• Your dog deserves high-quality food that's nutritious and healthy. That's why we scoured the reviews and compared dozens of products to find the top dog food brands in different categories.
• Orijen makes the best dog food you can buy with the freshest regional ingredients.  Every recipe is packed with protein, limited in carbohydrates, and loaded with natural flavor.

Though it may seem like dog food is dog food, not all dog foods are created equal. The quality of pet food products varies greatly from one manufacturer to another, and you can't always trust what you see on the label. While there are many high-quality dog food brands on the market, there are also those that cut corners by bulking up their products with low-quality fillers and artificial additives. Pet foods are not regulated to the degree that human foods are, so if you want to find a quality product for your dog, you'll have to do some digging.

The quality of your dog's diet is directly related to their health, so don't settle for mediocre dog food, treats, or supplements. All dogs have the same basic nutritional needs, so it is possible to evaluate the quality of one product compared to another in terms of how well each one meets those nutritional needs. In order to make such a comparison, however, you need to have an understanding of your dog's nutritional requirements and some knowledge of how to read a pet food label.

These things can take time and practice but, luckily for you, we've done the research. We have scoured the reviews and compared dozens of products to find the top dog food brands in different categories.

Editor's Note: The FDA has released a report naming 16 dog food brands that may be linked to heart disease in dogs. So far, there has not been a recall of dog food from these brands, and the FDA is continuing to investigate. You can read more details in this New York Times report. Several of the brands' grain-free formulas are included in this guide; here's the full list: Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature's Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature's Variety, NutriSource, Nutro, and Rachael Ray Nutrish.

Here are the best kinds of dog food you can buy:

• Best dog food overall: Orijen
• Best dry dog food: Canidae
• Best wet dog food: Blue Buffalo
• Best grain-free dog food: Taste of the Wild
• Best freeze-dried dog food: Primal Pet Foods
• Best affordable dog food: Whole Earth Farms
• Best dog food for puppies: Taste of the Wild Puppy Food
• Best dog food for senior dogs: Wellness Complete
• Best dog food for small toy breeds: Merrick Lili Plates
• Best dog food for large breeds: Blue Buffalo Dry Food

Updated on 10/29/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated links, prices, and formatting. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

SEE ALSO: I tested The Farmer’s Dog, a meal plan service that sends your dog fresh food for as little as $3 a day — here's what it's like

The best dog food overall

Orijen's dog food is naturally grain-free and designed to mimic the natural biological diet your dog is evolved to follow. 

Though all dogs have the same basic nutritional requirements, what makes a certain product the best choice for your dog may vary according to his age, activity level, and specific dietary needs. For a brand that offers premium dog food designed to suit your dog's natural biological needs, our top choice is Orijen. This brand creates pet foods that nourish your dog's body just as nature intended, and it uses only the freshest regional ingredients in an assortment of formulas catered to dogs in all life stages from puppy to senior.

Named one of the top picks for dog food by Reviews.com, Orijen follows a "biologically appropriate" approach to pet nutrition. Each of its dog foods is designed to mirror the type of natural diet your dog should follow based on their wild ancestry. Orijen dog foods are rich in meat and proteins. Each product contains up to 90% meat, which is is more than three times the amount used in conventional dog food. Furthermore, each recipe contains a guaranteed minimum of 38% crude protein by volume.

While a dog's diet should consist primarily of animal products, dogs do have a limited ability to digest plant materials, so digestible grain-free carbohydrates like fresh fruits and vegetables can be a valuable addition. Orijen dog foods contain no more than 20% carbohydrates and only low-glycemic, highly digestible carbs like lentils, pumpkin, leafy greens, and fresh fruits. Plus, all of the formulas are naturally grain-free.

Dog Food Advisor notes that Orijen's dog food is above-average and that none of its foods have been subject to recall. The brand also receives rave reviews from Dog Food Guru and Dog Food Insider.

Orijen only sells dry dog foods at this time, but it offers an assortment of kibbles and freeze-dried dog foods for puppies, adults, and senior dogs as well as a selection of treats made with 100% fresh meat ingredients.

Pros: Made in the United States, biologically appropriate diets, high-protein formulas, carbohydrate-limited and low-glycemic, formulated for different life stages, minimum 38% crude protein, traditional kibble and freeze-dried options, all grain-free recipes

Cons: No wet food products currently available, some recipes may contain plant proteins like peas and dried alfalfa, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, beef, and fish)

Buy the 13-pound Orijen Original Recipe Dry Dog Food at Petco for $55.99

The best dry dog food

Canidae uses premium proteins and digestible carbohydrates in each of its formulas to suit dogs in all life stages and those with unique dietary needs.

If you're looking for a premium brand of dry dog food that offers a wide selection of high-quality recipes, our top choice is Canidae. An independent and family-owned company, Canidae sources its ingredients from other family-owned businesses throughout the US, and the company produces every one of its nutritionally dense formulas in company-owned-and-operated facilities. This brand offers traditional life stages formulas as well as grain-free and limited-ingredient recipes.

As a whole, the Canidae dog food brand receives excellent reviews from Top Dog Tips and Petsho as a US-based company that offers a variety of formulas for dogs with different nutritional needs. The Life Stages line of products features seven unique recipes made with premium proteins and digestible carbohydrates. In addition to three "all life stages" formulas, there are recipes for senior dogs, puppies, and large-breed dogs.

The Canidae Grain-Free PURE lineup includes nine grain-free formulas made with premium proteins such as duck, wild boar, and fresh lamb. Each of these recipes is made with a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk for food allergies. There are also three recipes specially formulated for small breed dogs.

Another thing that makes Canidae our top choice for dry dog food is the fact that it has an entirely separate brand that is designed to be affordable. The Under the Sun brand is still made by Canidae with its farm-fresh ingredients, but it is available at a more affordable price point for dog owners on a budget. Under the Sun appears on Dog Food Advisor's list of 4-star brands.

In the company's 20-year history, Canidae has had only had one recall and it was a voluntary recall issued due to a concern for potential salmonella contamination.

Pros: US-based company, independent and family-owned, company-owned manufacturing facilities, fresh regional ingredients, wide variety of high-quality recipes, life stages formulas for puppies through senior dogs, grain-free and limited ingredient formulas for dogs with food allergies, separate brand for dog owners on a budget, recipes for small breed dogs

Cons: Company has had one recall affecting four products, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, rice, and fish)

Buy the 15-pound Canidae Life Stages Dry Dog Food on Amazon for $36.99

The best wet dog food

Blue Buffalo offers tons of great recipes for both wet and dry dog food, and its formulas are full of natural ingredients.

If you are looking for a high-quality wet dog food, we heartily recommend the Blue Buffalo brand. Not only is Blue Buffalo one of the top manufacturers of natural dog food in general, but it offers four distinct product lines so you can choose the wet food formula that best suits your dog's needs and preferences. According to DogHealth, wet dog food may be more expensive than dry food, but it tends to be lower in carbohydrates, higher in moisture, and more palatable for some dogs.

The Blue Buffalo company believes that pets are members of the family and that they should be treated as such. This is why the company uses only the highest-quality natural ingredients in each of its recipes. Blue Buffalo follows a holistic approach to pet nutrition, choosing each of its ingredients carefully to ensure complete and balanced nutrition without the use of any by-products, fillers, or artificial additives. Every recipe goes above and beyond your dog's minimum nutritional requirements.

In addition to being rated among Dog Food Advisor's 5-star wet food brands, Blue Buffalo is also a top choice for HerePup and DogFood.Guru. In terms of variety, few brands offer as many choices as Blue Buffalo. The Freedom line of grain-free formulas contains ten recipes and the Basics line of limited ingredient formulas contains nine. There are more than thirty recipes in the Wilderness line of meat-rich formulas and forty-five in the Life Protection Formula lineup.

One thing you should be aware of with the Blue Buffalo brand is that it has several product recalls in its history. This isn't terribly surprising, however, for a brand that was founded more than two decades ago and that manufactures hundreds of products. It is worth noting that, according to Petful, many of the brand's recalls were issued voluntarily as a precautionary measure.

Pros: US-based company, wide variety of product choices, every recipe starts with high-quality animal protein, all-natural ingredients with no artificial additives, recipes designed with a holistic approach to nutrition, every formula contains LifeSource Bits for a boost of nutrition and flavor

Cons: Numerous recalls in brand history, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, rice, and fish), recent changes in recipe may cause digestive upset in some dogs

Buy the 12-pack of Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Food on Amazon for $20.28

The best grain-free dog food

Taste of the Wild brand makes great grain-free dog food with nutritionally-dense formulas that reduce the risk for food allergies and sensitivities.

Though many dogs can digest whole-grain carbohydrates, grains have the potential to trigger food allergies or sensitivities in some dogs. A grain-free dog food should be made with digestible carbohydrates like legumes, fruits, and vegetables, though the focus should always be on high-quality sources of protein. Taste of the Wild offers nine dry food and five wet food formulas, all of which are protein-rich and grain-free.

Taste of the Wild understands that dogs crave natural flavor, which is why each of its recipes is formulated around real roasted meats like venison, bison, and lamb. Real meat is the first ingredient in every recipe, though most recipes contain multiple sources of animal protein. All of this brand's products are also supplemented with highly digestible carbohydrates for energy and fiber, dried fermentation products for probiotic support, and chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption.

Not only does Top Dog Tips name Taste of the Wild one of its top choices for dog food, this brand also receives Heavy's number one rating for grain-free dog food brands. What really sets this brand apart is its use of novel proteins like bison and venison, which are less likely to trigger food allergies in dogs and are a leaner source of protein than commercially raised meats.

Pros: All products are naturally grain-free, each recipe features real roasted meat, highly digestible grain-free carbohydrates, multiple proteins in every formula, supplemented with antioxidants for strong immunity, probiotic supplements for healthy digestion, chelated minerals for maximum absorption

Cons: More limited selection of products than some brands, no formulas for large-breed dogs, recipes may be higher in calories than the typical dog food

Buy the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Formula Dry Food on Amazon for $29.99

The best raw dog food

Primal Pet Products dog food tops the charts for quality with the freshest, 100% human-grade ingredients.

Traditional dog foods are cooked at high temperatures in a process that may destroy a significant portion of the original nutritional content of the raw ingredients. Raw dog food is uncooked, which means that your dog gets all of the nutrients he requires without the need for a long list of supplements. Though raw foods need to be kept refrigerated or frozen, no other type of dog food can compare to their quality or nutritional integrity and Primal Pet Foods is our top choice for raw dog food.

Primal Pet Foods offers nine different recipes for raw frozen dog food, each featuring a premium animal protein that is free from antibiotics, steroids, and hormones. Each recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, including certified organic produce. Because the recipes are frozen fresh to retain their nutritional integrity, you won't find a long list of synthetic supplements. This brand also offers freeze-dried formulas using many of the same high-quality ingredients which can be rehydrated to create a nutritious, moisture-rich meal for your dog.

In addition to making it into Dog Food Advisor's list of 5-star dog foods, Primal Pet Foodsalso receives a 5-star rating from Dog Food Insider, and Love to Know comments on the fact that the brand uses many human-grade ingredients.  

Though Primal Pet Foods' raw food is significantly more expensive than most dog foods on the market, it offers a significantly higher degree of quality as well. You can choose from a selection of raw frozen formulas or freeze-dried recipes or use one of the brand's raw frozen mixes to create your own homemade dog food.  

Pros: Made with 100% human-grade ingredients, antibiotic- and steroid-free proteins, certified organic produce and supplements, products retain more of their natural nutritional integrity, assortment of raw frozen and freeze-dried products as well as mixes and supplements

Cons: Raw food must be kept frozen or refrigerated, risk for food-borne illness will improper handling, some dogs don't like the texture of raw food, very expensive compared to traditional kibble, calculations required to determine proper feeding amount

Buy the Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Nuggets on Amazon for $30.99

The best affordable dog food

Whole Earth Farms pet foods are naturally nutritious and cooked in the US, but they're surprisingly affordable.

When shopping for dog food it is important not to shop by price alone because low-priced dog foods are also typically low in quality. This doesn't mean, however, that affordable brands of high-quality dog food aren't out there. Whole Earth Farms, for example, offers quality nutrition at a more affordable price point than most premium pet food brands. Even so, this brand appears on Dog Food Advisor's list of 4-star dog foods, so you know it must be good.

The Whole Earth Farms brand is manufactured by the Merrick Pet Care Company, a company that receives Dog Food Advisor's 5-star rating. Whole Earth Farms pet foods are made in the US with fresh, natural ingredients to support your dog's digestion while also boosting their energy levels and improving the health of their skin and coat. Each recipe starts with a quality animal protein and is supplemented with digestible carbohydrates, probiotics, and chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption.

Not only is this brand affordable, but it doesn't use any corn, wheat, or soy in its products and all recipes are free from by-products and artificial additives. DogFood Guru gives this brand a 4-star rating and LifeStyle Pets speaks to the quality of the brand, though they do make note that it could be higher in protein.

In terms of their product offerings, this brand sells eleven dry food recipes and fifteen canned foods. Whole Earth Farms offers an assortment of original and grain-free products, including formulas developed for specific life stages and breed sizes so you can choose the product that best suits your dog.

Pros: Ideal combination of quality and affordability, no low-quality fillers or by-products, no artificial additives, made in the USA, designed to support healthy digestion, made with high-quality animal proteins, formulas for different life stages and breed sizes, wide variety of dry foods and wet foods

Cons: Some recipes could be higher in animal protein, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, rice, and fish)

Buy Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Food on Amazon for $28.99

The best dog food for puppies

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Puppy Food is loaded with premium animal proteins and free from gluten, grains, and artificial additives, making it ideal for puppies.

Choosing the right dog food for your puppy is extremely important because it will impact their growth and development during the first year of his life. Puppies require a higher concentration of protein than adult dogs with healthy fats for energy as well as essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to meeting your puppy's nutritional needs, a high-quality puppy food should be easily digestible, and it should come in small, bite-size kibbles.

Our top pick for the best dog food for puppies is Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Puppy Food. Made with a variety of novel animal proteins like buffalo and roasted venison, this puppy food comes with a low risk for triggering food allergies.

It features grain-free, digestible carbohydrates like sweet potato with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for essential vitamins and minerals. With several fish ingredients, this recipe has an irresistible flavor and provides plenty of healthy fats to support your puppy's skin and coat health.

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Puppy Food is included in Best Reviews top picks for the best puppy food because it is made with high-quality fish proteins. Not only does fish provide puppies with healthy protein and an irresistible flavor, but the healthy fats keep their coat shiny as well.

Pawster likes the inclusion of roasted meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and DHA supplements for brain development.

Pros: Made with novel protein sources, includes fresh meat and meat meals, grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables for natural nutrients, dried fermentation products for probiotic support, supplemented with DHA for brain development, chelated minerals for maximum absorption

Cons: Somewhat pricey compared to other brands, only two puppy formulas to choose from, includes some plant-based protein

Buy the Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Puppy Food on Amazon for $30.99

The best dog food for senior dogs

Loaded with high-quality animal proteins, digestible whole grains, and joint-supporting nutrients, Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food is just what your old pup needs.

As your dog gets older, he'll start to slow down. Because senior dogs are less active, they require fewer calories than younger dogs, but they still need a blend of protein and healthy fats in their diet. Joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin become particularly important for dogs in their old age and increased fiber levels will help support gastrointestinal health. Our top pick for the best dog food for senior dogs is Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food.

Available in original and small-breed formulas, Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food features high-quality proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables to deliver complete and balanced nutrition optimized for senior dogs.

This formula contains fresh deboned chicken as well as concentrated chicken meal, both of which are natural sources of the joint-supporting nutrients glucosamine and chondroitin. The recipe is also supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption and probiotics for healthy digestion.

Labrador Training HQ likes that the recipe is free from corn, wheat, soy, meat by-products, and artificial additives to ensure healthy nutrition and easy digestion. K9 of Mine recommends the food because of its fiber-rich whole grains, high-quality animal proteins, and natural flavor.

Pros: Made with fresh chicken and chicken meal, includes whole grains for digestibility, fresh fruits and veggies for natural sources of vitamins and minerals, supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics, free from meat by-products and artificial additives, added sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, supports healthy skin and coat

Cons: May trigger allergies in dogs sensitive to grains, some dogs are allergic to chicken, some dogs developed gas or upset stomach

Buy a 15-pound bag of Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food on Amazon for $37.99

The best dog food for small toy breeds

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food is great for toy and small breeds because it comes in seven grain-free formulas that are made with high-quality proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and healthy supplements.

Many dog owners make the mistake of thinking that small-breed dogs need fewer calories than large breeds when, in fact, the opposite is true. Small-breed dogs have very fast metabolisms so, while they may need a lower number of total calories, they actually require a higher concentration of calories per pound of bodyweight.

Small-breed dog food formulas are rich in protein with higher levels of fat to meet a smaller dog's high-energy needs. Our top pick for the best small/toy breed dog food is Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food.

While you might think that wet food is easier for a small dog to eat, most veterinarians agree that dry food is better. Eating kibble helps prevent plaque buildup, reducing the risk for dental disease, which is a common problem in small and toy breeds. Not only is Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food ideally sized for smaller dogs and designed to promote dental health, but it comes in seven different recipes.

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food uses high-quality, animal-based proteins like chicken, salmon, lamb, and beef with grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potato for fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide natural sources for key nutrients while supplements like probiotics support healthy and regular digestion. Kibbles are properly sized for small mouths, and they have a satisfying crunch that helps keep your dog's teeth clean.

Top Dog Tips approves of the high protein content as well as the quality of the ingredients. The writer also notes that Merrick dog food is produced in organically-certified kitchens located in the USA. Smart Dog Owners also recommends this dog food because it features premium, deboned meats as the first ingredient with no gluten, grains, or artificial additives..

Pros: Available in seven flavors (two with raw bites), high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient, gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables for natural sources of vitamins and minerals, supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics, small kibble size, made in the USA with USA-sourced ingredients, no artificial additives or fillers, crunchy to clean teeth

Cons: Some dogs developed digestive upset, high protein content not recommended for dogs with liver or kidney issues, somewhat pricey compared to other brands

Buy Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food on Amazon for $39.99

The best dog food for large breeds

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food comes in three flavors, all of which contain high concentrations of protein to keep big dogs happy.

Large-breed dogs need an average of 20 to 30 calories per pound of body weight to meet their energy requirements without gaining weight. When choosing a large-breed dog food formula, it is important to make sure you meet your dog's need for protein without going overboard on fat — too much fat typically means too many calories.

Large-breed dogs also require a careful blend of calcium and phosphorus to prevent orthopedic disease and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Our top pick for the best dog food for large and giant breeds is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food.

Available in three meat-rich flavors, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food is designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of larger dogs. Each recipe is made with high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient with whole grains, fresh fruits, and veggies for nutritional support.

There are no meat by-products or artificial additives, plus each formula is supplemented with Blue Buffalo's exclusive LifeSource Bits. LifeSource Bits contain a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

A review from Dog Food Guide says that while Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food may be more expensive than some brands, it is reasonably priced for the level of quality it delivers. Top Dog Tips likes that the ratio of protein to fat is ideal for supporting lean, healthy muscles while also providing enough energy for an active lifestyle.

Pros: Fresh meat is the first ingredient, three meat-rich flavors to choose from, whole grains for digestibility and nutrition, fresh fruits and vegetables for natural sources of key nutrients, LifeSource Bits supplement for nutritional balance, chelated minerals and probiotics, no artificial additives

Cons: Some dogs are sensitive to grain ingredients, somewhat pricey compared to other brands, kibbles may be too small for some dogs

Buy Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food on Amazon for $29.98

Check out our other buying guides for dog gear

The best snow jackets for dogs

Whether your dog has short or long fur, a slender or thick build, a snow jacket is a winter necessity to keep them warm and protected during daily walks and outdoor play. Dog snow jackets come in all shapes and sizes, so we evaluated the many options to help you make the best choice for your dog.

• Best dog snow jacket overall: Hurtta Summit Parka
• Best budget dog snow jacket: WeatherBeeta Reflective Parka 300D Deluxe Dog Coat
• Best dog snow jacket for slim breeds: Hurtta Casual Quilted Overall Dog Coat
• Best snow jacket for active dogs: Ruffwear Vert Waterproof Dog Jacket
• Best snow jacket for small dogs: Gooby Padded Cold Weather Vest

The best puppy gear

Before you bring your new puppy home, you should stock up on all the things they will need to be happy and healthy in their furever home. With our expert opinion and in-depth research, we've rounded up some of the best basic puppy supplies around.

• Best collar for leash training: Blueberry Pet Personalized Martingale Collars
• Best leash for puppies: PetSafe Nylon Leash
• Best crate for puppies: MidWest Life Stages Folding Dog Crate With Divider
• Best bed for puppies: Majestic Pet Suede Dog Bed
• Best chew toy for puppies: Kong Puppy Toy
• Best at-home monitoring system for puppies: Furbo Dog Camera

The best dog muzzles

Depending on why you use need to use a dog muzzle, for how long, and your dog's facial structure, you may want to consider a basket muzzle, soft muzzle, short-snout muzzle, or a custom-fit muzzle. Here are the best dog muzzles you can buy:

• Best dog muzzle overall: Company of Animals Baskerville Rubber Ultra Muzzle
• Best soft sleeve muzzle for dogs: Downtown Pet Supply Quick Fit Muzzle
• Best muzzle for short-faced dogs: JYHY Short Snout Dog Muzzles 
• Best dog muzzle for a custom fit: Bumas Muzzle

The best supplements for dogs

If your dog has been diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency or a specific health problem, your veterinarian may recommend a supplement. Here are our top picks for the best dog supplements:

• Best multivitamin supplement for dogs: PetHonesty 10-for-1 Multivitamin
• Best omega-3 supplement for dogs: Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
• Best probiotic supplement for dogs: Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Canine Probiotic Supplement
• Best glucosamine supplement for dogs: Cosequin DS Plus MSM Chewable Tablets
• Best urinary health supplement for dogs: Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites

The best no-pull dog harnesses

A no-pull harness is a safe and effective method for training your dog to walk nicely on a leash. These are our top picks for the best harnesses to keep your dog from pulling:

• Best no-pull dog harness overall: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness
• Best value no-pull dog harness: Chai's Choice Best Outdoor Adventure Dog Harness
• Best budget no-pull dog harness: Copatchy No Pull Dog Harness
• Best no-pull dog harness for extended wear: Ruffwear Everyday No Pull Dog Harness
• Best no-pull dog harness for versatility: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness

• It's easy to turn off the touch screen on your Windows 10 device if you find the feature too distracting or you're simply not using it. 
• To turn off touch screen on Windows 10, you'll have to go into the Device Manager and disable the "HID-Compliant Touch Screen" option. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As technology advances, so do the features available to consumers for home computing. 

Laptops with touch screen capabilities are pretty common these days, but not everyone finds them useful or necessary, and some people choose to disable their laptop's touch screen. 

If you have a PC running Windows 10, disabling a touch screen couldn't be easier. 

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to turn off the touch screen on Windows 10 devices

1. Click on the start menu and type "Device Manager" in its search bar.  

2. The first result that appears should be for the Device Manager app. Click to open it. 

3. Click on "Human Interface Devices" to expand that section. 

4. Locate the "HID-Compliant Touch Screen" option and right click on it. 

5. Click "Disable device" from the list. 

6. When a pop-up window appears alerting you that disabling the touch screen will prohibit it from working and asking you to confirm your choice, click "Yes." Your touch screen will then be disabled. 

Note that you can re-enable the touch screen functionality on your Windows 10 computer at any time by following steps one through four above and then, instead of clicking "Disable device," clicking "Enable device" and confirming your choice.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your Windows password to protect your computer, or reset the password if you've forgotten it

• How to speed up your Windows 10 computer in 7 different ways

• How to turn off the password feature on Windows 10 for quicker access to your computer

• How to properly uninstall programs on Windows 10, to protect your computer and free up space

SEE ALSO: The best all-in-one PCs you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.

• On October 18, Johnson & Johnson recalled a single lot of its baby powder after the Food and Drug Administration found a tiny amount of asbestos in samples from a single bottle purchased from an online retailer. 
• Further testing didn't find any asbestos in samples from that bottle or others in the same lot, J&J said in a statement on October 29.
• Talcum powder, or talc, a mineral that makes up baby powder, has been at the center of thousands of lawsuits against the company alleging that the substance contributed to cancers, the Wall Street Journal reported. J&J says that its baby powder is safe.
• J&J said in a statement that it regularly tests the talc used in baby powder and that the product is safe. "Thousands of tests over the past 40 years repeatedly confirm that our consumer talc products do not contain asbestos," the company said.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Johnson & Johnson recalled a single lot of its Johnson's Baby Powder after the Food and Drug Administration found a small trace of asbestos in samples from a single bottle purchased from an online retailer. 

While the trace of asbestos was minute, J&J said it is initiating the recall out of caution. The company says that its baby powder is safe.

After starting the recall, J&J had two third-party labs conduct more tests on the baby powder bottle and others in the lot. Those tests didn't find any asbestos, J&J said in a statement on October 29.

The recall, announced on October 18, drew fresh attention to product safety concerns surrounding J&J's baby powder, which is made from talcum powder, or talc. Baby powder has been at the center of thousands of lawsuits against J&J, the Wall Street Journal recently reported. Plaintiffs claim that baby powder contributed to their cancer, the Journal said.

J&J stated in a press release that it has a "rigorous testing standard" to ensure the safety of baby powder.

"Thousands of tests over the past 40 years repeatedly confirm that our consumer talc products do not contain asbestos," the company stated. "Not only do we and our suppliers routinely test to ensure our talc does not contain asbestos, our talc has also been tested and confirmed to be asbestos-free by a range of independent laboratories, universities and global health authorities." 

(This article was published on October 18 and has been updated.)

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Finding a sports bra that looks good, fits well, and gives you enough support for your workout is really hard.
• We've done the heavy lifting to find the best sports bras for every size and budget.
• Sweaty Betty and Zensah make the best sports bras for A to B cups, Brooks and Champion make the best sports bras for C to D cups, while Panache and Syrokan make the best sports bras for DD cups and up.
• See also: The best workout clothes for women

The first prototype of today's modern sports bra was invented over 40 years ago in 1977. Not so surprisingly, traditional lingerie bras just weren't cutting it on runs, so two women named Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith took matters into their own hands. Thanks to them, we've come a long way from the "jockbra" and now there is an overwhelming number of styles and sizes of sports bras to choose from. 

Besides your running shoes, as a woman, your sports bra is the other most important — and personal — piece of workout gear that you shouldn't do without. It keeps your chest supported during your workout, minimizing any bounce and jiggle. This is important because while your breasts don't have any muscle, the skin and ligaments that give them their shape can stretch over time without proper support.

With so many styles and sizes to choose from, you're bound to find your perfect fit so you can run happy and bounce free. Below are some important factors to consider when it comes to finding your perfect bra.

There's plenty to think about when searching for the perfect sports bra to add to your running wardrobe, but we've done the testing and read the reviews to find you well-performing sports bras for every size.

Here are the best sports bras you can buy:

• Best sports bra for A/B cups: Sweaty Betty Stamina Workout Bra
• Best sports bra for C/D cups: Brooks Rebound Racer bra
• Best sports bra for DD+ cups: Panache Women's Underwire sports bra 
• Best budget sports bra for A/B cups: Zensah Seamless sports bra
• Best budget sports bra for C/D cups: Champion Spot Comfort sports bra
• Best budget sports bra for DD+ cups: Syrokan Front Adjustable sports bra

Updated on 10/29/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices and formatting. We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy

The best sports bra for sizes A/B

The supportive under band, wide straps, and waffle detailing for extra ventilation make the Sweaty Betty Stamina workout bra an all-around winner when it comes to support and performance.

Just because you're petite on top doesn't mean you should go without a sports bra. Everyone needs support, no matter their size. While you may not need a high impact bra with extra padding and underwire, a medium impact compression style bra that helps restrict any extra movement is always a good idea.

With a compression style bra, the band and material are especially important, as these are the things that will provide you with the comfort and support you'll need. The Sweaty Betty Stamina delivers in both departments, with a wide under band and sweat-wicking, seamless fabric.

The wider band makes this an ideal bra for high impact sports like running, and if you cross train on the days you aren't running, it will do double duty. It's comfortable enough for other types of workouts like spinning and yoga. Workout gear isn't always cheap, so versatility is a great thing to have, giving you the most value for your money.

The Sweaty Betty Stamina is on the more expensive side, but its multi-use functionality does help justify the price, as do its features. The seamless design adds comfort and reduces chafing on longer runs, and the strategically placed waffling in the fabric provides extra ventilation where you'll need it most. The wide straps won't dig into your shoulders, and the tight-knit fabric and added elastane give this bra a soft, yet supportive feel.

The Stamina comes in 14 different colors. It's available in sizes Small, Medium, Large, and XL instead of cup sizes, so you'll want to refer to the bra guide to find your perfect fit. Some buyers do wish that an extra small was offered, but otherwise found the Stamina comfortable, and like that it washes well.

According to the product description, it will give medium support up to a C cup, but for adequate running support, most reviewers with up to a B cup felt that it provided them with the support they needed for higher impact workouts. Those with larger busts loved the comfort of this bra, but don't recommend it for running.

If you're looking for a sports bra that can take you from the road, to the yoga mat, and then go the extra mile with you on your weekly errand running, this is the "must have" that can help you do it all in comfort.

Pros: Wide under band for support, seamless design, wide straps for added comfort, waffled fabric detailing for extra ventilation, washes well, multiple colors to choose from

Cons: Expensive, some reviewers wished it came in extra small

Buy the Sweaty Betty Stamina workout bra for $50.00

The best budget-friendly sports bra for sizes A/B

The Zensah Seamless is a no fuss, affordable sports bra that has a seamless design, making it a favorite among distance runners who want chafe-free runs.

Even some of the most well-designed sports bras will start getting uncomfortable once you're 5 miles into a run, but this isn't the case with the Zensah. At first glance it looks almost too simple, but for those with smaller chests looking for compression support, simplicity wins out.

There are no hooks, plastic, metal, or tags on this pullover bra, and the seamless design means nothing will be jabbing you repeatedly while you log your miles. The fabric is sweat wicking and odor resistant, so you can stay comfortable even as the temperatures rise and the sweat starts to pour.

The racerback design won't hinder your motion, and there are plenty of fun colors patterns to choose from, making this the type of bra you could wear alone or under a top.

This bra shows up repeatedly in "best sports bras" lists, including the Runners World Best Bras of 2017. While it may look simple, the Zensah is anything but. Most of its features are knitted directly into its fabric. The wider fabric knitting in the back allows for ventilation, while the more sturdy ribbing on the sides and in the band itself offer more structured support without the use of underwire or additional padding.

The simplistic, clasp free style also lends itself well to mat workouts on the days when you're giving your muscles a rest, so you can do your Savasana without anything digging into your back and distracting you from your state of mindfulness. If yoga isn't your thing, the Zensah's support also lends itself well to other high impact cardio workouts.

While the price range varies depending on the color and size you choose, most styles are available for under $30.  

This bra is best suited to those requiring an A or B cup for running, but those with a C cup have also had good results while running with the Zensah. 

There are few downsides to this bra, but if you're looking for extra coverage on those cold days, be aware that the material across the chest doesn't have any additional padding.

Pros: Seamless design, sweat wicking fabric, fabric ribbing on the sides and in the band for extra support, affordable

Cons: Not as much coverage across the chest

Buy the Zensah Seamless Sports Bra on Amazon starting at $31.15

The best sports bra for sizes C/D

The Brooks Rebound Racer is a high impact bra that delivers support without extra padding and has adjustable straps for comfort and a customizable fit.

While Brooks is a well-known brand when it comes to reliable running shoes, the company also makes some great running apparel. The Rebound Racer bra is a perfect example. Finding a high impact sports bra that provides enough support without any padding can be a challenge, but this sports bra does just that.

I was able to test the Brooks Rebound for myself and can attest to both the comfort and support it provides on a run. While those with A and B cup sizes would be fully supported in this sports bra, its design is also fantastic for those with a little more up top.

Compression style bras don't always provide enough support for those with C or D cups, but the molded, compressive cups keep everything in place while creating a flattering silhouette. In short, you get compression-style support without the dreaded "uni boob" effect that can sometimes occur with this style of bra.

The sweat-wicking fabric and strategically placed mesh ventilation keep you dry and comfortable. Adjustable straps, as well as an adjustable rear enclosure, add to the comfort of the Rebound Racer, provide a more customized fit, and make it easier to get it off after a long, sweaty run. 

I've taken this bra on multiple runs without any issue. While running, I felt completely supported and didn't notice any chafing. The adjustable straps were one of my favorite features, allowing me to find my perfect fit, and preventing the straps from cutting into my shoulders — an issue I've had with many other sports bras I've tried in the past.

I liked that the fabric used was thick enough to provide coverage with no additional padding needed, giving this bra a less cumbersome feel. It was also nice not to have to remove any padding before washing. I've washed the bra multiple times, and it's held its shape completely, making it feel like new every time I put it on. I've never put this in the dryer, which isn't recommended as drying will shorten the lifespan of any sports bra, but it also air dries very quickly thanks to the sweat-wicking material.

Most buyers love this bra and the support it offers. Reviewers on REI say it's "great for C cup runners" and they "love the secure hold of this sports bra." Another reviewer liked the fact that they didn't have to worry about removable padding, stating it "provides support for my C/D cups without a wire or those dumb removable pads that just get banged up in the wash."

Some reviewers did feel that the sizing was a little off, and did need to size up to find their perfect fit. It's important to note that this is a compression style bra, so the fit will be snug, but it shouldn't be snug enough to make you uncomfortable. 

Pros: High impact support without padding, adjustable straps and rear enclosure for a customized fit, sweat wicking fabric, washes well

Cons: Some reviewers feel that the sizing runs small

Buy the Brooks Rebound Racer on REI starting at $31.73

The best budget-friendly sports bra for sizes C/D

With gel-cushioned straps, wire-free molded cups, and targeted ventilation, the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra provides comfort where you need it most. 

A more affordable option than most, the high impact Champion Spot Comfort bra features molded cups, making it ideal for C and D cup ladies that need a little extra support, but don't want any underwire. While compression can be an effective form of support, for those with a larger bust size, a combination of encapsulation (individual cups) and compression creates provides all-around motion control and a more flattering shape.

Instead of having a racerback design, the Spot Comfort clasps in the back and is adjustable so you can find your perfect fit. Being able to completely unclasp the bra allows for easy removal — a major plus after a sweaty run when you can easily give yourself a workout just by trying to get out of your sports bra.

Along with an adjustable rear enclosure, the straps of the Spot Comfort are also adjustable and are gel-infused, giving you freedom of motion, and preventing any shoulder chafing. Mesh paneling is placed along the top and in between the cups, giving you ventilation where you'll need it most on your runs. The material is sweat wicking and quick drying, so you'll stay comfortable even on summer runs.

The inside of the bra features a smooth lining for additional comfort, and the back is tag free to minimize any chances of chafing. There are plenty of color combos to choose from, so you can find the one that goes with your favorite running top. This is also a bra that looks stylish even on its own for the hot summer days when you want to ditch as many layers as possible.

The Spot Comfort goes by traditional bra sizing (band and cup size) for a more tailored fit and goes up to a DDD cup size. Some people have found the back clasp difficult to reach, and others don't care for the stitching on the inside on the top of the bust, finding it itchy. Overall, though, the Spot Comfort is a good and affordable option.

Pros: Molded cups for additional support and more natural silhouette, adjustable gel-cushioned straps, targeted ventilation, sweat wicking material, hook and eye enclosure for easy on and off, multiple colors to choose from

Cons: Back clasp can be difficult to reach, some people found the flat stitching in the interior of the bra itchy

Buy the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra on Amazon starting at $14.99

Buy the Champion Spot Comfort sports bra on Champion starting at $13.99

The best sports bra for sizes DD and up

If you have a large cup size and need a sports bra that will keep bouncing out of the equation, the Panache Underwire sports bra is for you.

So often, women find themselves sacrificing style when it comes to larger clothing sizes because the options become more limited, and it's a sacrifice that shouldn't have to be made. Luckily, more brands are finally starting to see the light and provide stylish options in a wide range of sizes.

Athletic wear especially has seen changes in recent years, and it shows in sports bras like the Panache Women's Underwire, which is specially designed for women with a full bust. Notable for its ability to eliminate bounce, this sports bra combines both function and style, creating a flattering shape in multiple colors and patterns to choose from.

The options don't end at colors, either. The Panache also has adjustable straps and an adjustable hook and eye enclosure so you can create a more customized fit. The wide padded straps are designed for comfort and are convertible so you can choose if you want a racerback style.

The underwire gives extra support and shaping, and is completely encased so you won't feel any uncomfortable jabbing during your run. The cups are lined with sweat-wicking material for additional comfort, and mesh paneling built into the bust will eliminate sweat build up, keeping you dry and eliminating the chances for chafing to occur.

There is a science behind the bounce-free design, as it encapsulates instead of simply compressing your breasts against your chest, making for a far more comfortable (and flattering) fit while reducing movement in all directions.

The Panache Underwire comes in a wide range of sizes and goes up to 40H. 

Though it is expensive, it's worth the investment because of its ability to support well and minimize bounce.

Some people have found that sizing runs small for them, and found a better fit by sizing up. Others report that the metal rings on the straps tend to squeak when worn as a racerback.

Pros: Bounce free design, plenty of colors and patterns to choose from, wide adjustable straps, adjustable hook and eye enclosure, mesh paneling for added ventilation, encapsulation style support for a more comfortable and flattering fit

Cons: Expensive, the sizing ran small for some people, metal rings on straps can squeak when worn as a racerback

Buy the Panache Women's Underwire Sports Bra on Amazon starting at $39.99

The best budget-friendly sports bra for sizes DD and up

Women with a DD+ bust will appreciate the comfort the affordable Syrokan Women's Front Adjustable sports bra offers, with its wire-free, full coverage.

It can be hard to find a sports bra that truly keeps everything in its place, looks flattering, and provides options for a more customized fit for an affordable price. The Syrokan Front Adjustable is a sports bra that rises to this challenge.

Available in sizes ranging from a B cup to an F cup, it checks off all the boxes so you'll be able to conquer your runs in comfort. True to the name, the straps are completely adjustable, and they can also be undone. The wide underband offers full coverage and support and prevents the bra from riding up during high impact workouts like running.

The straps aren't the only adjustable feature on this sports bra. The racerback has a rear enclosure, giving the band a more customizable fit, and allowing for easier removal. Though it doesn't have any underwire, this bra uses more than compression for motion control.

Molded cups allow for encapsulation support, with limited stretch to keep everything in its place. Sweat-wicking fabric will keep you dry, and the mesh inserts on the sides of the bra and in the back provide additional ventilation.

It may not be the flashiest sports bra, but the Syrokan does offer a good number of color options, and its simple style allows it to look good under any running top. It also has just enough padding so it will also look flattering worn on its own.

Some people find it tricky to reach the rear enclosure or wish for even more separation, but, despite some downsides, the Syrokan is a worthwhile purchase, especially at the affordable price.

Pros: Velcro adjustable straps, adjustable rear enclosure, sweat wicking fabric with mesh inserts for additional ventilation, encapsulation for additional support, affordable

Cons: Some people find the rear enclosure hard to reach, some wished there were more separation for an even more flattering fit

Buy the Syrokan Women's Front Adjustable sports bra on Amazon for $25.99

What to look for in a sports bra

Size

Starting with the right sized sports bra is the key to having comfort and support during your workout. Unlike 40 years ago, there are now a wide range of sizes to choose from whether you're on the petite side or rocking a curvier figure. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and sports bras finally reflect that fact. 

Comfort

Once you've determined the size you'll need, you'll be able to find a comfortable fitting sports bra. Material and style can also determine how comfortable a bra will be. Sweat-wicking synthetic materials are best, since they'll dry more quickly and reduce the chances for uncomfortable chafing during a run. Style is very much a personal preference, but features like adjustable straps, mesh paneling, and seamless designs can all contribute to comfortability.

Support

Even if it feels comfortable at first, there's no point in wearing a sports bra that doesn't give you adequate support once you put your body in motion. If you feel any jiggle up top, or have to do any adjusting, it likely means your bra isn't fitting correctly and isn't supportive enough.

A sports bra's support comes more from the band than the straps. For running, you'll want to look for a medium to high impact sports bra depending on your size. Save the low impact sports bras for workouts like yoga or barre, when you aren't hitting the pavement. With medium and high impact sports bras, the only bounce you should feel is in your step.

Sports bra care

Once you've found a sports bra you love, the last thing you want to do is shorten its lifespan by washing it incorrectly. Doing so can cause it to lose its elasticity, and in turn its support. While no sports bra can last forever, with the proper care, you'll be able to get the most mileage out of it, and make the most of your money.

The best practice is to hand wash and air dry your sports bras, but if you do have to machine wash them, avoid using fabric softeners which ruin the effectiveness of sweat-wicking fabrics. The one thing you should avoid at all costs is putting them in the dryer with high heat, as this can ruin the elasticity of the fabric.

Check out our other great workout gear guides here

The best workout clothes for women

With the right clothes, you'll actually want to get to the gym and show off your style before meeting friends for a much-deserved drink afterward. 

• Best workout clothes overall: Sweaty Betty
• Best workout clothes from a fitness company: Nike
• Best affordable workout clothes: Old Navy
• Best beachy workout clothes: Vuori
• Best comfortable workout clothes: Bandier
• Best workout clothes that you can wear all day: ADAY
• Best high-end workout clothes: Live the Process

The best smartphone armbands for runners

If you take your phone on runs and workouts, you need a comfortable, secure armband to hold it. The Trianium ArmTrek Pro is our top pick, because it's affordable, comfortable, water-resistant, and fits a variety of phones.

• Best armband overall: Trianium smartphone armband
• Best armband for iPhone users: Grantwood Technology TuneBand
• Best armband for visibility: Griffin Technology LightRunner
• Best armband for phones with large cases: Tune Belt armband
• Best budget-friendly armband: Tribe armband

The best running belts

There are a vast number of running belts on the market, from money belts that are just glorified fanny packs, to high-tech hydration belts. The SPIbelt hits a sweet spot in the middle, with an expandable pocket that allows you to carry personal items on your run with a bounce free, comfortable fit.

• Best running belt overall: SPIbelt
• Best minimalist running belt: FlipBelt
• Best running belt for hydration: Fitletic Hydration Belt
• Best running belt for durability: Aqua Quest Kona

The best running socks

Your feet carry you on every run you undertake, so why not pamper them with the best pair of running socks?

• Best overall: Rockay Accelerate Running Socks
• Best tough socks: Darn Tough Tab no show running socks 
• Best socks for comfort: Balega Hidden Comfort no show socks
• Best socks for cold: Smartwool PhD Run Cold Weather mid crew socks
• Best socks on a budget: Saucony Performance No Show socks
• Best for blister prevention: Injinji Run 2.0 lightweight no show toe socks
• Best compression socks: CEP Progressive Compression socks
• Best stylish running socks: Zensah Limited Edition Running Socks

• A good night's sleep is essential to your overall health and well being.
• The best sleep trackers can help you catch more zzzs with actionable advice and metrics. 
• The SleepScore Max is the best sleep tracker because it actively gives suggestions on how to improve your sleep and your health.

Sleep is a pretty important part of our life. On average, humans spend around a third of their lives asleep, and while that sounds like a lot, it makes sense. After all, sleep is when your body heals itself after a long day. Still, all too many of us take sleep for granted, and that's a problem. Some studies indicate that as many as 30% of adults suffer from some level of insomnia. Being able to track your sleep can be super helpful because you can use the data to help tweak your sleeping habits and improve your quality of sleep.

There are many sleep trackers to choose from, and they range in price from $50 to hundreds of dollars. As a note, for this guide, we're only testing dedicated sleep trackers — not wearables. Those wearables aren't really sleep trackers, anyway. They're fitness trackers that can monitor sleep, too.

There are a few things you'll want to consider before you buy a sleep tracker. For starters, you'll want to think about the metrics you want to track. Some trackers can monitor your heart rate, while others rely on breathing patterns to track your sleep. You'll also want to think about the form of the tracker. Some have strips that you place under your mattress, while others cover your entire bed under your sheet, and others still use infrared to detect movement from your nightstand.

Another important aspect of sleep trackers is the app they connect to. Each of our picks has an easy-to-use app for your phone or computer, though some give better advice than others. We tested several sleep trackers to find our top picks. 

Here are the best sleep trackers you can buy:

• Best sleep tracker overall: SleepScore Max
• Best sleep tracker for couples: Eight Sleep Tracker
• Best budget sleep tracker: Beautyrest Sleeptracker
• Best sleep tracker for athletes: Emfit QS
• Best sleep tracker for kids: Sleep Number SleepIQ K1

Updated on 10/29/2019 by Monica Chin: Removed out of stock items and updated prices. We're currently testing new products so stay tuned for more updates.

SEE ALSO: The best mattress toppers you can buy

The best sleep tracker overall

The SleepScore Max is a nice looking sleep tracker with an awesome app that gives you helpful tips and tricks to get better sleep.

ResMed doesn't just track sleep, it also manufactures medical-grade equipment for sleep disorders, including CPAP masks, machines, and so on. It's safe to say, the company not only has the tech to help people improve their sleep patterns, but ResMed also has the medical experience to give good advice. The company first entered the consumer market with the S+ sleep tracker, which was our previous top pick, but now it has partnered with SleepScore to put its tech into an even better sleep tracking device.

The device is relatively small and stylish, and it allows you to track sleep without the need for a wristband or sensors under your sheets. It sits on your nightstand and tracks your movement through the night, as well as the light level, noise in the room, and more.

At the end of the night, you can check the app to see how long you slept, and how much of your shuteye time was light, deep, or REM sleep. You'll also see your sleep score, which rates you based on all these factors.

Like the S+ before it, the best thing about the SleepScore Max is the app because it's great at helping you set goals and track your sleep patterns. The app even gives you tips on a daily basis to help you sleep better and fall asleep faster.

The SleepScore Max may be our top pick, but it's not totally perfect. The metrics it tracks, for example, aren't as in-depth as some other devices, though for most people that won't be a big deal.

Pros: Excellent app, offers sleep recommendations, well-designed

Cons: Not as in-depth as some, expensive

Buy the SleepScore Max on Williams Sonoma for $149

The best sleep tracker for couples

The Eight sleep tracker works with any bed, is easy to set up, automatically tracks your sleep, and can track two people's sleep.

The Eight sleep tracker fits under your fitted sheet and automatically starts tracking when you get into bed, so you can install it, then only check your sleep score and sleep data when you want to find out about it. There's no need to remember to head into the app every night, and no need to worry about whether or not the device is tracking. On top of that, it's an excellent tracker for couples, because you can set it up to track two people.

That's a pretty big deal because many couples sleep in the same bed, but few trackers can monitor both people. There's a good reason for that. Tracking two people poses some pretty serious technological challenges, and Eight's tracker isn't perfect in that respect.

For example, sometimes it mistook one sleeper rolling over toward the middle as them getting out of bed, so if you want to keep continued and accurate tracking, you'll have to ensure that you stay on your side of the bed.

Eight starts tracking as soon as you get into bed and stops as soon as you get out, so if you tend to use your phone or read in bed, it will affect your sleep score. You can manually edit when you got in and out of bed, but there seemed to be bugs in the app where doing that affected parameters during the rest of the night.

Still, those issues aside, the tracker is pretty good at delivering results related to your sleep, and the app is really easy to use. You'll be able to see things like your average heart rate, repertory rate, average bed temperature, average room temperature, and more. The tracker even has a built-in bed warmer, which you can schedule or turn on and off from the app. You can link it with your Google Fit and Apple Health account to manage and track your overall health.

Pros: Can easily track two people, super easy to use, automatically tracks

Cons: Expensive, some tracking bugs

Buy the Eight sleep tracker on Amazon for $199.99 and up depending on your bed size

The best budget sleep tracker

The Beautyrest Sleeptracker monitors the sleep quality of two people, doesn't require setup each night, and offers decent sleep coaching.

The Beautyrest Sleeptracker is so simple and subtle that you'll completely forget that it's there. Why? It uses tracking modules that you can put under your mattress, so you won't feel it at all. It'll also track your sleep every night automatically when it detects that you're in bed, so you don't have to set it up or activate tracking.

The Sleeptracker keeps tabs on your respiration, heart rate, light sleep, deep sleep, REM cycles, body movement, and any interruptions. Based on your data, the Beautyrest Sleeptracker offers advice on how to improve your sleep quality. The app has easy-to-read metrics that make it easy to figure out how well you're sleeping each night and what you can do to sleep better.

We've been testing the Sleeptracker, and it works quite well. We like how simple it is and that sleep tracking is automatic. It's also great that the system comes with two sensors so you can track sleep quality for two people at once.

The Sleeptracker uses the same technology as a few other sleep trackers sold by other mattress companies because the company that makes the tracker licenses its tech other companies like Serta and Tomorrow. Although the branding changes, the tracker itself is the same and so is the app. The only reason we've included the Beautyrest version is because it's the one we've been testing. Presumably, the other versions of the tracker work just as well.

Of course, like everything else, the Beautyrest Sleeptracker isn't perfect. It's the only product in our guide that charges a subscription fee for so-called "Advanced" tracking, which includes extended analysis reports and unlimited sleep data storage. The free plan only stores 12 months of information, which is probably more than enough for most people.

It's not the most detailed tracker, either, but if you simply want to look at your overall trends and get a general idea of how you sleep, it'll do just fine.

Still, in general, we think the Beautyrest Sleeptracker is one of the best budget sleep tracking devices. It works with two people, it's relatively inexpensive, and it even works with Amazon's Alexa.

Pros: Inexpensive, works without user interaction, decent sleep coaching

Cons: Subscription charged for advanced analysis, could work with more smart home systems

Buy the Beautyrest Sleeptracker on Amazon for $159.85 (originally $199.99)

The best sleep tracker for athletes

The Emfit QS is pretty easy to use, but the best thing about it is how in-depth its tracking capabilities are.

Some of the sleep trackers on this list are a little superficial, but the Emfit QS is anything but. In fact, this is the tracker that offers the most in-depth information, making it perfect for people like athletes, who want to finely tune their sleeping habits and track exactly what their body does when they snooze.

The Emfit QS comes in the form of a non-intrusive strip of sensors that you'll place under your mattress. Those sensors can track an extremely wide range of metrics, including heart rate, heart rate variability (RMSSD), breathing rate, total recovery, integrated recovery, and different classes of sleep. That's pretty impressive, especially for such a basic device. Not only that, but it tracks all this automatically, so there's no need to set it to start at the beginning of the night.

The Emfit QS isn't perfect. We found it to be a little more useful for those who want to see the tracked metrics rather than those who want an overall sleep score. That's because the tracker tended to be very generous in giving a high sleep score. Even on a night when the Eight tracker gave me less than 40, the Emfit QS gave me 100, which is an indicator of a "very good sleep."

Another issue is that the Emfit QS does not offer a mobile app. Instead, it uploads data to the cloud, and you'll then be able to see it from your computer by logging in to a website.

Still, the information on offer here could prove to be invaluable, and while it may take a little learning to figure out what all the information means, it's still nice to have that information in the first place.

Pros: Very in-depth, pretty easy to set up, non-intrusive

Cons: A little expensive, no mobile app

Buy the Emfit QS on Amazon for $279 

The best sleep tracker for kids

There are plenty of sleep trackers, but few of them are tailored specifically to kids the way the Sleep Number SleepIQ Kids K2 mattress is.

Sleep Number is a respected brand that's well known for using technology to improve the sleeping experience. The company only recently started getting into sleep tracking, but it's come out with a few pretty impressive products since then, including the Sleep Number SleepIQ Kids K2 mattress.

The sleep tracking system has been tweaked to work specifically for kids. You can pair it with your phone to track how well your child is sleeping, and you can even set the app to notify you if they leave the bed.

The app will reward kids for getting a good night's sleep with a gold star, which could prove to be a good incentive for getting kids to sleep. Last but not least, the bed comes equipped with a night light that can be turned on or off through the app.

Of course, while everything works together pretty well, it's not cheap. This is a sleep tracker that's built into a mattress, so you're buying everything together, and it starts at $799. Still, if you're in the market for a new kid's mattress, it may well be worth it for you.

Pros: Good tracking, specifically built for kids, easy-to-use

Cons: Expensive, may not outlast the kids themselves

Buy the Sleep Number SleepIQ K2 Mattress on Sleep Number for $799+ depending on size

Check out more great buying guides for bedtime

The best mattresses you can buy

The best pillows you can buy

A good pillow means a good night's sleep. We reviewed dozens of pillows to narrow down the choices to the ones you'll love best.

The best duvet covers you can buy

Your cozy down-filled duvet needs a stylish cover to keep it clean and add some spice to your bedroom's décor.

The best sheets you can buy

After reviewing dozens of contenders, our top pick for bed sheets are the 280-thread-count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets from L.L. Bean. Crisp, cool, and comfortable against your skin, these sheets make bedtime a treat.

The best bed frames you can buy on Amazon

Your bed is not only the highlight of your bedroom, it's the only furniture you spend 33% of your life on.

• Nearly 40 million people are living in poverty in America.
• Individuals and families living in poverty face a wide variety of issues that push them to rely on government programs and local resources, though resources like shelters and public housing aren't always reliable solutions. 
• Those who are living on the street and in shelters face especially brutal conditions in winter months as food-insecure households face stretched-thin local resources. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Though poverty has slightly declined in recent years, the US Census Bureau found last year that nearly 40 million people are living in poverty in America.

Poverty affects almost every area of life for Americans in every state and city across genders, ages, employment, and education.

See the different ways poverty affects Americans across the nation.

SEE ALSO: Drone photos of Mumbai reveal the places where extreme poverty meets extreme wealth

DON'T MISS: 50 million Americans live in poverty — here are the poorest towns in every US state

Though those living on the street are the most noticeable, homelessness is just one issue Americans in poverty face.

People in a variety of circumstances rely on government programs and local resources to aid in their struggle to support themselves and their families, working long hours on small incomes.

As costs of living rise across the country, some are forced to take up residence anywhere they can.

Source: Business Insider

Those who are homeless in cities resort to public spaces instead of shelters because of strict rules and eligibility requirements.

Source: Business Insider

Those who live on the streets are at the mercy of weather conditions, law enforcement officials, and finding small available spaces.

Source: Business Insider

Some cities create additional shelters for colder months. When a homeless woman was found with a stillborn infant at a Portland bus stop last year, the city set up beds on a shelter's spare floor space.

Source: The Guardian

There's been controversy in cities with overwhelmingly large homeless populations, as local officials have ramped up the physical removal or prevention of homeless settlements. Though officials in Seattle are supposed to offer a move to a shelter and 72 hours notice, that only happened around 60% of the time as of August 2018.

Source: The Seattle Times

To manage the number of people who need shelter and immediate services, massive temporary shelters provide a stable place while authorities can prepare more permanent arrangements.

Source: The Alpha Project

In 2014, childhood homelessness hit a record-high of 2.5 million, or one in every 30 American children each year.

Source: National Center on Family Homelessness

Though public housing may be seen as a more permanent solution to provide for those who have been homeless, issues of decay and mismanagement run rampant among housing agencies.

New York City was ordered in June 2018 to pay $2 billion to settle claims of corruption and mismanagement in the city's Housing Authority, the largest public housing agency in the US, after investigators found unaddressed leaks, crumbling walls, lead paint, mold, broken elevators, and rats.

Source: Associated Press

Some in cities find small supplemental incomes collecting cans out of recycling bins and turning them into profit. Though this could offer some relief, the collecting takes time and there is high competition.

Source: PBS

Those who work but do not earn specified income rates miss out on federal healthcare benefits. In recent years, clinics by mobile medical groups have been on the rise to provide free dental, vision, and medical care to isolated and poverty-stricken communities.

Source: The Guardian

A March 2018 study from the American Public Health Association found that medical expenses pushed more than 7 million Americans below the federal poverty line.

Source: American Public Health Association

More than 37 million Americans who struggle with hunger, including more than 12 million children.

Source: Feeding America

Many local nonprofit organizations provide community access to free or discounted food in food banks and pantries.

Source: Feeding America

Some shelters provide temporary relief for the homeless with occasional sit-down dinners.

Organizations work to alleviate other major expenses by offering free or discounted groceries and household supplies. Food banks, like the one below, are a resource in areas known as "food deserts," where residents live without easy access to fresh, healthy food, including fruits and vegetables.

Sources: Charleston Gazette-Mail, USDA

Around the holidays, local relief organizations offer ways for homeless and low-income people to find groceries.

The approaching winter months pose brutal conditions to those who are living on the street, and the greatest need for donated supplies to shelters.

Those looking to help should consider contributing to local resource centers

• For those who live in a city or other area with a homeless population, some shelters advise to carry snacks, gift and transit cards, and information on nearby shelters to hand out as more sustainable solutions than just cash. 
• Food and clothing banks are often overwhelmed in the winter and around the holiday seasons, so donating items like non-perishable food and extra clothing can ease the strain on the community. National organizations like The Salvation Army and Feeding America have a finder to locate centers in need of donations.  

• You can turn off your PS4 without a controller by using the power button on the front of the console.
• You can put the PS4 in rest mode by pressing the power button on the front of the PS4 until it beeps once. 
• To turn off the PS4 completely, press and hold the power button for about seven seconds, until it beeps twice. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Normally, the best way to turn off a PlayStation 4 is via its controller. However, if your controller dies while the console is on, you're not out of luck.

You can turn off your PS4 without using a controller, which can be massively convenient if you don't have access to your controller. 

You have two options: put it in a low-power "rest" mode, or you can shut the console down completely. It's a good idea to usually leave the PS4 in rest mode rather than shutting it off completely.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

PlayStation 4 Slim (From $269.99 at Best Buy)

PlayStation 4 Pro (From $399.99 at Best Buy)

DualShock 4 Wireless Controller (From $64.99 at Best Buy)

How to turn off a PS4 without a controller

To put your PS4 in rest mode, press and hold the power button on the front of the PS4 until you hear the system beep once — this should take just one or two seconds. 

The power indicator will pulsate white, and then turn orange to indicate it's in rest mode.

On a standard PlayStation 4, the power button and indicator are near the center of the console.

On a PS4 Slim, there's a small power button on the left side of the console with the power indicator built into it.

On a PS4 Pro, you'll find the power button and indicator line near the bottom of the console.

To turn off the PS4 entirely, press and hold the power button on the front of the PS4 for about seven seconds. After it beeps the first time, continue holding the power button until you hear the system beep a second time. After the second beep, release the power button. 

The power indicator will pulsate white, and then turn off completely.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to get your PS4 out of Safe Mode in 4 different ways, so you can get back to playing normally

• 'Why won't my PS4 controller charge?': How to troubleshoot your controller in 4 ways

• How to download games on your PS4 in 2 different ways

• How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS4 if they're compatible with the console

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Inside the US government's top-secret bioweapons lab

• Top-quality lawn mowers are powerful enough to cut your grass to a uniform height on the first sweep, will last for years to come, and make an often tedious chore more enjoyable.
• The Honda HRX217VKA Lawn Mower is our top pick because it has a 190cc engine, features a dual-blade cutting system, and the variable self-propelled mechanism allows you to finish the lawn at your own speed.

There's something Zen about spending an hour or two each week pushing the mower around the yard on a sunny day. The drone of the motor drowns out your thoughts as you work on a task with a clearly defined objective: Making your lawn look its best. Of course, the deciding factor between an almost meditative experience and one filled with frustration is often the quality of the lawn mower you have.

In the following guide, we mainly focus on walk-behind mowers since the majority of lawns are served perfectly well by these machines. However, if you have a lawn that is larger than half an acre, you may want a riding mower.

If you have a yard that is between a quarter and half an acre, consider a self-propelled model. This basically means you do less pushing. Self-propelled mowers are especially helpful on hills. Also, pay special attention to blade size. Look for a mower with a blade that's at least 20 inches long if you have a larger yard. Conversely, if you have many narrow areas to mow, a smaller deck, the area within which the blade spins around, is best.

Lastly, pay close attention to model numbers. Many brands have dozens of models with only slight differences. If you've done your research and have your heart set on XYZ Company's 12345, be sure you don't pick up the 12456. If you follow our links, you can ensure you are getting the right model.

While researching the best lawn mowers, we examined hundreds of expert and buyer ratings and reviews of dozens of models. The mowers included in our guide are fairly low maintenance, enjoyable to use, make quick work of your lawn, and will last you for several years.

Also, check out our guide to the best string trimmers to get into any edges or tight spots your mower may miss.

Here are our picks for the best lawn mowers you can buy:

• Best lawn mower overall: Honda HRX217VKA Lawn Mower
• Best electric lawn mower: EGO LM2101 Lawn Mower
• Best corded electric lawn mower: Greenworks 22502 12 Amp Corded Lawn Mower
• Best affordable lawn mower: Sun Joe MJ401E 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower
• Best lawn mower for large yards: Toro Recycler 20333 Lawn Mower

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

The best lawn mower overall

If you need a powerful mower that is packed full of features and can handle different terrain and grasses, look no further than the Honda HRX217VKA Lawn Mower.

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the Honda 21-inch Variable Speed 4-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, we should point out that the model numbers HRX217VKA and HRX217K5VKA are used interchangeably by Honda to refer to this lawn mower, and there do not appear to be any differences between the two. That said, the best adjective to describe the HRX217VKA is "powerful."

The 190cc engine allows you to mow at a decent clip, and it starts more easily and runs more efficiently than most side-valve engines. Also, the rear-wheel drive makes it so you can mow inclines and hills effortlessly.

There are more features than we have space to cover here, but we would be remiss if we didn't touch on the Versamow system. This system allows you to choose how much grass is mulched and how much is bagged depending on your yard's conditions. It also lets you shred leaves so you no longer need to use your leaf blower.

The Honda HRX217VKA is at or near the top of all of the expert best lawn mower lists, including Top Ten Reviews, and Lawn Mower Review. The testers at Consumer Reports gave this model top ratings for handling, bagging, and mulching and "very good" ratings for ease of use and side discharging. Additionally, the reviewer estimated the breakage rate by the fourth year of ownership to be 16%, which is well below any of the other mowers they tested.

The reviewer at The Wirecutter calls it "one of the best self-propelled mowers available" for cut quality and grass maintenance. He was impressed with how the mower cut grass into smaller pieces with its double-blade design. And, he found the Versamow system incredibly helpful. However, the reviewer that it was tedious to adjust each wheel when he wanted to change the cutting height.

Buyers remark that the mower cuts well after just one pass and doesn't leave stragglers, clumps, or lines. One buyer was impressed with how it could even handle unkempt grass over 6 inches high.

Pros: Durable, two-blade cutting system, 190cc engine, rear-wheel drive, five-year warranty

Cons: Expensive, tedious cutting height adjustment

The best electric lawn mower

The EGO 21 in. 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower is your best option if the idea of using fossil fuels to cut your lawn isn't appealing.

EGO has two 21-inch-deck, 56-volt lithium-ion cordless battery mowers that are quite popular and share a number of similarities: the LM2101 and the LM2102SP. The major differences between the two are that the LM2102SP is self-propelled, has a larger-capacity 7.5Ah battery, and it costs $100 more. For the purposes of this review, we're going to focus on the features they share in common.

The EGO 21-inch handles side discharge, bagging, and mulching. It is designed for use in all weather, and even features LED headlights for when mowing in heavily-shaded areas or after dark. There are six deck heights to pick from, and adjustments are made with a single lever. EGO backs the quality of their mowers with a five-year limited warranty.

The EGO LM2101 is a highly-rated electric-battery mower on Consumer Reports. Its lowest category rating is for its bagging for which it is rated "good." Despite testing the push option, the reviewer found this mower was easy to operate and had effortless handling. However, they found the 40-minute battery runtime to be fairly short, a common issue with cordless electric mowers.

Techaeris tested the EGO LM2102SP and found the battery lasted 60 minutes, which was long enough to finish the reviewer's 1/3-acre lawn. 

More than 3,100 buyers have left 5-star reviews of the LM2101 on Home Depot's website. After a year-and-a-half of ownership, one owner was impressed by how lightweight and quiet it is. He shared a story of hitting a metal pipe in his yard with the mower. It damaged the electronics, and EGO sent him a brand new mower to replace it. Buyers also appreciate that the battery only takes about 40 minutes to recharge from dead.

Pros: Easy to operate, good for the environment, excellent customer service, folds up for easy storage

Cons: Battery only lasts for an hour at most

The best corded electric lawn mower

If you want an electric mower but don't want to deal with the hassle of recharging or the high price of a cordless alternative, consider the Greenworks 20-inch 12 Amp Corded Lawn Mower.

The Greenworks 20-inch 12 Amp Corded Lawn Mower has a lot of features that can make your mowing experience enjoyable. Since it is corded, you don't need to stop to recharge a battery or gas up. It's a three-in-one that has mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging capabilities. There are seven cutting height positions ranging from 1.5 to 3.75 inches, and you can adjust the height with a single lever. Plus, the 10-inch rear wheels, 7-inch front wheels, and 56-pound size make it easy to push around the yard.

For the past three years, I have used the Greenworks 22502 Corded Lawn Mower on our quarter-acre lawn. We particularly like how easy it is to adjust the blade height, and it's surprisingly light. There are just a couple of negatives we have noticed. We live in the Pacific Northwest where mowing wet grass is unavoidable. When the grass is wet, it does not feed into the bag of this mower easily. Also, we had to replace the cord after my teenager ran over it with the mower. So, cord control is important and takes a little planning.

Your Best Digs rated the Greenworks 22502 as the best electric lawn mower. The reviewer found this push mower easy to maneuver thanks to its lightweight design. He also liked that it was much quieter than the gas mowers he tested. However, he noted that dumping the clipping was awkward since there was a crossbar in the way, and he would have preferred it if the mower came with an extension cord. Greenworks offers the option of buying the mower with an extension cord for $30 extra.

More than 4,100 buyers have left 4- or 5-star reviews of the Greenworks 22502 on Amazon. The most helpful reviewer compared this model to a couple of Black & Decker electric mowers he had owned in the past. He was much more satisfied with his Greenworks mower because it could handle wet grass and was easy to maneuver.

Several buyers suggest coming up with a mowing pattern that moves away from the outlet and thus makes it harder for you to trip over the cord. One buyer found that the motor would get dirty during use and recommended opening it up and cleaning it with compressed air.

Pros: Lightweight for easy maneuverability, good for the environment, four-year warranty

Cons: The cord can get in the way

The best affordable lawn mower

The Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe 14-inch 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower was designed for people who want to maintain small yards and don't want to spend a lot of money.

When you first lay eyes on the Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe 14-inch 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower, you may be struck by how small it is. At 29 pounds, it weighs almost half as much as the next lightest mower on our list. This makes it easy to maneuver, but it does raise questions of durability.

Fortunately, the Snow Joe + Sun Joe Company backs the quality of the mower with a full two-year warranty. With a 14-inch blade, this mower is meant for yards that are a quarter-acre or smaller, and the 16-inch deck makes it easy to get into tight spots.

The Sun Joe MJ401E to adequate for people with a small yard who don't want to spend a lot on a mower. It has similar benefits to an electric mower (no fossil fuels, lightweight, etc.), but there are only three height positions with the lowest scraping the ground. And, due to its 14-inch blade, it takes longer to mow a lawn.

The mower is a finalist on Your Best Digs's list, but the reviewer noted the budget price is reflected in its toy-like build quality and "flimsy-feeling" height adjuster. The reviewer thinks it's best for very basic lawn care.

The Sun Joe MJ104E has more than 1,600 5-star reviews on Amazon. One buyer says he had his Mow Joe for more than a year and left it in the weather and abused it otherwise. He is happy with how it has performed. He cautions against buying the 16-gauge extension cord recommended by Amazon. Instead, choose 12 gauge for 100 feet or more and 14 gauge for under 100 feet.

Pros: Inexpensive, lightest mower on our list, good for the environment

Cons: Three height adjustments on each wheel, only good for basic lawn care

The best lawn mower for large yards

If you have a larger yard and prefer gas-powered mowers, the Toro Recycler 20333 Lawn Mower is for you with its 22-inch cutting width and self-propelling abilities.

One of the coolest features of the Toro Recycler 22-inch Personal Pace Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower that kept coming up in our research is the blade-brake clutch. This allows you to stop the blade without stopping the motor of the mower, which is helpful for moving debris out of the way.

The Recycler has a powerful 163cc engine that doesn't require priming or choking to start, and there's no need for oil changes. There are nine cutting positions, and Toro backs this mower with a three-year "guaranteed-to-start" warranty.

Consumer Reports recommends the Toro Recycler 20333 because of its "very good" ratings in ease of use, handling, side discharging, and bagging and "excellent" mulching. The reviewer specifically liked the washout port for cleaning buildup under the sizable deck. The Wirecutter used to list the 20333 as the "runner-up pick" but supplanted it with the 20340 as the "budget pick" because of the newer model's upright storage. 

More than 2,100 buyers on Home Depot's site recommend the Toro Recycler 20333. The most helpful reviewer found the powerful engine did an excellent job of chopping through foot-high grass, and the rear wheel drive gave him power while turning. He also mentioned that he could almost jog with it.

Another buyer notes that his Toro still runs well after three years of questionable maintenance. He does note a couple of negatives: It's a bit louder than the Honda, and if you go too fast, the mulch is not fine enough.

Pros: Blade-brake clutch, self-propelled, three-year "guaranteed-to-start" warranty, 163cc engine

Cons: Gas-powered

Check out our other great lawn and garden guides

The best hammocks 

A good hammock provides comfort anywhere you can find a couple of stout trees or fence posts, a wall that supports mounted hooks, or a dedicated hammock stand. These are the best hammocks you can buy for camping or your own backyard:

• Best hammock overall: Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost Camping Hammock
• Best budget hammock: Newdora Parachute Cloth Ultralight Hammock
• Best hammock for use anywhere: Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock
• Best hammock for insect protection: G4Free Foldable Hammock with Mosquito Net
• Best backpacking hammock: Hummingbird Ultralight Single Hammock
• Best classic rope hammock: Pawleys Island Rope Hammock

The best rakes 

Raking leaves is one of the few household chores that borders on fun. But how do you choose the best rake to handle all those falling leaves? We rounded up the most durable, comfortable, and effective rakes on the market right now. Here are our top picks: 

• Best rake overall: Fiskars Leaf Rake
• Best adjustable rake: Gardenite 63-inch Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake
• Best leaf scoops: ReLeaf Leaf Scoops
• Best kid's rake: Toysmith 27-Inch Kid's Metal Leaf Rake with Hardwood Handle
• Best bow rake: Bully Tools Bow Rake
• Best small rake: Corona RK 62060 Fixed Shrub Rake

• High-quality loaf pans cook your baked goods evenly, release them with little fuss, and are made of heavy-duty materials.
• The Wilton Recipe Right Bread Loaf Baking Pan is our top pick because it features a non-stick coating that helps food pop right out, it's the most cost-effective option in our guide, and the wide lip makes the pan easy to rotate.

If you like to bake bread in the oven or meatloaf is one of your go-to meals, a top-quality loaf pan is a must. These pans are generally 9 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep, though the exact measurements vary brand-to-brand. Since the breads, cakes, and other baked goods are so thick, it's crucial that the loaf pan cooks slowly and evenly without burning.

Stainless steel, aluminized steel, and glass bread pans all do an excellent job of baking slowly. If you are looking for a lighter exterior to your bread, choose a lighter-colored material.

If the appearance of the bread you produce means a lot to you, then you need to pay close attention to the size of the loaf pan you use and how much flour your recipe calls for. A good rule of thumb is to use an 8.5-by-4.5-inch pan for recipes that call for three cups of flour or less (although you can expect some trial and error). If the recipe calls for 3.5 cups, then an 8.5-by-4.5-inch or 9-by-5-inch pan will do. Anything over 3.75 cups, will work best in a 9-by-5-inch pan. However, a pain de mie pan, also known as a Pullman loaf pan, is ideal for recipes with more than four cups of flour.

While researching the best loaf pans, we examined hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of dozens of models. Our guide features pans that have a strong track record of performance, durability, and versatility.

Here are our picks for the best loaf pans you can buy:

• Best loaf pan overall: Wilton Recipe Right Bread Loaf Baking Pan
• Best aluminized steel loaf pan: USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan
• Best glass loaf pan: Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan
• Best loaf pan with handles: Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Loaf Pan
• Best meatloaf pan: Chicago Metallic Non-Stick 2-Piece Meatloaf Set

Updated on 10/29/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides. 

The best loaf pan overall

If you are looking for a low-cost loaf pan that will release your baked goods without much fuss, turn to the Wilton Recipe Right Bread Loaf Baking Pan.

The Wilton Recipe Right Bread Loaf Baking Panis made of stainless steel for long-term durability and is covered with a non-stick coating for quick food release and easy cleanup.

Though the 8.5 by 4.5 by 2.5-inch model is the most popular, Wilton sells the Recipe Right pan in a variety of sizes, including 9.25 by 5.25 by 2.75 inches and 5.25 by 3 by 2.125 inches. The pans are dishwasher safe, but we recommend washing them by hand to increase their lifespan. Wilton backs the quality of its products with a five-year warranty.

Good Housekeeping recommends the Wilton Recipe Right Bread Loaf Baking Pan because the reviewer found it easy to grip and an excellent value. The tester also noted that it produced "gorgeous golden loaves" of bread. Kitchen Folks, Best Reviews Hub, and Bright 8 all rated the Wilton loaf pan highly.

The Wirecutter was a bit more critical. The reviewer recognized that the price was nice but mentioned that the pan felt flimsy, and the handles are not large enough to be incredibly useful.

Pros: Inexpensive, effortlessly releases baked goods, pan lip allows for easy rotation

Cons: Concerns about durability

The best aluminized steel loaf pan

The materials used to construct the USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan facilitate the even cooking of food, and items are discharged cleanly. 

There are two features that contribute to the USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan's nonstick abilities. First of all, the pan is constructed of corrugated aluminized steel. The little ridges help with the release of baked goods, add to the rigidity and durability of the pan, and they may also allow for better airflow and even cooking.

The USA Pan also has a layer of Americoat on the top and bottom. This is an eco-friendly, PFOA- and PTFE-free silicone coating which has excellent non-stick properties.

The loaf pans come in three sizes: 8.5 by 4.5 by 2.75 inches (the 1-pound model), 9 by 5 by 2.75  inches (the 1-1/4-pound model), and 10 by 5 by 2.75 inches (the 1-1/2-pound model). They are each made in Pittsburgh, PA and come with a lifetime limited warranty.

The Wirecutter recommends the USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan for baking tall breads and cakes. The reviewer found the construction of this pan to be heavy-duty. And, the breads she baked in it were evenly browned, popped out easily, and they looked handsome and tall, as opposed to squat.

Lesley Eats also noted the heavy-duty construction. She used the loaf pan to bake banana nut bread and was surprised by how easy it was to remove the loaf from the pan after cooking.

One helpful Amazon buyer recommended the 1-pound pan for dough with 3 cups of flour or less, 1-1/4-pound pan for 3 to 4 cup recipes, and the 1-1/2 pound pan for anything more than that.

Pros: Releases baked goods effortlessly, cooks foods evenly, easy to clean

Cons: Pricey, no handles

The best glass loaf pan

With its easy-to-see-through glass construction, the Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan is an excellent solution if you want to take the guesswork out of baking.

Though glass bakeware generally isn't as durable and doesn't cook as quickly as its metal counterpart, it does allow you to easily gauge how your baking is progressing, since you can see the side and bottom of your loaf without removing it from the pan. This is one of the main benefits of the Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan.

The Pyrex Loaf Pan measures approximately 8.25 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches and features handles for easy maneuverability. Made of soda lime glass, it is dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe. But, we advise against taking the pan out of the freezer and putting it in a preheated oven since it could experience "thermal shock" and burst into pieces. On the plus side, the nonporous glass is resistant to odors and staining.

The reviewer at the Wallet Path found the Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan distributed heat evenly. She recommended this pan because it allowed her to see the bottom of the loaf while it was still in the pan to determine whether it was done or not. The reviewer did suggest greasing the pan before adding ingredients because items tended to stick to it.

Cook's Illustrated highly recommends the Pyrex pan because baked goods browned nicely in it, but it was heavier than the site's top choice, which costs three times as much.

Pros: Browns food well, allows you to see how done the bottom of your loaf is

Cons: Concerns about durability, items may stick

The best loaf pan with handles

If you are looking for a loaf pan that is easy to grab and cooks evenly, consider the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Bread and Meat Loaf Pan. 

The Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Bread and Meat Loaf Panstands out from the other pans on our list because it has wide handles. They are not too wide to make storage an issue, but they are wide enough for you to easily maneuver the pan when wearing thick oven mitts.

The pan is 9 by 5 by 3 inches and is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is made of heavy-duty steel and features a rolled rim, which ensures durability and warp resistance. Though the pan is dishwasher safe, Farberware recommends handwashing it.

Though she stopped short of recommending it because the sides of the pan flare out wide making for an oddly-shaped loaf, the reviewer at The Wirecutter was impressed with the sturdy design of the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Bread and Meat Loaf Pan. She also noted that the wide handles were easy to grip with their silicone coating.

Best Reviews recommends this Farberware product because the reviewer found the pan was warp-resistant and cooked ingredients evenly. Yet, the reviewer mentioned that the nonstick coating is not always effective. 

Buyers on Amazon note that the Farberware pan is larger than other loaf pans. Most brands' size measurements go to the outer edge of the pan. Farberware appears to be using the inner edge.

There are also several comments about how evenly the pan bakes. Buyers recommend spraying it before adding your dough and using non-metal utensils to protect the nonstick coating.

Pros: Wide handles, nonstick coating, sturdy rolled steel construction

Cons: Sides flare wide

The best meatloaf pan

The Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick 2-Piece Healthy Meatloaf Set is designed for regular meatloaf eaters who prefer to keep the grease to a minimum.

The Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick 2-Piece Healthy Meatloaf Setis unique because it is specifically designed for making meatloaf. The set consists of a two-pound nonstick meatloaf pan made of heavy-weight aluminized steel and a perforated insert that elevates your meatloaf about ¾ of an inch above the bottom of the pan to allow for the grease to drain.

The pan has a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. And, Chicago Metallic backs it with a lifetime warranty.

Mom Does Reviews recommends the Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Meatloaf Set because it keeps the bottom of the loaf from getting overcooked while sitting in its own grease. The reviewer appreciated that her meatloaves came out perfect each time and were easy to remove with the large handles. She also noted that cleanup was easier than with your standard loaf pan. Family Nano and Bright 8also recommend this loaf pan.

Numerous Amazon reviewers warned against using metal utensils on this pan since it could affect the non-stick coating.

Pros: Allows for even baking, cooks meatloaf without the grease, large handles, lifetime warranty

Cons: Not very versatile, questionable durability of non-stick coating

Check out our other great baking guides

The best bread machines 

We combed through hundreds of reviews and ratings from home bakers and experts alike as we searched for the best bread machines. The units we chose can make a variety of different bread types, require minimal user oversight, and have a track record of dependability and performance. These are the best bread machines you can buy: 

• Best overall: Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker
• Best budget bread machine #1: Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Maker
• Best convection machine: Convection Bread Maker by Cuisinart
• Best machine for unique breads: Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker

The best cookie cutters 

A great set of cookie cutters makes those delicious holiday treats even more of a pleasure to make and share. These are the best cookie cutters you can buy:

• Best overall: Ann Clark Cookie Cutter Set
• Best on a budget: Winblo 40-Piece Cookie Cutter Set
• Best for Chanukah: Rite Lite LTD Metal Chanukah Cookie Cutters
• Best 3D cutters: 3D Christmas Cookie Cutters Set
• Best indestructible set: Ateco Cookie Cutter Set in Various Shapes
• Best for kids: Wilton 101-Piece Cookie Cutter Set

• American billionaires don't do enough to help underprivileged people outside the United States, billionaire philanthropist Sir Ian Wood said at the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Ceremony at the New York Public Library on October 16.
• Out of nine medalists, Wood was the only non-American to receive the prestigious award, and one of two recognized for work outside the United States.
• Wood built a $1.5 billion fortune running energy services firm The Wood Group until his retirement in 2012, according to Forbes.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Scotland's second-richest man has a problem with how his American counterparts give their money away.

Billionaire Americans don't spend enough of their money on international causes, Sir Ian Wood told a group of the nation's most prolific philanthropists at the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Ceremony in New York Public on October 16. Other honorees at the event included big names like Robert F. Smith and George Lucas. 

Wood, 77, built a $1.5 billion fortune running energy services firm The Wood Group until his retirement in 2012, according to Forbes. Wood was at the ceremony to receive an award for offering small business loans to 70,000 tea small farmers in Africa through the Wood Foundation.

"Charity must not end at home," Wood said. "The developing world, which is more than half the world's population, faces a completely different scale of hardship and suffering than the Western world."

According to Giving USA's annual report on philanthropy, Americans gave $427.71 billion to US charities in 2018, but only $22.88 billion went to international causes.

International giving comes with legal and cultural challenges. Wood acknowledged this fact, but noted that since most philanthropists are also successful businesspeople, they should be able to figure out how to use their existing knowledge to make it work.

"The dollar, in the very poor areas, would have a much greater obvious impact in terms of any measure as opposed to what happens at home and there are so many needy areas," Wood said.

Wood's criticism aside, a handful of prominent American billionaires have made international work a key part of their philanthropic agendas. Just look at Bill and Melinda Gates: Several of their largest projects have been outside the United States, Business Insider previously reported. The couple donated more than $50 million in 2014 to help fight the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, and they pledged $38 million to a Japanese pharmaceutical company in 2016 that is working on creating a low-cost polio vaccine.

Wood was the only non-American honored at the event, and one of two philanthropists honored for projects outside of the United States

The Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy is awarded to influential philanthropists every two years by the nonprofit organizations founded by Andrew Carnegie, the organization said in a press release.

Those organizations include Carnegie Mellon University and Carnegie Hall. Eight other billionaires — Anne Earhart, Mellody Hobson, Henry R. Kravis, Marie-Josée Kravis, George Lucas, Morton L. Mandel, Leonard Tow, and Robert F. Smith — were also given medals by the Carnegie Corporation for their philanthropic work at the ceremony.

In his acceptance speech, Robert F. Smith noted that he was inspired by the small act of philanthropy he witnessed his mom making as he was growing up. Smith has been making headlines in 2019 for first pledging $34 million to pay off student loans for the graduating class of Morehouse College, and then expanding that pledge to also include those students' parents' education debts.

Meanwhile, telecommunications billionaire Leonard Tow used his acceptance speech to highlight that the Giving Pledge is not growing "as rapidly as we had hoped." The Giving Pledge was started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in 2010; Tow and his now-deceased wife signed on in September 2012.

SEE ALSO: A billionaire who signed the Giving Pledge in 2012 said Bill Gates' philanthropy pact isn't 'growing as rapidly as we hoped'

DON'T MISS: Robert F. Smith, the billionaire who promised to pay off student loans for an entire college class, said his $34 million gift was inspired by a small act of philanthropy he saw his mom make

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Some of the best parts of shopping on Amazon are the wide selections and low costs, but those things can also make it difficult to root out what's really worth spending your money on.
• My favorite way to make sense of what's great on Amazon is by getting recommendations from friends and coworkers.
• I asked my Business Insider colleagues about the best things they've bought on Amazon for under $25 and unearthed some interesting finds.

Amazon, land of 1 million things you need and 5 million options for each of them, has quickly become the one-stop shop for an unbelievable amount of online purchases. For me, that's because they have a wide selection, carry most of the brands I want, list them at near the lowest or the lowest prices I've seen in price comparison research (with shipping in mind), and, last but absolutely not least, because I'm a Prime member and the internet has made me a glutton for instant gratification — something that two-day (or two-hour) shipping panders well to.

Some of the greatest advantages of shopping on Amazon are the wide selections and low costs, but those same features can work against you. It's time-consuming and ultimately expensive to root out what's really worth spending your money on, and which affordable options are similar (or better) in performance to their higher-priced competitors. The loophole is having trusted recommendations to help you navigate online.

My favorite way to make sense of what's great on Amazon is by getting recommendations from friends. As a result, I decided to ask my colleagues at Business Insider about the best things they've bought on Amazon for under $25 — in the hopes of finding some new things to try without wasting time or money discovering them. Hopefully, they're as helpful to you as they were to me. 

Below are the 35 best things we've bought on Amazon that cost us less than $25:

DON'T MISS: The best college supplies and dorm room essentials

A pair of $10 anti-glare, blue-light-blocking computer glasses.

An easy-to-use, versatile cast iron skillet.

T-fal E83407 Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Durable 10.5 inch Cast Iron Skillet, $23.60

"Can't say enough great things about this cast iron skillet. It heats evenly and consistently on the stove top, and has zero issues with tossing it directly in the oven or broiler. I use it for roasted chicken, bacon, roasted potatoes, frittatas, eggs, steak, and sauteing veggies. It's also super easy to clean, which is something that scares people away from cooking with cast iron. It's also on Prime." — Stephanie Asymkos

A natural clay mask that has a cult-following.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with 100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay, $9.99

"This mask, as seen on INSIDER. It transformed my skin and is probably my most recommended product. The best part? It's $10!" — Chelsey Hoffman

A wash and stain bar that will keep your shirt collars looking nicer for longer.

The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar, from $5.93

"No $6 has had a more positive impact on my effort to preserve my clothing than the $6 I spent on this bar by The Laundress. I learned about this product from Senior Editor Ellen Hoffman and I can honestly say it's the best thing I've done for my dress shirts. 1 bar has lasted me well over a year, and I just need to wet my shirt collar and rub the bar back and forth a few times before washing. It gets rid of all of the grime and oil from my collars. I was able to rehab shirts that were ready to go to charity or become rags." — Breton Fischetti

A fish spatula that's thin enough to dislodge but not disrupt food.

New Star Foodservice Wood Handle Fish Spatula, $6.97

"I have always and will always swear by fish spatulas — they're the only kind you need, and the one I love most costs $7 on Amazon. Thin enough to dislodge but not disrupt crispy crust, strong enough to lift heavy food, and lithe enough to get under a warm chocolate chip cookie without smushing it ... fish spatulas are perfect in every way." — Sally Kaplan

A milk frother for homemade treats.

MatchaDNA Handheld Electric Milk Frother, $7.91

"This thing is the BOMB. So easy to use and clean, and to spice up my weekend coffees/matcha drinks at home, allowing me to live my best bougie life." — Kirstie Jiongco

A weekly planner that's desk-friendly and doesn't have dates, so it lasts longer than the calendar year.

Weekly Planners Keyboard Pad, $8.85

"I'm very Type A, so I live my life according to the lists I write for myself. I decided I needed a weekly planner pad to set on my desk so that I could better plan out my week, and after much searching, I found this one by Hashi. It has the perfect amount of space for writing, cute designs on the pages, and it's not dated, so it can last beyond the calendar year." — Malarie Gokey

A mini fan that fits inside a purse.

Kingrunning Mini Handheld Fan, $14.99

"I got this one over the summer. It's small and easily portable in a purse. It's pretty nice to have it while waiting in hot subways or when there's no wind. Though it's not super powerful, it works well. The mint color is also nice, but can get dirty since the material is pretty soft." —Tiffany Chang

An easy and inexpensive way to make matcha lattes at home.

Japanese 80 Prong Matcha Tea Ceremony Bamboo Whisk Chasen Brush with Stand Shaper, $27.85

Similar pick: BambooWorx Japanese Tea Set, Matcha Whisk (Chasen), Traditional Scoop (Chashaku), Tea Spoon, $12.99 [pictured]

"With some hot water and matcha powder, this nifty little bamboo whisk saves me from those annoyingly trendy and overpriced $5 matcha lattes." — Kirstie Jiongco

Fun colorful handles for your cast iron cookware.

Lodge Silicone Hot Handle Holder, $6.69

I love my cast iron Lodge pans, but sometimes you need to grip the handle while it's hot, and you obviously can't when it's hundreds of degrees — so I bought a few bright silicone hot handle holders for all my cast iron cookware. Now my hands are safe, and my black skillets have fun colorful handles. — Malarie Gokey

A perfectly crafted spatula.

GIR Silicone Spatula, $12.95

"This is the kitchen hero product of many Insider Picks writers for good reason. It's the result of a Kickstarter campaign aimed at making the lone, perfect silicone spatula. Among other upgrades like a fiberglass core that keeps the handle cool, its most important feature is that it's made from a single piece of non-toxic, BPA-free silicone that prevents the top from becoming dislodged or hiding any unhygienic bits of food and ingredients." — Mara Leighton

A pair of $13 earbuds that sound like they'd cost way more.

Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbuds Headphones with Mic and Controller, $12.81

"These Panasonic earbuds were easily the best $12.99 [price at the time] I ever spent on Amazon. The sound quality is fantastic and they're incredibly comfortable. I'm not someone who would ever spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of over-the-ear headphones, so these are exactly right for me." — Andrew Meola

A little 'Tub Shroom' that catches your hair before it clogs the drain.

Tub Shroom Hair Catcher, $12.95

"Between her curly red hair and my long brown hair, my roommate and I shed a lot. Our tub doesn't have a drain catch and after a particularly effortful session with a plastic drain cleaner, I decided it was finally time to try this viral hair catcher out. This small silicone tool fits into most standard tub drains and collects all the hair before it washes down and clogs your drain. Take it out, remove the hair with a piece of toilet paper, and it's ready for the next shower."  — Connie Chen 

A mini waffle-maker that gets the job done and takes up minimal countertop space.

Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $13.99[currently only available from third-party sellers]

"This teeny tiny waffle maker is small but mighty. For those rare instances when I'm craving a waffle or two, this very small appliance easily gets the job done and stays out of the way when it's stored. It's very easy to use and clean; just plug in and wait for the light, add your batter and close the iron. To clean, wait for the iron to cool down, then wipe with a damp cloth and you're done." — Melanie Winer 

A smart home camera at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay.

Wyze Cam 1080p HD Indoor Wireless Smart Home Camera with Night Vision and 2-Way Audio, $25.99

"I was completely surprised at how advanced this camera was given the very affordable price. Set-up was so easy, and the camera does everything the expensive models do, and possibly even better. Highly recommend." — Melanie Winer

A pack of inexpensive toy mice to keep your cat entertained.

Hartz Just for Cats Kitty Frenzy Cat Toy, $6.06

"This $6 pack of toy mice is cheap, but it manages to keep my cat entertained for days on end ... until she manages to trap all of the mice under the couch and I have to rescue them." — Ellen Hoffman

A sound machine to replace the sounds of the city at night with nature or white noise.

HoMedics White Noise Machine with 6 Nature Sounds and Timer, $21.86

"I use this white noise machine while sleeping at night to blur out the street sounds of this noisy city. It's also really easy to travel with. Whether you want to blur out the crickets, car horns, loud neighbors, or just need some white noise, it's a must-have for the bedside table." — Chris Roth

A really thin wallet for just the essentials.

Slim Wallet RFID Front Pocket Minimalist Wallet, $8.99

"I use this slim RFID wallet every day. It's thin but sturdy and holds everything I need." — Navah Maynard

An incredibly bright front- and rear-facing bike light with different brightness levels and flash patterns.

Blitzu Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set, $15.97

The best thing I bought was this front- and rear-facing light set for my bike. There are a ton of these on Amazon for a wide range of prices, so it can be hard to choose one. The Blitzu Gator is incredibly bright, offers a few brightness levels and flash patterns (plus steady light), and charges quickly. It detaches from its' mount easily so you can take it with you when you lock your bike up somewhere. The rear-facing light is tiny but surprisingly bright. — David Slotnick

No-slip gel gripped socks.

PEDS Women's Cushion No-Show Sport Cut Liner (6-Pack), $13.46-$27.39

"These PEDS socks are the only ones I use, and I wear sneakers almost every day. The no-slip gel grips on the heel keep them from falling off and bunching up." — Sally Kaplan

Reusable stainless steel straws.

Stainless Steel Straws (8-Pack: 4 Straight, 4 Bent) with Cleaner, $5.99

"Sometimes it's fun to have a straw with something, and sometimes it's just practical. I bought these to use in smoothies specifically so I could cut down on the massive amount of waste we all create by using disposable straws (something that even inspired a campaign by the National Parks Service). Once you've made the change, it's not even noticeable in your daily life, and it makes a big difference in the grand scheme of things for the environment. Plus, they come with their own cleaner, so you never have to worry about not being able to properly sanitize them." — Mara Leighton

A water bottle with a time marker that helps keep you keep track of how much water you're drinking.

Cactaki 32oz BPA-Free Water Bottle with Time Marker, $19.99

"I get asked about this water bottle all of the time. I use it at the office, at the gym, and at home. It helps keep me honest about how much water I'm drinking and it's helped me stay more hydrated because of the time marker. I also love the spout, the attached wrist strap, the closure on the bottle (this thing will not leak) and the opacity of the bottle. One of the best purchases I've made in a while." — Melanie Winer

Note: Currently unavailable

A cute one-piece swimsuit.

Dilinte One-Piece Floral Print Bathing Suit, $13.37-$25.99

"I bought this when I needed something slightly more modest than a bikini for a trip abroad. This one is cute, "trendy," fits well, and — best of all — is comfortable! Amazon for retail — they're truly taking over the world." — Kirstie Jiongco

An inexpensive face mask pack that's more expensive at other retailers.

Too Cool For School Egg Cream Pore Tightening Mask Pack (5 Masks), $14.99

"I buy all my sheet masks as 5-packs on Amazon. This pack from Too Cool for School is $16 on Amazon, while the sheet masks go for $6 apiece at Ulta (and a set for $24). You do the math." — Ellen Hoffman

Editor's note: Currently unavailable at Amazon, but available at Ulta

A PopSocket to make gripping a large iPhone less strenuous on your fingers.

PopSockets: Collapsible Grip & Stand for Phones and Tablets, $9.99

When I got my iPhone X, I also picked up a PopSocket grip to make it easier to hold my phone without straining my fingers. I love it because it's practical, keeps my phone secure, and lets me express my crazy cat lady side. — Malarie Gokey

Editor's note: They come in a variety of colors and designs.

A salt lamp that gives off a nice, warm glow.

A perfectly sized memory card case.

Reusable K-cups for your Keurig or to use as impromptu tea balls for loose-leaf tea.

Reusable K-Cup with Freedom Clip for Keurig 1.0 Machines, (4-Pack), $8.95

"I recently got a Keurig for the sake of convenience, but I knew I didn't want to use wasteful plastic pods with it, so I got these reusable ones instead. They work great for their intended use, but I also figured out that they make excellent tea balls for brewing loose-leaf cups." — Sally Kaplan

A super effective foot mask to give you smoother feet.

Soft Touch Foot Peel Mask, Exfoliating Callus Remover (2 Pairs Per Box), $17.95

"This foot mask is the best/worst thing I've ever bought for under$25 on Amazon. My feet are so soft and smooth now, but my team did have to listen to me complain about my feet peeling for two weeks." — Maureen Lamping

The savvy (and very cost-effective) way to shop for home goods that are more expensive in your local store and more cumbersome to bring home.

Angel Soft 2 Ply Toilet Paper, 60 Double Bath Tissue (Pack of 4 with 12 rolls each), $28. 45

"On the note of price and convenience, buying toilet paper on Amazon is a great hack for city living." — Navah Maynard

A large Brita filter that always has excess water left after pouring a glass.

Brita Large 18-Cup UltraMax Water Dispenser and Filter, $31.88

"Many of us have filtered water pitchers in our fridges, but if you're anything like me, yours is probably still a holdover from your college days. There's nothing wrong with that, but I upgraded to a larger, more efficient model and haven't looked back. Not only am I refilling this container less often, but it's also encouraging me to drink more water since there's always some left." — Brandt Ranj

A slim wastebasket that fits almost anywhere, but also fits a lot of garbage.

Umbra Skinny Trash Can, 2-Gallon Capacity, from $4.99

"Love this slim garbage can that fits into narrow spaces, but still holds a lot." — Navah Maynard

Phone cases that look good but cost a lot less than the price set by your phone care provider in-store.

Caseology Savoy Series iPhone 7/8 Cover Case, available in five colors, $12.99

"When you go to phone stores, covers are so expensive. I always order mine on Amazon, they are inexpensive, cute, and durable!" — Chelsey Hoffman

Fun, decorative wall decals (and a lot of them).

Silver Wall Decal Dots (200 Decals), Easy Peel & Stick, $14.99

"These decals are super fun and make it really easy to get creative with your walls." — Navah Maynard

An unobtrusive and effective way to add shoe storage to any closet.

• If the holidays are the season for giving, then stocking stuffers are the affordable, easy-to-buy gifts you can give to everyone in your life, from your neighbors to your distant cousin twice removed. 
• Even if your gift costs $10 or less, it can still be useful, thoughtful, and unique. 
• Check out all of our holiday gift guides for 2019.

Not everyone in your life, like your friendly neighborhood mailman or the kid cousins you only see once a year, is going to receive a fancy gift from you during the holidays. However, it's always a nice gesture to give them a small token of love and appreciation and show that you're thinking of them. 

Before you tackle the big-ticket gift purchases on your list for your mom, dad, or significant other, it's easier to start small with the stocking stuffers you can buy by the armful. Under $10 is just about as affordable as you can get with gifts, but this low price point doesn't mean your stocking stuffers can't still be useful, thoughtful, and unique. 

These 28 affordable stocking stuffers, from handy tech accessories to personal-care staples, are far from throwaways.

SEE ALSO: All of Insider Picks' holiday gift ideas, in one place

Cable clips that keep all your cables organized

Shintop 6-Piece Cable Clips Set, $5.69, available at Amazon

These handy adhesive clips prevent cables from slipping around the table and control any cords that run along the wall. 

A stylish and reusable shopping bag

Baby Baggu, $10, available at Baggu

The mini version of Baggu's original best-selling bag is the perfect size for grocery store pick-me-ups or their daily lunch. 

A pair of colorful socks

Clouds Sock, $8.40, available at Happy Socks

To meet the free shipping minimum, pick up a few different styles, or check out the themed gift box sets to impress the sock aficionado in your life.

A funny laptop sticker

Pug Yoga Sticker by Huebucket, $2.99 to $9.99, available at Society6

Find thousands of unique laptop sticker designs, from inspirational phrases to quirky illustrations, at art site Society6. 

Surprisingly high-performing earbuds that tens of thousands of reviewers love

Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbuds RP-TCM120-K, $9.52, available at Amazon

Panasonic proves you really don't have to spend a lot on a solid pair of earbuds. The comfortable feel and balanced audio make them a great everyday model. 

Reusable stainless steel straws

RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Bent Drink Straws, 4-Count, $9.93, available at Amazon

Gift reusable metal straws so your friends and loved ones have little excuse not to reduce their plastic waste. 

A long lightning cable

Anker Powerline 6-Foot Lightning Cable, $9.99, available at Amazon

Admittedly, they're not the most glamorous stocking stuffer, but you can't deny their usefulness. The long length is convenient and the cable delivers maximum charging speed to their device. 

A hydrating lip balm

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, $8, available at Sephora 

Relieve winter-chapped lips with a best-selling lip balm filled with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and green tea extract. 

A small, beautiful candle

Japonica Santiago Huckleberry Petite Decorative Tin Candle, $10, available at Nordstrom 

Featuring notes of huckleberry, vanilla and crushed sugar cane, this candle brings the scents of a garden indoors and has an impressive 25-hour burn time. 

A mini Rubik's cube

World's Smallest Rubik's Cube, $8, available at Urban Outfitters

Help them exercise their brain by solving the iconic puzzle with this tiny Rubik's cube that fits right in their pocket. 

Cute hair ties

Invisibobble Power Hair Ring, $7.89, available at Target

Hair ties that don't strain your head or leave marks aren't easy to find, which is why your recipient won't be able to thank you enough for this simple hair accessory. 

A soothing face mask

Sephora Collection Face Mask, $6, available at Sephora

Sephora's special "bio-fiber" masks hug facial contours more closely so their skin will enjoy the full benefits of the ingredients. Choose from masks like Rose (moisturizing, brightening) and Pineapple (pore-refining). 

Funky faux leather stickers

Icon Stickers, $5, available at Mark & Graham

These small and playful stickers insert personality onto any laptop, phone case, water bottle, or suitcase. 

An affordable phone accessory that really lives up to the hype

PopSockets Grip, $9.97, available at Amazon

We know — PopSockets Grips are everywhere. But there's a reason why even naysayers have been convinced. They offer a strong grip on your phone, double as a stand, and come in many different colors and prints. 

A pack of double-ended colored pencils

Yoobi Double-Ended Colored Pencil 12-Pack, $3.99, available at Target

For only $4, they get 24 colors to exercise their creativity. These pencils save space and color smoothly. 

A nice bottle opener

Marble + Copper Bottle Opener, $9.99, available at West Elm

The beautiful handcrafted bar accessory is made from a cool pairing of materials, marble and copper. 

A personal mini fan

Haptime Portable Personal Mini Fan, $9.99, available at Amazon

This tiny fan comes in handy during all seasons. Our editor loves using it in stuffy subway stations. 

High-quality, matte prints of your favorite memories together

Everyday Print Set, from $9, available at Artifact Uprising

Physical prints are always thoughtful and appreciated. Artifact Uprising's easy-to-use photo editor helps you check off your gift list in no time. 

Indulgent gourmet caramels covered in dark chocolate

Sugarfina Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, $7.50, available at Bloomingdale's

Rich caramel, slightly bitter dark chocolate, and a zing of sea salt balance each other out in this treat that melts in your mouth. 

A fizzy bath bomb

Bath Bomb, $4.97, available at West Elm

With this gift, they'll feel their worries dissolve as quickly as this bath bomb. The South Seas scent will take them to a coastal dream far, far away. 

A fast-charging power bank

heyday 4000 mAh Power Bank, $9.99, available at Target

This $10 power bank packs a lot of charge into a compact device, letting them fill up to a full battery around two times. 

Shoelaces made from recycled water bottles

Runner Lace Kit, $10, available at Allbirds

Be on the lookout for limited-edition colors of these popular laces. They're an easy way to make their shoes look fresh and exciting. 

A mini silicone spatula that home cooks swear by

GIR: Get It Right Premium Silicone Mini Spatula, 8 Inches, Blue, $7.95, available at Amazon

If they bake at all, GIR's well-designed spatula is a must-have tool. They'll enjoy using the mini size to dig into small bowls and jars. 

A monogrammed mug

Monogram Mug, $10, available at Anthropologie

This large, personalized mug looks best when filled with steaming hot cocoa or tea. 

Gel nail polish

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, $9.82, available at Amazon

Essie's nail polishes boast rich color and long wear, so they can recreate the salon experience right at home. 

Hot chocolate mix, complete with marshmallows

Mason Jar Cocoa Mix, $7.99, available at Etsy

These hand-crafted mason jar mixes have hot cocoa, dry milk, marshmallow, peppermint, and chocolate chips for a cozy, indulgent night in. 

Cute lid lifts that allow steam to escape so their pots won't boil over

Tovolo Farm Animal Pot Lid Lifts, three for $7, available at Amazon

Add a little personality to their kitchen with these heat-resistant silicone lid lifts. They're also available in sheep and smiley-face varieties. 

A simple leather bookmark

Bookmark, $7, available at Leatherology

They'll never guess that these handsome full-grain leather bookmarks cost less than $10. The bookmark looks nice and is much more sturdy than its paper counterpart. 

• The North Face's Denali fleece has been around for more than 30 years, but the most iconic version, the '95 Denali Jacket, was just re-released in original form with a few notable updates.
• The new '95 Retro Denali Jacket is made with 100% recycled fleece and features an updated adjustable hem. Priced at $199 for the men's and women's versions, The North Face '95 Retro Denali Jacket is a solid outerwear option for this fall and winter. 
• I compared it to my brother's original Denali from 1995 to see just how it stacked up to the mid-'90s icon, and the '95 Retro Denali Jacket turned out to be better than the original. Read on to find out why.

The North Face is one of, if not the first brands to come to mind when many people think of fleece jackets, and it's all thanks to Denali Jacket. While the immensely popular fleece has become the go-to cold-weather layer for people of all ages from all walks of life, its origins are very much rooted in high performance.

Originally released in 1988 as a zip-in fleece to The North Face's Mountain and Mountain Light jackets, the Denali Jacket completely revolutionized the technical fleece and promptly received a stamp of approval by legendary free climbers like Todd Skinner and Paul Piana, who both wore it on their first free ascent of the Salathé Wall in Yosemite.

While the Denali never left The North Face's catalog, it has morphed a great deal over its 31-year existence. But now The North Face is bringing what I, and many true fans of the brand, believe to be the best version of its iconic fleece: the '95 Denali Jacket.

For this year's re-release, The North Face made the '95 Retro Denali Jacket using 100% recycled fleece. My twin brother Asim owns an original Denali Jacket from 1995, so we decided to find out how the new, more sustainable version stacks up to the mid-'90s icon.

First, what makes the '95 Denali Fleece Jacket special?

If you've ever owned a fleece from The North Face, chances are it was some version of the Denali. However, the 1995 version is special because of its boxy silhouette, unmistakable color-blocking, zippered chest, and hand-warmer pockets, and most importantly, the ventilated armpit zips.

Regardless of your activity, it can be easy to overheat in a fleece jacket, so the armpit zips allow you to actively cool down without taking the jacket off. This is a great feature that the newer Denali and Denali 2 jackets don't have, so for that reason alone, the '95 Denali Jacket is more appealing.

Retro vs. original: a side-by-side comparison

As someone who collects vintage items, I can easily spot the differences between originals and their remakes. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a brand re-releases an item they claim is true to its original form and it turns out to be an inferior version. The '95 Retro Denali Jacket does not disappoint, however. Although it's not an exact replica of the original, all of the key elements are still there (the color-blocking, zippered pocks, and armpit ventilation system), and the very subtle changes that were made are for the better.

My first impression was that the new recycled fleece is much softer than the original. Both jackets are a size small, but the new one fits very slightly larger. My brother isn't the original owner of the original '95 Denali, so it's probably been washed and dried a fair amount of times in its 24 years of existence, which I'm certain is the reason for the slightly shrunken fit.

In a side-by-side comparison, they are impressively close. In fact, when my brother and I looked through the photo set, we had a hard time differentiating the two. The clearest giveaway is that the new '95 Retro Denali Jacket is a bit more vibrant in color. After all, it's brand new, and we're comparing it to a piece that's more than 20 years old. 

The most notable difference in design can be found at the hem of the garment. The original features a stretch-binding hem, while the new '95 Retro Denali Jacket features an adjustable bungee cinch hem. While it does differ from the original, this change should be welcomed. It's a solid upgrade that's useful if you need to adjust the hem for a looser, more relaxed fit or if you need to tighten it up to block out wind and snow.

The bottom line

The '95 Retro Denali for $199 is one of the best apparel items you can buy this fall or winter. It's only $20 more than the modern Denali and Denali 2 jackets but has a more versatile design and an iconic style.

Asim's original '95 Denali Jacket is in excellent condition considering its age, and there are no signs that this will change anytime soon. However, finding an original jacket from 1995 or earlier on the resale market is pretty difficult, so save yourself the headache and get this new iteration instead.

The North Face offers a lifetime warranty on its products because they stand behind their superior craftsmanship. I can name a handful of brands that have recently done away with their lifetime warranties, but there's a reason why The North Face hasn't. Based on how well Asim's original '95 Denali has held up over the years, I don't doubt that I'll still be able to wear the '95 Retro Denali Jacket in the year 2045 and beyond.

The North Face Men's '95 Retro Denali Jacket, $199, available in six colors

The North Face Women's '95 Retro Denali Jacket, $199, available in four colors

Join the conversation about this story »

• Ivanka Trump, President Donald Trump's eldest daughter, has lived her life in the public eye.
• The 38-year-old has been a business executive, runway model, socialite, doting mother, and now key adviser in her father's White House.
• Here's a closer look at her life, career, and time in the White House.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Ivanka Trump has lived her life in the public eye.

Born to then real-estate mogul Donald Trump and model Ivana Trump, his first wife, she is now the president's oldest (and suspected favorite) daughter.

The 38-year-old has been a business executive, runway model, socialite, doting mother, and now key adviser in her father's White House.

Ivanka and her husbandJared Kushner are both senior advisers in the West Wing — although they don't take a salary— and they hold significant influence over Trump's policy initiatives.

Here's a look back at her life, career, and time in the White House.

SEE ALSO: Ivanka Trump describes her life as the daughter of a US president, running the Trump empire, and building her own brand

SEE ALSO: Inside the decade-long relationship of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who met at a networking lunch and once broke up because of religious differences

Ivana Trump was born in Manhattan on October 30, 1981. "Ivanka" is actually a nickname for her real name, which is the same as her mother's.

Sources: Business Insider, Ivanka Trump

She is the middle child of Donald's first wife, Ivana, who was born in Czechoslovakia.

Her mother and father divorced in 1992 after a very public breakup when he cheated with Marla Maples, who would become his second wife. Ivanka was 11 years old.

Ivanka has said while she loves Marla and her half-sister Tiffany, she could never really forgive her for breaking up her parents' marriage. Tabloid journalists accosted her, shouting "Is it true that Marla said that your father was the best sex she'd ever had?"

Source: GQ

She attended the exclusive all-girls Chapin School in Manhattan — of which Jackie Kennedy is an alumna — and then shipped off to boarding school at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut — where John F. Kennedy went.

Source: Politico

Taking after her mother, Ivanka started modeling as a teen.

She studied at Georgetown and the University of Pennsylvania (her father's alma mater), where she graduated in 2004 with a degree in economics.

Ivanka's memoir said she graduated summa cum laude, but HuffPost reported in 2016 that she actually graduated cum laude.

Ivanka met Jared Kushner, from a fellow real-estate mogul family who also grew up in the public eye, in 2005. The pair began dating on and off shortly after that.

An inch shy of 6 feet, she's walked the runways for Versace. Ivanka told Harper's Bazaar in 2007 that 60-year-old bankers "have nothing on a group of catty 16-year-old female models without parental supervision."

Source:Harper's Bazaar

But her true passion has always been the family business. She tagged along to board meetings and negotiations her whole life, but started officially working for her father in 2005 after graduating college.

Source: Trump Organization

Ivanka appeared on her father's hit show, "The Apprentice," joining the cast as a boardroom judge from its sixth season to its final episode with the Trumps at the helm in 2015.

Source: IMDB

Ivanka inherited her father's dealmaking skills. She was the lead negotiator on the Trump National Doral Miami, a $1 billion property that she scooped up for $150 million.

Source: Business Insider

In 2009, she published, "The Trump Card," an inspirational how-to get ahead in business book based on her experiences. It was a New York Times bestseller. Her second book, "Women Who Work," is coming out May 2, 2017.

Sources: Amazon, Amazon

Ivanka married Kushner on October 25, 2009. She converted to Orthodox Judaism for him, and the couple keep kosher and observe the Sabbath, shutting off their electronics to spend time with family.

Source: The New Yorker

In addition to helping run the Trump Organization, Ivanka launched a jewelry collection in 2007, and created her own fashion and lifestyle brand, The Ivanka Trump Collection, shortly thereafter.

Sources: Harper's Bazaar, Ivanka Trump, New York Times

Ivanka is an early riser, usually beginning work by 6:30 a.m. People describe her as friendly, polished, eloquent, capable, and even a bit intimidating. She admits she has "a big ego," like her father.

Sources: Harper's Bazaar, GQ, The New Yorker

Previously an avid Manhattan socialite, she lent her name recognition to various charitable causes, including the New York City Police Foundation and Cookies for Kids' Cancer, shown here.

Her and her brothers Eric and Donald Jr. — all Trump's kids from his first wife — held the title of executive vice presidents of development and acquisition at the Trump Organization, with offices side-by-side-by-side in Trump Tower.

Source: Trump Organization

She has always been extremely close with her father. When Ivanka was little, he used to brag to high-powered executives about how smart she was. And he never ignores her phone calls.

Sources: Harper's Bazaar, GQ

Receiving numerous accolades for her business acumen over the years, the World Economic Forum named Ivanka a Young Global Leader, and she was 33rd on Fortune magazine's '40 Under 40' list in 2014.

Source: Ivanka Trump

On March 27, 2016, Ivanka and Jared welcomed baby Theo, their third child after Arabella and Joseph.

Source: Ivanka Trump

"The most important job any woman can have is being a mother, and it shouldn't mean taking a pay cut," she controversially proclaimed in a political ad for her father.

Sources: YouTube, Washington Post, Refinery 29

After her father clinched the party's presidential nomination, Ivanka delivered a keynote address at the Republican National Convention, highlighting her father's record of supporting women and minorities within his company.

Source: Business Insider

She was her father's constant foil on the campaign trail. After a lewd 2005 tape of Trump making crude sexual remarks about women, Ivanka said his comments were "clearly inappropriate and offensive," and that she was glad he apologized for them.

Sources: Business Insider, Fast Company

Her support for her father has never wavered. "Thank you, America, for the trust that you placed in my father," Ivanka said on election night after he won. "He will never let you down!"

Source: Ivanka Trump

And she is clearly her father's favorite child. "Daddy’s little girl!" he's called her.

Sources: The New Yorker, Bravo, ABC News

After the election, Ivanka and Jared moved to D.C., and both relinquished control of their many business ventures. She stepped down from her fashion line and the Trump Organization, leaving the company in her brothers' hands.

Source: Business Insider

But her father's many critics have jeopardized Ivanka's brands. Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Gilt, and Burlington all dropped her fashion line in early 2017 following customer protests and weak sales.

Source: Business Insider

By July 2018, Ivanka announced she was shutting down her fashion company. "I do not know when or if I will ever return to the business, but I do know that my focus for the foreseeable future will be the work I am doing here in Washington," she said in a statement.

Source: Business Insider

One of her father's closest confidantes, Ivanka has sat in on many of his meetings with business and world leaders — just like she did as a kid.

But sometimes critics think she's gone too far, like when she briefly took her dad's seat at the G20 Summit in Germany in July 2018.

Source: Business Insider

She has represented the US on multiple occasions, attending the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Source: Business Insider

She and Jared also opened the new US embassy in Israel that her father moved to Jerusalem. That day, 40,000 Palestinians protested the opening at the Gaza border. At least 58 Palestinians died and more than 2,700 were wounded, many from Israeli forces.

Source: BusinessInsider

Protesting Trump's controversial "zero tolerance" immigration policy and family separations at the US border, celebrities called on the first daughter in a "Dear Ivanka" campaign that went viral.

Source: INSIDER 

After Trump ended the family separations, Ivanka later said they were a "low point" in her time in the White House. "I am very vehemently against family separation and the separation of parents and children," she said in August 2018.

Source: Business Insider

Ivanka has made supporting children and families her key issues, pushing for a child tax credit and paid family leave.

Source: BusinessInsider

She has broken with her father two notable times since he took office — once when she defended the press, saying she didn't think the media, or the "fake news" as her dad likes to say, were the "enemy of the people."

Source: Business Insider

Ivanka also denounced disgraced former Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore before her father withdrew his endorsement, saying "There's a special place in hell for people who prey on children."

Source: Business Insider

But she always defends her father, like when a reporter asked if she believed the women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct. "I think it's a pretty inappropriate question to ask a daughter if she believes the accusers of her father when he's affirmatively stated there's no truth to it," Ivanka said in February 2018.

Source: Business Insider

Read more:The 24 women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct

Trump even floated the idea of making her his new US ambassador to the UN, saying she "would be dynamite," but said he could "already hear the chants of nepotism!"

Source: Business Insider

Ivanka found herself in hot water when the Washington Post reported in November 2018 that she conducted government business using a private email account, in violation of federal records rules.

Source: Washington Post

Many saw Ivanka's use of a private email to be hypocritical, after her father called for his former Democratic presidential opponent Hillary Clinton to be "locked up" over her use of a non-government email while serving as secretary of state.

Source: Washington Post

A spokesperson for Ivanka's ethics counsel told the Post that Ivanka was unaware that using a private email for government business violated records rules, and emphasized that she never discussed classified information on her private email.

Source: Washington Post

Ivanka again raised eyebrows at the 2019 G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, when she took on the role of a diplomat, attending official meetings alongside her father, and even delivered an official readout from Trump's meetings with the leaders of Japan and India.

Sources: The White House, Business Insider

In a cringeworthy moment that went viral, Ivanka also unsuccessfully tried to get involved in a conversation with French president Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Teresa May, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, and IMF leader Christine Lagarde.

Source: Business Insider

The moment was mocked online, with Twitter users editing Ivanka's photo into other historical scenes, and multiple members of Congress calling out her presence at the summit as evidence of nepotism in the administration.

Source: Business Insider

Ivanka's trusted voice is likely to shape her father's presidency for years to come. She's lived her whole life in the spotlight — why stop now?

Read more:

People are editing Ivanka Trump into historic scenes with '#UnwantedIvanka' after her awkward G20 conversation with world leaders

'Painful to watch': The French government released a video of Ivanka Trump having an awkward chat with world leaders

Ivanka Trump urged countries to do more on women's rights at G20, despite administration's contradictory record

Ivanka Trump made nearly $4 million from the President's DC hotel last year

• Beauty subscription boxes are nothing new, but as an affordable way to try new skincare and makeup products, they're super popular.
• Sephora recently launched PLAY!, their take on the monthly beauty box. It costs just $10 a month and includes six trial-sized samples as well as other perks for Sephora shoppers.
• After trying the box, I think it's worth the money, especially if you're someone who shops at Sephora often or needs some direction when it comes to buying beauty products. 

Every time I walk into Sephora, I'm met with a slew of new products I have never seen before and am thus tempted to buy. But, after enough shopping trips that ended with a cart full of products that either irritated or didn't match my skin, I've learned going for the full size bottle right off the bat isn't always the best option.

PLAY! by Sephora is a fun and affordable subscription box that lets you try samples of six new beauty products each month to help you avoid these pitfalls. 

For just $10, you'll get up to $65 worth of hair-care, beauty, and skin-care samples from some of Sephora's most coveted brands. And, these aren't those mini samples you can get at Sephora for free, they're trial-sized and come in nice, sturdy packaging— just like mini versions of the real deal. 

Here's how PLAY! works:

1. Subscribe: Sign up for your PLAY! by Sephora subscription. Customize your profile to get samples best fit to your preferences. 

2. Try: Play around with all of your new samples. As a subscriber, you'll also get access to premium content such as beauty tutorials and tons of makeup tips— just join the PLAY! community to check it all out. 

3. Buy: If you find something you love in your box, you can buy it in a regular size at Sephora. Each PLAY! box comes with a pass for 50 extra Beauty Insider points. Once you redeem that, you can put it towards even more trial-sized samples, so you can try even more products for less.

What's inside?

Considering that a monthly box is only $10, PLAY! feels like a steal. Here's what you get each month:

• Six deluxe skin-care, hair-care, and beauty samples from cult-favorite brands like Makeup Forever, Tarte, Too Faced, Peter Thomas Roth, and more. You fill out a profile when you subscribe so Sephora can curate a collection each month that's best for your needs. You can always switch up your profile if you're not loving your picks. 
• A cute little makeup bag. It's reusable and recyclable, perfect for toting around small toiletries for your next trip. 
• A PLAY! Book that outlines the products you're getting as well as some tips and tricks on how to best use them all.
• A PLAY! Pass that you can redeem in-store for 50 Beauty Insider points. If you shop at Sephora often, you know this is pretty valuable in itself. If you're not a beauty insider, but you're considering getting this box, definitely sign up; it'll be well worth the perks and comes at no extra cost to you. 

Who is PLAY! best for?

If you're someone who loves discovering new products, PLAY! is a fun way to do so, and with little effort on your part. There's no need to spend hours searching for cool new beauty launches and trends online when you have a box that's curated to do just that. Personally, I actually like doing research on products before I buy them (it's no wonder that I'm writing this), so while a box like this is a fun idea for certain people, it's not something that I'll likely keep in my own budget for much longer.

That said, there are many other people who will love a sample box like this. If you're someone who is new to the skin-care and beauty world, this box is an easy and affordable way to dive right in. If you want to dabble in luxury beauty brands at a much more affordable price, this is a great way way to do it. And, of course, if you're a Sephora regular, you can definitely benefit from the Beauty Insider points included in the box each month. 

If you don't think Sephora's beauty subscription box is right for you, there are plenty more you can check out, like FabFitFun and Birchbox. But, if you have $10 to spare and want to give it a try, PLAY! will definitely help you find some cool, new beauty products to add to your rotation. 

Sign up for a PLAY! by Sephora box for $10 a month 

Join the conversation about this story »

We rounded up the nine best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on TRX suspension trainers, online courses at GoSkills, UGG shoes and accessories at Nordstrom Rack, OtterBox smartphone cases, and more. 

Deals in this story are subject to change throughout the day. The prices listed reflect the deal at the time of publication. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

• Save 25% on everything at TRX
• Save 20% on all online courses at GoSkills
• Save up to 59% on UGG at Nordstrom Rack
• Save 10% sitewide at OtterBox
• Save up to 50% on outdoor gear and apparel at REI

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

DON'T MISS: I got my teeth straightened through an online service called Candid for under $2,000 — here’s how it works

1. Save 25% on everything at TRX

Shop the TRX sale now.

Going to the gym for a workout isn't always possible. Whether you're trying to save money on a gym membership or you're strapped for time during the day, TRX systems offer a solution for effective training sessions at home or on the go. Right now, you can save 25% sitewide plus get free shipping. With everything from pull-up and dip trainers to kettlebells and apparel, you'll find something for all of your workout needs.

2. Save 20% on all online courses at GoSkills

Shop the GoSkills sale now. 

This Halloween, GoSkills is having a huge sale on online courses. Right now, you can get 20% off courses with the promo code "SPOOKYSAVINGS" at checkout. Whether you're looking for simple courses like Microsoft Office or something more advanced like finance or business writing, you'll find it here.

3. Save up to 59% on UGG at Nordstrom Rack

Shop the UGG sale at Nordstrom Rack now. 

Nordstrom Rack is having a sale on a great selection of UGG Australia products. The sale includes slippers, gloves, jackets, and more marked down up to 59% off. If you're in need of warm shoes and accessories this fall and winter, you'll want to check out this sale. 

4. Save 10% sitewide at OtterBox

Shop the OtterBox sale now. 

With recent releases of devices from Apple, Google, and Samsung, smartphone accessories are on many people's radar — and OtterBox is a great place to find styles and durable cases. Right now, you can save 10% on everything on the site automatically. In addition to the durable smartphone cases that OtterBox is so well known for, the brand also sells coolers, duffle bags, drinkware, and other outdoor accessories. 

5. Save up to 50% on outdoor gear and apparel at REI

Shop the REI Garage sale now. 

REI is the one-stop shop for all outdoor camping and hiking gear, and right now is the best time to save big. While great deals can be found across the entire site, the REI Outlet section is known for the biggest discounts. Now through November 4, you can save 50% or more on handpicked items at REI Outlet. The sale includes everything from outerwear and footwear to backpacks and sleeping bags. 

6. Get $750 worth of travel points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from our partner The Points Guy.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option if you're new to earning points and miles, as it has a reasonable $95 annual fee. You'll earn 2 points per dollar on all travel and dining purchases and 1 point on everything else, and the card includes some valuable benefits like trip delay coverage and primary car rental insurance.

You can earn 60,000 Chase points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. That's worth at least $750 toward travel. Read our review to learn more about the card's benefits.

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

7. Save up to $275 on a Bear mattress, plus two free pillows

Shop the Bear Mattress sale now. 

Named the best mattress for hot sleepers in our buying guide, Bear Mattresses are designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night. Additionally, the mattresses feature Celliant, a material that converts heat from the body into far infrared — a type of energy that's been proven to help rebuild cells. The technology can help you wake up feeling well-rested and free of aches and pains, plus you won't break a sweat in your sleep. Right now, you can save $175 on orders of $1,075 with the promo code "SAVE175" and $275 on orders of $1,075 with the promo code "SAVE275" at checkout. You'll also receive two free pillows.

8. Save 15% on all orders at Framebridge as a new customer

Shop the Framebridge sale now.

In addition to offering customizable framing options for your prints and original paintings, Framebridge will turn your favorite digital images and smartphone pictures into beautifully framed artwork that's suitable for display. Simply pick a frame, upload your image, and Framebridge will ship it to you ready to be hung and shown off. Right now, new customers can save 15% sitewide by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER15" at checkout. 

9. Save $200 on Sennheiser PXC-550 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones at Daily Steals

Sennheiser PXC-550 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, $199.99 (Originally $399.99) [You save $200]

As one of the lightest pairs of headphones in the industry, the Sennheiser PXC-550 headphones are perfect for wearing during long listening sessions and while traveling. They feature Bluetooth connectivity, a touch-sensitive trackpad, and adaptive noise-canceling. Right now, they're $190 off on deal site Daily Steals, but you can save an extra $10 by using the Business Insider-exclusive promo code "BISPXC" at checkout. 

• It's easy to use WhatsApp on your iPhone to communicate with people around the world through messages, calls, or video chats. 
• You can also use WhatsApp to start group chats with up to 256 people, or set status updates that all of your contacts can see. 
• WhatsApp is free and supported on most devices with an internet connection, making it one of the easiest and most popular ways to stay in touch with people, regardless of location or technology. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

WhatsApp, one of the most popular free messaging apps on the planet, allows its users to text and video chat with anyone in the world with an internet connection and phone number. 

It is especially popular among friends and family who live in different countries and want to keep in touch, and can be downloaded on most any device, including your iPhone. 

But it's more than just a basic messaging app. You can take and send photos and videos, post status updates, and create groups, all with end-to-end encryption for additional privacy.   

Here's how to use it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to use WhatsApp on an iPhone

Download WhatsApp in the App Store

1. Launch the App Store from your iPhone's home screen. 

2. At the bottom of the screen, tap Search. 

3. Enter "WhatsApp" in the text box. 

4. Tap the download icon to the right (If you've downloaded WhatsApp before, click the cloud icon. If you've never downloaded WhatsApp, click the box that says "Get"). 

5. Once downloaded, tap "Open."

Set up WhatsApp on your iPhone

1. Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone. 

2. After reading the privacy policy and terms of service, tap "Agree & Continue" to begin setting up your WhatsApp account. 

3. A pop-up message will ask if you want to receive notifications from WhatsApp. Tap "Allow" or "Don't Allow" — you can always go back and change notifications in Settings. 

4. Next, type in the country code and phone number you use on your iPhone. Then select "Done" in the upper right-hand corner. 

5. After a few seconds of data retrieval, WhatsApp will ask you to enter your name and add a profile photo. After you do so, select "Done." 

6. Another pop-up will ask if WhatsApp can access your contacts. This will allow you to upload your iPhone's contacts to the app and let you see what friends and family are already using the app. 

After you've connected your contacts, you can start chatting. 

Start a text chat on WhatsApp

1. Launch WhatsApp. 

2. Select the Chats icon on the menu at the bottom of the screen. 

3. At the top right, select the new chat icon. 

4. Select a contact from the list by searching, or start a new group by tapping "New Group" then add users. You can add up to 256 participants to a group chat. 

5. Type your message, then tap the blue arrow next to the text box. 

6. In the text chat, you also have the option to voice and video call using the icons at the top of the screen, next to the name of the user you are chatting with. 

Make a voice or video call on WhatsApp

1. Launch WhatsApp. 

2. From the bottom menu, tap the "Calls" icon, resembling a phone. 

3. At the top right, select the new call icon. 

4. Search for a contact by entering their name into the next box, or scroll through the contacts list. 

5. Once you've found the name of the person you wish to call, select the phone or video icon to the right of the contact's name. 

Set a status on WhatsApp 

1. Launch WhatsApp. 

2. From the bottom menu, tap the "Status" icon. 

3. Here you can add to your status by tapping the photo or text icon next to "My Status."

4. Your status will be shared with your contacts for 24 hours. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Why is my iPhone slow?': 7 tips to keep your iPhone running like it's new

• How to disconnect your Instagram account from Facebook

• How to clear the Instagram cache on your iPhone to free up storage space

• How to save Instagram videos to your iPhone or Android phone

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

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.

• GLo is Best Western's new boutique hotel brand, focused on "hip" design and wellness amenities.
• The first Best Western GLo opened in Texas at the end of 2018, and seven more have opened in 2019.
• I spent a night at a Best Western GLo on a recent work trip to Lexington, Kentucky, in a $112-a-night king room.
• Rates at the Lexington GLo start at about $92 in the low season and go up to about $155.
• While I didn't find GLo's wellness amenities to be anything special, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and value I got for my money.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Best Western has branched into boutique hotels with GLo, its new "hip" hotel brand that launched at the end of 2018.

Best Western GLo hotels are all about modern design, tech-forward amenities, and wellness amenities. The first GLo opened in Desoto, Texas, in October 2018, and the brand has since expanded to Brooklyn, New York; Lexington, Kentucky; Asheville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Catoosa, Oklahoma; Hollywood, Florida; and Ottawa, Canada.

I spent a night at the 79-room Best Western GLo for the first time on a work trip to Lexington, Kentucky. My standard king room cost $112 including taxes and fees.

Here's what it was like.

SEE ALSO: I spent a night in the $18,000-a-night presidential suite at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow that was referenced in the infamous Steele dossier. Here's what it was like.

DON'T MISS: I toured one of Kentucky's most legendary horse farms, where horses live in immaculate barns, security teams sweep the grounds at night, and Secretariat is buried. Here's what it looks like.

Best Western GLo, the company's new boutique hotel brand, launched in late 2018.

The first GLo opened in Desoto, Texas, in October 2018.

On a recent work trip to Lexington, Kentucky, I spent a night at the city's 79-room Best Western GLo, which opened in January 2019 and has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor. It's about a 15-minute drive from downtown.

My first thought upon arrival was that the hotel's exterior was not particularly attractive. But the upside was it had a large parking lot with plenty of spaces available.

The lobby was colorful and brightly lit, with natural wood accents.

Right next to the reception desk was a snack area selling Gatorade, soda, juices, chips, candy, and miscellaneous toiletry items.

There was nobody else in the lobby when I arrived, so the check-in process was fast.

I took the elevator up to the third floor. I wasn't a big fan of the carpeting, which seemed dated, even though the hotel just opened earlier this year.

The wall art was bold and pop art-esque, depicting scenes of downtown Lexington and horses (Lexington is known as the "horse capital of the world).

Rather than swiping a key card, Best Wester GLo guests enter their rooms via a contactless RFID system.

I booked a standard king room for $112 including taxes and fees.

I was pleasantly surprised by the room's modern décor, with its geometric graphic wallpaper, minimalist white and gray bedding, and pops of bright blue and yellow.

It didn't look like any other Best Western I've been to.

Although it was topped with may more pillows than necessary — I took most of them off — the bed was comfortable.

It wasn't too firm or too soft, and I slept soundly. 

A flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall directly in front of the bed.

The display on the Bluetooth-enabled alarm clock on the night table was extremely bright — I had to turn it face down on the table when I went to sleep.

There was also a light-switch by the door that glowed brightly when the lights were off, which I could see being an inconvenience to people who are sensitive to light when they're sleeping.

While scrolling through TripAdvisor reviews of the hotel, I saw a few guests mention this issue — and in fact, a manager wrote that they're in the process of swapping out the light switches.

The floor in the room was wood rather than carpet, which made the room seem cleaner.

The room came with standard amenities like an iron, ironing board, and a safe.

I found the placement of the microwave to be a bit strange.

One corner of the room is occupied by a work station with a bench nook, storage drawers, and a mini-fridge.

It was nice to have a view of trees and grass while I did some work on my laptop. 

The WiFi was fast and easy to connect to, which was a huge relief. Too many hotels I stay at — even luxury hotels — seem to have spotty WiFi.

Each room comes with a Keurig coffee machine.

A mirrored sliding door separated the room for the bathroom.

The walk-in shower had an adjustable shower head and bath products in bulk.

More and more hotels are moving away from individual, single-use toiletries to be more environmentally friendly. California recently banned them throughout the state.

When I took a shower, I was happy to find the water was hot and had great pressure — there's nothing I hate more than lukewarm, low-pressure hotel showers.

I also liked that there was no shower curtain, because those gross me out in hotels.

GLo offers products from Pharmacopia, which sells natural and organic bath products from sustainable sources.

The verbena-scented bathroom, conditioner, and body wash had a pleasant, fresh scent.

Next to the hair dryer was a sign encouraging guests to reuse their towels to save water.

While I appreciated these eco-friendly touches, it didn't seem to make sense with the presence of the Keurig machine. Keurig has been criticized for its use of K-Cups, or single-use coffee pods, which can't be recycled in most places.

The bathroom was stocked with plenty of extra towels and toilet paper.

Best Western GLo hotels tout their wellness amenities. I wandered down to the first floor to get check out the Lexington GLo's 24-hour fitness center.

Source: Best Western GLo

The gym was nothing luxurious, but it had the essentials: treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, and medicine balls.

Near the gym was an indoor heated pool, which was empty when I stepped in to get a look at it.

It looked like a pretty standard hotel pool.

The GLo Lexington serves a complimentary hot breakfast, complete with waffles, eggs, ham, bagels, toast, cereal, and fresh fruit.

There was a fresh yogurt machine ...

... and a coffee bar. I wasn't too hungry, so I had coffee and Fruit Loops. Not exactly the most adventurous choice, and not a great way to gauge the quality of the food — but the coffee, at least, was fresh and hot.

For a basic budget hotel, the Best Western GLo far exceeded my expectations.

It was modern and spotlessly clean. The WiFi worked, the shower was hot and high-pressure, and the bed was comfortable.

These may seem like basic requirements, but I've paid $245 per night to stay in a Super 8 with dysfunctional WiFi, no elevator, and barely-there water pressure. 

The night before my stay at Best Western GLo, I spent a night at the Kentucky Castle, a four-star hotel with Versailles-inspired décor and rates starting at $295 a night. Although it was a luxury hotel, I had problems with basic things — like the WiFi, the hair dryer, and the phone — not working. And the only breakfast offered was a formal, sit-down meal, which I didn't have time for.

At the Best Western GLo, I had everything I needed and it all worked. Sometimes — and especially for a price of $112 — that's all you really need in a hotel. 

• Learning how to change your Apple Watch band by replacing it with a new band is any easy way to customize your device to match your style.
• You can change Apple Watch bands by sliding out the old band and installing the new one.
• Apple offers a variety of watch bands in different materials, but there are many quality third-party options as well.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Changing the band on my Apple Watch was one of the first things I did upon opening the watch. 

I have a Series 3 watch, and it came with Apple's Black Sport Band. The Medium/Large band was already attached, and I changed out the Medium/Large with the Small/Medium band that Apple also included with the watch.

Here's how you can swap out your Apple Watch band for another band: 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Watch Series 4 (From $399 at Apple)

How to change your Apple Watch band

1. Turn over your Apple Watch so that its screen faces down.

2. Find the band release buttons. There's one for the top band and one for the bottom. They are thin oval buttons at the very top and bottom of the back side of the watch.

3. Press the band release button and, as you're pressing, slide the band across in either direction to remove it.

4. Repeat with the other half of the band, if necessary.

5. Slide the new band in. It should click into place.

How to correctly fasten your Apple Watch band

1. Make sure it fits closely (but not uncomfortably) against your wrist. The watch needs to be in contact with your skin to allow the sensors to do their job and optimize watch performance.

2.Apple recommends tightening your Apple Watch during workouts (for more accurate reads and safety, presumably), and loosening the band post-workout.

3. Wear your Apple Watch the way you'd traditionally wear a watch. Apple notes that the sensors only work when the watch is worn on top of your wrist.

Which bands work with Apple Watch, and where to find them

Whether you have a 1st generation Apple Watch, the latest Series 4, or anything in between, you can use an Apple Watch band designed for any of these models — as long as it corresponds to the case size (height) of your watch.

Apple notes that bands for 38mm and 40mm are compatible and work interchangeably, and the same goes for 42mm and 44mm cases.

While Apple offers a variety of in-house bands that you can purchase from its site, you can also equip your Apple Watch with third-party bands, which can cost significantly less than Apple's bands. 

Check out the video version of this article on YouTube:

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• A beginner's guide to the Apple Watch: How to use its buttons and gestures, start workouts, and more

• 'Why does my Apple Watch keep locking?': How to stop your Apple Watch from locking when it shouldn't

• How to add app complications to your Apple Watch, and customize them for optimal use

• How to use Apple Pay on an Apple Watch

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatches you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The PS4 Pro does play 4K games, as well as 4K videos and movies, if it's connected to a 4K-compatible display.
• However, the PS4 Pro doesn't support 4K UHD Blu-rays — only regular HD and 3D Blu-rays, as well as ordinary DVDs.
• To get a true 4K experience on your PS4 Pro, every part of your setup needs to be 4K-compatible, including your HDMI cable. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

One of the most important differences between the original PS4 and the PS4 Pro is that the Pro version supports 4K video. When connected to a 4K display, a PS4 Pro can play games and stream movies at 4K UHD resolution, which is 3840 by 2160 pixels — much higher than standard HD. 

Even so, the PS4 Pro isn't a full-featured 4K player, as it can't play 4K Blu-ray discs. This was a tactical decision on Sony's part, which realized that fewer and fewer people watch movies on physical media nowadays. 

Seeing as how DVD and Blu-ray sales have dropped dramatically in the last half-decade, it's unlikely that PS4 consoles will be updated to play 4K discs. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 Pro (From $399.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung 50-inch 4K TV (From $349.99 at Best Buy)

How to play 4K content on the PS4 Pro

As long as your system is fully 4K compatible, your PS4 Pro should automatically play games and movies in 4K by default, without any setup. Here's what that involves:

• The PS4 Pro needs to be connected to a 4K television or monitor.
• The connection between the PS4 Pro and TV needs to be using a High Speed or Premium High Speed HDMI cable. A standard HDMI cable might not be able to carry the 4K signal. 
• Make sure that the HDMI input on your TV or monitor supports 4K. If your display has multiple HDMI inputs, it's possible that not all of them can handle 4K video. You may need to check your display's user guide if the ports themselves aren't clearly marked.

On your PS4 Pro, make sure it's configured for 4K:

1. Using the controller, select "Settings."

2. Select "Sound and Screen."

3. Select "Video Output Settings."

4. Select "Resolution."

5. Make sure that "Automatic" is selected. If your display or cable isn't fully 4K compatible, you'll see that the 2160p options (this is 4K video) will be marked as "unsupported." On a PS4 Pro, this feature will be enabled, and you should select it. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to turn a PS4 on or off, or put it into Rest Mode, using the controller or system

• How to stream live gameplay on your PS4 to Twitch, YouTube, or other streaming sites

• How to download games on your PS4 in 2 different ways

• How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS4 if they're compatible with the console

SEE ALSO: The best 4K TVs you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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