Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live

How to buy more iCloud storage for your iPhone, and what you'll pay for each plan

0
0

iphone storage icloud

  • Your iPhone comes with 5GB of iCloud storage for free. If you're close to running out of space, it might be time to buy more storage for your iPhone.
  • You can upgrade to a larger iCloud storage plan using the Settings app on your iPhone
  • iCloud plans range from 5GB to 2TB, though the 50GB plan is generally plenty for one person and costs a dollar a month. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you buy an iPhone, you automatically get 5GB of storage on Apple's iCloud service for free. It's possible that this is enough space to back up your phone, but — particularly with today's higher capacity phones — you may need to buy more storage space for iCloud. Apple offers a number of plans, and you can upgrade from your iPhone's Settings app. 

There are four storage plans available:

  • 5 GB. This is the free plan you get by default with a new iPhone. You can always choose to downgrade back to this plan even after subscribing to another one.
  • 50 GB. This plan costs $0.99 per month and is generally plenty to back up both an iPhone and an iPad on the same Apple ID.
  • 200 GB. This plan costs $2.99 per month and can be shared among all the devices in a family.
  • 2 TB. This plan costs $9.99 per month and can be shared with a family as well. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone XS (From $999 at Apple)

How to buy more iCloud storage for your iPhone

1. Start the Settings app and then tap your name at the top of the screen.

2. Tap "iCloud" and then tap "Manage Storage." If you're using iOS 10.2 or older, tap "Storage."

storage 1

3. If you don't currently have an iCloud storage subscription, tap "Buy More Storage." If you already have a plan and want to increase it, tap "Change Storage Plan."

4. On the Upgrade iCloud Storage page, choose a plan.

storage 2

5. Tap "Buy" and enter your Apple ID password to complete the transaction. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone cases for every model

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Apple's 2019 WWDC event in 11 minutes


How to manually change the time and date on your iPhone, or set it to update automatically based on your location

0
0

iPhone X

  • If the time on your iPhone is wrong, you could change it manually with a few taps, or make sure it's set to change automatically. 
  • Your iPhone is designed to automatically identify what time zone you're located in, and display the correct time accordingly.
  • If your iPhone displays the wrong time, check to make sure that all the time-related options are correct in the Settings app, and that you're connected to cell service. 
  • If the automatic settings don't work, you can turn them off and set the time manually in the Settings app's Date & Time section.  
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Your iPhone is designed to display the correct time automatically. It gets date and time information from your cellular service provider and through GPS, so it should always know the correct local time zone and whether it's Daylight Saving Time or not. 

If your iPhone displays the wrong time, you should check to make sure your settings are correct. You can also change the time and date yourself.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $729 at Apple)

How to change your iPhone's time settings to set automatically

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "Privacy."

3. Tap "Location Services."

4. On the Location Services page, make sure "Location Services" is turned on. 

time 1

5. Scroll to the bottom and tap "System Services," then make sure "Setting Time Zone" is turned on. 

time 2

6. Tap the Back button at the top left of the screen three times to go back to the main Settings page. 

7. Tap "General" and then tap "Date & Time."

8. On the Date & Time page, make sure that "Set Automatically" is tuned on.

9. Make sure the correct time zone is displayed. 

time 3

How to change the time on an iPhone manually

If your iPhone is unable to display the correct time automatically for some reason, you might have no alternative but to set the time manually. 

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General" and then tap "Date & Time."

3. Turn off "Set Automatically."

4. Tap "Time Zone" and enter the correct time zone for your location. 

5. Tap the date and time and then set it manually.

time 4

Remember that if your time is set manually, you will need to change it by hand if you change time zones or, when your region switches over to Daylight Saving Time. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best wireless iPhone chargers you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's why it's so hard to switch from Apple to Android

7 emotionally hard (but necessary) questions to ask your partner before getting serious

0
0

lesbian relationship

  • You'll never know everything about your partner — and that's OK.
  • But there are certain facts you should definitely know before things get serious. Think how much debt they have and how they feel about divorce.
  • We checked out a Reddit thread on the topic and highlighted some of the most compelling questions.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

You will never get to know your partner perfectly. In fact, that's one of the beautiful things about being in a relationship: Your partner is constantly surprising you.

That said, there are some basic things you probably should know before establishing a life with someone. Over on Reddit, there's a thread titled, "What questions should everyone ask their partners before getting married?" Most of the questions apply to couples starting to get serious, and not just couples heading to the altar.

Below, we've highlighted seven of the most important questions from that thread. Read on and see which you still have to ask.

SEE ALSO: A relationship therapist breaks down the 10 most common fights couples have

Do you want kids?

That's a tip from IntoTheMystic1.

It's best to address the topic of parenthood sooner rather than later, so no one winds up resentful — or heartbroken — years down the line.

If you or your partner are (understandably) worried that having kids will change your relationship for the worse, you should arm yourself with knowledge about what helps parents maintain intimacy.

Some researchers suggest that there are certain "buffers" against marital disaster after the birth of a child, including:

  • "Building fondness and affection for your partner"
  • "Being aware of what is going on in your spouse's life and being responsive to it"
  • "Approaching problems as something you and your partner can control and solve together as a couple"


Who will do the cooking, laundry, and housework?

That question comes from Back2Bach, who adds: "What can we do as a couple to divide the routine chores and responsibilities so that each feels they're making an equal contribution to the relationship and daily living?"

Back2Bach is onto something: According to a 2007 Pew Research poll, sharing household chores is the third most important factor in a successful marriage. (The first two are faithfulness and a happy sexual relationship).

In an excerpt from "Fast-Forward Family" published in The Atlantic, three researchers write that even today, women tend to shoulder the brunt of their family's housework.

The researchers also write that having some guidelines about who does which chores when can be helpful:

"The couples in our study who lacked clarity on what, when, and how household tasks and responsibilities would be carried out often said that they felt drained and rushed and had difficulty communicating their dissatisfaction in their lives. Spouses who appeared to have a clear and respectful understanding of one another's roles and tasks, in contrast, did not spend as much time negotiating responsibilities; their daily lives seemed to flow more smoothly."



How much debt (if any) do you have?

VanDriver1 writes, "It may not be a deal breaker in regards to getting married, but a $20k surprise after the wedding is not something you need to deal with."

An honest conversation about finances — especially about debt — is key before getting married, or even getting serious. As Business Insider reported, lying about your debt can potentially destroy your relationship.

For one thing, Valerie Rind, author of "Gold Diggers and Deadbeat Dads: True Stories of Friends, Family, and Financial Ruin," said, "If you're tying your horse to someone else's wagon, you need to know not only what's coming in, but what's going out."

What's more, Rind said, "You need to know how somebody runs their finances because that totally affects the whole picture."



How much time apart do you need?

"My wife and I like to go on trips/do stuff with just our friends, and we like to go on trips together," says jdoe74. "We have married friends that can't ever seem to get permission to do anything."

Interestingly, spending time apart and getting some of your needs met outside your relationship may be exactly what your partnership needs.

In his book "The All-or-Nothing Marriage," Eli Finkel, a psychologist at Northwestern University and a professor at the Kellogg School of Management, recommends asking less of your marriage as a way to strengthen it. For example, maybe your partner doesn't crave late-night philosophical debates the way you do; maybe a friend does.

Finkel told Business Insider, "If you find yourself chronically disappointed in one element of your marriage, one of the really good ways of dealing with that is to think about: Is it really essential that I try to meet this need in particular through the marriage?"



What do you consider cheating?

AvieLikesThis writes, "There are those who believe looking at pornography or going to strip clubs is cheating. Bottom line is, everyone has different limits. Establish the boundaries, before getting into a marriage."

This question about infidelity has never been more relevant. As INSIDER's Kristin Salaky reports, "emotional affairs" are becoming increasingly common — and increasingly tricky to define.

Some signs that you're involved in an emotional affair include thinking about another person constantly and getting defensive when your partner confronts you about it.

And if you're suspicious that your partner's having an emotional affair, take note of any differences in their sexual interest and pay attention to your gut feeling.



How do you feel about divorce?

As chosenamewhendrunk puts it:

"I know this may not sound like a question you want to talk about, but 5 or 10 or 20 years down the track if things get difficult (and they will), will both of you put in anything and everything that is necessary or will one of you go 'eh' and cut their losses? Is there a point that neither of you can come back from? What is the deal breaker: infidelity, addiction, won't go to mother-in-law's for Christmas?

"It's not an easy discussion to have, but it's worth it."

Don't freak out if your partner says they're open to the possibility of divorce — or if you realize you feel that way. Susan Pease Gadoua, coauthor of "The New I Do," previously told Business Insider, "When people see divorce as never an option, it can create some unhealthy dynamics."

That's because simply knowing that you have an "out" — even if you never use it — can be freeing. If you're staying in the relationship, it's because you want to.



How will getting married change our relationship?

"Some people feel the expectations are different when you're married than when you're dating, and others feel that they are the same," says evelynrae. "It's important to be on the same page about expectations for every stage of a relationship."

Writing for the BBC, psychologist Christian Jarrett cites several studies suggesting that people's personalities tend to change after they tie the knot. For example, one 2017 Dutch study found that partners' levels of self-control and forgiveness increased over the first four years of marriage.

Still, it's important to discuss how you'll change and grow together if you're planning to get married, as well as what you're afraid of and excited about.



This online company 3D-prints beautiful and unique lamp designs from independent designers — here's how 4 different styles look in real life

0
0

gantri lamp review 5

 

  • At Gantri, you can shop beautiful and unique 3D-printed lamps created by independent designers from around the world. 
  • All the lamps are creative and eye-catching, not to mention light, durable, and functional. At $98 to $188, they're pricier than average lamps — but they're clearly not average. 
  • We tried and reviewed four lamps from the site and loved them. They provided a warm glow to our rooms and often featured as conversation-starting centerpieces. 

I always thought the beautiful lighting pieces I saw in home magazines and airy, minimalist design studios were the stuff of dreams and unattainable aspirations. 

Though undeniably stylish and unique, they're usually produced in limited quantities and extremely expensive. Because I have to pay rent every month, I make the executive decision to pass on my favorite architecturally-inspired masterpiece — but oh, do I wish I could bring it home with me. 

Gantri is an online startup that makes buying cool, independently designed lamps more accessible and affordable. It serves as both a platform for designers to launch their products online and a marketplace for shoppers to discover independent designers from around the world and buy beautiful, functional lighting pieces. 

gantri lamp review 7

How Gantri's lamps are made

First, designers apply to join Gantri's Create platform and submit their concepts. If accepted, they turn their concept into a 3D model using Gantri's design guide and pre-modeled components. Once the design is finalized, it lands in the hands of Gantri engineers, who produce the lamps at a 3D printing factory in San Leandro, California. 

They're made using a custom blend of PLA, a thermoplastic usually derived from a renewable resource such as corn or sugar cane starch. Gantri uses natural corn starch to create its PLA, resulting in a more sustainable manufacturing process and light yet durable final product. 

Gantri handles all the assembly, photoshoots, shipping, and customer service, while the original designer receives a royalty on sales. 

gantri lamp review 9

The designers and their designs

Since all the designers are given the same basic set of tools to create their lamps, it's striking and impressive how different each one turns out. Their designs are creative and eye-catching, ranging from the sharp elegance of an iceberg (that also doubles as a media stand) to smooth odes to the Art Deco era. On each individual product page, you can learn about the inspiration behind a design, which personally helped me appreciate it even more and made my final decision easier. 

You can also click on the designer profile to find their other work on Gantri and beyond. Gantri features industrial designers, product designers, art directors and managers, and architects from all over, including Barcelona, Milan, New York, Chicago, London, and Chiasso, Switzerland. 

gantri lamp review 6

What the lamps are like

When I received a lamp from Gantri for review, my first impression was that it was surprisingly light given its size and look. But it's not a cheap type of light weight. The thickness and texture of the material, as well as the sharp attention to detail paid to all components of the lamp, showed that thoughtful work went into producing the lamp. Each comes with a pre-installed lightbulb and a dimmer. 

Gantri's lamps, which range from $98 to $188 each, are certainly more expensive than anything from a mass retailer. Compared to what you'll find at a boutique or independent design studio for something similar, however, they're not expensive at all. You're ultimately paying a great price for an original design, durable and sustainable construction, and a convenient shopping experience. 

We tried and reviewed four lamps from Gantri. See them in action and learn more about each one below. 

Shop all lamps at Gantri

PyraSphere Table Light

PyraSphere Table Light, $128

I'm usually not attracted to super modern or angular anything, but I do love a good sculptural lamp (I most recently bought an insane Vetri Murano glass egg lamp for the living room, a purchase I don't think I'll ever regret unless my cat knocks it over someday).

The PyraSphere light from Gantri caught my eye, though, as an interesting study in sharp contrast.

I put the lamp on a stool in our home office so I could work and read with soft, dimmable, warm lighting in the evenings. The lamp gives off enough light to fill a large room, but when it's off, it looks as if it were a sculpture or piece of artwork, which I love.

And, because of how portable it is, I also like to plug it in outside on our balcony at night as a complement to our outdoor solar lights. It makes a great conversation piece when we have friends over, and the light isn't so bright that we feel blinded by it. —Sally Kaplan, editor



Konus Table Light

Konus Table Light, $168

I know that I've grown up when the highlight of my day, the thing I often most look forward to doing, is turning on my beautiful lamp, nestling into bed, and falling asleep to a podcast.

My ceiling lights are harsh and cold, and I could switch them out to warm light bulbs, but that doesn't change how stale their overhead utilitarian look is. You can think about Gantri's lights as purely expensive lamps, but they're also works of art, with thoughtful, artistic intention behind them. The Konus lamp has a unique, shuttlecock-esque design that I admire every time I step into my room. It never gets old to look at.

It's fun and creative, and also practical. I was initially concerned that this design would limit the way the light spreads, but it actually fills my bedroom with a warm and cozy aura that's frighteningly conducive to bedtime relaxation. I have it on a ledge right above my head, so it's easy for me to adjust the brightness using the dimmer as I sit in bed. —Connie Chen, reporter

 



Mellow Fellow Table Light

Mellow Fellow Table Light, $168

I originally wanted to use my Gantri Mellow Fellow Table Lamp as a reading light in my bedroom, but it's sleek design quickly convinced me that it should be displayed in my living room for all my guests to see.

Beyond its aesthetic, the lamp is surprisingly capable of illuminating my admittedly small New York City apartment. My apartment has good natural light, so we usually don't turn on any lights until the sun goes down, but now once the evening arrives, my Gantri lamp lights up my apartment instead of the obtrusive, glare-inducing overhead lighting. 

Another added bonus is the dimmer effect. I wake up and head to work earlier than my girlfriend, and I can turn on the lamp just slightly enough so that I can complete my morning routine free from stubbed toes and mismatched socks, without waking anyone up with a blinding bright light. —Danny Bakst, content producer 



Lago Table Light

Lago Table Light, $168

Because I'm renting (and subletting, at that), I wanted to go for the most neutral design so that when I move, wherever I end up, I can tie this lamp into a new room, which is really a shame because Gantri offers a lot of unique, edgy lamps.

Alas, the practical side of me took control, and I ended up with the Lago, an oblong, ambiance light that does its job to fill a room with relatively dim but effective lighting. I currently have four lights in my bedroom, but the Lago is my primary choice these days. It's small (16 inches tall), so it doesn't throw a ton of light, but it still fills the room warmly.

No one who's seen it yet has been able to guess that it's plastic. And if you tend to be on the clumsier side of the spectrum, like me, it will hurt a little less, and last a lot longer, than ceramic or glass. All in all, Gantri's Lago lamp is a sound investment. —Owen Burke, senior reporter 



The inspiring life of 15-year-old Cori 'Coco' Gauff, Wimbledon's teen tennis sensation

0
0

Who is Cori Gauff at Wimbledon

If you've followed the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, you've already become familiar with hearing 15-year-old Cori "Coco" Gauff's name.

Even if you aren't tuned into tennis, chances are you've seen the teenager make headlines after beating veterans like Venus Williams, Magdalena Rybarikova, and Polona Hercog. She was knocked out in the Round of 16 by Romanian Simona Halep, who was formerly ranked No. 1 in the world.

Gauff first emerged as promising talent at just 11-years-old. Here's everything you should know about her quick ascent to tennis stardom.

Read more: The 15-year-old American who is taking Wimbledon by storm will reportedly be a millionaire before the end of the year

Gauff's record-breaking youth has captured the attention of a global audience at Wimbledon 2019.

The 15-year-old took a science test at 11 PM the night before she played one of the three qualifying matches at Roehampton to make the main tournament at Wimbledon.

Gauff told CNN she ended up getting a 'B' on the test, and that only one of her teachers even knew she played tennis, but are now all cheering her on. 

Gauff's mother, Candi, told CNN they wanted to keep school and tennis separate, to "compartmentalize" the two.



Gauff decided to focus on tennis in 2011, when she was just 7-years-old, after playing soccer and gymnastics alongside the sport as a child.

Gauff grew up in Atlanta, with her parents and two younger brothers. She was homeschooled by her mother, a former teacher.

The Gauff family moved to Delray Beach in Florida so that Gauff could train alongside other junior tennis players in what Tennis.com calls a "professional tennis incubator."



Gauff's parents were both college athletes in Georgia and Florida.

Gauff's mother, Candi, ran track at Florida State University. Her father played basketball for Georgia State University.

Gauff's grandmother, nicknamed "Mama D," was her biggest fan when Gauff won the girl's tournament of the Rendez-vous à Roland-Garros competition in Boca Raton, Florida, in April 2017.

It qualified Gauff to fly to Paris and compete for a wild card entry into the Roland-Garros international event. While she eventually fell short, Gauff became the youngest ever finalist in the girls' singles event at the US Open.



Gauff has said in the past that she wanted to be "the greatest" tennis player.

After winning the Junior French Open in 2018, the second-youngest to do so, and winning match after match at Wimbledon 2019 as the youngest female to qualify for a Grand Slam tournament main draw (the youngest player overall the qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon), it seems as if Gauff is on her way to accomplishing her ambitious goal.



In the opening round of Wimbledon, Gauff defeated five-time champion Venus Williams.

Gauff told reporters after the win that she thanked Williams, who she "wouldn't be here without." Williams had already won six Grand Slam titles by March 2004, when Gauff was born.

Gauff told CNN she grew up idolizing the Williams sisters. She was trained by Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou and the Champ'seed Foundation that helps young tennis talents who may not have the financial ability to receive training at the highest level. 



When Gauff played against Williams, she used a mental trick popularized by the movie "Hoosiers."

In the film "Hoosiers," fictional high school basketball coach Norman Dale tells players to remember that the dimensions of a bigger court are the same as the ones they practiced on. 

Gauff said she used the same trick when facing the court at Wimbledon, the largest she had ever played on. 



Gauff went on to defeat Magdalena Rybarikova two days after her match against Williams.

In straight sets, Gauff beat Slovakia's Rybarikova 6-3, 6-3.



Gauff is on track to become a millionaire by the end of the year.

Gauff has already won $139,000 in Wimbledon prize money on top of the $75,011 in career earnings she's made before Wimbledon 2019.

Furthermore, Gauff has signed deals with three major sponsors – New Balance, the athletic wear company, the pasta company Barilla, and the tennis racket manufacturer Head.

As Gauff continues to knock more experienced players out, her earnings have only increased in size, putting her on track to make more than $1 million by the end of 2019.



Outside of her tennis matches, Gauff acts like any other American 15-year-old.

She watches makeup tutorials before matches, once dressed up as the daughter of Eden for Halloween, and is a fan of the singer and son of Will and Jada-Pinkett Smith, Jaden Smith.

She also likes Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyonce, and says she's been star-struck to receive so many messages from celebrities after her winning streak.



Gauff was able to overcome an early setback in her third round match against Polona Hercog, beating her two sets to one on Friday.

Gauff survived the first week of her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon, with her toughest match yet against Hercog.

She overcame a 6-3 deficit in her first set to beat Hercog 9-7 in a 32-shot rally, then 6-5 in the third set. 



But Gauff was knocked out in the Round of 16, by Romania's Simona Halep.

Halep, who was previously ranked No. 1 in the world, beat Gauff 6-3, 6-3 on Monday, July 8.



Even though she lost at Wimbledon, this isn't the last we'll see of Gauff.



The Disney heiress who slammed CEO Bob Iger's pay as 'insane' explains why she and her 3 siblings turned down roles in the company

0
0

abigail disney

Abigail Disney isn't happy with the way her great uncle's media empire is run — but she never considered taking a role in the company to try and change it from within, she told the Financial Times.

"I kind of caused as much trouble as if I had a seat on the board," Disney told the Financial Times, referring to her public criticism of Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger's pay. The heiress said that the gap between Iger's salary and that of Disneyland employees was a "moral issue" while testifying in front of the US House Committee on Financial Services in May. She has said that she'd previously raised the issue privately to no avail. 

Business Insider reported earlier this year that As You Sow, a non-profit focusing on promoting corporate responsibility, estimates that Iger is paid 787 times more than the median salary of a Disney employee. In 2017, Iger earned more than $36 million.

Despite her desire to reform the company's pay policy, sitting on its board "would be a waste of my time," Disney said, according to the Financial Times.

One of the key mistakes boards of directors make is not engaging with new ideas and allowing meetings to become perfunctory, Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer David Dodson previously told Business Insider. "If you leave those board meetings consistently prepared to do something differently because you learned something from the board meeting, that's the mark of a good board," Dodson said.

Read more: A family feud over a $400 million trust fund, a massive fortune that left one heiress with an inferiority complex, and a sprawling media empire. Meet the Disney family.

Even if Disney had wanted to, she believes that she and her siblings Tim, Roy, and Susan would not have been welcomed into the company. A dispute between their father, Roy E. Disney, and former CEO Micheal Eisner resulted in Eisner's firing in 2005. "No CEO in his right mind would ever let any one of us back on the board," Disney told the Financial Times.

Disney is not only concerned with the wealth gap inside the company. She was among a group of 19 ultra-wealthy Americans who signed an open letter to presidential candidates advocating for a moderate wealth tax in June. George Soros and members of the Pritzker and Gund families also signed. Disney's personal net worth is $120 million.

SEE ALSO: Meet the 18 ultra-wealthy Americans begging for a wealth tax, from a Facebook cofounder to a Disney heiress

DON'T MISS: A Disney heiress told Congress that Bob Iger's huge salary is a 'moral issue.' Here's how CEO earnings at companies like Netflix and Discovery compare to worker pay

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Jay-Z is hip-hop's first billionaire. See how he and Beyoncé make and spend their money.

The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy

0
0
  • A media streaming device can transform your so-called dumb TV into a smart one that plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and other streaming services.
  • The best of the bunch is the Roku Ultra with its easy-to-use interface, 4K video streaming, voice control, and simple remote.
  • Check out our master list of all the best Amazon Prime Day 2019 deals here.

The world is changing. Gone are the days when a cable subscription was necessary to watch all the latest and greatest TV shows. These days, the best TV shows are coming out on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Of course, the best way to take advantage of services like Netflix is by streaming shows straight to your TV.

There are plenty of streaming devices out there to help you connect the latest and greatest video streaming services to your TV, and they're not all created equal. Before buying, you'll want to consider a few different things.

For starters, you'll want to think about whether you want a fully-fledged streaming box, which comes complete with its own operating system and allows you to download and install apps. The alternative is a device like the Google Chromecast, which basically streams content from your phone or computer (called casting); instead of installing Netflix on the TV-connected device, you'll install it on your phone or computer and then stream from your phone, which is plugged into your TV's HDMI port.

Next up you'll want to keep in mind the specs of your TV. Not all streaming sticks and boxes are able to handle 4K content, so if you have a 4K TV, you'll want to get one that can stream 4K videos; the reverse is also true, as a non-4K TV won't be able to display 4K content. Last but not least, it might be worth considering the ecosystem you're most plugged into. For example, Android users might be able to get more use from an Android TV device, while those using an iPhone and Mac might prefer the Apple TV.

We've done the research and testing to find the best streaming sticks and boxes to turn your dumb TV into a smart one that can access videos from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more. 

Note: Nearly all of these products require access to the internet over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Products that support casting require a smartphone or tablet.

Here are our top picks for the best streaming boxes and sticks:

Updated on 07/08/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added additional testing comments.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best HDTV indoor antennas you can buy

The best streaming box overall

The Roku Ultra streams in 4K and HDR, has voice search, comes with a remote control, and costs less than $100.

Roku's Ultra is more streaming box than most people need. It supports 4K video at 60 frames per second and HDR content, for less than $100. If you have a 4K TV, this is the streaming device you want. We tested it and were deeply impressed by the quality.

Roku doesn't require a Google or Apple account to use (you will need to register for Roku account, however), but it can still connect to all the streaming services you enjoy. You'll be able to install Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, and more using Roku's operating system. Just connect the box to your TV via the HDMI port, and connect all your favorite streaming services to get started.

As mentioned, the device also supports HDR, which basically means that it'll show richer colors and better contrast, which is always a good thing for TV lovers (note: your TV must be HDR-enabled to support this feature). The device even supports 4K video at 60 frames per second, which is something most media streaming devices don't currently support.

Of course, to take advantage of that 4K content, you'll need a decent connection. The device can connect to your internet through Ethernet or over Wi-Fi, so choose the method that's fastest and most convenient.

The Ultra also comes with a remote control so you can adjust the volume, turn on your TV, and search for content with your voice. If you're watching at night, you can plug in a set of headphones to the remote to not disturb others. Guides Editor Les Shu likes the chunky feel of the remote, but the buttons can be stiff to press. Roku also has a companion app that makes navigation and searches even more robust, which is what he prefers to use most of the time.

The Roku Ultra is perfect for most people with a 4K TV, and we like that it's the most universal of the products. And for less than $100, it's a steal. Expert reviewers give the Ultra high marks.

Pros: 4K and HDR streaming, affordable, good remote, lots of apps, improved Wi-Fi connection, Ethernet, microSD port

Cons: Pricey

Buy the Roku Ultra on Amazon for $82.99 (originally $99.99)



The best budget streaming stick

The Roku Streaming Stick offers a great interface, is super easy to use, and costs less than $50, and the Stick+ even has 4K for a little bit more money.

The Chromecast Ultra may be inexpensive, but there's a streaming device that's even cheaper – the Roku Streaming Stick. Not only that but for the money, you're getting a capable streaming stick with a built-in user interface and remote.

Perhaps the best thing about the Roku Streaming Stick is how easy it is to use. The entire device plugs into a TV's HDMI port, and you can power it using a USB wall adapter or the USB port in select TVs. The interface is well-designed and extremely easy to navigate. Since it uses a built-in operating system, you can install apps like Netflix without having to stream from your phone or computer (you will need to register for a Roku account, if you don't have one already). A remote control is included for navigation, but you can also use the Roku app.

Of course, there are downsides to the Roku Streaming Stick. For example, it does not offer 4K streaming or HDR. If, however, your TV doesn't offer those features anyway, it won't be such a big deal. The Streaming Stick+ costs a bit more with ann original price of $69.99 but it does support 4K and it goes on sale for as little as $49 sometimes. Also, unlike the Roku Ultra that is our overall favorite, there's no internal memory in the Roku Streaming Stick, which means it won't recall any of the apps you used or where you left off.

Most reviewers, including Tom's Guide, argue this is among the best streaming devices out there. We agree, having tested it ourselves. Guides Editor Malarie Gokey uses it with a 1080p BenQ projector in her home. 

The $30 Roku Express and $40 Express+ are even more basic and affordable, but still good. Guide Editor Les Shu uses the Express+ when he travels because it also works with analog TVs that don't have HDMI ports.

Pros: Cheap, easy-to-use, built-in OS

Cons: No 4K or HDR

Buy the 4K Roku Streaming Stick+ on Amazon for $47.81



The best for Apple users

The Apple TV 4K is well-designed, easy to use, and integrates well with the rest of your Apple products.

If you're looking for a device to better integrate with your iTunes account, iPhone, and other Apple devices, then you'll want to look into getting an Apple TV. The new Apple TV 4K boasts a number of great features, but as the name suggests, this version streams in 4K, which is great for those of you who have 4K TVs.

As you would expect from an Apple device, it's well-designed and will look right at home amongst your other home entertainment devices, even the more premium ones. On the back of the device, you'll get a power input, HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. That way, you can have a more stable internet connection for streaming 4K video.

One of the best things about the Apple TV is Apple's tvOS operating system, which is super easy to use, especially with the included remote (called the Siri Remote). As mentioned, it can stream in 4K and has HDR support, too. You can watch your favorite content with great contrast and bright colors. And with Siri, you can use your voice to search for hundreds of content. Plus, you can access music, podcasts, games, and hundreds of apps, or cast or mirror content from an iOS or macOS device using AirPlay wireless technology.

The Siri Remote connects to the Apple TV via Bluetooth, so no line of sight is required. While the remote is elegant and the touch-capability makes navigation easier, it's so slim that it can be easy to lose or slip out of your hand. An alternative is to use the Apple TV Remote app on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, which handles the same functions but makes things like typing much simpler.

Engadget called it "almost perfect," while CNET called it the most high-end 4K streaming experience. However, it was universally acknowledged that the Apple TV is for hardcore Apple fans who can afford it, and most people will be more than happy with the Roku Premiere+ instead.

Guides Editor Les Shu disagrees somewhat. He uses both the Roku Ultra and Roku Express+ and Apple TV, and finds the Apple TV experience much smoother and more pleasant than the Roku Ultra — not to mention the easier set-up process. While he acknowledges the price premium and that the Roku Ultra has its advantages, from a pure entertainment experience, he believes the Apple TV is the stronger product, and that it isn't just for Apple fans with money. We don't think you can go wrong with either — the deciding factor comes down to budget and the ecosystem — but the money spent on an Apple TV is well worth it.

Pros: Well-designed, great interface, 4K and HDR support

Cons: A little pricey

Buy the Apple TV 4K at Walmart for $179.00



The best for Google users

The Google Chromecast Ultra is quick to set up, easy-to-use and works great, but best of all, it costs just $70.

The Google Chromecast Ultra operates differently than most of the devices on this list, largely because it's built solely to stream content from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV. That means there's no user interface and no apps to install — it's more of a bridge than a standalone device, and your phone is the remote. Just find the content on your phone and hit the "Cast" button, and the content is either streamed directly to the Chromecast Ultra or, with apps like Netflix and Spotify, streams the content from the internet.

Chromecast was first introduced in 2013, and it has gone through a couple of updates since then. Now, the flagship Chromecast is the Chromecast Ultra, which sets itself apart from other Chromecasts with its ability to handle 4K streaming. You'll need a good internet connection, though.

One of the great things about the Chromecast Ultra is that it interacts with your other Google devices. For example, you can tell a Google Home speaker to search for videos on YouTube or play music on your TV through the Chromecast.

Then there's the affordable price. The Chromecast Ultra costs just $69 — a price many reviewers, including us, love. TechRadar gave the Chromecast Ultra 4 out of 5 stars, while Pocket-Lint gave it a Recommended award.

Pros: Inexpensive,easy-to-use, works with smart speakers

Cons: No interface might frustrate some

Buy the Google Chromecast Ultra at Walmart for $69.00



The best Amazon Fire TV

The new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streams video in 4K straight to your TV for $50.

Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K comes with 4K Ultra HD and HDR support. Like the Roku Streaming Stick, this slim dongle plugs into the HDMI port on the back of your TV and comes with a remote control for easy access to play, pause, stop, volume up/down, and more.

Fire TV works with Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, and many other video streaming apps. You can download all your favorite apps on it to play shows on SlingTV, PBS, and more. Since it's part of Amazon's ecosystem, Fire TV works with Alexa voice controls. You can tell Alexa to play "Game of Thrones" without lifting a finger. If you don't use Alexa or an Amazon user, you may be better off with the other options.

The streaming stick has a fast processor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi to ensure smooth streaming on your TV. So long as your Wi-Fi is good, you shouldn't have a problem.

Expert reviewers more or less agreed that Alexa voice search works well and it's very affordable for a 4K streaming stick. The potential downside is the current lack of 4K content on Amazon's platform (although growing), but if that's what you're really looking for, you'll have to pay more and grab a Roku Ultra, Google Chromecast Ultra, or Apple TV.

Pros: 4K streaming, Alexa voice control, affordable, easy to use

Cons: Pricier than budget sticks

Buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick on Amazon for $49.99



The best for gamers and Android TV

The NVIDIA Shield doesn't just run Google's Android TV, it also supports 4K streaming and even has a controller for Android gaming.

If you're more plugged into the Android ecosystem, you might want something that comes preloaded with Google's Android TV. If so, there's no better device than the NVIDIA Shield, which was first launched a few years ago and has been updated a few times since then.

Like our top pick, this media streamer supports 4K content, including videos from Google Play Movies and TV, which is great news for Android users. On top of that, NVIDIA announced that it will soon be getting integration with Google Assistant for voice control. Unlike Chromecast, this is a standalone product that doesn't require a phone.

The Shield is also the best device for gamers. Not only does it have a standard TV remote control, it comes with a gaming controller for playing games from the Google Play Store. The downside here is that the controller probably wouldn't be considered console-quality.

As an Android TV device, this streamer relies heavily on the likes of YouTube, but you'll also be able to install Netflix, Hulu, and all your other favorite media streaming services.

TechRadar gave it 4.5/5 stars, while Trusted Reviews and PCMag both gave it 4/5 stars. The main drawback? The fact that it's a little expensive, coming in at just under $200.

Pros: 4K support, gaming controller, Android TV operating system

Cons: Expensive

Buy the NVIDIA Shield on Amazon for $188.48



21 signs you're a narcissist and don't even know it

0
0

woman makeup mirror

  • Narcissistic behavior includes self-righteousness, a pattern of cheating in relationships, and taking advantage of other people.
  • We put together a list of 21 typical behaviors of narcissists, based on research and expert opinion.
  • This list isn't intended to be diagnostic, but it can give you a good idea of whether you or someone you know might be a narcissist.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Narcissistic personality disorder, according to Psychology Today, is characterized by "grandiosity, a lack of empathy for other people, and a need for admiration."

The traits that make narcissists so difficult to hang out with or date — a willingness to control people and a ruthlessness in getting their needs met — happen to make them effective at rising up the ranks.  

To help you figure out if you (or perhaps your boss) are a narcissist, we combed through the psychology literature looking for patterns of narcissistic behavior. We also spoke with Joseph Burgo, Ph.D., a psychologist and the author of "The Narcissist You Know."

Here are 21 common signs of narcissism.

This is an update of an article originally written by Vivian Giang, with additional contributions by Drake Baer. 

SEE ALSO: 11 ways to ruin your relationship for good

You are a bad sport.

Burgo says some narcissists are bullies — and one of their most troublesome traits is their tendency to be a sore loser and a sore winner.

For example, when they lose in a sports match, they might try to humiliate the referee. When they win, they might gloat excessively or act abusively to the losing party.



You constantly feel underappreciated.

The kind of people that Burgo calls "grandiose" narcissists always hold a grievance against the world.

They typically feel entitled to something better and think they're not getting the recognition they deserve from others.



If you're not grandiose, then you're introverted, hypersensitive, defensive, and anxious.

Psychologists talk about the "two faces of narcissism." On one end there's the hyper-aggressive, super-loud type. But there's a softer form of narcissism, too. It's called "covert narcissism," which is denoted by introversion, hypersensitivity, defensiveness, and anxiety.

"Both shades of narcissism shared a common core of conceit, arrogance, and the tendency to give in to one's own needs and disregard others," Scientific American reports.



You think everyone else is stupid.

Many narcissists are know-it-alls, and have a hard time getting along with coworkers and friends because they refuse to believe they could possibly be wrong about anything.

Burgo has observed that these narcissists walk around with a marked sense of superiority to others and have a "my way or the highway" approach to decision-making.

 



You really like to swear at people.

Psychologists Nicholas Holtzman and Michael Strube from Washington University in St. Louis found in a study that subjects who scored higher in narcissism are argumentative and curse more than their modest counterparts.

They also tend to use more sexually explicit language.



You are self-righteous.

Narcissists often believe their views are inherently superior to other people's perspectives. But what they truly value is the attention they receive for holding those views.

For example, Burgo said, a narcissist might believe he has a closer connection to God — but it's more important to him that other people acknowledge this connection and admire his deep sense of spirituality.



You feel justified in being mean to people.

"Vindictive" narcissists generally know vengeful or antisocial behavior isn't acceptable. But they feel okay about acting that way because they constantly feel they've been wronged, Burgo said.

What's more, they often take offense where it's not intended, meaning they're constantly hearing people say, "That's not what I meant!"



You enjoy leading others and telling them what to do.

Narcissists typically enjoy leadership positions since they are able to dominate others and fulfill their need for constant positive reinforcement.



You are an entertainer.

"A narcissist monk would not be good, but to be Kanye West and a narcissist is fantastic," said University of Western Sydney psychologist Peter Jonason, an expert on social psychology. 



You hate having to feel emotions.

The "very fact of having a feeling in the presence of another person suggests you can be touched emotionally by friends, family, partners, and even the occasional tragedy or failure," says Harvard Medical School psychologist Craig Malkin.

That's why narcissists abhor them. 

Feeling an emotion "challenges their sense of perfect autonomy," he continues. "To admit to a feeling of any kind suggests they can be affected by someone or something outside of them."

As a result, narcissists tend to change the topic of conversation when feelings come up — especially their own. 



You are likely young and male.

After 34,653 face-to-face interviews, psychologist Frederick Stinson found that men tend to be more narcissistic than women across their lifespans.

Narcissism is believed to peak during adolescence and decline with age.



You’re more attractive than other people — or at least you think you are.

Narcissists are generally rated as more stylish and physically attractive, according to a study conducted by Simine Vazire, a psychologist at Washington University.

However, this isn't always the case. According to a 2008 study, narcissists rated themselves highly in both looks and intelligence, but when they took IQ tests, the results were average. When their peers were asked to rate their narcissist acquaintances on looks, the results were lower than what the narcissists gave themselves.



Instead of listening, you just wait to speak.

Anita Vangelisti, a psychologist at the University of Texas in Austin, found that narcissists typically prefer to keep the conversation centered on themselves, "making exaggerated hand movements, talking loudly, and showing disinterest by 'glazing over' when others speak."



You are a serial romantic.

Burgo also identifies a group of narcissists he calls "seductive."

These people fall in and out of love quickly and easily, often with people they don't know very well. They think their partner is absolutely perfect — a complement to their own perfection — until reality sets in, when they realize their partner is flawed and end the relationship.



You cheat in relationships.

Psychologists Joshua Foster at the University of South Alabama and W. Keith Campbell at the University of Georgia found that narcissists are more likely to cheat once they think their partners are committed.

They also seem to get a rush out of convincing others to engage in promiscuous sexual acts that they normally do not participate in.



People dump you after you've been dating for about four months.

Through his research, Campbell found that the four-month mark — the apparent satisfaction peak in any dating relationship — is typically how long it takes for someone dating a narcissist to see their true colors.



You put some people on pedestals.

Malkin says the logic goes like this: "If I find someone perfect to be close to, maybe some of their perfection will rub off on me, and I'll become perfect by association."

With that ideal in mind, narcissists cozy up to people they find perfect — be it a colleague or a crush — and then get really disappointed when that person isn't as impeccable as they imagined.

For a narcissist, everything has to be perfect. 



You like to put other people down.

Narcissistic people intentionally put down others in order to maintain a high positive image of themselves.

"Seeking admiration is like a drug for narcissists," said Mitja D. Back, a psychologist at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. "In the long run, it becomes difficult because others won't applaud them, so they always have to search for new acquaintances from whom they get the next fix."

This also explains why narcissists typically maintain only weak relationships.



Your parents ignored and adored you.

Research suggests a combination of parental rejection and excessive admiration is more strongly linked to adult narcissism than if one childhood experience consistently existed without the other.

The inconsistency and whiplash of the parent's attitude toward their children will eventually cause a "deep craving for admiration" and lead the narcissist to lead a life searching for fleeting ego boosts," Psychology Today reports



You choose your friends to look cool or take advantage of people.

Narcissistic men and women have different ways of choosing friends

Women choose male friends with high social status so they can feel a sense of worthiness. Guys choose bros who can "wingman" for them when they're trying to pick up girls.  



You always have to be in control.

Just as narcissists hate to talk about their feelings, "they can't stand to be at the mercy of other people's preferences," Malkin says. "It reminds them that they aren't invulnerable or completely independent — that, in fact, they might have to ask for what they want — and even worse, people may not feel like meeting the request."

This is why they can be controlling without getting angry. In the case of romantic relationships, narcissists control people with disapproving glances, calls to change plans, and chronic lateness. This allows narcissists to undermine other people's ability to make choices. By doing that, narcissists maintain their sense of total autonomy — which they so desperately need.




8 top-selling indie beauty brands you can shop on Amazon right now

0
0

knours

  • From books to car parts to groceries, Amazon sells just about everything and anything.
  • While shopping on the site can be overwhelming, you'll come across a world of cool brands and unique products. 
  • If you're looking to discover a new favorite skin-care or beauty brand, Amazon has some great indie beauty brands from all over the world. Here are eight of our favorites.

While Amazon first started out as an online bookstore, its goal was always to become "an everything store."

Since its launch in 1995, the e-commerce behemoth really has become the destination for just about everything. You can still find a sprawling selection of books along with electronics, household goods, automotive parts, sports collectibles, fine art, credit cards, music, and much more — the list of categories only continues to grow. 

With all of these options, shopping on Amazon can be an overwhelming experience. But if you do a little searching, you can find some cool brands and great products. I just stumbled upon the indie beauty section, which stocks unique, independently owned beauty brands. Here are eight brands with great products and missions we can really get behind.

Keep reading to find our top indie beauty brands on Amazon below:

Avarelle

Shop acne patches, serums, and sheet masks from Avarelle

Founder James Oh started cutting up large hydrocolloid patches to help heal his pregnant wife's pimples and scarring from hormonal acne. When he realized how well the products worked on her and how much they improved her confidence, he thought it was time to share this simple solution with the world, and so Avarelle was created.

The brand offers a spot treatment and a few different kinds of spot patches and sheet masks, all with the goal of clear skin. All of the products are free of sulfates, parabens, and other questionably toxic ingredients. Plus, the brand is cruelty-free. 

 



Marlowe

Shop men's scrubs, lip balms, and more body products from Marlowe

Marlowe is a men's skin-care line with high-quality, no-nonsense products. That means you can expect simple yet efficacious bath and body products — like deodorant, facial scrubs, and body lotion — made with clean ingredients right in the U.S.

All of Marlowe's products contain its proprietary M Blend — a formulation of willow bark, deep sea algae, green tea, and passionflower extracts that help nourish skin. And for every Marlowe product sold, the brand donates soap to Clean the World, an organization working to help those at risk of hygiene-related illnesses.



Coco & Eve

Get the nourishing hair mask from Coco & Eve

This British brand's Like a Virgin Hair Masque is a 5-in-1 hair mask made with five key natural ingredients — it's also the only thing that the brand sells. (Well, except for some hair accessories like a microfiber towel.)

The mask is made with coconut, fig, shea butter, argan oil, and linseed to rejuvenate dehydrated hair in five to 10 minutes. The product helps smooth frizz, deeply conditions, boosts shine, and all around restores hair to a healthier state. 

This mask has the Amazon's Choice seal of approval with a 4.2 rating and a price of just $50.

 



Alima Pure

Shop makeup essentials from Alima Pure

Alima Pure has a wide range of makeup from essential foundations to vibrant eye shadows, all made with minimal ingredients. Instead of using parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other potentially toxic ingredients, Alima Pure uses natural pigments, plant oils, and botanicals. Eco-friendly and social values are hugely important to the brand — it's a certified B Corp and is carbon neutral too.

The products themselves are also eco-friendly. When you're done with any of the pressed foundations, eyeshadows, or powders, just buy the magnetic refill version and pop it into the packaging of the finished product. It's more sustainable, affordable, and looks just as good. 



Knours

Shop clean skin-care products from Knours

Our skin is not just a reflection of what we put on top of it, but of everything that's going on inside our bodies too. That's why body-conscious skin-care brand Knours considers how our hormones and their fluctuations affect our skin.

Knours offers cruelty-free, clean skin-care products for all kinds of issues, so you can create a custom routine for whatever kind of mood your skin is in. Some of the popular choices are the double duty mist, a spray formulation that can be customized to deal with sensitive skin or dry skin, and the convenient alcohol-free cleansing wipes.



Shaina B. Miami

Shop makeup tools and pigmented palettes from Shaina B. Miami

Shaina B. Miami was born out of the multicultural energy of Miami and personal passion from makeup artist Shaina B. She was using products from so many different brands to achieve the beauty looks she wanted that she ultimately decided to create her own. This way, she could always count on her own line for all of the products she needed.

The eyeshadow and blush/highlighter palettes are filled with highly-pigmented colors that flatter all skin tones. You can also find false lashes and tools— just about everything you need for a vibrant makeup look.



Atar Gold

Shop eco-chic hair care from Atar Gold

Atar Gold is inspired by ancient Egypt, where attars (the fragrant oils found in plants, flowers, and woods) are abundant.

Teri and Tony, the brand's founders, both have years of experience in the beauty and haircare industries. They channeled that into a collection of vegan hair products made with some of the best ingredients nature has to offer, like plant stem cells and moringa oil. Every product is made with pure colloidal gold that claims to have healing and anti-aging properties.

 



Sugarpill Cosmetics

Shop colorful, sparkly cosmetics from Sugarpill Cosmetics

While many beauty brands accentuate your natural features with pared-down makeup looks, Sugarpill Cosmetics wants you to stand out and sparkle.

It's a gender-inclusive skin-care line offering some of the brightest, sparkliest makeup you've ever seen. Sugarpill has everything you need to create vibrant makeup looks that help you express your own unique style, from shimmery lipsticks to rainbows of eye shadows. Everything's always cruelty-free, and most of the products are completely vegan too.



A former Apple and Bridgewater exec is selling his Mexico mansion for $20 million. Take a look inside the 7-bedroom home, which comes with 206 feet of private beach and multiple pools.

0
0

rubinstein mexico house

 

Jon Rubinstein, one of Apple's earliest employees and briefly co-CEO of the world's largest hedge fund, is selling a 16,000-square-foot beach house in Mexico for $20 million.

Rubinstein left his position as senior vice president of Apple's iPod division in 2006 and later served as co-CEO of Bridgewater Associates with Ray Dalio for 10 months in 2016 and 2017.

Rubinstein's Mexico mansion comes with seven bedrooms,  206 feet of private beachfront, multiple pools, and a private chef service.

Take a look inside the lavish Mexico home.

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump Jr. just bought a $4.5 million house in the Hamptons with his girlfriend. Take a look inside the 7-bedroom home that sits in a waterfront gated community.

DON'T MISS: Steven Spielberg is one of the wealthiest filmmakers in the world. Take a look at what the billionaire's life is really like, from his 27-year marriage to his $184 million yacht

Jon Rubinstein was one of Apple's earliest employees and left his position as senior vice president of the company's iPod division in 2006. He later served as co-CEO of Bridgewater Associates, the world's biggest hedge fund.

Source: Business Insider



Now, Rubenstein is selling his lavish Mexico beach house for $20 million.

Source: Rancho R + R



The home is in Punta Mita, a fishing and luxury resort village in Nayarit, a small state on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

Source: Rancho R + R



Dubbed Rancho R + R and designed by Alfonso López Baz and Javier Calleja, the home was built in an unconventional X shape.

Source: Rancho R + R



Rancho R + R sits on more than 1.7 acres and comes with 206 feet of private beach.

Source: Rancho R + R



It also has multiple swimming pools, including an infinity-edged lap pool, a shallow, child-friendly pool, and a heated spa.

Source: Rancho R + R



The home has two shaded outdoor dining areas.

Source: Rancho R + R



The buyer of the beach house will be able to enjoy an Italian-inspired chef's kitchen and a private chef service.

Source: Rancho R + R



A two-person workspace with ocean views is attached to a fitness studio with bath and shower.

Source: Rancho R + R



The second-floor master suite features a wall made almost entirely of glass that overlooks the ocean.

Source: Rancho R + R



The master bathroom comes with a soaking tub, a spacious dressing room ...

Source: Rancho R + R



... and a glass-walled, walk-in shower.

Source: Rancho R + R



The house has seven bedrooms that sleep at least 14 people.

Source: Rancho R + R



It comes furnished with custom pieces chosen by interior designer Erika Krayer.



The home also comes with a curated collection of original artwork from Mexican artists.

Source: Rancho R + R



The Mexico beach house was designed for "seamless indoor-outdoor living," according to the listing.

Source: Rancho R + R



A cabana with hammocks and day beds sits on the private beach.

Source: Rancho R + R



Luxury facilities in the nearby town of Punta Mita include four beach clubs, a tennis club, and 36 holes of golf.

Source: Rancho R + R



26 packing essentials we never travel without — from a $150 mobile WiFi hotspot to a $6 pack of face wipes

0
0

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

39409366_1796214110413766_92568433698275328_n

  • Packing efficiently can be a tough feat. Though, we've found that the more we travel, the better we get at streamlining the packing process. 
  • Whether it's for short weekend getaways or long backpacking trips, there are some products that will always deserve a space in our suitcases. 
  • From selfie sticks that help us capture memories while traveling solo to a great pair of headphones that's comfortable for long, loud flights, here are the 26 packing essentials we never travel without. 

I love traveling. Whether for work or for fun, domestic or international, to explore or to relax, I love being able to explore new places and see (and eat) new things. Since college, I've been incredibly fortunate to be able to travel, thanks partly to going to graduate school overseas, and with "travel hacking," making the most of frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and abnormally low airfare to make travel more affordable. 

As I've gotten more experience traveling, I've started bringing less and less with me on each trip. I've gotten more comfortable leaving that extra pair of jeans home, or that third pair of shoes. 

However, there are still a few things that I always bring with me on every trip. When it comes down to it, being somewhere different is great, but there are challenges, too. From packing everything in accordance with your airline's rules, to keeping up with your beauty routine while living out of a small dopp kit, I asked the rest of the Insider Picks team for their must-have items when they hit the road — things that make traveling easier, more comfortable, more efficient, or cheaper.

Take a look below at 26 of our favorite travel essentials.

SEE ALSO: How to get a free Priority Pass membership — which includes access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world

A selfie stick to make sure everyone (and everything) is included in your photos

Anker Selfie Stick, $15.99

People may laugh, but Anker's selfie stick is a great thing to have when you're traveling. Selfie sticks make it easy to take group photos without cutting anyone out or losing the background entirely. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor



A pack of makeup wipes to keep skin fresh on the go

Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes, $5.97 (25 count)

I always travel with these makeup-removing wipes from Aveeno; in fact, I've resorted to buying extra packs and storing them in my go-to rolling suitcase and duffel bag. The wipes are great for more than removing makeup — they're also handy for quickly cleansing your face of sweat after a hike or a hot day at the beach, for example. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy



A smart piece of luggage

Away Carry-On, $225

Away is a relatively new luggage startup that offers roller bags in a handful of different sizes for carrying on or checking. The carry-on versions include an ejectable battery and two USB ports so that you can charge your devices with ease at the airport.

I find that the regular carry-on size is plenty spacious for 3-4 day trips — I recently traveled with it to a work conference in Utah and a bachelorette party in Nashville, and I credit it for making these trips smoother overall; it's compression straps and included laundry bag are nice pluses. Currently, you can choose from nine colors, like blush pink and sky blue in addition to your classic black and navy. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy



A wallet that also holds your important travel documents

Bellroy Travel Wallet, $119

I never really bothered with passport holders before, preferring to just slip my passport in a jeans or backpack pocket. Then I tried one out, and I became a convert. The Bellroy Travel Wallet is basically a folio for all of your travel documents, like a passport, boarding passes, landing cards, extra currency, and anything else you have. I can even put my Priority Pass airport lounge card in there so that I don't take up room in my regular, everyday wallet. It's an easy way to streamline everything and stay organized at the airport and at passport control. You can also take a look at a few of the other passport wallets I tested. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter



Noise cancellation headphones for quieter plane rides

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, $349.99

Bose's noise-cancelling headphones are simply a life changer. Bose developed the first active noise cancellation headphones for commercial use in the 1980s, and brought the technology to the masses with the original QuietComfort headphones in 2000. Since then, each iteration of headphones has gotten better and better. The QuietComfort, or 'QC' 35 headphones are effective, wireless, comfortable, and just about perfect. They also come with a wire and an adapter in case you need to connect to something that isn't equipped with Bluetooth — for instance, and airplane's in-flight entertainment system. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter

 



The right credit card to earn rewards and access lounges

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy

Click here to learn more about the Amex Platinum from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy

I absolutely never travel without my Platinum Card® from American Express and my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. That may seem nuts, since it means I pay $1,000 in annual fees between the two cards, but it makes sense for me — you can read why here. Even if you don't want to carry both, just one can be incredibly useful.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points per dollar spent on all dining and travel — so the vast majority of your purchases during a trip — as well as an annual $300 travel credit that offsets a big part of the annual fee. It also includes numerous protections including trip and baggage delay insurance, trip interruption coverage, and primary rental car insurance, as long as you use the card to pay for your trip.

The card also offers access to airport lounges through the Priority Pass program, which you can read more about here.

The Amex Platinum offers 5x points on airfare purchased from the airline and prepaid hotels reserved through AmexTravel.com, but doesn't have the same level of protections as the Sapphire Reserve. It does, however, offer a number of useful credits, and significantly more extensive lounge access within the US.

Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, and come with rich bonuses for new cardmembers. The Sapphire Reserve offers 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months, while the Amex Platinum offers 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter



Packing cubes to help you maximize the space in your duffle

Paravel Packing Cube Trio, $55

I didn't use to travel with packing cubes, but once I got these, I've rarely packed without them because they keep me so organized. I can separate my belongings by category or outfit so I don't upend my entire suitcase or duffel in pursuit of the clothing items at the bottom of the compartment. I also like to use one as a dirty laundry bag that I can instantly empty into my hamper once I get home from my trip. Paravel's come in three sizes, are made from a smooth nylon, and have a small window to preview what's inside. I've used them in Away's carry-on, which is already fairly structured (but extra organization never hurts) and Everlane's Mover Pack, which, as a duffel bag, can get pretty unorganized without some extra assistance from the packing cubes. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter



A more affordable noise-cancelling headphone alternative

Muzik One Connect Smarter Headphones, $84.99

These huge headphones from Muzik do a great job of keeping plane sounds out and good sounds in. They're really comfortable for long flights thanks to the padding. — Breton Fischetti, VP of Insider Picks



A travel backpack built by a veteran outdoor company

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, $250

Plain and simple, this is the best carry-on bag I've ever found. It fits 35L worth of stuff, but it still magically meets airline restrictions for a carry-on. And while it has savvy travel-friendly design hacks like a suitcase-opening, its creator, Cotopaxi, is technically an outdoors gear brand, the bag itself is reminiscent of that; The Allpa inherited the tuck-away straps, rain-resistant finish, and low-profile harness that helps evenly distribute the weight of a pack more commonly found on hiking trails. For traveling purposes, it's opens like a suitcase, so you don't have to waste time digging to the bottom of a traditional backpack. – Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter



A moisturizing mask to refresh your skin on long flights

Caudalíe Moisturizing Mask, $39

Skin gets dry on airplanes, so I like to bring some sort of mask with me when I fly. Sheet masks are usually drippy and messy, so I prefer to use a moisturizing mask like this one that goes on like a lotion. I basically just swipe on a dime-size amount and let it soak in over the course of my flight. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor



An extra long USB cable for convenient charging

Cileen USB Charging Cable, 6 ft long, $8.99 (2 pack)

I haven't used this exact product personally, but easily one of the best travel accessories I have is a super-long charging cord. Plugs aren't always close to where I want to use my device, so having the extra range is a big benefit. — Breton Fischetti, VP of Insider Picks



A misting spray that will keep your face hydrated wherever, whenever

Caudalíe Grape Water Misting Spray, $18

I carry this misting spray with me everywhere in the summer, but no matter the season, you'll never catch me without it on an airplane. It's another great way to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed when the air is attempting to sap you dry. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

 



A portable charger that can charge two devices on the go

Jackery Portable Charger, $29.99

If you have an iPhone, this battery pack is the only one you'll ever need. It has a built-in lightning cable for your iPhone and a built-in micro-USB cable for any wireless headphones, kindles, or other devices you have. There's also a USB-C version for Android fans. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor



A bluetooth keyboard so you can conveniently use a tablet like a computer

Logitech Keys-To-Go Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Keyboard, $56.99

Unless I'm traveling for work, working remotely, or for some reason need to edit photos before I get home, I avoid bringing my laptop when I travel. Even the newest models add weight to your luggage. Instead, I've been bringing a wireless keyboard to connect to my tablet. I'm a fan of the Logitech Keys-To-Go. While I might not want to type a novel on it, it's great for e-mails and notes, and it's super lightweight and portable. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter



A kindle that allows you to read plenty of books and saves space in your bag

Kindle Oasis E-Reader, $219.99

I love my Kindle, and I take it everywhere. The Kindle Oasis may be the most expensive one, but it's worth it because it's waterproof, has a backlight, includes page-turning buttons, and it's super slim and light. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor



A durable notebook to hold important information

Moleskine Classic Hardcover Notebook, $11.40

We all rely on our phones for almost everything, but I like to make sure I have a small notebook to store important information lest I lose my phone, or find myself unable to grab a charge. Sure, any old cardboard-covered cheapie will do, but I'm rough on things and Moleskines are less likely to end up in tatters. I also appreciate the expandable inner pocket, which is handy for storing small documents like plane tickets and receipts. — Owen Burke, Insider Picks senior reporter



A charging cable that works on every kind of smartphone

Nomad USB Universal Charging Cable, $29.95

If you travel with a lot of tech gadgets, you need a universal cable. Nomad's is the best one because it's super sturdy, long enough to reach, and it has lightning, USB-C, and Micro USB endings, so you can charge literally any smartphone with it. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor



Comfortable flip-flops for hotel and AirBnB floors

Oofos Unisex Original Thong Flip Flops, from $41.11-93.48

If you've stayed at enough Airbnbs, you probably know that it's a good idea to bring flip flops with you to protect your feet from fungus. I take these ridiculously comfortable, machine washable flip flops with me when I travel. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor



Durable bags for all different kinds of travel

Patagonia Black Hole Series, $129

Patagonia's Black Hole series travel bags are some of the best out there. I use the 40L bag for everything from short weekend trips to two-week-long vacations. — Breton Fischetti, VP of Insider Picks



Wireless earbuds that hardly take up any room

Jaybird Run True Wireless Headphones, $107.95

I rarely travel with a checked bag anymore, so space is a top concern. For shorter trips where I don't want my Marshall over-ear headphones to take up prime real estate or get crushed, I bring along my Jaybird RUN truly wireless buds. They're tiny enough to keep in my pocket, and their charging case takes up less room than a pair of rolled socks. Plus, they've got an 8-hour playtime and on the off-chance I forgot to charge them beforehand, 5 minutes in their charging case gives me an hour of listening time. – Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter



A great day pack

Peak Design Everyday Backpack, $259.95

I've tried a ton of different camera bags, and Peak Design's Everyday Backpack is hands-down my favorite. The bag comes with three Velcro inserts that can be used to divide the main compartment, and can be adjusted, folded, reshaped, and moved while still Velcro-ed in place. It's loaded with a ton of thoughtful, smart features, and is comfortable to carry all day. Some have complained that the bag is over-engineered, but I disagree — if you want help figuring out the most efficient way to use the bag, though, Peak offers full video walk-throughs for all of their products. You can read more about the Everyday backpack here. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter



A collapsible water bottle for compact storage

Que Collapsible Water Bottle, $19.95

This is the perfect water bottle for travel. It's collapsible, which means you can pack it away compactly and then expand it out and fill it up once you get to the airport. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor



A mobile hotspot for WiFi wherever you go

Skyroam Solis Mobile Wifi Hotspot and Power Bank, $149.99

Using your smartphone abroad can get incredibly expensive, since many US cellular providers offer international roaming plans that cost a fortune on a per-day basis. If your phone happens to be unlocked, you can buy a local SIM card, but that's not a great solution since it means you'll have a different cell phone number for the duration of the trip. The Skyroam Solis is a great alternative.  You can connect several devices at a time, and everyone can use 4G data up to about 550 MB per day — and 2G data after that. Although you'll have to buy the device and day passes for data — which are $9.99 each — that can be significantly cheaper than your provider's roaming plan — especially if your whole group opts to use the Solis. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter



A durable laptop case to protect your device in all kinds of conditions

Thule Gauntlet Attaché Case for 13" Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro, $89.99

I've had the Thule Gauntlet 13" MacBook Pro case for over five years, and taken it through everything from squalls in leaky boats to monsoon seasons on motorbikes, and I still have the very same laptop I bought this case to protect. It's also just large enough to pass as a briefcase, and the divider and accessory pouches allow you to get creative with your storage. The newest version of this case doesn't come with the water-resistant zipper which upsets me, but it is more durable. — Owen Burke, Insider Picks senior reporter



A super-portable, accessible water bottle

Vapur Element Bottle, starting at $11.99

I've had this water bottle for years, I take it with me on every trip, and it's still going strong. It rolls right up when it's empty, so it's super portable. Plus, the lid makes a tight seal to prevent leaks and it has a carabiner on it so you can clip it onto your backpack while traveling. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor



A comfortable travel pillow to help you actually get some rest on flights, train and bus rides

Shhh Silk Travel Size Silk Pillow, $180

As an extremely anxious traveller, I cannot overstate how helpful it has been to have a super comfortable, luxurious travel pillow with me on airplanes. This one is filled with silk fibers so it's phenomenally soft and cloud-like, and I actually use it at home and in hotels to sleep on, too. It might seem silly or frivolous, but I've come to view it as a sort of security blanket that keeps me feeling safe and cozy when I'm anxious. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor



Save 20% on back-to-school items at L.L.Bean and Dormify — plus 6 other sales and deals happening now

0
0

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings at L.L.Bean, The North Face, Nordstrom Rack, and The Container Store. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

llbean

1. Save 20% on kids' clothes, shoes, and backpacks at L.L.Bean

Just in time for summer break, L.L.Bean is having a sale on kids' essentials. Now through July 28, you can save 20% on deluxe and original backpacks, kids' clothes, shoes, and more by using the promo code "KIDS20" at checkout. Visit Business Insider Coupons for more of the latest deals at L.L.Bean.

Shop the L.L.Bean sale now

The North Face

2. Save up to 40% on select styles at The North Face

When The North Face started its summer sale two weeks ago, the savings were up to 30% off. Now, the brand has increased the discounts up to 40% off. In addition to summer styles like T-shirts, tank tops, swimming trunks, and shorts, the sale also includes windbreakers, fleeces, parkas, hoodies, and snow pants for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. You likely won't see a better (or comparable) deal like this at The North Face until the holiday season.Visit Business Insider Coupons for more sale and deals at The North Face

Shop The North Face's sale now

nordstrom rack

3. Save up to 70% on newly-reduced items at Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is a great place to find deals on the many brands you'd typically find at Nordstrom. The site just got a huge inventory of newly-reduced items from Nordstrom and the savings are as much as 70% off. The sale includes jewelry, watches, makeup, clothes, shoes, home decor, bedding, tech, and much more.  Visit Business Insider Coupons for additional savings at Nordstrom Rack

Shop the Nordstrom Rack sale now

The Container Store

4. Save up to 30% on customer-favorite storage solutions at The Container Store

If you need help organizing or decluttering any room in your home, The Container Store has exactly what you're looking for — and it's probably on sale right now. For a limited time, you can save up to 30% on customer-favorite storage solutions for closets, shoes, makeup and jewelry, kitchens, garages, and more. My personal favorite storage item is the stackable drop-front shoe box, which is currently 20% off. Visit Business Insider Coupons for more deals at The Container Store.

Shop The Container Store now.

51V4TwxxBUL._SL1024_

5.Save up to 46% on Cuisinart Enameled Cast Iron cookware

With outstanding heat retention and distribution, Cuisinart's cast-iron cookware allows home cooks to explore a variety of different cooking techniques. The top-of-the-line collection uses a porcelain enamel coating to prevent flavor absorption and to provide durability. Originally priced at $129.99 each, you can get select enameled cast iron frying pans and pots for $69.99 each as an Amazon Deal of the Day.

Shop Cuisinart Classic Enameled Cast Iron cookware on Amazon now.

burrow

6. Save up to $500 on furniture at Burrow

Burrow has become one of our favorite direct-to-consumer furniture companies for its contemporary designs and affordable prices — and during the extended Fourth of July sale you'll, save even more. Simply use the promo code "FOURTH19" at checkout to save $50 off $500, $150 off $1,000, $250 off $1,500, $350 off $2,000, or $500 off $2,500. The sale is designed to help you save whether you're shopping for a small addition or a complete furniture set.

Shop the Burrow sale now

Dormify

7. Save 20% sitewide at Dormify

Although it might feel like summer just started, it'll be time for college students to return to campus before you know it. During Dormify's extended Fourth of July sale, you can save 20% on all dorm room furnishings sitewide by using the promo code "SPARKLERS" at checkout. The sale includes bedding sets, pillows, wall art, storage solutions, and everything else needed to transform a bare dorm room or apartment into a place to call home.

Shop the Dormify sale now

Bear Mattress

8. Save 20% and get two free pillows at Bear Mattress

Bear goes far beyond the standard of plush memory foam by incorporating Celliant into its mattresses. The material is designed to convert 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. The brand's Fourth of July is still going on with 20% off and two free pillows with any mattress purchase.

Shop the Bear Mattress sale now

Join the conversation about this story »

Airbnb's new luxury service lets you book private islands and villas with boxing rings and butlers. Here's a look inside 8 of the most over-the-top vacation properties.

0
0

Airbnb Luxe

  • Airbnb Luxe is a new feature on Airbnb that gives users access to over 2,000 exclusive luxury properties around the world.
  • The feature includes "trip designers" who coordinate everything from trip activities to private chefs.
  • Airbnb gave Business Insider a look at eight exclusive properties included in Luxe, with prices ranging from $410 a night to $144,336 a night.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Airbnb has just launched a premium service pairing luxury-minded travelers with some of the world's most over-the-top vacation amenities (think villas with boxing rings and butler-ready cabanas).

Airbnb Luxe gives users access to over 2,000 exclusive properties around the world, from a private island in French Polynesia to a penthouse steps away from the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Read more:Airbnb is pushing deeper into the luxury sector with 2,000 high-end listings around the world, and prices reach as high as $200,000 per night

Each property is judged on design and functionality, and evaluated on everything from kitchen appliances to bedroom and bathroom ratios. All the bookings also come with a "trip designer" who assists in the planning of your stay. Trip designers can arrange services including child care, private chefs, in-house massages, and personal training sessions. The service comes at no extra cost.

Airbnb gave Business Insider a look at eight exclusive properties that are available through Luxe. These homes range from $410 a night to $144,336 a night.

Keep reading for a look inside the homes, ranked from least expensive to most expensive as of July 8, 2019. We also calculated the cost per head if each home were booked with the maximum number of guests allowed (rounded to the nearest dollar).

SEE ALSO: This is the pitch deck now-$31 billion Airbnb used when it was just getting started

DON'T MISS: Disappointing photos show what 9 top luxury destinations look like in real life

1. Villa Belong Dua: This luxury estate is located in Cemagi, Indonesia.

Cemagi is located in Bali, Indonesia, which is known as a destination hotspot among the country's visitors. Bali boasts views of volcanoes, jungles, and stunning beaches. The luxury estate Villa Belong Dua is just minutes away from one of the island's popular beaches, Seseh Beach, which is known to be one of the most entertaining areas in Bali.



The home is a 3-minute walk from Seseh Beach.

Source: Google MapsAirbnb



Amenities include a chef, housekeeping, pool, BBQ grill, pond, and massage bale.

Source: Airbnb



It includes 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms ...

Source: Airbnb



... and can house up to 4 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $410 per night Cost per guest (per night): $103

Source: Airbnb



2. Sky Loft: This penthouse is located in Darlinghurst, Australia.

Darlinghurst is located in Sydney, Australia. It is known for its popular nightlife scene and is home to one of the largest Pride parades in the world. Along with parties, guests who travel to Darlinghurst can enjoy the history and beauty of the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Australia's oldest museum.



The home is just minutes away from the Sydney Opera House.

Source: Airbnb



It includes 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms ...

Source: Airbnb



... and can house up to 6 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $838 per night Cost per guest (per night): $140

Source: Airbnb



3. Dar Moucha: This luxury villa is located just 5 miles from Marrakesh, Morocco.

The villa is located 5 miles from Marrakesh, one of Morocco's major cities. Also known as the "Red City," it's famous for its historic buildings, local eateries, gardens, hills, and mountains. 



Marrakesh, Morocco, is home to stately palaces and a wide array of museums.

Source: Travel + Leisure



Amenities include housekeeping, a pool, gym, BBQ grill, and sun lounges. The property also includes orange trees, a small farm, and a veggie patch.

Source: Airbnb



The home has 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms ...

Source: Airbnb



... and can house up to 12 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $1,347 per night Cost per guest (per night): $112

Source: Airbnb



4. Casa Koko: This luxury beach house is located in Punta Mita, Mexico.

Punta Mita is a luxury resort in Mexico. The 1,500-acre resort sits on its own private peninsula and boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It attracts visitors with its sandy beaches and luxury hospitality.



The property is located on the beach with access to a golf course, beach club, and tennis courts.

Source: Airbnb



The home includes 9 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms ...

Source: Airbnb



... and can house up to 22 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Amenities include housekeeping, a chef, a driver, a hot tub, an infinity pool, a BBQ grill, a gym, and sun lounges.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $3,500 per night Cost per guest (per night): $159

Source: Airbnb



5. Beyond: This luxury home is located in Cape Town, South Africa.

Cape Town is one of the most popular places for tourists in South Africa. It's home to sought-after destinations like the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, which is said to be one of the most visited attractions in South Africa, and Lion's Head, which is a hikable mountain that offers panoramic views of Cape Town.



The home is just 10 minutes by car from Lion's Head mountain.

Source: Airbnb



It includes 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms ...

Source: Airbnb



... and can house up to 10 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Amenities include airport transfer, housekeeping, a chef, a heated infinity pool, a sauna, a steam room, a wet bar, a home theater, and sun lounges.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $8,462 per night Cost per guest (per night): $846

Source: Airbnb



6. Alang, Alang: This luxury home is located in Cannes, France.

Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera. It is home to the Palais des Festivals, which hosts the renowned Cannes film festival every year. Visitors can stroll the Boulevard de la Croisette, a world-famous road along the Mediterranean Sea that features markets, eateries, and shopping destinations.



The home includes 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms ...

Source: Google Maps, Airbnb



... and can house up to 18 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Amenities include housekeeping, a chef, infinity pool, hot tub, pool bar, garden, sauna, gym, boxing ring, home theater, and steam room.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $13,097 per night. Cost per guest (per night): $728

Source: Airbnb



7. Chateau d'Estoublon: This luxury estate is located in Fontvieille, France.

Located in southern France, this luxury estate sits on the slopes of the Alpilles, a famous mountain range. Chateau d'Estoublon is known for its olive oil and wine and dates back to the 18th century. 



The estate dates back to the 18th century. Its surrounding areas are famously known for olive oil and wine.

Source: Luxury Retreats



Amenities include housekeeping, a chef, a butler, a pool, a gym, and a wine cave.

Source: Airbnb



The home includes 10 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms ...

Source: Airbnb



... and can house up to 20 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $16,839 per night Cost per guest (per night): $842

Source: Airbnb



8. Nukutepipi: If you're more in the market for privacy, you can have this island all to yourself in French Polynesia.

The private island of Nukutepipi is owned by billionaire businessman Guy Laliberté. Located in French Polynesia, which is a semi-autonomous zone division of France, Nukutepipi offers its guests a private getaway with activities such as kitesurfing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, deep-sea fishing, and whale-watching. French Polynesia is also home to other vacation hotspots like Bora Bora.



The staff at Nukutepipi includes a chef, a captain, a doctor, a massage therapist, and activity coordinators.

Source: Airbnb



Amenities include an infinity pool, golf cart, housekeeping, a mini bar, and wet bar.

Source: Airbnb



The island has 21 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms ...

Source: Airbnb



... and can house up to 52 guests.

Source: Airbnb



Cost: $144,336 per night Cost per guest (per night): $2,776

Source: Airbnb



Here’s the astronomical amount of money people spend to attend a wedding — and tips on how to save on this huge expense

0
0

wedding toast

  • Wedding guests spend an average of $776 per wedding, while members of the wedding party spend an average of $851.
  • The most costly expenses for wedding guests are travel costs, accommodations, and wedding gifts.
  • Costs don't deter people from wanting to attend weddings — 70% reported they enjoyed the last wedding they attended.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Love is in the air. It's summer and, for many, that means a season filled with friends' and family's wedding celebrations. Weddings can be a great way to spend time with your nearest and dearest, as well as show your love to the happy couple. However, attending a wedding can cost you. A lot!

Read more: The 25 most expensive places in the US to get married

According to a recent study by The Knot, wedding guests may spend more to attend a wedding than you might realize. Between wedding gifts, travel, accommodations, attire, and more, attending a wedding can make a serious dent in your wallet. 

The Knot surveyed over 1,300 people who've been a wedding guest or attendant in the past to determine how much, on average, they spend per wedding on travel, accommodations, gifts, attire, and accessories. 

Here's what wedding guests and bridal party members spend on average, per wedding — plus some tips on how you can save money next time a friend of family member ties the knot. 

Here's exactly what wedding guests and members of the wedding party spend per wedding:

Avg. spending per wedding

According to the 2018 Wedding Guest Study by The Knot, wedding guests spend an average of $776 per wedding while wedding party members spend an average of $851. These figures included both guests who traveled for weddings and those who did not.

Guests and wedding party members reported spending the most money on travel and accommodations. Overall, wedding party members reported spending 9.7% more per wedding than wedding guests do, averaging a difference of $75. 

Wedding guests who travel to the wedding spend over $900 per wedding they attend, and members of the wedding party spend even more

If you have to travel to attend the wedding, costs add up to an even higher number for both wedding guests and wedding party members. Guests that are traveling for a wedding spend an average of $901 per wedding, including costs for travel, accommodations, wedding gifts, attire, and accessories, while members of the wedding party spend an average of $928.

Travel costs don't necessarily deter people from going to weddings, but people do think about the money they'd spend to attend a wedding

According to The Knot's Wedding Guest report, 1 in 3 wedding guests consider the costs of travel (40%) and accommodations (36%) before RSVPing to a wedding. If a wedding is too far away, guests may factor that into their choice to attend.

Many wedding attendees have to travel or spend money on accommodations close to the wedding venue. On average, 1 in 3 (41%) members of the wedding party book accommodations for the celebration. Members of the wedding party are also booking travel (15%) to get to the wedding ceremony and reception, spending an average of $308. 

Wedding guests also pay for travel and accommodations. 28% reported booking accommodations and 14% book travel for weddings, spending an average of $234 and $303, respectively. 

However, even though attending a wedding can be pricey, this doesn't prevent guests from enjoying themselves. 70% of the wedding guests surveyed reported that they enjoyed the last wedding they attended.

There are a few ways to save money as a wedding guest, while still making the bride and groom happy

There are a variety of ways to save a little money when attending a wedding. The Knot recently shared their tips for saving money, as well as valuable resources that let you save on your attire and travel costs. We also came up with a few ways to cut costs when attending a wedding as either a guest or a member of the wedding party. Here they are:

SEE ALSO: A woman shamed a wedding guest for wearing an 'absurdly short dress,' but a lot of people think her outfit is perfectly fine

Skip the bachelor or bachelorette party if you're not extremely close to the person getting married

One in 5 wedding guests (22%) outside the wedding party will attend either the bachelor and bachelorette party. Taking part in the bachelor and bachelorette parties can add up to unforeseen expenses, however, as party attendees spend an average of $537 on bachelorette and bachelor parties. This figure includes the costs of travel, accommodations, and gifts.

If it's appropriate to do so, only attend the wedding ceremony and reception. Most wedding attendees spend around $100 on their wedding present — $88 for wedding guests and $107 for the wedding party. However, guests and wedding party members who attend the wedding, wedding shower, and bachelor or bachelorette parties end up spending a whopping $289 and $295 on their combined gifts. 

 



Split travel costs with other guests

If the wedding is within driving distance, split travel costs by getting a group together and making a road trip out of it. Instead of purchasing expensive plane tickets, you'll only have to pay for a share of the gas money instead. By splitting travel costs with other wedding guests and their plus-ones, you can all save a little money on the wedding day expenses.



Buy your registry gift early so you can get first dibs on less expensive options

When thinking about what to gift the happy couple, the thing that guests consider the most is finding a gift within their budget. By buying your gift early, you'll get your first choice on the least expensive options on the couples' registry. That's not to say you'll be skimping out — quite the contrary, in fact. Most couples will be happy to receive any gift from their registry, no matter your motives for getting that specific one. According to The Knot's Guest Survey, 3 in 4 (78%) wedding guests want to give a gift that's thoughtful, and nearly half (42%) report seeking gifts from companies that support "larger causes close to their hearts."



Buy attire second hand, buy a staple suit, borrow from a friend, or rent your dress

Attire makes up 13% and 19% of wedding day expenses for guests and members of the wedding party. Wedding party members often spend more on attire than wedding guests. Most bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits are chosen by the couple, not allowing for a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing attire within your price range. However, there are a couple of ways that couples can work with members of the wedding party to choose affordable options.

Through The Knot and Rent the Runway, couples can help their guests save money on their wedding day fashion by offering them a 20% discount off of a rental from Rent the Runway. Brides can also choose their bridesmaid dresses through the service, cutting costs and ensuring the dresses won't be hanging in closets for years to come, never to be worn again.

 



Look for hotel alternatives or get in on the hotel room block

Many couples set aside blocks of rooms in hotels near the wedding venue months (or even a year) in advance. They're often locked in at reasonable rates, making them the most convenient and cost-effective accommodations for wedding guests. If you can't get a hotel room through the couple, split a hotel suite or Airbnb with other guests. Just make sure you book early!

 

 



Where to find cheap tickets to the best summer concerts of 2019 — including Ariana Grande, Lizzo, and Queen

0
0

summer concerts 2

  • This summer, concert goers will have their pick of tours and shows by popular rock, country, rap, pop, and hip-hop artists.
  • From classic rockers like The Rolling Stones to breakout pop and R&B stars like Khalid and Lizzo, the summer concert season is packed with talented, can't-miss acts. 
  • Use these ticketing platforms to find cheap tickets to the best concerts of summer 2019: Ticketmaster, Stubhub, TicketNetwork, and Ticketfly

Fourth of July is over, but there's still plenty to look forward to this summer. Many of the biggest stars in music go on tour, and the summer 2019 concert season is a jam-packed one, with artists and bands from many different genres gracing the stages of stadiums and outdoor venues across the country. 

It's not too late to grab tickets to the following shows in your area. If you've always wanted to see, hear, and sing along to these entertaining performers, now's your chance.

There's nothing quite like the experience of a live show, and with the energetic, carefree spirit of summer fueling you, you'll enjoy these live shows even more. Use our favorite ticketing platforms below to find original tickets and verified resale tickets. 

These are the best summer concerts to attend in 2019 and where to find tickets. 

If you don't see your favorite artist or band above, you can browse all concert tickets here:

Discover concerts at Ticketmaster

Discover concerts at Stubhub

Discover concerts at TicketNetwork

Discover concerts at Ticketfly

Join the conversation about this story »


How to save an image on your Mac computer in 3 different ways

0
0

macbook pro wwdc

  • If you find a picture online or in a document that you want to save, knowing a few ways to save an image on your Mac computer will come in handy.
  • You can import images you've saved into a folder, onto your Mac's desktop, or even insert them directly into various types of files.
  • With a screen capture, you can even save images to your Mac from sites that won't let you download them.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Whether you are putting together a presentation for the office, preparing a project for school, or saving your favorite photos from a friend's Facebook page, it's easy to save images on a Mac computer

In fact, there are three easy ways to save an image on a Mac, each of which has its own benefits. 

Once you know how, you can save any image to your Mac, whether it's from a website, a social media platform, or even a PDF that is supposed to be locked against saving.

Here are the three best ways to save images on Macs.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook (From $1,299 at Apple)

How to save an image on a Mac computer

Right click to save an image on a Mac

For most images, this is the best way to save them on a Mac, as it offers you the most control. Remember that using two fingers to tap on the track pad is the same as right clicking on a Mac. And if you're using a mouse with no separate right click, you can hold the Control button on your keyboard as you click to activate a right click.

1. Right click on the image, then select "Save Image As…" from the dropdown menu.

Screen Shot 2019 07 08 at 9.47.48 AM

2. Enter the file name you want to use for the selected image, and choose where the file will be saved.

3. Click the blue "Save" button.

Screen Shot 2019 07 08 at 9.48.23 AM

Drag-and-drop to save an image on Mac

Dragging is the quickest and simplest way to save an image on a Mac, but it offers less control than right clicking, as you can't name the file.

1. Left click and hold on the image to be saved.

2. Drag it to its chosen destination, which can be the desktop, a folder on the desktop, an open folder, or even right into a Word or Pages (or similar) document.

3. When a green circle with a "+" symbol appears, release the image to drop it into its new location.

Screen capture to save an image on Mac

A screen capture on a Mac— also known as a screenshot, or a "print screen" on Windows — lets you capture any image, even ones that you can't directly download, such as those on Instagram or a PDF.

  • To take a screenshot of a specific image or section of the screen, hit "Command + Shift + 4" at the same time, then left click and hold, dragging a box around the content to be saved.
  • To screenshot the entire monitor on a Mac, hit "Command + Shift + 3" at the same time.

Note that in both cases, the image will be saved to your Mac's desktop. For more info on how to take a screenshot, check out our article, "How to take a screenshot on a Mac, and find that screenshot on your computer later."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best budget laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Apple just launched a $6,000 Mac Pro, available this fall

How to turn off two-step and two-factor authentication on an iPhone, through your Apple ID account

0
0

iphone and computer

  • Apple offers both two-step and two-factor authentication for the iPhone, though two-step authentication is older and being replaced with the two-factor alternative. 
  • Two-factor authentication displays an interactive notification on your iPhone before revealing a requested verification code. 
  • You can turn off two-step authentication from your Apple ID web page, but once turned two-factor authentication is turned on permanently (outside of a two-week window), it cannot be turned off. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When discussing digital security, the terms "two-step" and "two-factor" are often used interchangeably. But confusingly, Apple offers two slightly different forms of enhanced security, called two-step authentication and two-factor authentication. 

Two-factor authentication is a newer and more secure system that includes interactive push notifications on your iOS devices, like the iPhone. Two-factor authentication has become an essential way to keep your data safe. By requiring two ways to prove that your identity — typically, a password and a verification code sent to your phone — it makes it dramatically harder for a hacker to gain access to your personal or financial data. 

If you are still using two-step authentication and want to switch to the two-factor alternative, you need to turn off two-step authentication first.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone XS (From $729 at Apple)

How to turn off two-step authentication on the iPhone

1. In a web browser, sign into your Apple ID page. 

2. In the Security section, make sure it says that "Two-Step Verification" is on. 

2fa 1

3. Click "Edit."

4. Click "Turn Off Two-Step Verification." Click again to confirm this is what you want to do. 

2fa 2

5. You might need to create a security question and verify your date of birth. 

Two-step verification is now turned off. If you want to, you can now turn on two-factor authentication in the Settings app of your iPhone (you can find it by tapping your name at the top of Settings, then Password & Security). 

But be aware, once two-factor authetication becomes permanent on your iPhone, you can't turn it off. 

How to turn off two-factor authentication on an iPhone (within an available two-week window)

As we've indicated, once you turn on two-factor authentication on an iPhone — unlike two-step authentication — it cannot be turned off. Apple has implemented this to enforce enhanced security for the iPhone and iPad. 

There's one exception: You have a two-week window, starting from when you initially activate two-factor authentication, in which to turn it back off. After that, it's permanent. 

If you are within that two-week window, you can turn it off from your Apple ID page:

1. In a web browser, sign into your Apple ID page. 

2. In the Security section, make sure it says that "Two-Factor Verification" is on. 

3. Click "Edit."

4. Click "Turn Off Two-Factor Verification." Click "Continue" to confirm this is what you want to do. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best lightning cables you can buy for your iPhone

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 23 useful iPhone tricks and hidden features to make your life easier

Amazon Prime Day 2019: Every deals article we’ve written so far

0
0

Prime day

Amazon Prime Day 2019 is happening on July 15-16, 2019.

It will be live for 48 hours (the longest Prime Day event yet), starting at 12 a.m. PT on July 15 and ending at 11:59 p.m. PT on July 16. The sale will usher in over a million deals sitewide— with new deals starting as often as every five minutes. Unsurprisingly bigger and better than ever, this year even comes with its own concert exclusively for Prime members, headlined by Taylor Swift.  

To help you sift through the discounts, our team has been cherry-picking the best deals and compiling them into shoppable guides organized by category and interest, useful how-tos, and insider tricks and tips for getting the most out of the yearly event. We'll keep updating it all in real time so you'll never miss a deal you're looking for.

Here's a master list of all our coverage of Prime Day 2019 deals.

The best deals Prime members can expect to see this year

Here's where you'll want to go for all the best deals offered on Prime Day 2019 across all categories. Bookmark this page for easy access once July 15 arrives.

The best early Prime Day deals Prime members can get right now

Although Amazon Prime Day 2019 isn't until July 15 and 16, Amazon has already released a handful of early deals. We're keeping track of them.

Amazon prime 2019 day news FAQs 4x3

When is Amazon Prime Day 2019?

Amazon has officially confirmed that the dates of Prime Day 2019 will be July 15-16. Read on for the official start time and end time of Prime Day 2019

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Learn the history of Prime Day and what to expect on July 15-16.

Amazon Prime Day 2019 FAQs and news

Here's everything you need to know about Prime Day 2019 — we answer all of your frequently asked questions.

All the tips and tricks you need to save the most money possible on Prime Day

If you don't want to get lost in a sea of more than 1 million deals, you'll want to prepare a little and go in already knowing what you're looking for.

The 30 most popular products from last year's Amazon Prime Day

We compiled a list of the deals our readers loved and bought the most last year to help you start making your own easy-to-reference wish list.

The best Bose headphones and speakers deals we're expecting to see on Prime Day 2019

Bose is a household name in audio for a reason. Last year, Business Insider readers got the Bose QuietComfort 25 noise-cancelling headphones for $125 instead of $198. We expect similar deals in 2019.

What Not To Buy 4x3

27 products we recommend waiting until Amazon Prime Day to buy

We've been covering Prime Day every year since its inception, and we've gotten pretty good at spotting the deals that return year after year. If any of these 27 products— from DNA tests to Echo speakers — are on your summer shopping list, we recommend waiting until Prime Day to buy them. 

You can get Audible for more than half off right now in this early Prime Day deal

Audible, Amazon's audiobook app, has been discounted from $14.95 per month to $4.95 per month for your first three months if you're a new member. You can also opt to get $30 off your annual membership (now $119.50) and receive an Echo Dot for $0.99 extra if you've already been a member.

Amazon is running an early Prime Day deal that gets you 50% off popular movie rentals on Prime Video

For a limited time, you can take 50% off rentals on popular movies on Prime Video.

Amazon is running an early Prime Day deal on AmazonFresh, its grocery delivery service

Right now for Prime Day, you can save up to 40% on groceries when shopping AmazonFresh. Plus, new AmazonFresh customers can get $15 off their first order of $35 or more with the promo code "FRESH15" at checkout.

Amazon is offering 4 months of access to its music-streaming service for $1 now through Prime Day

As of now, Amazon Music Unlimited is offering new members access to tens of millions of songs for $1 for the first four months (regularly priced at $7.99 per month).

The Amazon Fire TV Stick deals we're expecting to see on Prime Day 2019

Last year, Amazon Prime members saved $20 on the Fire TV Stick on Prime Day and got the popular streaming stick for its lowest price ever — only $19.99. Expect savings here again. 

30 cool products that just launched on Amazon exclusively for Prime members

One Prime Day-related exclusive is Prime Day Launches, a selection of new products that only Prime members can shop for a limited time leading up to Prime Day. See 2019's Launches here.

Amazon Prime Day 2019 Lightning Deal 4x3

How to avoid missing out on 'Lightning Deals' throughout Prime Day

Amazon's Lightning Deals are limited-time, limited-stock offers that are usually available to everyone. On Prime Day, though, they're only available to Prime members. Here's how to make sure you don't miss out on the ones you want

The free trick to gaining access to Amazon Prime Day 2019 deals — even without a membership

In order to access the deals, you must be an Amazon Prime member. If you're not already, you can sign up for a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial now so you can shop Prime Day without committing the full $119. Just make sure you cancel the membership after Prime Day if you don't want to continue it. 

Here's what you should buy on Amazon Prime Day 2019 based on past deals

We've been sifting through Prime Day deals and showing you the best ones since 2015, so we have a good idea of the product categories and brands you should be focusing on if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Here's the cheat sheet.

The iRobot Roomba vacuum deals we expect to see on Amazon Prime Day 2019

Last year, the  Roomba 671 robot vacuum was discounted $120 for a sale price of $229.99. They're usually a few hundred dollars, and can even cost up to $1,000, so they tend to be one of our favorite Prime Day deals. Here's what we expect based on past years. 

The Eufy RoboVac deals we're expecting to see on Amazon Prime Day 2019

You didn't think we forgot about Roomba's competitor Eufy, did you? Last year, Amazon Prime members saved $110 on the popular Eufy RoboVac 11— getting it for just $159.99. We expect similar discounts this year. Plus, you can use the Amazon app to make sure you don't miss Eufy deals on Prime Day.

All the Kindle deals we expect to see for Amazon Prime Day 2019

Last year, Prime members saved on Kindle Unlimited memberships and the Kindle Paperwhite. Here's what we forecast for the Kindle on Prime Day 2019.

31 useful Amazon Prime benefits to know that go beyond free 2-day shipping

The most notable perk is fast, free shipping, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Don't leave any perks you're technically paying for — or getting access to via trial — still on the table. 

Shop Amazon Prime Day deals

Join the conversation about this story »

Amazon Prime Day 2019 is fast approaching — check out the best deals we expect to see again this year

0
0

Amazon Prime Day Roundup 2019 4x3

Of the many products we receive and test at Insider Picks every day, we've never gotten our hands on a time-travel machine. If we did, however, we'd probably use it to take a peek at the best deals of Amazon's much-anticipated yearly event, Prime Day

Amazon usually begins releasing additional details, including early deals, a couple weeks before the big sales event. Right now, there isn't an abundance of early deals, but there are at least a few you should know about, along with all the basic information about the day itself.

This is what we know about Prime Day 2019 so far: 

  1. Amazon Prime Day 2019 will officially begin at 12 a.m. PT on July 15 and will end at 11:59 p.m. PT on July 16.
  2. The deals will last a full 48 hours, with some deals happening early.
  3. Some of the best Prime Day deals have already begun. You can save $100 on the Fire TV Recast (usually $229.99), try 4 months of Amazon Music Unlimited for only $0.99 (save $31), and try 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for free (save $30).
  4. If you're hoping to buy an Alexa-enabled device, wait until Prime Day. You'll be able to shop the biggest Prime Day deals ever on Alexa-enabled devices.

You'll be able to browse featured deals on this Amazon page on Amazon Prime Day, but the real page you'll want to bookmark is this article. We'll be sifting through the more than 1 million deals anticipated to land on Prime Day and showing you only the best deals so you can save time and get on with your day. 

Remember, you must be an Amazon Prime member in order to access Amazon Prime Day 2019's best deals. Check out all the great benefits a Prime membership affords in addition to Prime Day access, then sign up for a free 30-day trial here

If you have more burning questions about Amazon Prime Day 2019, read our Amazon Prime Day FAQ. For any unanswered questions you may still have, email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com. 

Learn more about the best Prime Day deals to expect below, plus all the early deals Amazon has already released:

SEE ALSO: 31 useful Amazon Prime benefits to know that go beyond free 2-day shipping

DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2019

The best Amazon service deals

Amazon's many memberships include music-streaming services Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music and grocery delivery services like AmazonFresh and Prime Pantry. These are usually the deals that get released early ahead of Prime Day and feature attractive trials that are either free or only cost $1. 

The best Prime Day Amazon service deals: 



The best Amazon Echo deals

Amazon's variety of Echo smart speakers always go on sale during Prime Day. Each one utilizes Alexa to accomplish any number of tasks, from answering questions to reordering supplies on Amazon.

The Echo (pictured) features Dolby speakers that play 360-degree audio with clear vocals and dynamic bass response, plus seven microphones so it can hear your commands even as music is playing.

The best Prime Day Echo deals



The best Kindle deals

Kindle ebook readers are light and comfortable to hold, give you the ability to download millions of books with the click of a button, and let you make highlights and notes. The newest model of the Kindle Paperwhite was released in 2018, and we love it

Among our own readers, a top three best seller last year was a Kindle Unlimited promotional deal, which let Prime members who hadn't yet tried the service get access to over 1 million books for just $1. The service usually goes for $30 for the same time frame. This year, the deal is even better. 

The best Prime Day Kindle deals



The best TV deals

TV and media streamers often go on sale during Prime Day. While you can pick up a discounted TV and a separate media streamer such as the Fire TV Stick, there are also TV options that have Fire TV built right into their system. 

The best Prime Day TV deals

The best Prime Day media streamer deals:

  • Check back soon for the best media streamer deals. 


The best smart home deals

There was an almost overwhelming number of smart security camera and smart lighting deals on Prime Day last year. Amazon-owned Ring usually discounts a number of its cameras, with the Doorbell Pro being the most popular, but the Doorbell 2 and Spotlight Camare quality alternatives. Other smart home deals you can shop might include smart light bulbs and thermostats. 

The best Prime Day smart home deals



The best laptop, tablet, and computer deals

Now's a great opportunity to buy a new laptop, tablet, or PC for school or personal use. Deals from Amazon (hint: lots of Fire tablets), Acer, Google, and Samsung should give you a wealth of choice as you decide which device you need. 

The best Prime Day laptop deals:

  • Check back soon for the best laptop deals. 

The best Prime Day tablet deals:

  • Check back soon for the best tablet deals. 

The best Prime Day PC deals

  • Check back soon for the best PC deals. 


The best smartphone and phone accessories deals

Smartphones and their accompanying accessories can be very pricey, but you can get great deals during Amazon Prime Day, especially on unlocked phones. Here are the best smartphones and phone accessories on sale that iOS and Android fans alike can enjoy. 

The best Prime Day smartphone deals

The best Prime Day phone accessory deals

  • Check back soon for the best phone accessory deals. 


The best speaker and soundbar deals

Upgrade your sound system for less with these Prime Day speaker deals. You'll notice the difference the next time you listen to music, watch a movie, or play a video game. You can even bring a few of these speakers with you on your next beach or camping trip. Some are made for outdoor convenience while others, like the Sonos One above, are made to fill a room with rich sound. 

The best Prime Day speaker deals

The best Prime Day soundbar deals:

  • Check back soon for the best soundbar deals. 


The best headphones deals

Whether you need a good set to help you concentrate during work or to accompany your runs, we'll have you covered with the best Prime Day headphone deals, including wireless earbuds, wired earbuds, over-ear headphones, and Bluetooth headphones. It's hard to pass up on big savings from names like Sony, Bose, and Audio-Technica.

The best Prime Day headphones deals



The best kitchen deals

Save on big kitchen brands like KitchenAid and newer entrants like ChefSteps (pictured). Of course, Prime Day would be incomplete without a couple Instant Pot deals. Kitchen essentials from small appliances (air fryers, blenders, mixers) to cookware and tools are popular deals to shop. 

The best Prime Day kitchen appliance deals:

The best Prime Day cookware deals:

  • Check back soon for the best cookware deals. 

 



The best vacuum deals

No one actually enjoys vacuuming, so it's no surprise that robot vacuums are growing in popularity. Vacuums from brands like Ecovacs and iRobot will do all the work for you. But if you prefer a traditional handheld vacuum, you could also save on a fan-favorite that's usually pretty expensive — the coveted Dyson vacuum

The best Prime Day vacuum deals:

  • Check back soon for the best vacuum deals. 

The best Prime Day robot vacuum deals

  • Check back soon for the best robot vacuum deals. 


The best mattress, sheets, and pillow deals

Since you spend a third of your life sleeping, it pays to invest in a good mattress and pillow. Thankfully, you won't have to invest that much with these sleep deals. You'll be able to get the support you need with memory foam or hybrid mattresses and mattress toppers, wrap yourself in soft sheets, and rest your head (without the irritation) on hypoallergenic pillows.

The best Prime Day mattress deals:

The best Prime Day sheets and pillow deals:

  • Check back soon for the best sheets and pillow deals. 


The best fashion deals

Amazon's fashion offerings are a mix of its affordable in-house brands, which cover everything from active wear to everyday basics to fashion-forward trends, and designer brands you already know and love. 

The best Prime Day women's fashion deals:

The best Prime Day men's fashion deals

 



The best beauty and grooming deals

All types of beauty products and personal-care tools, from simple standbys to the complex and tech-oriented, will be on sale. Skip the trip to the drugstore or department store and shop all your makeup, skin care, and hair needs during Prime Day. 

The best Prime Day beauty deals:

The best Prime Day grooming deals

 



APPLY NOW: Insider Inc. is hiring video producers for business, tech, animation, entertainment, and more

0
0

Insider Inc NYC

Insider Inc. has a number of editorial openings across both Business Insider and INSIDER. If you're interested in joining a fast-paced, growing newsroom, apply at the links provided below. Unless otherwise stated, positions are located in our New York City headquarters and begin immediately.

Editorial fellowships

Full-time positions

For a constantly updated list of openings, see our careers page.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How $100,000 custom pool tables are made for celebrities like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift

Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images