights and gender equality. The progressive Scandinavian country boasts an earnings-related daycare system and one of the most flexible parental leave policies in Europe. Denmark scored a 9.4 in human rights and a 9.1 in gender equality.

1. Sweden

Regaining its top spot after being replaced by Denmark in 2018, Sweden has the most progressive attitude towards gender equality (9.6) and human rights (9.8). According to an article published by The New York Times, women in Sweden now represent 46% of the parliament and 50% of the government's cabinet. Those figures make the United State's House and Senate, which has a record 24.5% women as voting members, appear to be from the dark ages. 

• Read more:
• 21 organizations that are fighting for women's rights in the US and abroad
• 6 charts that show the glaring gap between men and women's salaries
• 12 surprising women from history who paved the road to equal pay
• Gender pay gap persists because men and women refuse to discuss a simple truth, says a former Obama economist

• The Amazfit Bip ($79.99) proves you don't have to spend more than $100 for a good smartwatch.
• I've worn it daily for more than a month and primarily use it to keep track of my physical activity and sleep and to receive phone notifications. 
• While it lacks the sleek sophistication of its $200 to $350 counterparts, it still impressed us with its month-long battery life and variety of features you'll use every day. 

Though Apple and Fitbit are probably the first names to come to mind when you think of wearables, Chinese wearables company Huami is quietly giving them a run for their money with its under-$100 Amazfit Bip smartwatch.

I've been wearing it for the last five weeks and had multiple friends mistake it for an Apple Watch. It never gets any less satisfying for me to explain that it's actually a smartwatch they've never heard of, and it costs a fraction of its more famous doppelgänger. 

The Amazfit Bip is only $80, but has so many useful features that you'll be surprised it doesn't cost more: fitness, heart rate, and sleep tracking, physical activity guidance, and the ability to receive app, call, and text notifications. It can also act as a timer, stopwatch, compass, or personal weatherman. It does all of this on an incredible battery that lasts for weeks (yes, plural). 

As a longtime Fitbit user, I can say without a doubt that wearing a fitness tracker has improved my health by motivating me to move more, whether that involves going for an evening run in order to maintain my run streak, or simply taking a lap around the office when I've been sitting down for too long. With the Amazfit Bip, you can set step goals, then see how much you're walking and how many calories you've burned, down to each hour of the day. When you haven't moved in a while, you'll get a nudge in the form of a watch vibration, and the watch celebrates when you've reached your daily step goal.

The watch can also accompany you on activities like outdoor running or cycling and track stats like your pace, heart rate, and stride, but in my experience the activity guidance features weren't always completely accurate, and I preferred using the Nike Run app. It works perfectly, however, as a casual day-to-day activity tracker. 

The sleep tracking function, made more accurate with the watch's heart rate monitor, is also the source of endless fascination and utility. The watch breaks down your deep and light sleep and offers insights that help you get more consistent, restful sleep. Combined with the physical activity reports, the sleep data lets me draw connections to my overall mood and energy level and I can tweak my routine so I feel 100%, or as close to it as possible, every day. 

Other than for activity and sleep tracking, I use the watch to receive phone notifications since it's distracting to pick up my phone every time it lights up next to me. I'll occasionally use its timer and stopwatch when I work out or cook dinner, its alarm to wake me up every morning, and its weather report. 

Compared to those of the Apple Watch and Fitbit smartwatches, the Amazfit Bip's interface isn't as refined or polished, but one big reason why I sing the Amazfit Bip's praises anyways is that it juggles multiple features on a suspiciously strong battery. After five weeks of daily use, it has 33% battery left. Other smartwatches need to be charged every one to three days, but my Amazfit Bip is still going strong. I do have my screen brightness set fairly low, and only choose to receive text notifications, so the exact battery life can vary depending on the combination of your preferences. However, it should still last about 30 days on a single 2.5-hour charge, which is really impressive. 

The watch is available in four colors and offers a variety of watch faces. It has a barely-there feel on your wrist, and the screen is easy to read, even in the bright sunlight. Insider Picks associate editor Brandt Ranj, who also tested the watch and liked its features, found that the silicone band irritated his skin, so if you have more sensitive skin, we would recommend switching out the standard band for a different material.

If you're looking for a reliable smartwatch with a fair amount of customization, and you don't care for the glossy or extraneous features of the bigger brands, you'll be very happy with the Amazfit Bip. It's easy to use, it helps you practice healthier habits, and its long battery life means you have one less device to think about charging all the time. For less than $100, no other smartwatch comes close. 

Shop the Amazfit Bip for $79.99 at Amazon here

Join the conversation about this story »

• Charles and David Koch have been titans of industry and politics for decades.
• David, 79, has died, the family announced on Friday.
• The company their father founded, now known as Koch Industries, is the second-largest company in the US with an annual revenue of $100 billion.
• Libertarians who favor small government and few taxes, the Kochs have tangled with President Donald Trump, as they oppose many of his policies, including tariffs, the travel ban, and immigration.

• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

The Koch network, started and led by billionaires Charles and David Koch, has played an instrumental role in the American political system over the last several decades.

David, 79, has died, the family announced on Friday.

The Koch brothers' influence in politics has been particularly felt in Republican and Libertarian circles, as the group has primarily raised money for conservative candidates who align with their political philosophies.

Their influence has only increased and become more scrutinized since the Citizens United Supreme Court decision in 2010, which allowed corporations to make an unlimited number of donations to candidates.

But the Koch network has shown an openness to supporting Democrats as it has slowly distanced itself from President Donald Trump and the GOP.

Here's how the Koch brothers became two of the most influential and politically active donors in modern history.

SEE ALSO: Powerful conservative-leaning Koch network vows not to support Trump in 2020

DON'T MISS: Trump launches attack on 'globalist' Koch brothers after the GOP megadonors turn on the party

Charles and David's father, Fred Koch, founded the family business in Wichita, Kansas in 1940. Fred was originally an engineer before becoming an industrialist.

Source: SEC

While Charles joined the family business in 1961, David did not join the company until 1970 after working at a number of consulting firms. The two both got their Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Sources: KochIndustries, SEC

The business was originally called Rock Island Oil & Refinery Company. But when Charles became the company's president in 1966, he renamed it Koch Industries in honor of his father.

Source: SEC

Koch Industries is now the second-largest company in the US with an annual revenue of $100 billion.

Sources: Forbes, Koch Industries

In the political world, Fred was a founding member of the John Birch Society, a group dedicated to combatting communism and limiting the size and role of government.

Source: Investopedia

That influence led Charles to co-found the Cato Institute in 1977 to promote libertarian causes, such as free markets and individual liberty. With an operating income of $37 million in 2017, it is one of the most influential think tanks in the US.

Source: Investopedia, Cato Institute, Cato Institute annual report

David once ran for vice president on the Libertarian Party ticket in 1980. But he and presidential candidate Ed Clark only won 1% of the vote.

Source: Britannica

He ran on the platform to abolish several significant government programs, including social security, welfare, minimum wage laws, the Federal Reserve Board, and corporate taxes.

Source: The Famous People

After David lost in 1980, Charles said traditional politics "tends to be a nasty, corrupting business." He added that he was "interested in advancing libertarian ideas."

Source: Investopedia

David left the Libertarian Party in 1984 and joined the GOP after it supported eliminating all taxes.

Source: The Famous People

That same year, the Koch brothers created a conservative political group called Citizens for a Sound Economy. The group was dedicated to free markets and called for personal involvement in public policy activism. In 2004, it was renamed FreedomWorks.

Source: The Famous People/The New Yorker

Charles has also gone on to start the Institute for Humane Studies, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and the Bill of Rights Institute to further his policy initiatives. He has also funded scholarships and research grants for economists.

Source: The Charles Koch Institute

The Koch's donations to advocacy groups has led to them sometimes oppose politicians they supported in elections. For example, they once donated $10 million to the ACLU to fight the implementation of the PATRIOT Act under former President George W. Bush.

Source: Investopedia

In 2004, the Koch brothers founded Americans for Prosperity, their primary political organization. It's considered one of the most influential conservative advocacy groups in the country today.

Source: The Famous People

The Koch brothers have also been strong advocates against climate change and its impact on the planet. In the mid-2000s, they became the biggest donors of groups that questioned the severity of climate change and how humans are causing it.

Sources: Britannica, The New Yorker, Washington Post, The New York Times

The Koch brothers reportedly gave $246 million to non-profits and public policy research related to libertarian causes from 2004-08.

Source: Investopedia

In 2008, the Koch brothers donated to over 30 political and policy organizations that they either founded or help direct.

Source: The New Yorker

Because of the size and scope of influence that the group has, the Koch political network has been described as a rival to the Republican National Committee itself.

Source: Politico

Americans for Prosperity played a significant role in the growth of the Tea Party Movement in the 2010 midterm elections, as the Koch brothers spent $45 million organizing rallies, mobilizing voters, building policy, and pushing ads.

Sources: Britannica, Forbes

In 2011, Charles' foundation contributed $25,000 to a conservative and libertarian public policy think tank called The Heartland Institute, which often attacks climate science. The Koch brothers also donated $2.6 million to candidates that year.

Sources: The New York Times, Mother Jones

In the 2012 presidential and congressional elections, the Koch brothers and their network of donors spent $400 million.

Sources: Washington Post, The New York Times

Two recipients of Koch-network funding that year were Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Sources: Mother Jones, LA Times

The Koch brothers have also been opposed to the Obama-era Affordable Care Act and Dodd-Frank.

Sources: New York Magazine, USA Today

The Koch brothers largely opposed the Obama administration and criticized it for what they saw as "big government" policies with increased spending and eroding individual liberty.

Source: The New Yorker

But in 2015, they and former President Barack Obama were on the same page about one thing: He praised their efforts at reforming the criminal justice system.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

At a 2015 meeting with GOP donors, the Koch brothers said they were prepared to spend almost $900 million in the 2016 presidential and congressional campaigns.

Source: The New York Times

After the GOP primary, the Koch's did not donate to Trump and strictly gave to Senate and House races.

Source: Newsweek

While there is no evidence that he donated to her campaign or supported her, Charles said in July 2016 it was possible that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton would make a better president.

Source: The Guardian

"Since it appears that neither presidential candidate is likely to support us in [our] efforts," Charles said in 2016, "we're focused on maximizing the number of principled leaders in the House and Senate who will."

Source: The Guardian

Despite primarily supporting Republican candidates, David supports abortion rights and same-sex marriage. The Koch network opposed the Iraq War and has backed a non-interventionist foreign policy.

Sources: CNN, Washington Post

In a Washington Post opinion piece in 2016, Charles said he agreed with former presidential candidate and current Sen. Bernie Sanders on the unfairness of corporate welfare and the need for criminal justice reform.

Sources: Washington Post, Bernie Sanders

The Koch network has been critical of Trump's travel ban and, in June 2018, financed a multi-million dollar campaign to oppose Trump's tariffs.

Source: BBC News, The Independent

In June 2018, David announced he would be leaving the business and politics world of the Koch network due to declining health.

Source: Business Insider

Charles said to donors at a meeting in July 2018 that he is open to backing Democratic candidates if they align with the group's platform and philosophy. Koch said "the divisiveness of this White House is causing long-term damage."

Source: Business Insider

Trump took to Twitter to respond to the Koch network's rebuke of his administration, calling them "overrated."

Source: Business Insider

In August 2018, Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said accused the Koch network of putting business ahead of politics, as the RNC has now distanced itself from the Koch family.

Source: Business Insider

And in January 2019, the Koch network announced already that it would not be supporting Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Source: Business Insider

A spokesman for Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-funded group, told the Washington Post it will "support policy champions in Senate, House and state races, build broad-based policy coalitions, and to launch a major new initiative to fight poverty in America."

Source: Washington Post

On August 23, 2019, the family announced that David had died. He was 79.

Source: Business Insider

• Imperfect Produce is a service that delivers seasonal, cosmetically imperfect produce for affordable prices. 
• Imperfect Produce and similar produce companies market themselves as solutions against food waste, but there are debates about whether this is disingenuous given the complexity of the nation's food system. 
• Still, it's a convenient and affordable way to get your weekly produce, if you live in a city where it's available. 
• I used Imperfect Produce for six months while living in the Bay Area and received a box of "ugly" vegetables and fruits every two weeks. I loved it because the produce was always fresh, seasonal, and delicious — despite the physical imperfections. 

During my last year of college, I juggled multiple identities. I was a senior looking to squeeze more time out of the dwindling weeks with my fellow soon-to-be graduates. I was a part-time marketing assistant stumbling through a winding job hunt. And most humorous to all my friends, I was an unofficial Imperfect Produce ambassador. 

I got the title because I excitedly worked the San Francisco-based grocery delivery service into every conversation possible. The concept — seasonal, cosmetically imperfect produce sent to your house for affordable prices, as part of a larger mission of reducing food waste — intrigued me, so I tried my first box, and became hooked right away. 

The quality of the produce was great and everything always tasted delicious, I didn't have to wait on the very unreliable buses in Berkeley to take me to and from the grocery store, and the total bill was reasonable even on a student budget. Plus, little ol' me felt like I was saving these poor fruits and vegetables from being thrown away and wasted, and helping the bottom lines of local farmers and producers. 

Since then, there has been some pushback against the idea that services such as Imperfect Produce and competitor Misfits Market actually solve a problem in the country's complex and broken food system.

As crop scientist Sarah Taber explains, the problem of "ugly produce" contributing to food waste might not actually exist, because those items will be turned into other food products such as soups and jams. While ugly produce companies may improve access to fresh food and help the margins of growers, they may divert attention and resources away from community organizations in low-income areas. 

Knowing what I do now, I'm more wary of how ugly produce companies frame and market themselves. However, the ongoing conversations among food system experts and scientists, farmers, and the companies themselves don't change my positive experiences with using Imperfect Produce as an affordable way to get my groceries. For what it's worth, CSAs full of local produce are also an excellent option if you're able to carry heavy boxes home easily, but for city dwellers, this can be tough to do. The major advantage of Imperfect Produce is that it gets delivered directly.

If you're interested in learning more about what it's like to order conventional and organic "ugly produce" from Imperfect Produce, you can find details below. 

What makes an imperfect fruit or vegetable?

The company defines "imperfect" in several ways: cosmetic damage, surplus or excess inventory, undervalued or lack of demand, or doesn't meet a strict specification from the buyer, usually in the way it's harvested or packaged.  

A significant portion of the country's produce is grown in California, so the majority of Imperfect's fruits and vegetables come from there. It says it tries to source locally when possible, but sourcing ultimately depends on seasonality and availability. In total, it works with over 200 growers nationwide and sources most of its produce (78%) from family farms or cooperatives. 

For produce with cosmetic damage, Imperfect checks quality to make sure it's only the shape, size, or color that's affected. It says, "To end up in your box, a piece of produce must be just as fresh, tasty, and nutritious (if not more so!) as its grocery store counterpart." 

Ordering with Imperfect Produce

Imperfect offers a variety of different "default" boxes, which you can then further customize the contents of. To start, choose from all fruit, all veggie, mixed fruit and veggie, or organic. Then choose the box size and the shipping frequency. I usually ordered a medium-sized mixed fruit and veggie box, to be delivered every two weeks. Below is an example of one of my orders. 

The fruits and veggies in your box are preset based on seasonal availability, but you can take out or add more of any item. 

Though some people might not like the limited selection (when compared to a traditional grocery store), I liked this design more than I expected. I can get in the habit of buying the same, predictable produce every time I go grocery shopping, so to be faced with preset, limited options was actually a fun challenge that added more variety and creativity to my cooking.

It also helped me enjoy fruits and veggies at their peak seasonality, and thus their peak taste. When I had dozens of options, seasonal and non-seasonal, at my disposal at the local grocery store, I sometimes found myself gravitating towards my favorite produce, regardless of whether it was the optimal time to purchase and eat it. 

The quality

The quality of the produce I received was consistently good. Many of the physical imperfections weren't even that drastic, and they didn't affect the ultimate taste of the fruit or vegetable. Prior to using Imperfect Produce, I didn't love the idea of not having control over the exact apple or carrot I'd be eating, but I eventually realized it was futile to be nitpicky about how beautiful my produce was. I learned firsthand from Imperfect Produce that it all tasted the same.  

The price

Depending on which size box you get, you'll be paying $11 to $27 for seven to 25 pounds of produce. The price for everything in my medium boxes was usually around $15, which was about the same, if not less, than how much I was paying for the same amount of produce from my local grocery store at the time.

The plus, however, is that it was delivered fresh and safely to my door so I didn't have to spend time and energy grocery shopping in person. This combination of convenience, price, and produce quality (despite the physical imperfections) was why I told anyone who would listen to try Imperfect Produce. 

Availability

Imperfect Produce is currently available in these cities nationwide, and is coming soon to Pittsburgh, Hartford, and New York. Sadly, I haven't been able to use it in the last couple years while living in NYC, but the moment it's here, I'll be first in line to sign up. 

Order "ugly produce" from Imperfect Produce, starting at $11 a box.

Join the conversation about this story »

• Glamping, or "glamorous camping," is a luxurious alternative to regular camping that's become increasingly popular in the last decade.
• There are many ways to glamp, from sleeping in a heated domed pod on the salt flats of Bolivia to renting out a luxurious tent with electricity and 1,500 thread-count linens on an island in New York City.
• Some of the most high-end methods of glamping can cost more than staying in a luxury hotel.
• A two-night minimum stay in a pod at a Bolivian dome resort will run you $1,980, while an ultra-luxury motor home can cost as much as $3 million.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Glamping, or "glamorous camping," is a luxurious alternative to traditional camping — and it can get really over-the-top.

Instead of sleeping on the ground in a typical tent, glamping might entail sleeping in a king-size bed with 1,500-thread-count linens or in an eco-friendly pod with a shower and kitchenette.

From egg-shaped pods to tricked-out RVs, here are some of the ways people are taking glamping to the next level.

SEE ALSO: I visited 2 very different luxury resorts in Jackson Hole, and the contrast between them helped explain why the area has become such a hotspot for celebs, CEOs, and the ultrawealthy

DON'T MISS: There's a new type of traveler dishing out thousands of dollars for high-end safaris. The business director of a Botswana-based company says it’s all because of the millennial tech boom.

Glamping, or "glamorous camping," is an upscale alternative to traditional camping.

Glamping can take many different forms, from ultra-luxurious tents with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms to egg-shaped pods and tricked-out RVs.

A company called Ecocapsule makes luxurious egg-shaped pods designed with solar panels and 750-watt retractable wind turbines so they can be 100% self-sufficient in a variety of environments.

Source: Insider

The pods include a work space, kitchenette, toilet, and shower.

Source: Insider

The bed can be folded out to sleep two people.

Source: Insider

Each pod costs $89,000 (€79,900), and some have been sold to private owners for individual use, according to Ecocapsule.

Source: Insider

The company is engaged in deals to sell pods to glamping and hotel companies in Europe, Australia, and the US, with expected guest costs of $200 to $277 (€180 to €250) per night, an Ecocapsule representative told Business Insider.

Source: Insider

A luxury resort in Bolivia called Kachi Lodge is made up of several domed pods located 12,000 feet above sea level on the largest salt flat in the world.

Source: Insider

Each pod comes with a private bathroom, a double bed with hotel-style bedding, heating, and a lounge area.

Source: Insider

According to the Kachi Lodge website, the camp is run using sustainable energy, with the goal of leaving a minimal impact on the environment.

Source: Kachi Lodge, Insider

A two-night minimum stay in one of the resort's domes costs $1,980 per person, and additional nights start at $990 per person.

Source: Insider

A campground in Germany offers both glamping pods and glamping lodges.

Source: Campingpark Rerik

The heated pods include a kitchenette and fridge, table and chairs, a bathroom, a double bed and a pullout sofa bed.

Source: Campingpark Rerik

The campground's African safari-inspired lodges can sleep up to five people and include a bathroom and shower, a sitting room with a satellite TV, and a fully equipped kitchenette and refrigerator.

Source: Campingpark Rerik

The Ranch at Rock Creek, a luxury resort in Montana, has 10 "canvas cabins" that sit in a wildflower meadow on the banks of the namesake Rock Creek.

Source: The Ranch at Rock Creek

The glamping cabins range in size from 790 square feet to 1,300 square feet. Some have multiple bedrooms, gas stoves, and soaking tubs.

Source: The Ranch at Rock Creek

The cabins have their own private bathrooms.

Source: The Ranch at Rock Creek

In the Sweet Grass cabin, the only three-room glamping cabin, guests can soak in a cedar tub on the patio. The cabins start at $1,800 per night in the winter and $3,200 during the summer and peak holiday season.

Source: The Ranch at Rock Creek

At the Capitol Reef Resort in Utah, guests can glamp in covered wagons based on 19th-century designs. But beyond the exterior, these wagons are nothing like the ones pioneers slept in.

Source: Capitol Reef Resort

They come with air conditioning, one king-size bed, and twin bunk beds, and there are private bathrooms just a few steps away. A night's stay in one of the wagons starts at about $229 per person.

Source: Capitol Reef Resort

Luxe trailers are yet another way to glamp. In the United Arab Emirates, about 85 miles from Dubai, is the Sedr Trailers Resort, which calls itself a "trailer hotel."

Source: Sedr Trailers Resort

Each air conditioned, 194-square-foot trailer includes a shaded private deck, a modern bathroom, Wifi, a TV, and the option to configure the trailer to sleep a family of two adults and two children.

Source: Sedr Trailers Resort

A night's stay in one of the trailers starts at about $617.

Source: Sedr Trailers Resort

In upstate New York, travelers can stay in a luxurious, 18-foot-tall tepee that sits in the woods on a 10-acre property at Bellfire Farm.

Source: Bellfire Farm

The interior has cedar floors, custom-made furniture, wool carpets, a kitchenette, and a fire pit.

Source: Bellfire Farm

The tepee can be booked for $145 a night on Airbnb.

Source: Airbnb

And glamping doesn't necessarily have to be limited to secluded wilderness areas. "Urban glamping" locations have been popping up in cities like New York and Chicago. On Governors Island in New York City, people pay up to $700 a night to sleep in luxury tents with a view of the city.

Source: Business Insider

Collective Retreats, which also has locations in Texas, Montana, and New York's Hudson Valley, opened its Governors Island location — just an eight-minute ferry ride from lower Manhattan — in July 2018.

Source: Business Insider

In the luxurious Summit Tents, guests sleep on 1,500-thread count sheets with a down comforter and a designer-curated blanket.

Source: Business Insider

Each Summit Tent has a private, en-suite bathroom with a rainfall-style shower and Turkish robes "for optimal lounging."

Source: Business Insider

Even luxury hotels are cashing in on the urban glamping trend. The Gwen Hotel in Chicago lets guests stay in a luxury tent on the terrace of the hotel's top-floor Gwen Lux Suite during the summer months.

Source: Business Insider

The Gwen Lex Suite costs $3,500 a night, and the glamping tent on the terrace is an additional $2,000, bringing the total cost per night up to a minimum of $5,500.

Source: Business Insider

Inside the tent is a queen-size bed, lamps, and floor cushions.

Source: Business Insider

With the addition of the tent on the terrace, the two-bedroom Gwen Lux Suite can sleep six guests.

Source: Business Insider

If glamping in your own backyard is more your style, you can buy a translucent garden dome on Amazon.

Source: Business Insider

The wind- and snow-resistant dome sits on a 107-square-foot base area and has a maximum height of seven feet and two inches, making it large enough for most people to stand up inside.

Source: Business Insider

The dome was recently selling for $1,199, but it's currently unavailable.

Source: Business Insider

Then there are luxury RVs, which are nicer than most people's homes and can cost between $1 million and $3 million.

Source: Insider

Canada-based manufacturer Prevost makes swanky RVs with luxe kitchens, slide-out all-around windows, and expansive floor space.

Source: Insider

Some luxury RVs, like those from Oklahoma-based company Newell Coaches, even come with in-unit washer and dryers and multiple LED televisions. Newell Coaches' RVs cost about $2 million.

Source: Insider

But for the ultimate RV glamping experience, there's the EleMMent Palazzo Superior from Marchi Mobile. At $3 million, it's the most expensive motor home in the world. It includes a king-size bed, a huge kitchen, a rainfall shower, a 40-inch TV, and an expandable rooftop deck.

Source: Insider

Glamping has also made its way to music festivals. The Coachella music festival in California has added glamping as an amenity for wealthy attendees.

Source: Business Insider

Safari Campground is the festival's priciest on-location campsite, with luxury tent rates starting around $10,000 for a four-night stay.

Source: Business Insider

The fully furnished tents come with a small refrigerator and air conditioner.

Source: Business Insider

• The American Express® Business Gold Card offers a combination of compelling rewards and valuable benefits that can easily cover the $295 annual fee.
• Fresh features include up to 4 Membership Rewards per dollar and 25% of your points back when redeeming for flights.
• New cardholders can get up to $500 back in statement credits at FedEx in the first three months.

If you run a business and love to travel, you should know about the American Express Business Gold Card. The new and improved version is best for business owners and managers who regularly travel for business. Because the card rewards you in the categories where you spend the most, it's a good fit for a wide range of businesses. 

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these credit cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards.

When you're working to earn credit card rewards, it's important to practice financial discipline, like paying your balances off in full each month, making payments on time, and not spending more than you can afford to pay back. Basically, treat your credit card like a debit card.

American Express Business Gold Card details

Annual fee: $295

Welcome bonus: Get up to $500 back in the form of statement credits by purchasing qualifying services with FedEx in the first three months

Points earning: 4x points on the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from the following list: airfare purchased directly from airlines, US purchases for advertising in select media, US purchases made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions, US purchases at gas stations, US purchases at restaurants, US purchases for shipping (and 1 point per dollar on everything else)

Foreign transaction fee: None

Welcome bonus

If your business uses shipping services, you'll want to know about a limited-time deal for new cardholders at American Express. You can get up to $500 in statement credits for purchases at FedEx in the first three months after opening a new account.

This perk alone can be worth more than the first year's annual fee and then some. You have to apply by November 6, 2019 to qualify.

Read more:The best current credit card sign-up bonuses

Earn 4 points per dollar on your top two categories

American Express Membership Rewards points are among the most valuable to travel rewards enthusiasts. The Points Guy pegs the value of Amex points at about 2 cents apiece. When you earn at the top rate, that's like getting 8% cash back if you redeem at the 2-cents-per-point rate.

The card offers the 4x rate on the two categories you spend most each month. Categories include:

• Airfare purchased directly from airlines
• US gas stations
• US restaurants
• US shipping providers
• Select US advertising and technology providers
• US purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)

The 4x rate is good up to $150,000 in combined annual purchases. Beyond that point, you'll get the same 1-point-per dollar you get on standard purchases. If you maximize the bonus, you'll take home 600,000-plus points per year.

25% point rebate on flight redemptions

When you redeem points to book flights with American Express Travel, you'll get 25% of your points back, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year. To be eligible for this rebate, you need to pay with points to book a first- or business-class seat, or book a seat in any class with your selected qualifying airline.

When redeeming at Amex Travel, points are worth 1 cent each. The 25% rebate boosts that to 1.25 cents per point.

Using Amex points

Keep in mind that you may be able to get 2 cents per point or more when you transfer to airline partners. Top airline partners with a 1:1 transfer rate include Delta, Singapore, Etihad, and Emirates, among other global airlines.

Also, look at British Airways, JetBlue, and other partners when booking travel, as they may offer a better deal even though they don't include the 25% rebate.

Purchase and travel protections 

As a premium American Express card, the Business Gold card comes with a wide range of travel insurance and purchase protections. You won't want to make a business purchase with cash or debit if you have this card available.

For travel, benefits include no foreign transaction fees, access to the Global Assist Hotline, roadside assistance, baggage insurance, travel accident insurance, and rental car insurance.

At the checkout counter or online shopping cart, you get an automatic extended warranty, purchase protection, and return protection.

Never underestimate the value of this type of benefit. For a week-long business trip, the auto rental insurance alone could easily be worth $50 to $100. Just keep in mind that this insurance is secondary, rather than primary, which means it kicks in after your own personal car insurance.

Is the Business Gold card worth $295 per year?

Credit cards with annual fees may scare you off, but if you take the time to understand what you get back it's easy to see why an annual fee can make sense. Between bonus points on everyday purchases, welcome bonuses, and benefits, the path to $300+ per year in value is crystal clear.

If you have a small business, this card should definitely be a contender for a prized slot in your wallet. If you're looking for even more premium travel benefits like airport lounge access, the Business Platinum® Card from American Express could also be worth a look, but that card has a higher $595 annual fee and more limited bonus categories.

Click here to learn more about the Amex Business Gold from our partner The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: All our credit card reviews — from cash-back to travel rewards to business cards — in one place

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Animated map shows how cats spread across the world

• These days, there are plenty of ways to listen to your favorite songs, but streaming music is definitely the most convenient. 
• Amazon Music Unlimited costs $7.99 a month for Prime members or $9.99 a month for non-members.
• The service has a catalog of more than 50 million songs that you can stream or download for offline listening. You can listen to Unlimited's catalog of music on many different devices, including Echo smart speakers.
• I reviewed the streaming service and thought it was a solid option and a great value, especially for existing Amazon Prime members. 

I listen to music whenever I get the chance. Whether it's acoustics while I work, the pop charts while I exercise, or classic rock while I drive, I love to have something playing in the background. That's why I was surprised that as an Amazon Prime member, I had never even checked out Amazon's streaming service. 

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you already have access to Prime Music. This is Amazon's basic, free  (for Prime members) streaming option that offers up some 2 million songs. That may sound like a lot, but you can get millions of more songs if you pay for Amazon's Music Unlimited service. Unlimited comes with 50 million songs, and Prime members can get it for $7.99 a month, while non-members will pay $9.99 a month to use it.

We've already written up a rundown on how to use Amazon Music, but it's pretty simple. You can access Amazon Music Unlimited via the Amazon website or app, using your regular Amazon login. Here's what it's like to actually use Amazon Music Unlimited. 

Interface of Amazon Music Unlimited

You can use Music Unlimited on your phone or computer. On the computer, you can access Music Unlimited on the Amazon homepage or download the Amazon Music app onto your desktop — you can download this app straight from Amazon. On your phone, you'll have to download the Amazon Music app from the app store. 

However you choose to access Music Unlimited, you'll be met with a similar interface. I found the interface to be clean and user-friendly. There are plenty of built-in features aimed at helping listeners discover new music. The Recommended section (found on the left-side navigation menu on desktop or from bottom left Browse section on phone) is filled with playlists, albums, and songs Amazon thinks you'll like based on your listening history. You can follow playlists you like, listen to playlists curated by your favorite artists, and easily make your own playlists of your favorite songs.

Music selection

Amazon's Unlimited selection rivals that of the big streaming players like Spotify and Apple Music — all are said to offer about 50 million songs. I did plenty of searching, looking for albums from some of today's most popular artists, artists from past decades, as well as musicians I know that haven't made it to the mainstream yet and was pleased to see that Amazon had them all. There really were no holes when it came to music, which makes sense as Music Unlimited releases new songs weekly. 

Amazon also has a selection of exclusive songs — both covers and singles — called Amazon Originals, that you can't find on other streaming sites. This reminded me of Spotify Singles — the competing service's collection of exclusive studio sessions with popular artists, though Amazon's section is a little more sparse here. 

The selection of curated playlists rivals that of competitors, but Amazon Music Unlimited doesn't offer anything in the way of other content. Spotify has a large selection of podcasts and some fun videos sprinkled throughout the service, Tidal lets you watch music videos, and Slacker Radio has a selection of hilarious stand-up. Amazon does have Side-by-Sides, artist commentary on their own songs and albums, but you can only access this with Alexa. If you just want songs, you won't miss anything with Music Unlimited, but if you want more content this is something to consider. 

Pricing

The pricing structure gives Amazon Music Unlimited some real skin in the game. This is one of the most affordable options around, especially if you're a Prime member already. 

There is no free Music Unlimited option, though you can do a 30-day trial of the service at no cost. After that, Music Unlimited costs $9.99 a month for non-Prime members, a pretty average price for streaming services. For Prime members that price goes down to $7.99 a month or $79 annually, which brings the price per month to just over $6. The family plan option — which allows you to connect six devices — costs $14.99 a month, similar to Apple Music and Spotify. 

There are even more discounts and special deals to encourage Amazon users to use Music Unlimited. Students can get the service for $4.99 a month, but Prime Student members can stream Music Unlimited for just $6 for 6 months. If you have an Amazon Echo device you can save even more — you get access to Amazon's millions of songs for just $3.99, though the plan can only be used on that one registered device. 

The price of a membership gets you unlimited access to every song, ad-free listening, unlimited skips, offline streaming, and hands-free listening if you have an Alexa-enabled device. 

Special features

Users seem to love Amazon Music Unlimited's seamless integration with Echo devices. Just ask Alexa to play a song, an artist, or something like "pool party music" if you want music to fit a specific vibe. While you can use other streaming services with Alexa, the difference here is that it's built-in, you don't need to specify what service Alexa needs to play the song on, she already knows it's Music Unlimited. If you rely heavily on Alexa, this is a nice feature. 

Something I found fun was the karaoke-style lyrics provided with each song. When you listen to a song, the lyrics show up on your screen, rolling as the song goes on. You can jump to any point in the song using this feature — just click the lyrics you want to hear. I love knowing song lyrics, so I think this feature is really fun. 

The bottom line

Picking which streaming service is best for you is really a personal choice. Are you basing your choice on price alone? Are you just listening to songs or do you want more music-related content? Are you looking for a service that has more social media features? 

When it comes to basic features Amazon Music Unlimited is pretty similar to most other major streaming services — it has a strong selection, helps listeners discover new music, and is affordable, especially for Prime members. If you're a real music nerd, this service will probably feel a little bare bones for you as it doesn't offer much in the way of exclusive content from, and about, artists. 

But, if you're an Amazon Prime member or the owner of an Echo device, Music Unlimited is a seamless and affordable way to stream music. And, at just $7.99 a month, or an even more affordable $79 a year, it's probably one of the best prices you're going to get. 

Sign up for Amazon Music Unlimited free for 30 days here (then $9.99/month for non-members or $7.99/ month for Prime members) 

Join the conversation about this story »

• Taylor Swift released her seventh studio album, "Lover," on August 23, and it's her first album she owns the rights to herself.
• Swift's net worth is an estimated $360 million as of June 2019, according to Forbes, making her one of the world's highest-paid celebrities.
• Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour was the highest-grossing tour in US history, grossing over $266 million.
• Swift spends her fortune growing her $84 million real estate portfolio and donating to causes and charity.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Taylor Swift's highly anticipated seventh studio album, "Lover," is finally here, and it's sure to make the "You Need to Calm Down" singer a lot more money — particularly because it's the first of her records she owns the rights to herself.

She can't profit as much as she'd like from her previous first six albums, however, as their masters are now under control of celebrity manager Scooter Braun. Braun bought her old record label, Big Machine, in a $300 million sale, and she's not happy about it.

In a June 2019 Tumblr essay, Swift wrote that she's "sad and grossed out" about Braun acquiring her old music: "All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I've received at his hands for years," she wrote.

Read more: Meet Scooter Braun, the Hollywood manager who's caught in a feud with Taylor Swift, used to sell fake IDs in college, and discovered Justin Bieber in 2008

At 15 years old, Swift was the youngest songwriter to ever sign with Sony. She now has 10 Grammys on her shelf, several tours under her belt (including one that generated a staggering quarter of a billion dollars), an endless list of chart-topping songs and albums, and a beloved fan base who dub themselves "Swifties."

Such success makes Swift one of the world's highest-paid celebrities and one of the richest female singers. According to Forbes, she has an estimated net worth of $360 million — and that's not including the final earnings from her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour, which was the highest-grossing tour in US history.

Swift has been strategic and generous with her money, investing in a sprawling $84 million real estate portfolio and often donating it to causes she supports and people in need.

Below, see how Swift earns and spends her fortune.

SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift owns at least $84 million in real estate across four states — and she's not even 30

DON'T MISS: 5 Hollywood celebrities who became billionaires and are vastly more rich than their peers

Taylor Swift currently has an estimated net worth of $360 million, which has grown due to her music, merchandise, and endorsements.

Source: Forbes

Ever the superstar, Swift's endorsement deals and partnerships are with high-profile brands, including Keds, Diet Coke, CoverGirl, Capital One, and Apple, which bring in a lot of income.

Source:Money

Swift has had a long-term partnership with Diet Coke since 2013, which has involved her chatting about her love for the drink in a "Bon Appetit" interview and holding the drink while on camera.

Source:Hollywood Reporter, Variety

Adele and Madonna, who have comparable fan bases to Swift, didn't put as much effort into brand partnerships and touring as Swift did in 2016 — and only made half of her paycheck, at $80.5 million and $76.5 million respectively, according to Quartz.

Source:Quartz

In fact, aside from brand partnerships and endorsements, touring is Swift's biggest money maker. Her 1989 tour grossed more than $250 million in 2015.

Source: Forbes

She earned even more than that during her Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018. Five shows in, Swift had already earned $54 million in sales — that's $10.8 million per show.

Source: Forbes, Refinery29

The Reputation Stadium Tour ended up being the highest grossing tour in US history — it grossed $266.1 million on more than 2 million ticket sales.

Source:Forbes

But her tours don't just bring in ticket sales. Billboard estimated that Swift sells $17 of merchandise per ticket at her shows.

Source: Billboard

Swift was the world's top-earning musician in June 2016, bringing home a record $170 million from 2015-2016, according to Forbes' 2016 list. The same year, it was estimated that Swift makes $1 million a day.

Source:Forbes, Express 

Swift had a more "quiet year" in 2017, according to Forbes, bringing in $44 million and ranking ninth on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid celebrities.

Source:Forbes

By July 2018, not including touring revenues, Swift had earned an estimated $5 million in record sales, $2.4 million through streaming, and $2 million in publishing royalties, according to Billboard.

Source:Billboard

A few years ago, it was estimated Swift could become a billionaire by the time she turns 30 — which will happen this December. Here's how she spends her fortune...

Source: Express

Swift is a real estate mogul, with a sprawling $84 million real estate portfolio that consists of eight properties in four different states, according to property values estimated by Trulia.

Source: Business Insider, Trulia

In Nashville, she owns a 3,240-square-foot condo worth an estimated $3 million and a 5,600-square-foot Greek Revival estate worth an estimated $2.5 million. The latter is the cheapest property she owns.

Source: Business Insider, Trulia

In LA, Swift currently has a Beverly Hills home on the market for $2.85 million. She also owns a 10,982 square-foot Beverly Hills mansion worth nearly $30 million. She plans to turn it into a historic landmark.

Source: Business Insider, Trulia

Across the coast, Swift owns an estate with seaside views in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, valued at $6.65 million. With 12,000 square feet, it has plenty of room for parties with her squad.

Source: Business Insider, Trulia

But that's nothing compared to the estimated $40 million worth of property Swift owns in New York City on the same block in Tribeca. That includes a 8,309-square-foot large duplex penthouse and a four-story townhouse.

Source: Business Insider, Trulia

Swift needs a way to travel among all these homes and she's rumored to own two Dassault private jets. There's no word on how much she paid for them, but depending on the model, they can be worth up to $58 million each.

Source: Forbes, GOBankingRates

Swift can also use her jet to head out of the country for vacation. She recently spent the Fourth of July in Turks and Caicos with her boyfriend Joe Alwyn and previously took a trip to an undisclosed tropical island with former boyfriend Calvin Harris.

Source:Elle, Travel + Leisure

At the end of her 1989 World Tour, Swift took her 125-person band and crew on a vacation in Australia.

Source: Vanity Fair

But Swift has always been generous with her money, supporting causes and helping those in need. On her 24th birthday, she donated $100,000 to the Nashville Symphony.

Source: People

She's provided supported during natural disasters, donating $1 million to the victims of Louisiana floods and $500,000 to the Nashville flood relief, and raising $750,000 through a Speak Now Help Now benefit concert for victims of tornadoes in the southern US in 2011.

Source: People

Swift is also supportive of education — she pledged $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame to fund the Taylor Swift Education Center and donated $50,000 to NYC public schools.

Source: People

She's also donated to various GoFundMe campaigns, including $10,000 toward a service dog for an autistic boy and $50,000 to her backup dancer's nephew, who was battling cancer.

Source: People

And then there are the two famous checks she wrote for $1,989 — an ode to her best-selling album — sent to two fans to pay a student loan and to donate to a dance marathon benefit.

Source: People

She also helps out her fellow pop stars, giving Kesha $250,000 to help with legal fees during her lawsuit against a music producer.

Source: People

But her thoughtfulness doesn't end there. And when she once went out to dinner with pals Ed Sheeran and Austin Mahone in Philadelphia, she reportedly left a generous $500 tip.

Source:E News

Swift often spends money dining out with her squad and boyfriends, especially when in New York City, where she's dined at The Fat Radish, The Spotted Pig, Sarabeth's, and L'Asso, where she had a glass of wine and a gluten-free pizza.

Source:People

But Swift also saves money dining in. She reportedly loves to cook and bake and has hosted several elaborate dinner parties with her squad.

Source:Glamour, InStyle

Swift also has a fur squad. She has two Scottish Fold cats, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. The breed costs around $1,000 to $1,500. Her cats even have their own line of merchandise at her store.

Source:Refinery 29, Cat Breeds List

When she's not chilling at home, Swift is usually rocking designer duds during appearances or some serious street style in New York City, often mixing high-end and fast fashion. She's been spotted wearing Saint Laurent sneakers, A Christian Louboutin backpack for $1,237, and an Elie Saab gown.

Source:Who What Wear

But Swift's also sported more affordable pieces, such as $60 Steve Madden sandals and Gen Z-obsession Brandy Melville. She seems to have an affinity for Madewell, whose clothes range around $72 for a pair of shorts or $62 for a denim crop top.

Source:Who What Wear, Who What Wear, People

But for all the generous giving and strategic investments Swift has made with her money, she has reportedly used it in one rumored indulgence: $40 million to insure her famous legs.

Source:New York Post

• If you want to make sure you never miss anything on Twitter, you can turn on Twitter notifications to receive a notice whenever an account tweets.
• To turn on these account-specific Twitter notifications, you'll need to select which accounts you want to see notifications from — let's take the official Business Insider and Insider accounts, for example.
• To stay fully up-to-date on an account, you may also want to configure your Twitter push notification settings appropriately.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Twitter is great for keeping you up-to-date on everything happening in your social circle, and in the world around you. But if you follow lots of people, it can be easy to lose track of what any one person is tweeting about. This is where it's handy to turn on Twitter notifications.

Twitter notifications are turned on by default when you make your account, and will alert you whenever you receive a reply, mention, or when any of your tweets are retweeted or liked. And by default, the only time you'll see notifications is when you open the website or app.

But with just a few clicks (or taps, if you're using the iPhoneTwitter app), you can make it so you receive a push notification whenever a specific account tweets.

This is a great tool if you want to follow many accounts, but also want to prioritize tweets from certain people.

Here's how to set it up.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

How to turn on Twitter notifications for a specific account

The process for this is the same on both desktop and mobile. We'll use the Business Insider and Insider as examples.

1. Find the account that you want to receive notifications for. You can do this by clicking their username on your timeline, or finding them in search.

2. To the right of that account's name and icon, you'll see the word "Follow." Click it.

3. Once you click Follow, an icon of a bell will appear next to it. Click that as well, and if you're on mobile, select "All Tweets" in the menu that appears.

You're now following and, in theory, receiving notifications for that account. But before you can really receive notifications, you'll need to make sure to turn on push notifications.

How to turn on push notifications on Twitter

On desktop

Note that to receive push notifications in your browser, you'll need to use a browser that supports them, like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

1. From anywhere on Twitter, click the circle with three dots in it on the left side of your screen. It'll be between your profile icon, and the compose tweet icon.

2. In the menu that appears, click "Settings and privacy."

3. This will bring you to your Settings menu. Here, click "Notifications."

4. Underneath the "Preferences" heading, click "Push notifications." If this option doesn't appear, your browser doesn't support push notifications.

5. You'll see a gray switch, and a description of what push notifications are. Click the switch to turn it blue.

6. Once you do this, your browser will likely ask you if you want to allow notifications from Twitter. Click "Allow."

7. In the menu below labeled "Related to you and your Tweets," make sure that the box in the first section, "Tweets," is checked. This will make sure that you receive account notifications.

Feel free to configure your other push notification settings as you like.

On mobile

Push notifications should be turned on by default when you download the Twitter app, but in case they aren't, here's how to turn them on.

Turning on push notifications on an iPhone is done outside of the app. 

1. From your iPhone's home screen, find and open your Settings app.

2. Scroll down to near the very bottom of your Settings app, and tap the tab labeled "Twitter."

3. Tap "Notifications."

4. Make sure the "Allow Notifications" switch is toggled on, and is colored green.

5. In the "Alerts" section, check all three notification types: "Lock Screen," "Notification Center," and "Banners."

6. In the "Options" section, tap "Show Previews" and make sure that "Always (Default)" is selected.

And that's it. With these settings, you'll receive Twitter account notifications in your browser and on your phone.

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 8 prostheses that are changing lives

• If you like to stay active at the pool or beach, a functional swimsuit is a necessity.
• Our top pick is Athleta's swimwear, but we also love swimsuits from Patagonia, Sweaty Betty, Land's End, and Speedo.

While itty-bitty bikinis and strapless one-pieces look great, they aren't exactly the most practical swimsuits, especially when you like to stay active at the beach or pool. In the past, finding an option that's not only stylish but also handles more than just lounging in the sun has been problematic.

Thankfully swim designers have started to tap into the athleisure market and are now producing flattering performance pieces that allow you to look chic and stay active. The latest swimwear features activewear technology like compression fabrics, moisture-wicking materials, and UPF protection. New swimsuit designs will actually let you show off your athletic abilities.

Whether you are looking for a sleek rash guard to catch some waves in, a one-piece that won't budge as you swim laps, or even a bikini that stays in place while you partake in some beach volleyball, these swimwear options will ensure you never have to sit out on a seaside sweat session again.

Here are the best active swimsuits you can buy:

• Best active swimsuits overall: Athleta Swimwear
• Best eco-friendly swimsuits: Patagonia Swimwear
• Best active bikini swimsuits: Sweaty Betty Bikinis
• Best rash guards: Lands' End's Swim Tee Rash Guard
• Best active swimsuit for athletes: Speedo's Pro LT Super Pro One-Piece

Updated on 08/23/2019 by Malarie Gokey: Updated prices and copy. Removed out-of-stock options. Added Patagonia based on testing.

SEE ALSO: The best swimsuits for women

The best active swimsuit overall

In the market for a swimsuit that is not only comfortable and stylish but also is designed for being active? Try Athleta's swimwear.

Athleta is known for producing high-quality workout gear that is equal parts functional and stylish. The company also has a line of excellent active swimsuits that look as good as they feel whether you're swimming, playing beach volleyball, or turning cartwheels on the shore.

The swimsuits range from functional bikinis to tankinis and one-piece suits that offer more coverage. Around 85% of Athleta's new swimwear collection is made from sustainable materials like recycled nylon. Many of the suits also have UPF sun protection, which protects the fabric from the sun's rays.

A few women on our team reviewed Athleta's swimwear, and we were impressed by the range of comfortable and attractive styles. The swimsuits fit true to size and fit comfortably without digging in or pinching. They also dry quickly so you're not stuck walking around in a soggy wet suit for hours after you leave the water.

Athleta's swimwear is perfect for water sports including swimming, surfing, and paddle-boarding, thanks to the stretchy, breathable fabric that moves with you.

In terms of price, Athleta's swimwear is in the middle: Bikini tops cost $49-$79, bottoms $49-$69, and one-pieces $98-$128. Athleta has a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, so there should be a suitable option for everyone.— Malarie Gokey

Pros: UPF 50+, ultra-resilient fabric, supportive, breathable suit, moves with you, multiple colors and sizes to choose from, ecofriendly materials

Cons: A bit pricey

The best eco-friendly swimsuit

Patagonia's swimsuits are Fair Trade Certified-sewn from recycled materials, they look great, and they stay in place whether you're surfing or swimming.

Patagonia new line of women's swimwear lives up to the brand's reputation for making excellent outdoor gear. The swimsuits range from rash guards and long-sleeved one-pieces to bikinis, tankinis, and board shorts.

Regardless of which style you choose, you're getting a high-quality suit that will stay in place while you're surfing, swimming, and doing other aquatic activities. My colleagues and I recently tried out Patagonia's new swimwear collection, and we loved it.

We were all impressed by how comfortable the suits were and how well they stayed in place. Women's swimsuits are often designed more for style than substance, so Patagonia's collection stood out as a great choice for women who like to actually move around in the water in their swimsuits.

All the swimsuits are made of recycled nylon or polyester that has UPF sun protection and is non-slip. Patagonia also states that these suits are Fair Trade Certified-sewn, so you know you're buying eco-friendly, ethical swimwear.

The range of colors and patterns is limited, but the selection is unique. For example, my one-piece had parrots on it. Sizes run from XS to XL, so sizing is a bit limited, too. The other main downside here is price: The suits cost $120 to $180, depending on which one you choose. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Attractive suits, stay in place when active, UPF sun protection, Fair Trade Certified, recycled materials, comfortable, good variety of styles

Cons: Expensive, limited colors and sizes

The best active bikini

If you're looking for a stylish bikini that will stay put as you move around, try Sweaty Betty's Offshore Training Bikini Top and Bottoms.

One-pieces not your thing? Opt for Sweaty Betty's Offshore Training Bikini Top and Offshore Training Bikini Bottoms instead. This sleek and stylish bikini is made with chlorine-resistant fabric that will keep it looking brand new, no matter how many dips you take in the pool.

Both pieces feature UV protection 50+ to protect your skin and the fabric, as well as quick drying properties to help avoid chafing. The sporty top is fully lined and features thick crossover straps to keep it in place. It also has mesh paneling for extra breathability and removable pads.

The best part? The bottoms are reversible, so you're getting two suits for the price of one. Currently, 100% of reviewers on the Sweaty Betty's website recommend the bikini with one buyer saying, "Tried this for a run-swim-run workout. The structure and fit can handle the activity, and it's stylish enough to be your leisure suit too."

A few shoppers did note the top can be tricky to get on and off because of its snug fit, but most said it's worth the struggle. Sizes on both pieces range from XS-XL.

If you're not sold on this bikini, Sweaty Betty has many more excellent styles for women who want to do more than lounge around at the beach.

Pros: Chlorine-resistant fabric, UPF 50+, fully lined, mesh paneling, reversible bottoms

Cons: Tricky to get top on and off

The best professional-grade swimsuit

If you practically live in the water and need a professional-grade swimsuit, opt for Speedo's Pro LT Super Pro One-Piece.

There's a reason why Speedo has been a go-to source for professional swimmers for years. The brand makes high-quality, durable swimwear that offers both support and comfort.

Speedo's Pro LT Super Pro One-Piece is a compression swimsuit built for improved performance and faster recovery time. The quick-drying suit features wide straps for added support and durability, while the smooth and soft fabric is chlorine-resistant.

The one-piece is a best seller and has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Speedo's website. It also has 650 reviews on Amazon.

One shopper named Ann said, "This may be my favorite suit for swimming laps. The fit is snug, the straps are thick so they don't roll or shift and the bottom is cut so that it allows for free leg movement but doesn't ride up. The fabric is relatively thick compared to some other suits which allow the suit to fit like a comfortable glove, but it also means there is less stretch or "give" so it is less forgiving when it comes to sizing."

A few reviewers did complain that the suit runs small, but others pointed out this is normal for competitive swimsuits. Just be sure to read the sizing chart first to determine which size is right for you. Many buyers recommend going up two sizes.

Speedo has lots of other great one-piece and two-piece swimsuits available, so if you don't love this one, you can check out many more on Dick's Sporting Goods' website.

Pros: Professional suit, compression fabric, chlorine-resistant, very supportive, durable

Cons: Runs small

The best rash guard

Need added overage and protection as you surf some waves? Try the Lands' End Swim Tee Rash Guard.

Land's End has been synonymous with outdoor wear for decades, and it shows in the Swim Tee Rash Guard. The swim top may look like a cover-up but the soft swim tee is built to go in the water with you.

Designed to wear over your swimsuit, the lightweight rash guard offers UPF 50 sun blocking and is made with extra stretch to allow you to move around during your water activities. It is also made with moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfy when on land.

The rash guard has a 4.6-star rating on the Land's End's website with more than 600 reviews. One shopper named Janice is a fan saying, "This was my first swim tee and I love it. I was concerned that it would interfere with my lap swimming but it doesn't. It protects me from getting too much sun while I am in the water."

You can choose from five colors, and the rash guard comes in a range of sizes including regular, plus, petite, long, and long plus. If you're looking for a swimsuit to wear under the rashguard, Land's End has lots of great swimsuits as well.

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, UPF 50, stretch so it moves with you, moisture-wicking

Cons: Still have to wear a swimsuit under it

• David Koch was one of the richest men in the world.
• He owned a handful of properties in New York including a $40.25 million townhouse he reportedly paid for in cash.
• On August 23, 2019, he died at age 79.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

David Koch was one of the richest men in the world. 

The billionaire conservative activist and industrialist had a net worth of $50.5 billion, per Forbes.

Along with unloading his fortune into Republican causes and local community projects, Koch also made heads turn with his real-estate purchases.

Read more:David Koch is dead. He and his brother Charles are worth over $50 billion each after years of family feuds and massive lawsuits — here's how they spend their wealth

Just last year, Koch and his wife were revealed as the buyers of Joseph Chetrit's $40.25 million Upper East Side Mansion. The New York Post reported that, according to sources, they paid for it in cash.

Koch was a familiar face in the world of New York real estate. According to the real-estate news platform Bisnow, along with the 15,000-square-foot townhouse, Koch also laid out $17 million in 2004 for an 18-room duplex in a luxury apartment building on Park Avenue.

In 2017, Business Insider reported that Koch owned a seven-bedroom home on Meadow Lane in Southampton, which Forbes once dubbed "Billionaire Lane."

On August 23, 2019, reports confirmed that David Koch died at age 79. According to his brother, Charles Koch, he battled with prostate cancer for 27 years.

SEE ALSO: Billionaire industrialist and conservative mega-donor David Koch has died at age 79

DON'T MISS: How the billionaire Koch brothers became 2 of the most influential political donors in America

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The most expensive racing pigeon sold for $1.4 million in China. Here's why people drop millions on these prized birds.

• Cooler companies like Vibe, Rtic, and, of course, Yeti, offer heavy-duty, vacuum-sealed, and even bear-proof coolers for several hundred dollars. But are they really any better than the Colemans and Igloos of the world?
• That all depends on how you use them. If you're really depending on ice to last, say, for a long camping or fishing trip, then they're worth the investment. Likewise, if you tend to be rough on things.
• For those of us who use coolers on a day-to-day basis, nothing beats the $300-$400 cooler.
• Here's why (and why not) you should buy an "overbuilt" cooler.

Do you really need to spend $400 on a cooler? Yes and no. It depends on what you're doing. Storing beers for a few hours with friends? Don't bother. Lugging bait and then fish (if the bait does its job) for an afternoon? Still wildly unnecessary. Fishing and trying to keep your catch all day long in the summer sun? Maybe. Going on a days-long hunting or fishing expedition, or relying on it while traveling in a camper van with no refrigerator? Now we're talking. This is when you don't leave home without it, and why, it's safe to say, Yeti and Rtic stickers adorn bumpers from California to New York.

But what makes these coolers so costly?

Largely, a process called rotational molding, or "rotomolding." It involves having a polymer (plastic) heated within a mold and spun on an axis so that, as it cools, it settles evenly, forming a hollow core. This technology is used in all sorts of things, and on the industrial level, it's regularly replacing fabricated steel. In the case of coolers, it's then pumped with a relatively high-density foam, which, if done right, creates imperviously sealed insulation. Watch YouTube channel's "What's Inside" cut open a Yeti and an Igloo for comparison.

Growing up working on fishing boats, I spent a lot of time with coolers. Mind you, these were the pre-Yeti days, when the Colemans and Igloos of the world were still kings. (In many ways, they most certainly still are the best.)

But lugging and scraping them in and out of pickup truck beds, down gangways, across docks, and sliding them back and forth across textured fiberglass boat decks, they'd take a beating. It was only a couple of years (or sometimes less) before the outer plastic would wear thin enough to crack and expose the insulation.

And let's get something straight: Those coolers were never considered cheap, to begin with. They'd cost us over $100, we'd have to replace hinges and latches left and right, and if they lasted two years we were lucky. You do the math.

Then the Yeti Tundra came along, and in short order, a handful of other brands followed. I love all of my heavy-duty, rotomolded, vacuum-insulated coolers, and I can't praise them enough when I'm transporting fresh seafood or game, or when the fridge and/or freezer is out of space. With a 2:1 ice to food or drink ratio, they'll last days, which is something your cheap chilly bin just won't do. They seal so tightly shut that if you change altitudes (i.e., head up into or down from the mountains) they're often too tight to open from the top alone, and you'll have to tap the water purge valve just to ease the suction. I'm on my sixth year with two of these coolers, and I've not replaced (or broken) a thing; the way I see it, at this point, they've paid for themselves.

Ice retention is key, and much of that is on you, not your cooler.

The ice retention is usually a bit better in rotomolded coolers. They have high-density foam for gaskets and insulation, and the fact that they're vacuumed-sealed seems to drive some of that. The plastic, at least of a Yeti, is several times thicker than a regular plastic cooler, and out of all the rotomolded coolers, Yeti Tundras come with the thickest walls and insulation (2.75 inches), which is where a Yeti really pays off if you use it properly (CNET also tested this and agrees, for what it's worth). Keep a 2:1 ice to food or drink ratio, and open it as sparingly as possible.

If all you're storing is prepared food and drink, you can probably look past rotomolded coolers. A Yeti, while tougher, won't outperform basic coolers if you're opening it every 20 or 30 minutes for a bite or a brew (in fact, nothing will). Buy a separate, cheaper cooler for your beers and sandwiches, which require you to open your cooler much more frequently, and you won't have any problems.

Likewise, if all I need is a few hours worth of large fish storage (at which point a rotomolded cooler will run upwards of $500), and it's not too hot out, I'll use this $300 Igloo Leeward 124-quart cooler, which is a little less of a bruise on the bankroll, fairly rugged (at least much more rugged than what I grew up using on charter boats), and holds enough legal-sized (28-inch) striped bass to allow me and a friend or two to limit out.

Does your cooler really need to be bear-proof?

Well, if you live in grizzly territory, then this is, perhaps, a real consideration.

For the rest of us, human-proofing is probably enough. As someone who is constantly hauling coolers in and out of a truck bed, up and down the gangway to and from the dock, and in and out of my boat (not to mention back and forth across the deck), I can tell you that I've worn through any number of coolers. My rotomolded coolers, after years of incessant use, hardly show a scratch.

Then there are brands like Rtic and Vibe, which offer almost identical products, but with slightly different designs at about a fraction of the price. The Yeti Tundra — the original — is still the thickest and best performing, but you'd almost need a chart to figure out the axis at which point the Yeti really pays off.

A Yeti will, far and away, outlast the competition in the end. The question is, yet again, will you need it to get there? We're talking a matter of a day and a half at least. For me, this is imperative, and the difference between spoiled food (which breaks my heart like nothing — and no one — else can).

Buy "overbuilt" coolers from Yeti, Vibe, and Rtic on Amazon. 

Buy coolers from Coleman and Igloo on Amazon.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Super-Earths are real and they could be an even better place to live than Earth

• Glass drinkware is sturdy and beautiful, but it's not always practical for large or outdoor parties, and some outdoor venues such as parks and campsites prohibit glass drinkware. 
• Tossware makes plastic drinkware that looks as nice as glass versions. Its pieces are more durable, affordable, stackable, and convenient to use. While 100% recyclable, they can also be washed and reused. 
• I tried Tossware's 14-ounce Vino stemless wine glasses ($11.99/12-pack) and loved how easy they were to use. They were lightweight yet strong, and they looked much more elegant than a regular plastic cup. 

As I rushed indoors carrying four stemless wine glasses to escape an unexpected thunderstorm, I thought to myself, "I'm so glad these aren't glass." My roommates and I were having a wine night on our rooftop when an ominous patch of dark clouds rolled in to crash the party.

The night was somewhat salvaged, though, because our drinkware emerged unscathed. The wine glasses were from Tossware, a plastic drinkware company that makes products exactly suited to these types of casual gatherings — and the very real mishaps that can come with them. 

Why you should buy Tossware drinkware 

While drinkware made from glass is sturdy and looks elegant, it's not always the practical choice, especially for large or outdoor parties.

Using plastic cups like red Solo cups feels too "college frat party," but there is something to be said about the durability, affordability, and disposability of plastic. Tossware turns a traditionally cheap-looking material into a classy piece of drinkware that you don't have to worry about breaking and causing a mess. 

The company makes wine glasses (stemmed and stemless), champagne flutes (stemmed and stemless), cups for spirits and cocktails, and more from crystal-clear, BPA-free, and 100% recyclable plastic. It also recently released a mason jar design. 

What's cool about Tossware is not only that the cups look and feel nice. They also feature a patented interlocking bottom that lets you stack pieces on top of each other. This smart design means you can carry more than one drink in one hand, and it saves room in your cabinets. 

What it's like to drink from Tossware glasses 

I tried its 14-ounce Vino stemless wine glasses and loved how easy they were to use. They're light, but they're still strong and durable, which I confirmed after many squeezes and drops of the cups. They have a smooth, thin rim that doesn't get in the way of the drinking experience. When you're done with them, you can recycle them, or, as I did, you can also just hand-wash them and use them next time. 

If you look at the cups closely, you can tell they're not glass, but the appearance comes pretty close. They're clearly a step up from regular plastic or paper cups. All in all, they're a sophisticated alternative when glass isn't practical, or as in the case of outdoor venues like parks, beaches, and campsites, when glass is strictly prohibited. 

Read more: The best wine accessories you can buy

If you decide to stack them while the cups still contain liquid, my recommendation is not to fill them fully. Once locked, the cups fit pretty tightly, and you might spill its contents if you're too aggressive with your handling. 

This interlocking is what allowed me to quickly transport all our glasses out of the storm and keep my kitchen cabinets organized. If I leave the tall stack of cups on our dining table, which our cat frequently roams on, it's not a big deal if she knocks them over since they're just made from plastic. 

The next time you're hosting a large party or enjoying a drink outdoors, don't worry about taking out your nice glassware. Tossware's cups look just as good, but are much more practical. 

Shop Tossware Vino wine glasses (Set of 12) for $11.99 at Amazon

Shop all Tossware drinkware at Amazon

Join the conversation about this story »

• In order to go live on YouTube, you have to first activate the feature — this takes 24 hours to complete and requires you to have a verified account.
• You can go live on YouTube on your computer or the mobile app, but only those with at least 1,000 subscribers can use the mobile version of live streaming.
• Here's what you need to know to go live on YouTube.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Live streaming on YouTube can help creators make more personal connections with their audience, but there is a bit of prep work required before you can take advantage of the feature. 

For example, you should be aware that it takes 24 hours to activate your account for live streaming. 

First, be sure to verify your YouTube account, then go to your Creator Studio Tools page and select the "Live Streaming" tab, located in the column on the left side of the screen.

Once that's out of the way, here's how to go live on YouTube, whether you're using a webcam on your computer or the mobile app.

How to go live on YouTube on your computer

For those using a webcam to livestream, this is a fairly simple process, provided that you're using Chrome 60+ or Firefox 53+:

1. Go to youtube.com and sign into your account, if necessary.

2. Click the camera icon in the top toolbar (it has a plus sign inside of it) and select "Go live."

3. Select "Webcam" at the top of the screen.

4. Enter your title and description, and establish the privacy settings (you could also schedule the livestream for a later date from this screen).

5. Click "Save" — your webcam will take a thumbnail for the livestream at this point, so make sure you're prepared for that.

6. Click "Go Live."

When you're done, simply click "End Stream" at the bottom of the screen. As long as you didn't go over 12 hours, your livestream video will be archived.

How to go live on YouTube on the mobile app

Creators should be aware that the ability to go live on mobile is only available to those who have at least 1,000 subscribers.

1. Open the YouTube app on your phone and log into your account, if necessary.

2. Tap the capture button, which is a camera icon, then select "Go Live."

3. If necessary, allow YouTube to record audio on your phone — you may also have to allow access to things like your camera, microphone, and location.

4. At the top, select either the camera icon to use your camera to record the livestream, or select the phone icon to capture whatever is on your screen.

5. Create the title and establish the privacy settings.

6. If desired, you can select "More Options" to further customize your livestream, by adding things like scheduling, live chats, and age restrictions for viewers.

7. Tap "Next" to take your thumbnail photo (or you can choose to upload a thumbnail).

8. Select "Share" and then "Go Live" to start your livestream.

To end a livestream from a mobile phone, tap "Finish" and then "Ok."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'What does a highlighted comment mean on YouTube?': What you need to know about the feature that helps you navigate YouTube's comment section

• How to see a list of your YouTube subscribers on a computer or mobile device

• How to go live on Instagram, to broadcast video in real time to your followers

• How to go live on Facebook from your phone or computer

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Steve Jobs left Apple to start a new computer company. His $12-million failure saved Apple.