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The best electric toothbrushes

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  • An electric toothbrush could help you brush better and more consistently than using a manual toothbrush.
  • If you want clean teeth and healthy gums without breaking your budget, you can't go wrong with the highly effective Oral-B Pro 1000 electric toothbrush.

You've probably heard the saying, "You only need to brush and floss the teeth you want to keep." While the words are undeniably tongue-in-cheek, there's considerable truth to them. Proper oral care, which includes twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, is critical if you want to hang onto your choppers well into old age.

Do you really need an electric toothbrush?

Most dentists agree that a properly wielded manual toothbrush can do nearly as good a job as an electric toothbrush. The problem, however, comes with the "properly wielded" part. Most people fail to brush the full recommended two minutes, don't carefully work the brush around the entire set of teeth and the gum line, and don't brush gently and yet with speed. By contrast, a good electric toothbrush:

  • Oscillates or strokes thousands — even tens of thousands — of times per minute, as compared to the typical 300 strokes per minute when brushing manually
  • Removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush
  • Has a signal or timer of some type to motivate longer brushing
  • Is easier for people with arthritis or other hand weaknesses to use
  • Is likelier to reduce gum disease than a manual toothbrush

We want you to keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime. That's why we've done the research to bring you seven electric toothbrushes that we feel are the best choices for the most people. In addition to our own testing, we visited the top consumer websites, listened to actual product owners, and considered advice from dentists and dental hygienists when making our decisions. So go ahead and break out your favorite toothpaste. Healthy, clean white teeth are on their way.

Here are the best electric toothbrushes:

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Connie Chen: Updated prices and links. 

SEE ALSO: The best teeth whitening kits you can buy

The best electric toothbrush overall

The Oral-B Pro 1000 is the best electric toothbrush because it's budget-friendly, highly effective, and compatible with a wide range of replacement brush heads.

The Oral-B Pro 1000 is a no-frills electric toothbrush, but it gets the job done, and it gets it done well. It comes with a CrossAction brush head that reaches into every nook and cranny between and within your teeth to scour away up to 300% more plaque than a manual toothbrush would remove.

If you prefer another type of brush head, however, there are plenty to choose from; the Oral-B Pro 1000 is compatible with nine different Oral-B heads, including whitening, sensitive, extra gum line cleaning, deep clean, orthodontic care, and floss action. Just twist and pull to switch out the brush head.

The toothbrush handle has an easily accessed on/off button, and the brush vibrates gently every 30 seconds to let you know it's time to move on to the next quadrant of your mouth. The sections include the inside of upper teeth, outside of upper teeth, inside of lower teeth, and outside of lower teeth. Press too hard, and the toothbrush will stop rotating — overly vigorous tooth brushing is a major cause of gum irritation. When you let up the pressure, the brush will automatically begin to spin once again.

The Wirecutter chose the Oral-B Pro 1000 as their top-pick electric toothbrush, and Health also selected this electric toothbrush as its number-one choice.

On Amazon, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is one of the best-selling electric toothbrushes, with nearly 5,500 reviews and an average of 4.4 stars. Buyers like the brush's simplicity, its effectiveness, and its reasonable price. Many also appreciate being able to swap out the brush head for one that better suits their needs.

Expect to recharge the Oral-B Pro 1000 about once per week. You'll see a flashing red light when the battery is getting low. The recharging base is very small, so there's no need to clear much counter space.

Pros: Great price, effective at removing plaque, many types of compatible brush heads

Cons: Not as fast or as powerful as some newer electric toothbrushes



The best mid-priced electric toothbrush

The Goby electric toothbrush works great, costs less than other premium models, and lets you subscribe to brush heads so you pay less over time.

Electric toothbrushes aren't all crazy expensive anymore, thanks to startups like Goby. We tried the Goby Electric Toothbrush and loved it.

I usually use a Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush, which costs more than $100, so I was blown away by the $60/$75 price tag of the Goby toothbrush. Equally surprising was just how good it was. I love the two different speed settings and how the moving bristles polish away stains on my teeth and any tartar or plaque that builds up.

The brush heads are a lot more affordable, too, at $6 compared to the $30+ price of Philips brush heads.

The electric toothbrush kit comes with the toothbrush, brush head, hygiene stand, USB charging shell, USB converter, and a hygienic brush cover as a one-time purchase for $75. Alternatively, you can choose to subscribe and pay only $60 for the brush.

If you subscribe, you'll get a new $6 brush head with free shipping delivered once every month or every 2 or 3 months. You'll save $15 on your electric toothbrush, and if you opt for 3-month deliveries, that comes out to $24 — making that not such a bad deal if you plan to replace your brush heads throughout the year (which you will more than likely want to do).

Read our full review for more info on Goby— Malarie Gokey

Pros: Affordable, easy to use, great design, subscribe to brush heads

Cons: Not as many fancy settings as high-end ones



The best with a replaceable battery

The Quip is a sleek-looking toothbrush that's great for use at home or when traveling. It is affordable, yet it's very effective and more substantial than disposable options.

Quip is one of the many new companies looking to disrupt traditional industries — electric toothbrushes, in this case. You can argue that it doesn't do anything different than other similar products, but it's hard to find an electric toothbrush this good-looking.

The plastic version has a nicely contoured handle that's easy to hold and slim enough to fit inside a travel dopp kit. It takes a single AAA battery, so there's no need to carry around a charging station. There's only one mode, so it's a no-brainer to use. There are no rotating heads, but the sonic vibrations are more effective than brushing manually, and a 2-minute timer (four 30-second pulses, with a short pause in between) ensure you get the recommended brushing time (it's accepted by the American Dental Association).

I use a silver metal version of the Quip, which is similar to the plastic model in terms of usage. Admittedly, it doesn't feel that much different than the Oral-B manual toothbrush that I also use, but the vibrating bristles make brushing my teeth feel cleaner in less time. But, it's definitely nowhere as powerful as my old trusty Oral-B electric toothbrush (which I've stopped using because I can't find the charging base).

I like the auto-off function so I don't accidentally drain the battery, but I do use a rechargeable AAA since it lasts longer. Overall, it's a comfortable toothbrush to use, and I can safely use it in the shower. When the bristles wear out, just swap out the head.

In the Insider Picks review, our writer said, "Quip solved my two biggest problems with teeth brushing: making sure I was brushing long enough and replacing my toothbrush regularly. It keeps me honest, and I just let my mind wander for the four minutes a day I spend maintaining my oral hygiene."

Target customers gave the Quip a 4.9-star rating (out of 5), with 63% recommending the product. The 1-star customers felt the Quip was gimmicky when compared to a Sonicare. Yes, most budget electric toothbrushes will seem less solid and effective than a premium model, but you're also not spending $50-$100 for a complex tool. The whole concept around Quip is to get people to brush more (and to sign up for its $5 three-month refill plan).

On the Consumer Affairs website, Quip toothbrushes have an average rating of 4 stars, with a majority giving it 5 stars. One person who worked in a dental practice for 30 years found the bristles to be soft and the overall product easy to clean, not to mention space-saving. The few dissenters found the product gimmicky (or the marketing clever) or it isn't powerful like premium Oral-B or Sonicare toothbrushes; one person also didn't appreciate the customer service. However, there are substantially more fans.

The Quip isn't innovative by any means, but for people who don't brush regularly or replace their toothbrush often enough, the Quip is a nice (and stylish) solution to those problems, particularly if you subscribe to the refill plan. At $25 from Target, it's an affordable option that's better made than cheaper electric toothbrushes. It's also a terrific choice for travel — leave the pricier electric toothbrush at home. With that said, Quip can get costly if you opt for the metal or special editions and you add-on the extras.

Insider Picks reporter Connie Chen compared the Quip to other similar electric toothbrush startups. See how it compares.

Read our full review. — Les Shu

Pros: Low price, great for travel, sleek design, replaceable head and battery, comfortable to use

Cons: Not the most powerful, no adjustable settings, plastic version has limited color options



The best state-of-the-art electric toothbrush

The Oral-B Pro 7500 Electric Toothbrush makes superlative use of technology with onboard sensors, timers, and a powerful app.

If you're an unabashed technology fan who also happens to be deadly serious when it comes to oral health, you have just met your new toothbrush. The Oral-B Pro 7500 Electric Toothbrush makes use of all the latest developments in electric toothbrush design, including a carefully designed brush head that uses three distinct motions to dislodge food bits, break up plaque, and polish away stains.

While in use, the circular brush head oscillates, rotates, and pulsates, leaving your teeth fresh-from-the-dentist clean with every brushing. All this action also helps promote ideal gum health. But while the Oral-B Pro 7500 electric toothbrush packs plenty of power, what it won't do is concentrate too much of that power: The toothbrush has a built-in pressure sensor that stops its motion and illuminates a light ring set into the handle if you are pressing too hard, thereby protecting tooth enamel from undue damage.

The toothbrush is a fine choice for people with varied oral health needs, as it can operate in five modes, which are gum care, daily clean, deep clean, sensitive, and whitening. And if those unique features were not enough, the Oral-B Pro 7500 also uses a 30-second vibrating timer that helps you brush each area of your mouth for the proper dentist-recommended amount of time.

But in many ways, it's the features that aren't even actually built into the toothbrush that make it a standout. The Oral-B Pro 7500 electric toothbrush is Bluetooth enabled and can link to an app on your phone or tablet. Using said app, you can track your brushing habits and can set goals for yourself. When you have a clear sense of how you are managing your oral health over time, you have the best chance of enjoying a lifetime with minimal tooth or periodontal issues.

An owner named Jean said this was her third Oral-B electric toothbrush in 30 years and was the one she "liked the best" thanks to its "durability, price," and the many features. A buyer called Amanda said it "works just as well as the professional toothbrush the dentist uses."

A DentistryBlogger review noted the Oral-B Pro's long 40-minute operating life between charges, while the product testers from Ezvid were impressed with the features enabled when the toothbrush "pairs with your smartphone" and helps "keep track of" your brushing habits. — Steven John

Pros: Protective pressure sensor, triple action cleaning, connects to app for comprehensive monitoring

Cons: Expensive option



The best electric toothbrush for kids

Getting your children to brush properly twice per day can be a struggle, but with the fun Philips Sonicare for Kids, they might actually beg to brush their teeth.

Kids and good oral hygiene is typically not a natural combo. Most kids are either reluctant to brush or do a poor job at cleaning their teeth. The Philips Sonicare for Kids makes brushing fun, however, turning a routine task almost into a video game, thanks to the free Bluetooth-compatible app that encourages and rewards good brushing techniques.

Like all Sonicare toothbrushes, the kids' brush uses patented sonic technology for up to 75% more effective removal of plaque and debris than a manual toothbrush. It has a built-in two-minute timer and alerts the child to switch quadrants every 30 seconds while brushing. There are two speed settings, and the brush comes with eight stickers to customize the handle.

But where the fun really starts is with the free app that not only teaches kids about the whys and hows of good oral hygiene, it also turns brushing into a game. Your child will get to adopt a "Sparkly," a cute little creature that gives brushing tips while your child "brushes" the Sparkly's teeth. The app also tracks performance, making it easy to reward good hygiene. Just set your smartphone or tablet where your child can watch while brushing.

With nearly 1,000 reviews on Amazon and an average of 4.6 stars, there are definitely a lot of happy parents and kids out there brushing with the Philips Sonicare for Kids. Over and over, buyers comment that their kids went from brushing-resistant to actually wanting to brush their teeth. Many state that their child's dental appointments are much, much better since switching to the kid's Sonicare.

Says one pleased parent, "My 2.5-year-old began brushing happily and thoroughly every night just so he can see his "Sparkly" monster get a present. He is so excited and he used to dread brushing."

The Philips Sonicare for Kids is recommended for ages three and up if the child is using the brush on their own. Younger children should have assistance from mom or dad, however.

Pros: App makes brushing fun, brush head is sized for children's mouths, very effective at removing plaque and debris from teeth and gum line

Cons: None to speak of, although your child will eventually outgrow the cutesy app



The best electric toothbrush for gum care

If your gums aren't what they used to be, the Philips Sonicare 2 Series Plaque Control can help bring them back to good health.

According to dental health website AsktheDentist, sonic toothbrushes, which oscillate at astonishing rates — up to 31,000 strokes per minute at full speed — are more effective at reaching and removing plaque between the teeth and beneath the gum line than rotating electric toothbrushes, making a sonic toothbrush the best bet for anyone with gum issues, those who are lackadaisical about flossing, and the majority of people over age 40. Of course, in the oral hygiene field, sonic toothbrush generally means Sonicare, by far the biggest name in the industry.

And out of the many Sonicare models available, the best bet for gum trouble is the Philips Sonicare 2 Series Plaque Control toothbrush. Like all Sonicare brushes, the sonic cleaning action drives fluid between the teeth and under the gum line to break up and remove more plaque than regular toothbrushes, yet the brush is gentle enough to use on orthodontics, implants, veneers, and sensitive teeth. The slim, angled neck makes it easy to reach way back in your mouth, and the timer lets you know when two minutes are up. In fact, the brush automatically turns itself off.

The Philips Sonicare 2 Series Plaque Control even eases you into the sonic brush experience by slowly increasing the power over the brush's first 14 uses, giving you plenty of time to adjust to the ultra-oscillating speed.

The Wirecutter likes this toothbrush, saying it has everything you need in an electric toothbrush, and is quieter than competitor Oral-B. And it's a bestseller on Amazon, with nearly 5,000 reviews and an average of 4.3 stars. Buyers love the brush's powerful cleaning action and the reasonable price of this particular Sonicare model. However, a negative that is frequently mentioned is the high price of the replacement heads. Still, if you want a sonic toothbrush that's powerful on plaque, yet gentle on your gums, and you don't need a lot of bells and whistles, this is a great choice.

Pros: Excellent for gum care, reasonable price

Cons: Replacement heads are expensive



Check out our other oral care guides

The best whitening toothpaste you can buy for pearly whites

Adding a whitening toothpaste to your oral hygiene routine is a great way to keep your smile shining and your teeth clean and healthy. Colgate's Optic White Express White Toothpaste is our top choice because results show up in just three days.


The best teeth whitening kits you can buy

The best teeth whitening kits come with everything you need to whiten your teeth, are easy to use, and do not irritate your gums or teeth. 


The best toothbrushes you can buy

There's plenty to be said for the classic manual toothbrush: It can't run out of batteries and it's compact, lightweight, and portable. The Oral-B Pro-Health All-in-One Soft Bristle Toothbrush is our top pick because its myriad bristle types and built-in tongue, cheek, and gum cleaners leave your whole mouth clean and fresh.


The best mouthwash you can buy

Used in tandem with brushing, flossing, and avoiding salt water taffy before bed, a good mouthwash can play a pivotal role in your oral health and hygiene regimen. Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash is our top choice thanks to its ADA-accepted, clinically-proven ability to kill off germs that contribute to plaque buildup, bad breath, and gum disease.


The best toothpaste you can buy

Nobody likes going to the dentist, but if you take good care of your teeth between visits, the cleaning will go easier.

We've researched and tested many tubes of toothpaste to find the best ones you can buy. Whether you want an all-natural toothpaste, one with fluoride, one with whitening powers, or one that rebuilds your enamel to reduce sensitivity, we have a toothpaste for you.


The best dental floss you can buy

Daily use of dental floss can help remove plaque from your teeth and prevent gum disease. Here are our picks:




'Do PS4 controllers work on PS3?': How to connect your PS4 controller to a PS3 in 2 ways

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Playstation 4 PS4 controller

  • PlayStation 4 controllers will work with a PlayStation 3 console, and when you use a wired connection, there is no setup involved.
  • You can also pair a PS4 controller to a PS3 for a wireless connection, though the process of connecting the two devices is more involved.
  • Not all functions of the PS4's DualShock 4 controller will work while it's paired to the older system — vibration and tilt control may not function, for example.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you have a PlayStation 3, you have a console that may be a generation old but that still has some excellent games well worth re-playing. And you can play those games using the DualShock 4 controller from the newer PS4 system.

Do PS4 controllers work on PS3

To use a PlayStation 4 controller with a PlayStation 3 console, the easiest approach is to simply connect the controller using a USB cable. Once the cable is connecting the two pieces of hardware, you'll be able to play PS3 games with the controller right away.

To connect a DualShock 4 wireless PS4 controller to a PS3, you'll also need one of those cables, in fact. But there are more steps than just plugging it in.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

DualShock 4 Wireless Controller (From $59.99 at Best Buy)

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

Mediabridge USB Cable (From $5.39 at Amazon)

How to connect a PS4 controller to your PS3 for wireless use

1. Connect the controller and console with the USB cable and power both on.

2. Open the Settings menu, then go to "Accessory Settings."

3. Click on "Manage Bluetooth Devices."

4. Select "Register New Device" by pressing "X" on the controller.

Do PS4 controllers work on PS3

5. Click on "Start Scanning," and then disconnect the cable from the PS4 controller.

6. Hold the "PS" and "Share" buttons on the controller, and when the lights on the controller start flashing, plug the cable back into it.

7. Highlight "Wireless Controller" on the screen and click on it.

You should now be able to use your PS4 controller wirelessly with your PS3. 

 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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The best women's work bags

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  • Work bags often pull double duty — they need to be cute and useful with great organization and enough space to hold all the things you need during the day.
  • Our top pick is the Dagne Dover Classic Tote because it moves seamlessly between roles thanks to a sleek coated canvas exterior and compartment-filled interior.

No matter how hard I try, I always seem to become the person who carries three bags to work. I've just never found one bag that does it all — holds my laptop, commuter book, and personal items while looking cute enough not to ruin my outfit. As a result, I usually pack a "normal" bag that matches my look and a canvas tote bag for additional functionality.

It's not the best method for my street style photo opportunities or for my spinal alignment. I've always been jealous of those women I see on the subway carrying a single chic satchel or sporty-cool backpack. But thanks to a recent uptick of brands specializing in affordable leather goods and sharp staples, the options for stylish work bags are getting better all the time.

Brands like Dagne Dover, Senreve, and Everlane are changing the game and making it easier than ever to find everyday bags that look good and hold a lot of stuff. Say goodbye to your canvas tote collection with these five working woman-approved carryalls.

Here are the best work bags for women:

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices, links, and formatting. 

The best work bag overall

The Dagne Dover Classic Tote packs a ton of features in a slim, compact space so you can carry your entire life in the bag and no one will be the wiser.

Most tote bags, even if they are large enough to get you through a work day, tend to swallow half your stuff. I have several huge bags, but they're all pretty unstructured, making it hard to find smaller items inside.

The Dagne Dover Classic Tote is designed to combat this exact problem.

This bag has so many specialized pockets that you get a clown car effect when you look inside. The Classic Tote has a neoprene water bottle sleeve, a phone pocket, pen holder, padded laptop sleeve, notebook or tablet sleeve with magnetic closure, and interior side pocket. There's also a detachable key holder to prevent the tote from eating your key ring while you're trying to unlock the front door.

The Classic Tote has a durable coated canvas exterior with leather trim and comes in six very classic shades that will go with everything in your wardrobe. It truly is the ideal grab-and-go bag for everyday use.

Dagne Dover's praises have been sung all over the internet, and this bag and its larger counterpart, the Legend Tote, come recommended by Harper's Bazaar, The Strategist, Best Products, and our Insider Picks editor Ellen Hoffman. We also love the brand's leather Allyn Tote, though it costs more.

Pros: Beautiful design, tons of interior pockets formatted for different uses, detachable key chain, comes in six versatile colors, good value for the price

Cons:  None



The best work bag for less than $200

Looking to make less of an investment? The Everlane Day Market Tote is a premium quality leather work bag with a sub-$200 price tag that won't hurt your wallet.

A handbag doesn't have to be exciting to be special. In fact, I think the best work bags are simple enough to go with any outfit. The Everlane Day Market Tote is the kind of bag you can leave packed Monday through Friday‚ and maybe even Saturday and Sunday, too — without a second thought about whether it will clash with your ensemble.

The simple, no-fuss silhouette lends itself to daily use, and the sturdy 100% Italian leather exterior will look great for years to come. While the Day Market Tote lacks the jigsaw puzzle of pockets you get with Dagne Dover's Classic Tote, you can certainly still pack everything you need for a full day of activity — including a laptop — in this bag with room to spare.

This bag is a major hit with shoppers. It has well over 1,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Everlane's website. Best Products, Harper's Bazaar, The Strategist, and The Cut have all featured the Day Market Tote. Our Insider Picks team loves it, too.

As far as downsides go, there aren't many, especially for the price. But keep in mind that the bag is unlined, doesn't have a closure, and only features one small pocket inside.

Pros: Affordable, 100% Italian leather, roomy size

Cons: Only one interior pocket



The best convertible work bag

Can't decide between a backpack, tote, satchel, or crossbody? The Senreve Maestra Bag is all of the above in a gorgeous and functional package.

If you're really serious about investing in The Ultimate Work Bag — a bag that can be everything at once, forever — consider the Senreve Maestra. Yes, that bag. The one that every blogger and their mom seems to be wearing on Instagram.

The Senreve Maestra stands out in part because it's just plain cool. It has an angular silhouette with a belt-style detail down the front and geometric seams in the leather. Despite its fashion-forward design, the Maestra is timeless. It's not going to look dated in a year or two, which is great news because it is by far the priciest option on this list.

But functionality is the real selling point here. The Maestra is designed to withstand the wear-and-tear of daily use with stain- and water-resistant leather. It comes in three sizes, and the largest one has a whopping seven interior pockets, as well as an exterior pocket on the outside. And, yes, you can fit your laptop inside.

Perhaps the coolest thing about this bag is that it converts into four different styles, so you no longer need to choose between a backpack, crossbody, satchel, or tote.

Insider Picks editor Sally Kaplan couldn't say enough good things about the Senreve Maestra in her review, and she's not the only one — writers as Purse Blog, Olivia Janette, Man Repeller, and Travel + Leisure say it's worth the price, too.

Pros: Comes in three sizes, convertible straps, up to eight pockets

Cons: Expensive



The best day-to-night work bag

Leatherology is known for affordable yet beautiful leather goods that fit all your life needs, and the Belmont Structured Tote comes with a wristlet, making it the perfect day-to-night option.

The concept of "day-to-night" dressing is a little bit overstated, I think, considering when I worked in an office I usually just wore the exact same outfit — accessories included — to my any after-hours activities. But in the event that you really need to ditch the heavy tote for your post-5 p.m. plans, there's always the wristlet-in-your-bag option.

Leatherology's Belmont Structured Tote is a roomy work-friendly bag with plenty of storage space (though limited pockets). It also comes with a detachable wristlet large enough to hold your phone, cash, and keys for a quick getaway. The perfect two-in-one!

The Belmont tote is available in several neutral colors with contrasting interior leather for added stylistic interest (accompanying wristlets coordinate with the exterior shade). Made of scratch- and water-resistant Italian leather, the bags are easily cleaned.

Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton has spoken highly of Leatherology, and the company has also received the praises of Forbes and Fast Company.

Pros: Quality durable leather at an affordable price, customizable, spacious, comes with match wristlet

Cons: Only one small zippered pocket



Check out our other women's style guides

The best places to buy work-friendly dresses

The only thing harder than picking a wedding dress may just be picking a dress for work hours, so we've rounded up the best places to buy work-friendly dresses. 
Most of our favorite places to shop for work-friendly dresses won't break the bank, but even so, you'll find quite a bit of variation within a single store. Don't be afraid to go straight to that clearance section or sale rack — sometimes, that's where the best stuff is.

Here are the best places to buy work dresses:

The best places to buy women's sweaters

Whether you're battling the office AC or just looking for a cute and cozy top, it's important to have a good sweater or two (dozen).

No matter where you choose to buy your next sweater, we're sure that if you're picking from among our five favorites, you can't go wrong.

Here are the best places to buy sweaters:

The best women's T-shirt brands

You're a creature of many dimensions. Sure, it can take you two hours to get dressed, and sure, you can sometimes look at your closet full of clothes and assure yourself that none of it will work for your very normal day at work. But that's not always you. Really, more often than not, what you're really looking for in place of those two hours and your whole closet-full of clothes is a simple T-shirt. One that is as dependable as it is comfortable and stylish. Luckily, that T-shirt is not a white whale. It's very much available to buy.

Here are the best T-shirt brands for women:



The best places to buy fall boots for men

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  • Each year, the dizzying lineup of fall boots grows ever larger, making the decision of decking out your feet just that much more difficult.
  • Thursday Boot Co. makes our favorite pairs, but we're also big fans of fall boots made by Dr. Martens, Frye, and L.L. Bean.

Fall is here, and it's time to break out heavier footwear as we meander toward winter. Ditching your sandals may be good riddance or a bitter defeat for you, but Insider Picks is here to help you find your fall footwear whether you're going for trendy avant-gardes, timeless classics, or something in between.

First, let's consider where these boots will be walking. Cobbled streets laden with mysterious mud, sludge, and slime? Go for rubber or PVC and leave those leather soles alone — you'll only trash them. The office for a big board meeting? Revisit said leather soles — you might not want to rock up in Doc Martens looking like you just stumbled out of the darkest, dingiest bar in the dirtiest, oldest part of town. 

You'll also want to keep the temperature and weather in mind. Is fall a wet proposition where you live? If so, think about avoiding suede which will, more likely than not, end up looking pretty raggedy come December. A full-grain leather with a waterproofing solution or balm like ScotchGuard or one of Dr. Martens' signature shoe polishes is always a good idea.

After fashion comes function and comfort, of course. A lace-free Chelsea boot might be the most accommodating boot of all fall options and you can pull them off in just about any setting. But then, maybe you don't like that distracting patch of synthetic nylon breaking up the beautiful, shiny, natural leather for which you've paid such a premium. In that case, maybe a zippered boot with a harness or a full lace-up is your best bet.

When it comes to the leather you choose, try to go with the highest quality you can afford. All leather will break up and crease over time, but cheaper leather boots will almost always crease more and break up sooner.

Whatever your taste, we've got a pair of fall boots to suit your style and need below.

Here are the best places to buy fall boots for men:

Updated on 10/15/19 by Amir Ismael and Owen Burke: Added Grenson as the best classic fall boots, Timberland as the best sustainable ones, and Mr Porter as the best place to shop for stylish boots.

The best fall boots overall

Frye's boots will never go out of style because they are classic, high-quality, and made from durable leather.

There's hardly another boot out there that comes anywhere near as close as Frye does to speaking to the heart of Americana, and the wild westerner that is surely alive and well somewhere inside each and every one of us.

Frye has been making boots for a century and a half, staying true as glue to everything the company and its boots ever stood for. It's done custom work for everyone from Gene Autry to Carole King and Richard Nixon.

Still, the company hasn't shied away from modernizing, which comes welcome to those of us who wish we could rock fully ornate cowboy boots in the office, but just can't quite pull it off.

I have a pair of Sam Harness boots from Frye that I bought more than a decade ago. Everything on them has stayed perfectly intact, though heavy wear on cobbled streets for a few years put the hurt on them.

I went to a cobbler and got them redone for the better part of a Benjamin, but it was undoubtedly worth it for me. If that's all that most of a decade's worth of extensive and abusive wear and tear costs me to get these boots back up to snuff, that still, year over year, keeps my footwear expenses low.

Reviews we came across on the web were generally in the vein of this one by the financial advice website Wise Bread. Frye might not make the trendiest boots on the planet, but the boots sit atop a throne of timeless simplicity that no ephemeral fashion trend or season will ever usurp.

Pros: Tough suede, no creasing, leather sole, subtly sleek and classic style

Cons: The company has taken most if not all production to Mexico and China, and skepticism is burgeoning over whether Frye boots will hold the same standard of quality going forward



The best dress boots for fall

Thursday Boot Co.'s boots are sleek enough for the office or formal wear, but rugged enough to handle the snottiest of cold, wet, fall weather.

Somewhere in the crux between metropolitan and cowboy, Thursday Boot Co.'s boots would not be out of place in any closet, from those of country-boy wranglers to city-slicking dandies and everyone in between.

Most of the brand's boots can either be dressed down with jeans or paired just as well with a pair of pleated khakis. The soles vary as much as the styles, so there's everything from delicate cork (which we wouldn't necessarily suggest wearing to trudge through winter) to hardy Goodyear Welts and Vibram outsoles. Same goes for the leather.

The Insider Picks team reviewed Thursday Boot Co.'s line back in early 2017 when the company was just getting going, and sentiments around the office, I can safely report, have not changed.

Outside of our team, other reviewers love these boots, too. One prime example is this YouTube review by a blogger and world-traveler who wore Thursdays every day for five months straight, through snow, rain, streets, and even steep, rugged terrain. His verdict: they're mostly worth it, but the insoles wore out on him eventually, and he found the laces to be substandard. The outsoles, however, got along pretty much unscathed, and the leather did not crease much.

Pros: Good quality leather, tough outsole

Cons: Cheap insoles and laces



The best classic fall boots

Grenson Boots have been around since the 1860s, and they've clad the feet of British Armed Forces through not one but both world wars. These are not soft-soled boots.

If you're looking for boots that will handle a few thousand country miles but look good, and keep your feet dry, all the while, Grenson is a heritage brand out of England that's been running the same factory for over 100 years.

William Green was just a kid when his mother taught him how to cobble a boot, and he simply took off running. Within about 15 years, he'd hired some of the best shoemakers in the business and built his own factory.

That factory, as it happened, turned out to be one of the first in the world to turn out a Goodyear-welted shoe, which is the most durable, but also among the easiest to replace because the welt makes a buffer between the insole and the outsole, so while it's sturdy, when it comes time to replace the outsoles (the uppers will last forever), it's an easy separation. Read more on welt construction here.

These boots are probably a little too rugged to pull off with a suit, but that doesn't mean they couldn't handle a vaguely formal affair (but the shoes sure can). In our opinion, though, a good fall boot should be built to last.

Pros: Sturdy, classic, hand-painted

Cons: None to speak of, other than they might not be as dressy as the office (or a suit) requires



The best places to buy stylish boots for fall

If you're really looking to be styling, there's scant a better place than Mr Porter to shop boots, where you'll find all the classics from Saint Laurent to Bottega Veneta and Tom Ford.

Splurging, when and where we can, is often worth it, which is exceptionally the case when it comes to footwear we want to last.

If you really want to knock your socks off, Mr Porter is where you'll find shearling-lined, polished-leather, whole-cut, and heaviest-weight Utah leathers from all the usual suspects in the designer department: Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana (where the immensely casual meets the definitively styled), Moncler (for over-the-top hiking boots), Berlutti (whose Venezia leather might make the most beautiful Chelsea boots on this earth), Tom Ford, Edward Green, and of course, Prada.

All these brands have their own legacy, and we'd be foolish to point you toward any single one of them. You, after all, know what you like, and just about every style imaginable can be found in Mr Porter's unbelievably and meticulously detailed inventory of men's boots, which for this fall season sits at around 120 different pairs.

From the utterly outrageous to the reigned-in and reserved, they're all there. Go wild.

Pros: A smartly curated selection of the best designer boots you can find

Cons: Well, do we even need to say? Apart from there being too many choices, cha-ching.



The best sustainable boots

Timberland has been making sustainable footwear since long before it was an industry trend — and there are plenty of styles to choose from.

Let's face it, as positive as sustainability is for consumers and the environment alike, it's very clear that many brands are hopping on the environmentally-conscious train because it's an industry trend, rather than stemming from a true appreciation for Earth. Timberland, on the other hand, has been quietly producing sustainable footwear long before it was trendy, but now they're starting to toot their own horn.

In 2007, the brand launched the Original Earthkeeper Boot, which featured interior linings made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled rubber soles. While that has become standard protocol for almost all sustainable shoes made today, it had never been done when Timberland introduced the shoe 12 years ago.

Today, Timberland's environmental responsibility efforts are more sophisticated than ever before and there are a handful of sustainable styles for men, ranging from the Original Earthkeeper Boot and the Garrison Field Hiker to the 100% recycled plastic EK+ Brooklyn sneakers and even organic cotton apparel.

In terms of sustainable fall boots, the Courma Guy Boot is by far my favorite style. Drawing much inspiration from the iconic 6-inch Premium Boot (commonly referred to as constructs or 10061s), the Courma Guy has that unmistakable Timberland look with a rounded toe, durable rubber sole, and padded ankle collar.

The key updates include an overall lighter design, recycled plastic interior linings and laces, recycled rubber outsoles, ethically sourced leather uppers from Silver-rated tanneries, and stacked foam in the soles for added comfort and style. As a huge fan of Timberland's classic designs (I currently own at least 15 different pairs), I'm happy to say that this fresh and sustainable take on their classic fall boot didn't disappoint. — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

Pros: Sustainable, lightweight compared some of Timberland's classic boots, affordable, lots of styles available

Cons: None to speak of.



The best fall boots for rainy days

Bean Boots will serve you well through both fall and winter, and they go with most outfits.

L.L. Bean's boots were introduced in 1912, and haven't changed much since. That's because they haven't had to.

Leon Leonwood Bean did anglers and hunters a serious solid by tacking together these remarkably warm and dry boots. The Bean Boots went onto become the genesis of his stardom over a century ago. Today, you'll find them everywhere from the backwoods of Maine to the boroughs of the Big Apple.

While many of L.L. Bean's products are being made offshore these days, the company continues to craft a select few of its products stateside, including the beloved Bean Boots.

Constructed using rubber bottoms and soles, a steel shank, full-grain leather uppers, and 3M Thinsulate, these boots have hardly changed since the start. Of course, there was no 3M nor Thinsulate in the early 20th century, but the design, the leather, and the rubber have all remained the same.

One thing that has changed L.L. Bean's boot game is variety: There are more than 30 styles of Bean Boots to choose from with an array of linings so there's a pair for each season.

These boots are part of the history of exploration and expedition themselves, having gone to war for the United States Army and forayed both poles. They are also storied to have found their way onto Ernest Hemingway's feet, who, according to GQ, even went so far as to recommend them himself.

The endorsements don't stop there. Popular Mechanics recently discussed The Never-Ending Greatness of L.L. Bean's Boots, and GQ has sung L.L. Bean's praise for years. One staff member here at Insider Inc. made a pair of these boots last more than 30 years. Here's proof.

Reviews on L.L. Bean's site are almost entirely positive across the board, yielding a 4.6/5-star rating, with only a handful of negative reviews coming from customers who seemed to get the odd bad pair.

Unfortunately, L.L. Bean's lifetime guarantee — not dissimilar to Dr. Martens — was discontinued this year, and purchases only come with a one-year warranty from here on out. We're sad to see this longstanding tradition go, but will still stand by Bean's boots unless the quality itself starts to drop.

Pros: Sturdy, high-end leather and rubber, steel shank for support, not outrageously priced, hand-stitched

Cons: Maybe not the most fashion-forward boots you'll come across this season (or next), but their beauty lies in their utilitarianism



The best urban boots for fall

Doc Martens are made with top-notch materials, handled with love, and rife with history.

Dr. Martens' AirWair is an emblematic piece of footwear synonymous with the predominant sub- and counter-cultures of every decade since their introduction in 1960: the skinheads in the sixties, the punk rockers in the seventies, the new wave artists of the eighties, and the grunge scene in the nineties.

Today, they may be more ubiquitous than ever. Just keep in mind that what we wear will always say a little something about us, whether we like it or not.

Doc Märtens' first endeavor in footwear came during his time serving as a doctor in the Alps during World War II. After having hurt his foot while skiing (presumably during R&R), he decided that the standard military-issued boots he'd been wearing just weren't sufficient enough for him to nurse his foot, so he thriftily cobbled together a pair of his own using softer leather and rubber from discarded tires.

Back in Munich, Märtens bumped into an old friend who was intrigued by his innovation and the two teamed up, refining the design some, adding the signature yellow stitching, and anglicizing Märtens' name. That first year, Martens' soles were, maybe not so ironically, a big hit with housewives — and more specifically, women over 40 — who accounted for about 80% of sales within the enterprise's first decade.

Recent years have shown the company its fair share of hardships, and the brand briefly shuttered most of its production houses and stores in the UK in the early 2000s. The company seems to have bounced back in recent years, however, and in early 2018 Business Insider reported that Dr. Martens has been producing some 10 million pairs annually

Dr. Martens' AirWairs are some of the most durable and versatile kicks around. Let's start with the air-cushioned soles. They're not glued but melted to the welts using hot blades and rollers so that as both components cool, they forge one single piece of inseparable PVC. if you don't believe me, watch this delightful Insider video to see just how well they're made. If the de facto black is a little too punk rock or goth for your taste, there's always cherry red, navy, green, and white.

Sadly, the company has discontinued its "for life" boots, which were about three times expensive, a little sturdier (and heavier), and guaranteed — with free repairs — for life. The base model 1460s and 1490s are a more-than-reasonable middle-of-the-road boot well worth their price tag for anyone plying muck-ridden urban streets and sidewalks. Just be sure to pick up a tub of the Wonder Balsam to treat the leather (at least once) before you wear them. It's worth it.

Pros: Sole and welt are melted together and will never separate, affordable, waterproof, air-cushioned soles

Cons: The "For Life" boots are discontinued, and these soles will likely wear out after a few years (like many of not most boots in this price range)



Check out our other men's style buying guides

The best men's linen shirts you can buy

Linen is a fantastic, soft, breathable fabric that's perfect for warm climates and the hot summer months, but not all linen shirts are created equal.

Here are our favorite places to buy linen shirts:


The best places to buy men's jeans

Jeans are personal, and buying them can be intimidating, but fear not, gentlemen. We're not here to hold your hand, but we will point you in the right direction.

Here at Insider Picks, we try out a lot of jeans — new ones, old favorites, stretchy elastane ones, stiff, 100% denim ones, and so on. We've rounded up the best places we've found to buy them. Some brands you'll know, some you may not. Below, we cover a number of price points so there are recommendations for just about everyone.

Here are the best places you can buy men's jeans:


The best men's undershirts you can buy

If you've been looking for the best undershirt for managing your sweaty pits, then the search is over. We've done the research and smoked out the best undershirts for men that you can buy today.

Here are the best undershirts you can buy:


The best men's shorts you can buy

Finding the perfect pair of men's shorts can be challenging, so we've sorted through a bunch of options to find the best places to shop for men's shorts and selected our favorite pairs from each brand.

Here are the best places to buy men's shorts:


The best men's workout shirts you can buy

Ask any routine gym goer about their preferred workout attire, and they'll likely spend a few minutes talking about moisture-wicking fabric, innovative cooling technology, or sweat-activated fabrics. While these may sound like industry buzzwords, the application behind these concepts are staples — and, frankly, must-haves — in the world of workout apparel.

Though just as there's variety in the available options, there's also variety in a wearer's desired application or workout style. Perhaps a runner wants a more lightweight option or a fitness fanatic desires something that looks good every day, no matter the activity. Regardless of intent, there's a suitable workout shirt designed specifically for everyone. A great workout shirt doesn't just get the job done, but it does so without sacrificing performance, comfort, or style.

Here are the best men's workout shirts you can buy:


The best men's underwear you can buy

If there's one article of clothing that you ought to care about, it's your underwear. Our top pick is the Tommy John collection because you can choose from many different styles of underwear and all of them are seriously comfortable.

You might also like Bonobos for unparalleled fit, Rhone for an active lifestyle, MeUndies for the most exciting prints, and Gap for affordability.


The best suits you can buy

For your go-to workhorse suit, you simply can't beat a single-breasted, two-button classic style charcoal gray suit. The Brooks Brothers 1818 charcoal suit combines historic American-made quality with iconic English flair, and it's easily the most versatile suit you'll ever wear.

Here are our top picks for the best suits:


The best ties you can buy

No suit is complete without a great necktie. For your staple tie, it's hard to beat black, and this luxurious silk tie from Turnbull and Asser hits every mark. Its high-quality bias-cut Italian silk looks wonderful, drapes beautifully, and works with any type of knot.

You'll also love the Brooks Brothers silk repp tie, the Charles Tyrwhitt knit tie, the Bonobos linen tie, and the American Trench wool tie.


The best white dress shirts for men

Every man needs at least one good white dress shirt. Fine Italian-woven cotton, old-school American craftsmanship, and a great trim fit make the Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece shirt a must-have for the modern gentleman. Its versatile spread collar looks great with or without a tie, so you can pair this timeless staple with almost any outfit.

You should also consider the T. M. Lewin cotton/linen dress shirt, the Charles Tyrwhitt French cuff dress shirt, the Brooks Brothers Oxford cloth button-down, and the budget-friendly Tie Bar pinpoint dress shirt.



The best home security cameras

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The best home securit cameras

  • Home security cameras can keep your home safe from thieves, but they also help you keep an eye on your kids and pets.
  • After much testing and research, we found that the Logitech Circle 2 is the best camera for any job, thanks to its excellent image quality, cute design, and competitive price.

Home security is pretty important. If you're not constantly home, there's always the possibility that someone could be breaking into your home at any given moment. That problem is heightened if you travel a lot for more than a few days at a time. After all, you wouldn't want to come home after a long trip to find half your stuff gone.

Thankfully, technology is here to save the day. There are a ton of great home security cameras out there, and every year, they seem to get better and better. You can also use them to watch your pets while you're at work, keep tabs on your kids when they're home alone, and monitor your baby in the crib.

Of course, before buying a security camera there are a lot of things to consider.

  • Resolution is key: First up, you'll want to think about the camera's resolution. At least a 720p resolution is pretty standard for home security cameras these days, but some now offer an even better resolution than that. Others are stuck in the past with a worse resolution, but there's no reason why you should even consider one of those. We recommend you go with 1080p if you can or 720p if you're on a budget.
  • Field of view: Next up, you'll also want to consider the field-of-view, which is basically how far left and right the camera can see. The bigger the better in this case, because you'll see more of your space with one camera instead of having to buy extras.
  • Night vision: If you need to see your home at night while you're away, you'll want good night vision. Some cameras have better night vision than others.
  • App design: Many of these home security cameras connect to apps and use them for setup. It's important that the apps be easy to use and reliable. Stick to bigger companies to get better apps.
  • Cloud storage: These days, security cameras store their footage online, and many security camera companies offer a certain amount of free cloud storage along with their products. You'll want to keep in mind how much cloud storage they offer, and whether or not that's enough for your use — or if you want to pay more to store more footage.
  • Security and Privacy: Make sure that the camera you're buying has a strong privacy and security policies. This is footage of your home and your life — You don't want hackers to get their eyes on it. The companies in our list all offer strong security and privacy with solid encryption and secure cloud storage systems.
  • Strong internet is vital: It's important to note that you'll need a strong internet connection for any of these cameras because most of them run over your Wi-Fi. If you have poor signal, you may not be able to support a security camera in your house.

Last but not least, you'll want to keep price in mind. Security cameras are getting increasingly affordable, but as is the case with almost anything, the more you pay, the better the quality.

We've tested nearly a dozen different home security cameras and researched a whole host of others to find the best ones you can buy for your every need. — Christian de Looper & Malarie Gokey

Here are the best home security cameras you can buy:

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Monica Chin: Added four new cameras. Removed older cameras that are no longer the best

SEE ALSO: The best baby monitors you can buy

The best home security camera overall

The Logitech Circle 2 boasts excellent 1080p video, an easy-to-use app, two-way audio, many accessories, and a wireless version.

Logitech's Circle 2 is an excellent deal at $180. It offers many of the same features that high-end security cameras have for less, and it was the easiest to use and set up of all the home security cameras we tested.

As you might have guessed, it's an upgraded version of the original Circle camera, and it has a few improvements. The biggest one is that you can get it with either a standard AC adapter charger or a wireless version that runs on rechargeable batteries for up to three months on a charge.

Logitech also makes many accessories for the cameras, including a window mount, plug mount, rechargeable battery pack, and a weatherproof extension.

We recommend the wired option for most people because it's more reliable and you won't have to worry about recharging the batteries or buying extra accessories for it. However, if you do want to be wire-free and even use your camera outside, the wireless Circle 2 is an excellent buy that costs just $20 more.

Regardless of which one you choose, you can watch 1080p video live 24/7 and get Smart Alerts when motion is detected. The camera has a wider 180-degree view, so you can see more of your space in the shot. Logitech added improved night vision support, too, so you can see the feed in absolute darkness. There's no delay to the feed, either, so you can rest assured knowing that you're seeing a real live feed. 

Two-way audio lets you talk to your kids or pets while you're away or to scare away any potential thieves. In our testing, Logitech's camera was very easy to set up and use. The app is very straightforward, and we loved being able to talk to our cat when we were away from home.

The cute design also helps the camera blend in with any home's decor. It quickly became our favorite camera in the house, and we kept coming back to it even though we had several others up and running at the same time.

In the app, you can replay, download, or share recorded video for 24 hours from a private cloud account. You can buy additional Circle Safe subscription storage plans with Person Detection and Smart Zones, but you don't need them. The app also gives you a free 30-second time-lapse of your space during the last 24 hours, so you can get an overview of all activity. 

You don't have to leave it plugged in all the time, either, as it can last 12 hours on a charge. For $140, the Circle is a steal. Don't be scared off by the Amazon reviews — we've used this camera for more than a year without any problems or connection issues. Reviews are positive from Pocket-Lint and Digital Trends. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Affordable price, 1080p video, two-way audio, works without wires, free app, no delays, easy setup, cute design, wide field of view, great app, wireless option

Cons: You need a good internet speed, accessories add up

Buy the wired Logitech Circle 2 on Amazon for $143.98 (originally $179.99) 

Buy the wireless Logitech Circle 2 on Amazon for $119.99 (originally $199.99)



The best budget security camera

The Wyze Cam V2 does most of the things more expensive cameras do for much less. 

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a security camera, the Wyze Cam V2 is the best budget device you can get. It offers many of the same features as higher-end cameras at a fraction of the cost. 

Don't be fooled by the price tag: This is a good camera that can easily compete with more expensive products. It's a small, unobtrusive device that you can easily conceal. It also stands on a flexible hinge that allows you to customize the camera's height and angle. 

The Wyze Cam V2's video is on par with that of most of the cameras on our list. You get 1080p video at 15fps, just like the more-expensive Wise Cam Pan. It also has up to 30 feet of black-and-white night vision and two-way audio. One drawback: It only has a 110-degree field of view, which is significantly narrower than that of most cameras. 

Wyze will store the last 14 days of recorded video in the cloud. There's also a slot for a microSD card of up to 32GB.

The Wyze app offers most of the same features for the V2 that it does for the Pan. The notable exception is, of course, panning. You can remotely view live feeds, use two-way audio, take photos, and create time-lapse videos. Like the Pan, the V2 can send alerts based on motion, smoke, sound, and CO detection. And it also works with Alexa, so you can display its footage on an Echo Show or Fire TV. 

Other reviewers agree with us: PCMag recommends the Wyze Cam V2 as the best budget security camera. 

The Wyze Cam V2 is fairly basic, as security cameras go. But if you don't need advanced features like panning or facial recognition, then this $25 device will absolutely suit your needs. — Monica Chin

Pros: Bargain price, small, 1080p video

Cons: Narrow field of view, doesn't pan, fairly basic features

Buy the Wyze Cam v2 for $38.96 on Amazon



The best security camera for smart homes

The Nest Cam IQ Indoor is both stylish and functional, and it's integrated with Google's smart home system. 

If you want to equip your entire home with security cameras, you'll want a system that allows for multiple cameras with an app that lets you quickly and easily manage all those video sources. If that's you, then the Nest Cam IQ is the camera to buy. 

The Nest Cam IQ shoots 1080p HD video with a 130-degree field of view. It also offers night vision and two-way audio. 

In our testing, the Nest Cam IQ was simple to set up and easy to use. Its video is crisp and clear, and the night vision feature is effective as well, allowing you to easily make out movement in the dark. Nest will send you movement alerts while you're out. 

There are more advanced features as well, including facial recognition, customizable zones, and time-lapse videos. However, you can't access these unless you're subscribed to Google's Nest Aware plan. This will set you back $5 per month or $50 per year for a 5-day plan.

The Nest app is also a convenient way to control all your smart-home devices in one place. If you have a Nest Hello or a Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, for example, you'll access those feeds and settings in the Nest app as well. You can easily monitor several parts of your home at once. 

Other reviewers like the Nest Cam IQ as well. Digital Trends recommends it as the best indoor security camera. The main downside is the price. At $299, it's far from a bargain buy. You'll have to decide if the convenience of Nest integration is worth that price tag.  — Monica Chin

Pros: 1080p resolution, 130-degree field of view, excellent app, works well with other Nest products

Cons: Pricey, subscription required for advanced features

Buy the Nest Cam IQ Indoor at Best Buy for $299.99



The best outdoor security camera

The Netgear Arlo Pro offers excellent image quality, can be used both inside and outside, and provides two-way audio.

Netgear may be best known as an internet router and modem company, but it has branched out quite a bit in the past few years. Namely, it entered the home security space with a range of high-quality and easy-to-use security cameras like the Netgear Arlo Pro.

The current iteration of the Netgear Arlo Pro is actually a refresh of a camera launched back in 2015, and the new version brings a number of great features. For example, it offers two-way audio, which allows users to talk to anyone that may be in their house and have that person talk back to them. It can help deter thieves, but this is especially fun with pets when you're away from home and you talk to them.

Of course, the main thing to discuss is image quality, and the Arlo Pro is excellent in that regard. It boasts a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels and a 130-degree field-of-view. On top of that, you'll get night vision up to 25 feet and motion detection, as well as sound-triggered recording.

The camera looks pretty nice, too. It's sleek and white, and it has IP65 waterproofing, so it can be used both inside and outside. While the system is easy to use, it does require a somewhat large hub. Still, reviewers argue that the hub is a minor drawback – PCMag gave the camera 4.5/5, while Tom's Guide gave it 9/10. On Amazon, the camera sits in at 4.3 stars.

Powering all that technology is a rechargeable battery that is designed to last a hefty six months before it needs a recharge – and when it does, you'll be notified through the accompanying app. You'll also be able to monitor the video being recorded through the app, go through previously recorded footage, and check environmental markers like temperature.

The camera isn't overly expensive, either. Sure, it's not cheap, but this security camera sits in at $200 on Amazon, which is a small price to pay for keeping your home and belongings secure. — Christian de Looper

Pros: Excellent image quality, nice design, waterproof, long battery life

Cons: Requires a hub to work, a little expensive.

Buy Netgear Arlo Pro on Amazon for $211.63 (originally $249.99)



The best home security camera for your door

The Nest Hello isn't just a security camera; it's also a doorbell you can control from inside. 

Looking for a camera that will blend in with the surroundings? Perhaps replacing your doorbell with one might be the right choice for you. Gone are the days when people used peepholes to see who was outside — now you can harness the latest and greatest technology to see who's at the door without leaving the couch. 

The Nest Hello is our favorite video doorbell. It's pretty small, at just 4.6 x 1.7 x 1 inches, so it should look fine on most doors. It requires a wired connection, so it's harder to install than battery-powered devices like the Ring Video Doorbell 2. On the plus side, Nest ships everything you need for the installation. 

The Hello also shoots excellent 1,600 x 1,200 video resolution at 30 frames per second, with a 160-degree field of view. It also offers an advanced facial-recognition feature. When a guest arrives, the Nest app will send an alert letting you know not only that someone's arrived, but also who has arrived if it's a frequent visitor. In the app, you can see a photo of the guest to confirm their identity. And if you don't want to respond to the visitor, the Nest Hello can deliver pre-recorded responses such as "No one can come to the door."   

The Nest Hello is also integrated with Google's smart home ecosystem. That means you can ask Google Assistant to view the doorbell's feed on any Chromecast-enabled device. 

You can get the Nest Hello for $229. That's pricey, but we're not the only ones who recommend it; several outlets, including Tom's Guide, have the Hello listed as their favorite video doorbell. — Monica Chin

Pros: Google Assistant integration, facial recognition, convenient auto-responses

Cons: Requires wired connection, complicated to install

Buy the Nest Hello at Best Buy for $229 



The best indoor security camera

The Wyze Cam Pan has motion tracking, 1080p video, and Alexa support — plus, it's only $37. 

The Wyze Cam Pan is missing some of the advanced features that you'll find in high-end cameras. But it does the basics quite well, and it's only $37. 

The Pan shoots 1080p video at 15 frames per second and has a 120-degree field of view. That's not as wide of an angle as some cameras, but it covered most of my 18 x 11-foot living room. 

In our testing, the Wyze Cam Pan was simple to install and use. The app is intuitive and guides you through the setup process. 

When you're out and about, the Wyze app sends you a notification when it detects motion. You can also enable sound, smoke, and CO alerts.  You can view the camera's feed from your phone, and can also swipe across the live screen to pan it back and forth.

You can also turn on motion tracking, which makes the camera follow whoever triggered the alert around, or you can set the camera to pan automatically between preset points. You can snap photos, and you can use two-way audio to chat with potential intruders. 

If you're a smart home enthusiast, you can also use Amazon Alexa to view your Pan's feed on an Echo Show device or a Fire TV

We aren't the only ones who like this camera: It's also PCMag's favorite indoor security camera, and Tom's Guide's favorite budget security camera. — Monica Chin

Pros: Affordable, 1080p video, Alexa integration, Alexa support, free storage

Cons: Just 120-degree field of view, lacks some advanced features

Buy the Wyze Cam Pan on Amazon for $37.98 



The best women's skinny jeans you can buy

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jeans buying guide

  • We've tried more skinny jeans than we can count.
  • After testing the best new skinny jeans, Warp + Weft got our vote for best overall with its vast size offerings, various inseam lengths, sub-$100 prices, and different skinny jean styles.

For many women, skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple. For one, they can be styled to look ultra-casual or night-out polished. Skinny jeans are generally comfortable, with a good amount of stretch woven into the denim. The slim-fit silhouette is flattering across a variety of body types. Plus, there are now a wide range of washes, rises, sizes, and lengths available from affordable denim brands — many of which are also dedicated to body inclusivity.

If you're reading this article, I'm certain that you've owned plenty of skinny jeans before. You may already have a couple of favorite go-to pairs. Maybe you haven't found a pair you absolutely love yet. But what I do know is that even the most avid skinny jean wearers tend to diversify their arsenal. After all, different jeans offer different things.

That's why we tested several different skinny jeans to come up with this buying guide to the best skinny jeans offered by the buzziest direct-to-consumer denim brands and to decode the key features that may be most important to you when shopping for a pair of skinnies.

Here are the best women's skinny jeans you can buy:

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated links, prices, and formatting. 

SEE ALSO: We tried the skinny jeans the internet has been raving about — and they really are that slimming

The best skinny jeans overall

With sizes ranging from 00 to 24, Warp + Weft skinny jeans offer a wide spectrum of trendy and classic styles for every kind of body type.

What impressed me most about Warp + Weft is how many great styles the brand offers across so many sizes, which made me think this is a brand dedicated to offering jeans to an inclusive customer base. There are a variety of both classic and trendy styles to choose from, which is important to note, especially since many skinny jeans tend to come in one particular look.

Warp + Weft sells coated jeans, distressed jeans, destroyed hems, and colorful denim for more adventurous wearers. For that reason, I gave the Petite MXP — with its stretch-blend fabric and exposed pull-ring fly zipper — a test run. The pants were slim-fit down to my ankles (though a little long in the inseam), sculpting every curve from my hips to my calves for a seamless look. The exposed fly detail is out of my ordinary aesthetic, but I was delighted to see how fashion-forward and understated it looked at the same time.

For a more classic affair, a representative of the brand told me that the JFK mid-rise skinny is the "hometown favorite" because it comes in the widest variety of fabrics and colors, and can be scored for less than $100.

This denim is super soft, with a touch of stretch and lift, allowing it to hug your curves without squeezing or digging into your body. A common characteristic of stretch denim is that, yes, it's designed to stretch over time. So if you're interested in a style from Warp + Weft, it is recommended that you order a whole size down to bypass this issue.

Pros: Fun and trendy details, wide variety of sizes

Cons: Petite inseams run too long, may loosen over time

Buy the JFK Skinny at Warp + Weft for $98

Read our full review of Warp + Weft on Insider Picks



The best jeans with minimal stretch

The ethically-made High-Rise Skinny Jeans from Everlane are made with a high-quality Japanese fabric that's 98% cotton and 2% elastane.

Everlane has two skinny jean fits available for women — a high-rise and mid-rise, with different washes and lengths (ankle and regular) available for each.

Since I'm a petite woman at 5'3, I opted for an ankle-length style, which fit my frame perfectly without hemming or cuffing (those who are shorter may need additional alteration). What I like most about this Everlane pair is how structured it is compared to the other brands in this shopping guide. The company used cotton with a mere 2% elastane for a touch of stretch.

In other words, this style is less likely to stretch out or get baggy over time. Some shrinkage did occur after giving the pair a wash, but after a day or two of squeezing back into them, the jeans eventually gave way back to the original size.

As with all Everlane products, these jeans are produced under ethical and environmentally-conscious processes. And at $68 a pair, the price isn't too shabby either. I highly recommend Everlane denim if you're a woman who prefers her jeans to hold her in at the waist, but don't expect these pants to do any favors during a large dinner.

Pros: Two lengths available, transparent ethos

Cons: Sizes max at 32 in European sizing (roughly 13/14 in US sizing)

Buy the High-Rise Skinny Jean at Everlane for $68

Buy the Mid-Rise Skinny Jean at Everlane for $68



The best skinny jeans for curvier bodies

Liverpool Jeans "cross fits" its styles across multiple body types, which means these skinny jeans are designed to flatter curvier silhouettes.

While I myself have a relatively straight body shape (there isn't much of a difference from my waist to hips), Liverpool is known to make a great pair of jeans for other varying body types. Liverpool employs a "cross fit" innovation process, which has the brand reworking jean styles until it accommodates most everyone, including wider hips and muscular thighs and calves.

Even though a handful of women may all be the same pant size, Liverpool ensures that its jeans will also fit and flatter across the board. Liverpool told me the cross fit begins with a professional size four fit model, followed by a personal test run by co-founder Jill Perilman who makes sure all points of measure grade are also consistent in a size six.

From there, a whole array of samples are cut from sizes zero to 12 and tested across many women staffers at Liverpool for diversity. Feedback is collected, samples are revised, and fit/construction issues are addressed before a style goes into production. As you can tell, Liverpool takes this process very seriously.

The most popular style, the Abby Skinny, is a classic mid-rise that is offered in 16 different washes and up to a size 16. The denim is super-soft with a generous amount of stretch without feeling like the style is going to bag out.

I would compare the fit similar to the way compression workout leggings feel — form-fitting around the legs with plenty of give for those aforementioned curves. As a petite woman, I found myself having to cuff the hems a few inches, but overall, Liverpool has made a great pair of affordable everyday jeans that can easily translate from day to night.

Pros: Designed to flatter multitude body types, many washes and sizes available

Cons: Not available as a high-rise, style runs a bit long for petites

Buy the Abby Skinny Jean at Liverpool for $89

Read our full review of the Liverpool jeans on Insider Picks



The best skinny jeans with a high-rise

Mott & Bow's High Rise Skinny Jeans hold in the waist for a stylish and secure fit with super soft denim, rich color options, and a 10-inch high-rise.

Whether you prefer a mid-rise or a high-rise jean is solely dependent on your preference, but I admit to being partial to high-rise styles myself — especially when it comes to stretch denim — because I find high-rise jeans are at better retaining their slim-fit shape with less need to "pull them back up."

Mott & Bow's high-rise pants pass with flying colors if you're looking for a stylish pair that will wear securely at the high waist around your belly button area.

The Jane is a gorgeous deep indigo denim that is constructed from a blend of cotton, tencel, polyester, and only a 1% touch of elastane. The softness and shape retention primarily comes from the 42% tencel, which is important to note if you're wary of so-called "stretchy denim"— these particular jeans promise to upkeep its skinny shape.

These Mott & Bow jeans, in fact, fit over my legs like second skin, all the way down to the 9-inch leg opening, creating a seamless and attractive silhouette. While these jeans felt a bit tighter and more compressed than the other jeans that I've tried for this guide, the stretch was just enough to feel like the jeans held me in and still proved to be comfortable for all-day and all-night wear. And even after a wash, the richness of the indigo held on strong.

A rep from the company let me know that other top sellers of Mott & Bow include the Bond (a super-flattering black jean), the Carmine (a comfortable jean in a beautiful true blue wash), and the Orchard in dark gray (for those interested in non-blue or non-black denim).

Unsurprisingly, all of the brand's most popular styles are high-rise, as well. It seems as though Mott & Bow have hit this particular shape out of the ballpark. But, if you're still on the fence, take advantage of Mott & Bow's "Free Home Try-On Program," where you can order a pair of jeans and include a second pair of a different waist for free, to determine which one works better. Simply use the pre-paid label to return the pair you don't want for a beyond-convenient way to test out the jeans before committing to them.

Pros: Great high rise, perfect fit, try before you buy, many washes

Cons: Compressed feel

Buy the Mid-Rise Skinny Jane at Mott & Bow for $96-$128 (Price varies on wash)

Buy the High-Rise Skinny Jane at Mott & Bow for $96-$128 (Price varies on wash)

Read our full review of the Mott & Bow skinny jeans on Insider Picks



Best skinny jean for plus size

The Seine skinny jeans from Universal Standard are an affordable, versatile, and stylish wardrobe staple for women who wear sizes 10 through 28.

While plus-sized women have traditionally been shut out of the fashion industry conversation, there are now more burgeoning brands offering stylish pieces for the 67% of all American women who wear a size 14 or higher. One example leading the way is Universal Standard, a brand that makes quality basics at reasonable price points.

When it comes to skinnies, the brand's under-$100 Slim Cut Seine Jeans are a particular fan favorite. For this pair, I turned to a plus-size acquaintance to test out and give an honest review of how these fit.

The fabric is great — not too stretchy, not too thick — and the fit is true to size and sits at the high waist. There are several wash and color options including solid black, olive green, distressed blue, indigo blue, and distressed black if you're looking for variety. One notable upside to the jeans is that they are offered in two lengths — 27 and 32 inch inseams — so if you're on the taller side, there is a longer option so you won't inadvertently have to resort to a cropped style.

When it comes to stretch, Universal Standard offers two options: The original Seine is comfortably stretchy, while the Slim Cut Seine is less stretchy and more structured.

The one complaint about the jeans is that the back pockets are placed rather wide apart. They do not feel proportional to the booty (this may be more noticeable on the larger sizes, as this seemed to be the case of the size 24 pant). But overall, you can count on Universal Standard to make a solid pair of everyday skinny pants.

It should be noted that women who need larger sizes also have terrifically trendy and affordable options at brands like Eloquii (which is expanding its range to sizes 32 by fall) and Torrid (which is known as a more budget-friendly brand, with many jeans offered for as little as $20-40).

Pros: Longer inseam lengths and stretch options available, sizes up to 28 waist

Cons: Back pocket placements may be unflattering to some

Buy the Siene Skinny Jeans at Universal Standard for $90

Read our full review of Universal Standard's denim on Insider Picks



The best men's undershirts

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  • If you've been looking for the best undershirt for managing your sweaty pits, then the search is over.
  • The American-made Thompson Tee features a unique and effective "sweat guard" design that makes it the best undershirt you can buy for protecting your nice shirts from unsightly perspiration.

If you regularly wear button-up shirts, then good undershirts are a must. Wearing an undershirt is one of the best ways to maintain and protect your nice shirts, particularly your dress shirts, from sweat and deodorant, which can discolor the fabric and wear it out over time. By creating a barrier between your sweat and the underarms of your button-up, undershirts also help to ward off the dreaded "wet pits" look.

Unfortunately, like many other everyday clothing items, a lot of guys treat undershirts as an after-thought. If you're looking for a better way to stay comfortable and protect your nice shirts, then you've found the right place. Before we get into our picks, however, here are some quick guidelines to follow when selecting an undershirt that's right for you:

  • Keep it fitted. Your dress shirts should be trim, not baggy and blousy, and so it stands to reason that you don't want big, billowy undershirts, either. Many brands today are offering slimmer modern cuts for their clothing, and undershirts are no exception. Go with something more tailored or even opt for snug-fitting stretch undershirts which hug your torso like a glove.
  • Avoid white. White is probably the most common color for undershirts. It's also probably the worst. We've all seen it: The guy wearing a white or blue dress shirt with his white undershirt sleeves shining through like the sun. This is because white is a high contrast color that shows up very easily under other materials. Play it safe and keep it gray. This low-contrast shade will blend in much more easily so you're not getting those unsightly "undershirt lines" under your dress shirt sleeves.
  • Go with a V-neck. People have a lot of opinions about men sporting V-necks for casual wear, but for undershirts, it's pretty much a requirement – especially if you're going sans necktie, which you'll probably do fairly often. Having the top your undershirt peeking out behind your dress shirt collar screams "my mom made me wear a button-up shirt today," but a V-neck cut keeps it nicely out of view below the neckline. If you already have a bunch of crew-neck undershirts, relegate them to casual wear or toss 'em.

Keeping these guidelines in mind, we've done the research and smoked out the best undershirts for men that you can buy today. Undershirts are fairly straightforward pieces of clothing, but we've made sure that our top picks cover a range of different styles, fabrics, and price points so you can find the right one for your tastes and budget.

Here are the best men's undershirts you can buy:

Updated on 10/18/19 by Caitlin Petreycik. Updated prices, links, and formatting. 

The best men's undershirt overall

With soft and breathable natural fabric, a trim cut, an under-arm sweat guard, and all-American construction, the Thompson Tee V-neck is the last undershirt you'll ever need to buy.

Arguably the main reason to wear an undershirt is to prevent your sweaty pits from showing through your nice button-up shirt by putting a layer between your skin and your clothing. Managing sweat while looking nice is an ever-present challenge in the summer (especially in a suit), but even in the cooler months, your body can get pretty warm when you're indoors wearing long-sleeved shirts and suit jackets.

If this is a particularly big problem for you, then even a normal undershirt may not be enough. Enter the sweat guard from Thompson Tee. Its unique design is purpose-built to target the biggest problem area for perspiration, the under-arms, with a second layer that serves as a "sweat pad" to put some more material and distance between your skin and your nice shirt.

The trim cut is form-fitting and long enough to tuck, too, while the V-neck is suitably deep so it won't be peeking out from under your shirt collar.

Another thing we like about the Thompson Tee is that it's woven of soft combed cotton, with the under-arm "sweat pads" made of bamboo-derived rayon with a touch of spandex for stretch and flexibility. This is a plus, as natural fibers like cotton will almost always breathe better than synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.

Even better, the Thompson Tee is 100 percent made in the United States. You'll pay for it, though. The Thompson Tee undershirt rings in at around $30 on Amazon, but it's worth it. If sweat is a problem and you're looking for the "holy grail" of undershirts, then this is probably the last one you'll ever need to buy.

Pros: Made in America, woven of soft combed cotton with a bamboo-derived rayon sweat guard, the unique design is highly effective at managing under-arm sweat, it's got a great form-fitting cut

Cons: It's fairly expensive



The best men's undershirt multi-pack

If our other picks cause sticker shock, these soft, lightweight, no-nonsense undershirts from David Archy are an excellent and super-affordable alternative.

One of the general rules of menswear is to avoid synthetic fabrics. While this is good advice, it mostly applies to larger, nicer outer garments such as shirts, slacks, business suits, sweaters, and so on. For clothing items like these, synthetics are typically used to cut costs rather than for any particular qualities.

Although synthetic fabrics have a bad rap in the menswear scene, they do confer some advantages for certain pieces of clothing. Synthetics are durable, they dry quickly, and they're useful for garments where you want some stretch such as socks or athletic wear.

Modal in particular is a semi-synthetic fabric well-known for its softness and elasticity. Modal is actually a form of rayon, which is made from cellulose in contrast to more common polymer-based synthetics like nylon. It's also more breathable, with these characteristics combining to make it the perfect candidate for undershirts like these ones from David Archy.

David Archy undershirts are made of a soft micro-modal fabric with a touch of elastane. Micro-modal is silkier than plain modal fibers — it's even softer to the touch than cotton — and offers moisture-wicking properties that manage sweat and let it dry quickly instead of soaking up moisture. It's thin and light without being transparent, although it's best to tumble dry these and then hang them up damp to air-dry rather than drying them with heat.

The V-neck is suitably deep and the David Archy shirts are slimmer than most other multi-pack undershirts from popular brands like Hanes, the cuts of which tend to be a bit boxier than most, but these undershirts don't have much of a taper in the body. You may want to consider sizing down if you're between sizes. The sleeves are also nice and slim-fitting so you don't get a bunch of material bunching up around your arms under your dress shirt.

Pros: Made of a breathable and soft micro-modal fabric, the cut is fitted and long enough to stay tucked, and they're a solid value 

Cons: The fit is nothing special, and the micro-modal shouldn't be put in a hot dryer cycle



The best men's undershirt that you can wear casually

J. Crew's knack for classic yet modern style, great quality, and nice materials makes this heather gray V-neck T-shirt perfect for doing double-duty as an undershirt and a casual tee.

Undershirts are typically specifically designed to be worn under a collared shirt, but they're still essentially just tees. This means that, so long as it's styled right, there's no reason you can't pop on an "undershirt" with a pair of jeans for a simple casual outfit — and if you're the type that doesn't like to own a mountain of clothes, then a few good tees that can do double-duty as undershirts are nice to have in your closet.

As one of the premier brands of casual men's style, it should come as no surprise that J. Crew made it into our list. If Brooks Brothers is the king of American preppy style, then J. Crew might be the king of American casual, with its wide lineup of clothes that perfectly thread the needle between modern and classic styling.

This heather gray V-neck tee lives up to J. Crew's simple-yet-stylish design ethos. It features a tailored cut that's not baggy or restricting. It's slim enough for an undershirt and it's made of soft combed cotton.

The V-neck is deep enough that you can safely undo a button on your collared shirt, but it's not cut too low to be suitable for casual wear. It's a no-nonsense, well-made, nicely-styled staple tee that'll get a lot of play in your rotation whether you're wearing it under a dress shirt or just pairing it with jeans or chinos.

The J. Crew heather grey V-neck T-shirt rings in at around $25, which may seem slightly pricey for a single undershirt. But given that this soft and versatile shirt can also serve as one of your everyday casual tees, it's not a bad value. J. Crew regularly runs sales and offers promo codes, too, so wait for a discount and order a couple to score them even cheaper.

Pros: It's made of soft and durable combed cotton, the fit is slim enough for both casual and undershirt wear without being restricting, the V-neck is sufficiently deep for wearing under a collared shirt without being too low to wear by itself, and it's a good value (especially when on sale)

Cons: It's cut shorter in the body than dedicated undershirts



Check out our other menswear buying guides

The best suits you can buy

For your go-to workhorse suit, you simply can't beat a single-breasted, two-button classic style charcoal gray suit. The Brooks Brothers 1818 charcoal suit combines historic American-made quality with iconic English flair, and it's easily the most versatile suit you'll ever wear.

Here are our top picks for the best suits:



The best string trimmers and weed wackers

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  • With a great string trimmer, you can cut crisp lines near fences, trees, and edge beds and obliterate weeds.
  • We've included different string trimmers that run on plug-in power, batteries, or gasoline, so you can choose which is best for your needs.
  • The DeWalt 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmeris our top pick because it's as powerful as many gas-powered weed and yard trimmers but it's also lightweight, thanks to its battery.

If you take a quick look into my backyard, you'll see a generally well-maintained property with healthy grass, flowers blooming in the spring, tomatoes and cucumbers aplenty in the summer, and a few ugly black scuff marks marring the bottom of one panel of our otherwise lovely white fence. Those marks were caused by yours truly when I pushed the lawnmower too close to the fence in an attempt to save time while mowing last July. What should I have done instead? Yeah, you guessed it: Used a trimmer. The great irony here? At the time I did not own just one lawn and weed trimmer ... I had two.

Over the years, I've used more than a half dozen different brands of string trimmers, and I'm known as a pretty good edger in some parts. A bit of haste last summer notwithstanding, I know the primary value of a trimmer is the precision it offers. With a reliable weed- and lawn-trimming tool in your hands, you can make short work of all sorts of weeds and can even eradicate brambles, thorns, ivy, and other tougher types of flora.

You can also use your trimmer to mow swaths of lawn with ease, cutting near fences, around tree trunks and bushes, and even near flowers and edible plants, removing only the grass you want without damaging any other plant life or property around your yard. As for those crisp edges you'll create along the sidewalk, driveway, patio, and beds, why, they'll be the talk of the block. With some practice, anyway — initially, you'll probably cut some pretty funny looking lines. I know I did.

Whether you are already an old hand with a trimmer and are looking for an even more powerful tool or you are shopping for your first-ever weed and lawn trimming device, we've got you covered. We've included different string trimmers that run on plug-in power, batteries, or gasoline, so you can choose which is best for your needs. One final bit of advice before you buy one of our picks: always wear safety glasses or some kind of protective eyewear when you use your string trimmer.

Here are the best string trimmer and weed wackers you can buy:

Updated on 10/23/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices and links.

The best string trimmer overall

The DeWalt 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer powers through thick, tough weeds and overgrown grass with as much force as many gasoline-fueled trimmers, but it has a battery and weighs less than nine pounds.

The sheer power of the DeWalt 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer is reason enough to buy this tool, but the fact that you can count on it to last for years sure helps justify the rather high price. I've owned many DeWalt tools and they are still kicking to this day.

This trimmer is powered by a 20-volt, five-amp lithium-ion battery that packs plenty of punch, whirling the dual cutting lines around in a 13-inch swath that will easily clear grass, weeds, thorns, and more. The tool can be operated at a high-speed, full-power setting for cutting tougher materials or it can be run at a lower speed for lighter work and for better battery life. Yes, this trimmer costs four times more than other electric options, but it will outperform and outlast them, too.

With nearly 900 reviews posted on Amazon at the time of this review, the DeWalt 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer has a four-star average rating with customers. One owner said he was "thoroughly impressed" with the trimmer's capabilities and battery life, while another reported it being "easy to handle" and "working perfectly" for his residential landscaping needs.

A WorkShopAddict review said he was "amazed by the run time" of this trimmer between battery charges, and called it "very light at 8.5 lbs."

Pros: Light but powerful, dual speed operation, lasts for years

Cons: Rather expensive option



The best low-cost string trimmer

The Black & Decker 2-N-1 Electric String Trimmer might cost less than you'd pay for a meal at a fancy restaurant, but it's perfect for most residential trimming needs.

I've used a Black & Decker trimmer for years, and every time I have light to moderate trimming or edging needs that are within the reach of an extension cord, it's the tool I choose. Truth be told, it's not this exact trimmer, but that's the case only because my eight-year-old tool device has yet to break down.

While this trimmer isn't the best choice for seriously overgrown yards or for clearing dense underbrush, for edging lawns, clearing common weeds, and cutting grass near flowers, trees, fences, or in those patches the mower can't reach, it's a fine choice. It's also a trimmer that's amazingly affordable.

A plug-in trimmer has one distinct disadvantage, which is, of course, the simple fact that you need to be connected via an extension cord to a power outlet. That means less freedom of motion and less convenience of use, as you can't use the tool where you can't plug it in.

However, the fact that you don't need to lug around a battery or a gasoline motor significantly reduces the weight of the tool, making the 5-pound Black & Decker 2-N-1 Electric String Trimmer a great choice for seniors, anyone with strength or mobility limited by injury or illness, or for anyone who just doesn't want to lug around a heavy trimmer. 

In a write-up from LivingHorticulturally, a reviewer called it a "featherweight tool" that is ideal for "trimming hard to reach areas" of a property that a mower can't access.

Pros: Great low price, lightweight and nimble, easily converts from trimmer to edger

Cons: Not suitable for tougher jobs



The best gas-powered string trimmer

The Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer is quite powerful and relatively affordable, which are both things most Do-It-Yourselfers will appreciate in a tool.

The Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer probably isn't the ideal trimming tool for a professional gardener or landscaper, but for the casual DIY property care guy or gal, it's an ideal choice. With a two-stroke, 25 cubic centimeter engine, this capable trimmer delivers more than enough power to slash through thick grass, pernicious weeds, and to cut edges down into turf, mulch, or packed soil.

A proprietary "zip start" carburetor makes firing up this tool quick and easy without a lot of repeated yanking on a starter line, and an easy-to-load head makes replacing broken trimmer line fast and simple, too. As for the line, it can accommodate a thick and durable 0.095-inch line thickness, whereas many similar tools max out at 0.08. This trimmer is pretty loud when operating, but it's also a reliable tool that's more than worth its price.

With nearly 1,200 reviews posted on Home Depot's website, the Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer has a commendable 4.4-star average. A gentleman named Steve said his Ryobi trimmer "ran like a Swiss watch," never once giving him any complications. Another user said he was "very impressed with the power and usability" of the trimmer.

A review from TopTenReviews called the Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer a "good choice for most yards" thanks to its "wide cutting path" and powerful motor.

Of course, there are downsides to a gas-powered trimmer. While it is powerful, you will have to purchase fuel and it makes a lot of noise. And because of emissions, it's not a choice for the environmentally conscious or people sensitive to pollution.

Pros: Good price for good tool, plenty of power for most jobs, wide cutting swath

Cons: Heavy at more than 12 pounds, fuel costs, pollutes



The best battery-powered trimmer

An almost unmatched 80-volt battery powers the Greenworks 80V 16-inch String Trimmer, but it's still priced to fit most budgets.

The Greenworks 80V 16-inch String Trimmer operates with power that equates to a 32 cubic centimeter gasoline combustion engine. That means it's super powerful for an electric tool. It also costs a good deal less than the other battery-powered trimmer on our list and is in fact right in the median price range for all the tools we're recommending. So why isn't this powerful lawn and weed trimming tool our top pick? Well, along with being super powerful, it's also way heavy.

At 16 pounds, the Greenworks 80V 16-inch String Trimmer will be outright too heavy for some people and will weigh enough to tire others out after extended use, which is indeed possible given its 45-minute run time per battery and 30-minute battery charging time. But when operated by folks with enough brawn to heft this tool, there won't be a blade of grass, a bramble, or a weed that doesn't tremble to hear its electric whine.

One customer loved that the "batteries last more than [he] expected" even with heavy use, while another said that thanks to the Greenworks 80V 16-inch String Trimmer, he had "no regrets about going over to the battery [powered] side" of lawn tools.

A writer from ProToolReviews said this trimmer "has the power to run 0.095-inch line" and was among "the quietest" powerful trimmers their team tested.

Pros: Exceptional power for battery trimmer, good price for good quality, broad trimming range

Cons: Very heavy tool



The best commercial-grade string trimmer

The Husqvarna 17-inch Straight Shaft String Trimmer is a commercial-grade trimmer at a homeowner's price point.

The Husqvarna 128LD 17-inch Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer isn't a steal, but given the power and durability of this tool, it's still a fair deal. That power comes from a 28CC two-stroke engine that can whip 0.095-inch line around at thousands of RPM. The fair deal aspect is bolstered by the fact that your Husqvarna 128LD 17-inch Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer will last for years and years even with regular use.

At just under 11 pounds, this trimmer isn't all that heavy, but it's not a featherweight, either. But given its capabilities, it's weight is actually pretty impressive. This trimmer cuts a 17-inch wide swath and its motor can be affixed to a pole saw, pruner, or sweeper attachment as well. So with a few accessory purchases, the base motor of the Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer becomes an all-in-one property maintenance dynamo.

More than 600 buyers have posted reviews on Amazon as of the time of this writing, and the Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer enjoys a 4.1-star average rating. A buyer named Michael loves that this gas trimmer "starts easily" and can "tackle everything thrown at it." Another reviewer says it's simply "the best trimmer [he] ever owned."

A product tester from Backyard Boss called the Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer a powerful tool "from a trusted brand" that has a "large easy grip handle" and plenty of reach thanks to its long shaft.

Pros: Powerful and durable, wide cutting swath, works with multiple accessories

Cons: Expensive, emissions



Check out our other gardening gear guides

The best electric lawn mowers you can buy

Electric lawn mowers are ideal if you have minimal storage space and don't want to deal with the hassle of storing gasoline and oil. Electric mowers tend to weigh much less than their gas-powered counterparts, so they can be easier to transport and use.

We picked our favorite electric lawn mowers based on a number of factors, including versatility, power, battery life, features, and overall performance. They're available at a variety of price points, so you should be able to find something that works for your budget and needs.


The best gardening tools you can buy

For gardeners, having a good collection of gardening tools makes it easier and more enjoyable to spend time working the land. Here are the best tools for maintaining a garden or yard.

Here are the best gardening gloves you can buy 2019:


The best gardening gloves you can buy

If you spend a lot of time in the garden, you need a good pair of gardening gloves. We've poured over expert reviews to find the best ones.

To protect yourself from dirt, thorns, chemicals, and other irritants; you need a good pair of gardening gloves.

Here are the best gardening gloves you can buy 2019:


The best garden hoses you can buy

If you've got plants to water, a car to wash, or a sprinkler to connect so the kids can splash around this summer, then you're going to need a good garden hose.

Here are the best garden hoses you can buy in 2019:


The best shovels you can buy for gardening

If your shovel-buying strategy has consisted of choosing the cheapest tool on the shelf, we're here to tell you that while there is certainly no reason to break the budget on a shovel, it's also true that you generally get what you pay for, and a quality garden tool should last you for many years if taken care of.

That's why we decided to do the research for you, and gather up this list of the best shovels and spades out there for a variety of uses. While we think the Fiskars Long-Handle Round-Point Steel Digging Shovel is the best garden shovel overall, we also recommend several others that serve different purposes.

Here are the best garden shovels and spades you can buy:


The best rakes you can buy

It's fall, and for many people, that means it's time to break out the trusty old garden rake to take care of all those falling leaves.

To save you some time and energy, we've rounded up the best rakes you can buy to pick up leaves and perform other garden tasks. Read on to see which rake is best for your needs.

Here are the best rakes you can buy:


The best gardening books you can buy

Starting your own garden can be overwhelming, so it helps to do your research and figure out what kind of garden you want to grow based on your needs, goals, and available space.

Whether you're looking to design a secret flower garden in your backyard, turn your lawn into your own private vegetable farm, or just want to beautify your fire escape with a few choice potted plants, you'll find your starting point in one of our top gardening book picks.

Here are the best gardening books you can buy:




The best glass cleaners

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  • There's nothing worse than a dirty window, cloudy mirror, or dirt-spattered windshield. Everyone needs a good glass cleaner to keep those surfaces clean.
  • We used more than a dozen different glass cleaners to find the best ones, including natural glass cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, and cleaners for hard-water stains.
  • Windex Original Glass Cleaner still reigns supreme because it cuts through grime, doesn't leave streaks, and doesn't cost much.

A thorough window cleaning is one of the more thankless tasks on the household chore list, but fortunately, it's one you only have to complete a couple of times per year. To prevent the build-up of stubborn hard water stains on windows, thorough cleaning in spring and fall should do the trick. As for the shower door, that's going to require much more frequent cleaning. So, too,- will mirrors that are regularly exposed to humidity. On close examination, it's amazing how dirty glass surfaces can get, really. Amazing ... and disheartening, unless you have the best glass cleaners at your disposal.

We've tested several glass cleaners over the years, and they all essentially perform the same task: They help you clean glass. Our choices are differentiated not by their efficacy as much as by the unique properties. One is designed to preserve all the helpful microscopic organisms that share your home's microbiome with you and your family, another features an all-natural corn-based solvent, and another is almost as cheap as the dirt it will help remove.

We're sure at least one of these glass cleaners will be a fit for your needs, and in fact, maybe you'll choose to use a couple. Keep in mind that proper glass cleaning technique can be as important as the glass cleaner you're using. If you are cleaning windows with paper towels or rags, make sure to switch out the dirty ones for clean ones regularly to avoid simply moving the dirt around on the window.

Ideally, window, shower door, auto glass, and even mirror cleaning involves a glass cleaner, a squeegee, and a couple of sponges. You should sponge on the cleaner, then use the squeegee to remove as much of the stuff as possible using a downward back and forth S-shaped pattern. Then get the corners and any patches you missed with a clean sponge. Now on to our top picks for the best glass cleaner you can buy.

Here are the best window cleaners you can buy:

Updated on 10/23/2019: Updated prices and links.

The best glass cleaner overall

Windex Original Glass Cleaner cuts through grit and grease with ease thanks to its time-tested active ingredient ammonia-D.

Windex Original Glass Cleaner is a classic example of the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" maxim. The stuff just works. It does exactly what it's supposed to, creating clear, streak-free glass that is cleaner-looking and largely free of harmful bacteria. People have been cleaning windows, shower stalls, glass shelves, and more using Windex for generations. 

Not only is Windex Original effective, it's also affordable. In fact, it's the second cheapest choice on our list. It's also a surprisingly versatile cleaner that's gentle enough for use on eyeglasses and even on many types of screen, like that of your TV or laptop. Don't use it on touchscreens, though, and for any sensitive application like these, it's best to spray the cleaner onto a cloth, not directly onto the surface in need of cleaning.

Insider Picks senior editor Malarie Gokey uses Windex to handle tough glass cleaning jobs, and it always works like a charm with just a few spritzes and minimal elbow grease.

Do note that while a highly effective cleaner, Windex's "Ammonia-D" formula isn't the safest substance known to humankind. Which is to say, don't get this stuff in your eyes, nose, or mouth, and wear gloves if you have to clean more than one mirror or a few panes of glass, as it's not great for your skin, either.

In a customer comment from Viewpoints, Windex Original Glass Cleaner was hailed as an effective cleaner on "anything that is glass," from windows to doors to mirrors to shelving and more. It was even described as working well "in the spring after windows have been left uncleaned [sic] all winter long."

Pros: Effective even on stubborn grime, low cost, trusted for years

Cons: Ammonia can be dangerous if mishandled



The best natural glass cleaner

Method Glass and Surface Cleaner is almost entirely made using ingredients sourced from plants, so it's safe to use around people, pets, and food.

Method Glass and Surface Cleaner is not 100% natural, but it uses mostly natural ingredients. The "chemicals" you'll find listed on the bottle include potassium citrate, which Method derives from corn sugars, and ethanol, derived from sugar beets.

Method Glass and Surface cleaner isn't misleading you about its multi-surface capabilities, either. This stuff works well on glass, but it's also great for other hard surfaces, including granite, quartz, and tile. It is equally effective whether used on windows, countertops, walls, and more. The fresh mint scent is pleasant and even invigorating, too. 

For eco-friendly folks, the bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable. Guides editor Malarie Gokey also uses this Method cleaner to wipe down less stubborn stains that don't require the aid of Windex. It's also great for cleaning a number of tile surfaces in her home.

With more than 150 reviews posted on Target, Method Glass and Surface Cleaner has a commendable 4.3-star rating at the time of this writing. One satisfied buyer said, "I really like this glass cleaner. It works well. I don't see any streaks on my bathroom mirror after I'm done using it, and I haven't noticed a smell of any kind."

A writer from Good Housekeeping said Method did a fine "job cleaning glass" and "other test surfaces," but did note occasional streaking issues.  

Pros: Effective on myriad surfaces, safe and natural formula, pleasant scent

Cons: Leaves occasional streaks



The best glass cleaner without ammonia

Glass Plus Glass Cleaner is a versatile and effective cleaning product with many applications, plus, it's affordable.

As for efficacy, Glass Plus Glass Cleaner is more than adequate for most household and light commercial glass cleaning needs. As it's free of the harsh ammonia featured in other glass cleaners, it can be safely used on a wide variety of materials, including plastics, fiberglass, vinyl Plexiglas, and many more. You can even use this stuff on washable wallpaper without worrying about it corroding the surface.

While Glass Plus doesn't cut through stubborn grime, grease, or stains quite as effortlessly as certain harsher products, it's great for those light, frequent cleanings or for dealing with one-off messes, like a toddler's handprint or a countertop spill. And again, that price. You can use squirt after squirt of the stuff and not worry about breaking your household cleaning budget.

With more than 200 reviews on Amazon, Glass Plus Glass Cleaner has a solid 4.3-out-of-5-star rating. A product tester from WiseBread said Glass Plus is effective on a variety of "indoor and outdoor surfaces, like glass, mirrors, stove tops, and stainless steel and granite surfaces."

Pros: Very low price tag, works on myriad surfaces, ammonia-free formula

Cons: Not as effective as other options for stubborn grease or stains



The best glass cleaner for hard-water stains

Hard-water stains are notoriously difficult to remove, but Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover is a commercial-grade product that makes short work tough buildup.

Hard-water stains are those whitish-grayish spots, patches, and streaks that you probably have marring the surface of your shower doors, the side windows of your car, and likely the exterior panes of residential windows, too. These so-called stains are actually built-up mineral deposits of calcium, lime, and rust. When you try to clean a hard-water stain with a standard cleaning agent, it will often appear to be remedied right after the cleaning, but it will reveal itself again as soon as the surface dries. You can't just wipe them away, you need to break them apart.

And that's what Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover does: It breaks up rust and mineral deposits so they can be wiped away once and for all. Despite the fact that this is a powerful cleaner with a tough job to do, it's a remarkably safe product. In fact, it is made with ingredients that are non-toxic and eco-friendly, so you don't have to feel guilty as it swirls down the drain of the shower or into the gutter as you wash your car.

Also, it can remove that scaly buildup from much more than glass alone. Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover can clean tile, porcelain, steel, polished stone, and much more. It won't damage decorative fixtures or sensitive surfaces like plastics or high-shine metals.

More than 1,400 people have left reviews on Amazon about Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover, and it has a fine 4.3-star average rating. One user calls it "pure magic" and relates trying all sorts of products on his home's hard-water stains, never finding one effective until this "extremely highly recommended" cleaner.

Just note that for best results, you may have to attack stubborn stains several times, and there will be some scrubbing.

Pros: Breaks up stubborn mineral deposits, safe for use on multiple surfaces, eco-friendly formula

Cons: Multiple applications often required



The best health-conscious glass cleaner

Aunt Fannie's Glass and Window Vinegar Wash cuts through grease and grime, but it doesn't kill off all the helpful microorganisms with which we share our home.

You know that not all microscopic organisms are bad, right? In fact, many of the minuscule little creatures with which we share our homes, offices, and even our own bodies are beneficial to the point of being a necessary part of our microbiome. So you know what is bad? Killing them all off. If you use a harsh, chemical-heavy glass cleaner every time you clean your windows, counters, mirrors, and more, then you may be slaughtering billions of little critters that were actually playing an important role in your life.

So use Aunt Fannie's Glass and Window Vinegar Wash and leave that microbiome intact while still cutting through smudges, lifting dirt, and leaving no streaks behind. This cleaner can be applied directly to glass surfaces in liberal quantities, then wiped down with a sponge, squeegee, or cloth or paper towel. It will leave the glass looking crystal clean to the naked eye and still safe for microorganisms for whom a microscope would be required.

Also, as it's made using vinegar, a sugar-based surfactant, and natural essential oils, it's perfectly safe for use around all people, even infants and those with compromised immune systems, as well as around pets, plants, and foodstuffs.

I can tell you from plenty of firsthand experience with this very glass cleaner that this stuff works. You might need a few more spritzes of Aunt Fannie's Glass and Window Vinegar Wash than you would with Windex, but it works just fine when sprayed on thick.

A writer from UnboundWellness said Aunt Fannie's Glass and Window Vinegar Wash had a "pleasant smell" that was not "overpowering" and that it left the "windows streak free."

Pros: Protects microbiome organisms, free from harsh chemicals, streak-free finish

Cons: Not effective on stubborn stains or buildup



Check out our other guides to the best cleaning products for your home

The best bathroom cleaning products you can buy

Your bathroom always needs a good cleaning, and having the right tools on hand is essential if you want it to be squeaky clean. We've tested tons of cleaners to find the best bathroom cleaning products you can buy. 

Our bathroom cleaning product recommendations include:


The best dish soap you can buy

A top-quality dish soap has a pleasant scent if it has a scent at all, cleans the most stubborn pots and pans, and is eco- and hand-friendly. Puracy Natural Liquid Dish Soap is our top pick because it's effective on grease, safe for the environment, and gentle on your hands.

You might also like the Dawn Dish Soap Platinum Dishwashing Liquid, the Seventh Generation Dish Liquid, the Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner, and the J.R. Watkins Liquid Dish Soap.


The best paper towels you can buy

Paper towels are one of the most underappreciated commodities of modern life. they help out with everything from kitchen cleaning to car washing to personal hygiene to baby care. You might not think about them often, but you'd miss them if they were gone. The Bounty Select-a-Size Paper Towels are our top pick because they're absorbent and tough, yet soft enough for delicate tasks.

You should also consider the Seventh Generation Unbleached Paper Towels, the Plenty Ultra Premium Paper Towels, and the Kleenex Hand Towels.


The best disinfecting cleaners you can buy

The world can be a germy place and as we interact with others, we share bacteria. Some bacteria are actually good for our body systems but other, viral strains like measles, flu, and colds can be dangerous. And, fungal infections like athlete's foot, while not life-threatening, are pretty uncomfortable.

To help combat against them, there are products available that do a great job of killing bacteria. Disinfecting cleaners come in many forms and you are sure to find one that fits your needs. After research and testing, these are our top picks to disinfect nearly every surface and fabric in your home.


The best cleaning products for kitchen and laundry appliances you can buy

How can you demand that your appliances perform at their best if they are dirty? Expecting fresh, clean clothes from a smelly washer or sparkling plates from a dishwasher crusted with hard water minerals is a fool's errand. All you'll get is frustration and chronic disappointment.

Luckily, there are easy-to-use products available that can restore appliances back to their prime. Here are the best cleaning products you can buy for kitchen and laundry appliances.



Facebook pledged $1 billion to help fix California's affordable housing crisis one day before Mark Zuckerberg was due to address a claim that Facebook ads were enabling housing discrimination

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Facebook has pledged to dish out $1 billion in an attempt to combat California's affordable housing crisis.

On October 22, the company said it will spread out an investment of $1 billion over the next decade to create around 200,000 housing units to help professionals such as teachers, nurses, and first responders live closer to the communities they work in, Facebook's chief financial officer David Wehner wrote in a blog post.

According to the blog post, the money will be spread out across various different partnerships and projects. It will be put toward building mixed-income housing on state-owned land in communities where housing is scarce; building affordable housing and housing for the homeless in the San Francisco Bay Area; and building over 1,500 units of mixed-income housing on land already owned by the company in Menlo Park. 

Read more: LIVE: Lawmakers grill Mark Zuckerberg about the big plan Facebook created to upend the way we send money around the globe

The money will also be put toward building housing for teachers and other "essential workers" on public land for school districts in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, the statement outlines. Funds will be set aside to promote affordable housing in other communities where company offices are located.

Earlier this month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees that the company plans to expand primarily outside of San Francisco due to reasons including high housing costs and bad traffic

News of the billion-dollar pledge comes after Facebook was sued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development

In March, the Department of Housing and Urban Development filed a claim alleging that Facebook was "encouraging, enabling, and causing housing discrimination" by allowing advertisers to restrict who could see housing ads on the basis of race, color, sex, familial status, and other characteristics.

On Wednesday, Zuckerberg testified in front of the House Financial Services Committee, where lawmakers grilled him on a variety of issues, including the Libra currency Facebook announced earlier this year, and the allegations the company faces of advertising discrimination on the platform.

Notably, the $1 billion affordable housing pledge was announced one day before the hearing.

"This has been a challenging few years for Facebook," Zuckerberg said at the end of his opening remarks in Wednesday's hearing. "I know we have a lot to do, but I also know that the problem of financial under-inclusion is solvable, and I believe that we can play a role in helping to find the solution."

When Zuckerberg was asked whether Facebook would comply with requests for information about how housing companies may have discriminated, he said it would, as Business Insider's Lisa Eadicicco reported. However, when pressed on whether or not the company would provide information about the algorithms it uses to decide which ads users receive, Zuckerberg did not give a direct answer. Instead, he responded by emphasizing that it has always been against Facebook's policies to use its ad platform for discrimination.

Facebook did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment regarding the timing of the two events.

San Francisco's affordable housing crisis

Facebook's $1 billion pledge comes in the midst of San Francisco's increasingly dire housing crisis

As Laura McCamy previously reported for Business Insider, you'll need to earn at least $172,000 a year to afford a home in San Francisco. Meanwhile, the median sales price of a two-bedroom home in the city has increased by 329% since 2000.

The median home value in the city is $1,355,200. That's nearly six times more than the national median home value of $231,000. In fact, one of the cheapest homes in San Francisco is a 480-square-foot "fixer" that sold last December —for a whopping $600,000.

In August of 2018, Business Insider reported that 60% of tech workers in the area felt that they couldn't afford a home

SEE ALSO: Bitcoin falls to its lowest level since June as Zuckerberg testifies on Libra

DON'T MISS: Mark Zuckerberg says Facebook is growing primarily outside of San Francisco because the infrastructure of the city is 'tapped'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 items to avoid buying at Costco

The best men's slippers

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  • With a fine pair of slippers on his feet, a man can relax around the house in comfort or step outside to grab the paper or some logs for the fire.
  • We considered insulation, materials, tread design, and more as we chose the best slippers.
  • The UGG Ascot Slippers are the best because they're warm, supportive, and long-lasting.

I've had the same pair of UGG slippers for six years now, and despite the fact that I wear them around the house almost daily during the winter (I even wore them away from home for a while, before I accepted the fact that slippers really don't belong beyond the property line), they remain in superlative condition. 

Before finding the UGG slippers, I had a pair of traditional backless clog-style slippers. I can't recall the brand, but I do remember quite clearly how nice it was to be able to step into them with ease. While you need to use your hands or spend a good twenty seconds of wiggling to get your feet into the UGGs and other similar shoe-like slippers, the clog variety slides right on. They also fall off much more easily, expose more of your foot to cold air, and offer minimal protection against the snow, ice, gravel, flora, and other such things you might encounter if you step outside.

The point, as you surely gather, is that a pair of slippers that might be perfect for one gentleman might be a poor pick for another man. In an era of slippers heated via microwave or USB connection, novelty slippers approximating the look of everything from a dinosaur's foot to Chewbacca's face, it can be hard to cut through the clutter and consider just a few fine options for warm, cozy leisure footwear. But hey, that's why we're here.

The five slippers in our guide all have at least two things in common: They will keep your feet warm and comfortable. Beyond that, each pair offers its own perks, no gimmicks involved.

Here are the best men's slippers you can buy:

Updated on 10/21/2019 by Amir Ismael: updated links and formatting

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SEE ALSO: The best men's bathrobes you can buy

The best men's slippers overall

Thanks to a thick suede exterior and durable rubbers soles, a pair of UGG Men's Ascot Slippers will last you for years even if you wear them like a pair of normal shoes, and they're lined with soft, warm sheep's wool.

Full disclosure, I've owned a pair of UGG Ascot slippers for six years. I posit that it's not through bias that I name these slippers the top pick in our guide, but rather because I researched the category heavily before getting my slippers those several years back, and because my frequent use of them has confirmed how durable and comfortable they really are.

It's hard to tell whether this is more of a shoe with a few slipper-like attributes or a slipper with some shoe-like qualities. Having worn my own UGG Ascot slippers for years, I can say that they offer every bit as much heel impact absorption, arch support, bridge and toe protection, and even traction as many casual pairs of shoes I own. They also stay on the foot as well as do many lace-up shoes, despite the fact that they slip on.

To be honest, though, "slip on" is something of a misnomer here. Until these slippers are well broken in, you'll have to pull them on using both hands, and even after that, you still have to work your foot around some to get them on.

Thanks to the support and protection mentioned above and due to the durability and water resistance of the thick leather exterior of these slippers, one can be forgiven for wearing them around just like a shoe. The Ascots are at their best, though, when treated as the slipper they indeed are and reserved for wearing around the house and during short excursions out onto the porch or driveway or down the hall at your apartment building or dorm.

They are about as warm and cozy as any footwear you're likely to find and feel great when worn with or without socks. And when they are limited to indoor and moderate outdoor use, I can tell you with firsthand certainty that these slippers will last for years and years.

Even with nearly 2,000 reviews posted on Amazon, the UGG Ascot Slippers still have a tidy 4.4-star average rating. One commenter said her husband "wears [his UGGs] more than regular shoes." Another happy customer related having a pair of Ascots for eight years before they finally needed replacing; with his new pair, he was "looking forward to the next 8 years with these on my feet."

A YouTube video reviewer praised the "soft to the touch" yet "durable water resistant" suede of the slippers, adding that they are the slipper to choose if you want "your feet to love you forever."

Pros: Amazing durability, comfortable and supportive, suitable for wearing like regular shoe

Cons: Hard to put on until broken in



The best slippers for warmth

The Sorel Manawan Slippers encase your entire feet up to the ankle in a warm, soft lining made of wool and faux fur. 

TheSorel Manawan Slippers have an appearance similar to that of a traditional Native American moccasin. Its exterior is made from soft, flexible leather that helps the slipper gently embrace the contours of your foot.

The sole is made from a pliant strip of rubber that offers modest protection should you step outside in these slippers and excellent comfortable padding for use on interior surfaces like hardwood, tile, or laminate. The slippers have a rise that reaches above the ankle, albeit with scoops carved out that mitigate any pressure put on the actual anklebone.

It's what's on the inside that really counts here, though. The Manawan slippers have a thick lining made up of a blend of wool and an artificial fur. This liner creates maximum warmth retention, yet it still allows your feet to breathe, therefore reducing the chance of sweat that can lead to foot odor. A removable EVA insole adds support and comfort and further enhances the insulation.

While the rubber sole can absorb moderate impacts, it offers very little in the way of traction, so these slippers are best worn indoors only, and certainly not in icy conditions should you venture outside in them.

Sorel slippers are a favorite of many people. The Manawans have an excellent 4.6-star rating with well over 1,000 reviews in. One customer who has enjoyed the same pair of Manawan slippers for three years calls them "awesomeness for your feet," while another says that "if you struggle with cold feet... via neuropathy, old age, or whatever... these [slippers] will bring them so much happiness."

Best Choice Reviews notes how these slippers "come up higher than most slipper styles to offer warmth all the way up to the ankle." A ToolsofMen.com article featured the Manawan slippers, noting their "fine materials" that create "comfort and warmth around [the] entire foot."

Pros: Extra warm thanks to quality lining, removable insole adds comfort

Cons: Minimal traction on sole



The best indoor/outdoor slippers

The Slippers International Tamarac Cody Sheepskin Slippers slip on and off with ease and are perfect for all-day wear during lazy days spent inside, but their thick rubber sole provides plenty of traction and protection for trips to the mailbox.

When you slip on the Slippers International Tamarac Cody Sheepskin Slippers, you'll notice a few things right away. First, you'll find that your feet feel great thanks to the memory foam cushioning of the footbed. Second, you'll notice that your feet are nice and warm thanks to the shearling lining within the slipper. And third, you'll find that you have sufficient traction and impact absorption for stable, comfortable walking over all sorts of surfaces, both indoors and outside.

The Tamarac Cody slippers are easy to pull on using the loop connected to the back of the collar, and they stay securely in place thanks to elastic goring wedges set where the tongue meets the upper. The soles don't have an aggressive tread pattern such as you might find on trail runners or hiking boots, but the varied texture of the rubber grips onto tile, concrete, hardwood, and other flat terrain you will commonly encounter within and nearby a residence.

If you dislike cold feet and hate the idea of changing out of your slippers into shoes every time you need to head outside for a few minutes, then these slippers might just be a fine solution.

Even with an astonishing 3,700-plus reviews, the Slippers International Tamarac Cody Sheepskin Slippers have a 4.4 out of five-star rating. A customer named Mike says: "I love them ... I beat my slippers to death and these hold up." Another buyer calls them "warm, comfortable, well-made, good-looking" and appreciates their "non-slip sole."

Fur Slipper Reviews called these slippers "well-designed" and highlighted their "tread for indoor and outdoor use," adding that they "provide ample warmth"

Pros: Sole suitable for outdoor use, comfortable memory foam footbed, snug and secure fit

Cons: Sizes run small and no half sizes available



The best affordable slippers

There are a lot of things to love about the YQXCC Memory Foam House Slippers, including the memory foam cushioning, anti-skid sole, and low price tag.

The YQXCC Men's Memory Foam House Slippers are not the warmest slippers ever made, but their synthetic lining will certainly prevent your feet from being cold even if the floors in your home are tile or stone. They're not the most supportive slippers ever, but their rubber soles and high-density memory foam interior padding do provide plenty of comfort.

While they might not look almost like a regular shoe, like the UGG ascots, or like a vintage slip-on slipper like the Dockers Clogs, their understated style certainly won't draw any derision.

So why does our list feature a pair of slippers that we're essentially calling a runner-up in all these categories? Because when it comes to price, you will be hard-pressed to find a slipper half this well-made at a price anywhere near this one's low cost.

The YQXCC Men's Memory Foam House Slippers pull on with ease thanks to elastic patches on the tongue and cradle your feet with their foam and faux-fur lining. The soles have a modest tread pattern suitable for short treks outside, such as to drop garbage at the corner or grab groceries from the car. Inside, these lightweight slippers won't weigh you down when it's time to put your feet up.

And when it's time to wash your slippers, just toss them in the washing machine. Or you could wash them by hand but ... why?

With dozens of reviews in, these slippers have a glowing 4.8 out of five-star rating. An owner named Samuel loved the "great price" and found them "very comfortable and very warm." A customer called Neal says they "mold to the contours of your feet."

Many reviews focused on these and other YQXCC slippers mentioned the same few attributes, with low price and machine washing always near the top.

Pros: Minute price tag, machine washable, easy on and off

Cons: Minimal impact absorption



The best moccasin-style slippers

Minnetonka's Sheepskin Moose Slippers are toasty and warm, thanks to genuine sheepskin inside and real moose leather on the outside.

Minnetonka started as a roadside gift shop in 1946, and became a worldwide fashion must-have during the 1980s Urban Cowboy trend thanks to its $45 Thunderbird Moc. Since then, the company has become famous for its slippers and moccasins. The Sheepskin Moose Slippers were a big hit with Insider Picks guides reporter Owen Burke.

"I've casually eyed Minnetonka's slippers over the years, but having lived in tropical and sub-tropical climates for the last decade or so, have had little need for slippers. Coming to New York changed that in a flash. As the season's changing and mornings suddenly have a little bite to them, slippers are a must for easing into the day, particularly if you're like me — which is to say, not lavishly lush in the pockets — and you don't have heated floors.

Wearing the Sheepskin Moose Slipper is a delight. The (genuine) sheepskin lining seems to hold up better than other slippers I've had, and I'm a big fan of the cross-stitching and black dye. The rubber sole does enable you to wander outside into modest terrain, but I might recommend against it.

These slippers, on the whole, are indoor shoes, and it'd be a shame to tarnish them on one measly trip through mucky brown snow and grit just to retrieve the morning paper or walk Spot (your dog)," he writes in our group review.

Pros: Genuine leather, warm sheepskin, classic moccasin design

Cons: Indoor only



The best chocolates you can buy

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best chocolate

  • There is no better gift than a box of chocolates — especially when it's delivered right to your door.
  • These are the best chocolates you can buy online whether you want fancy gourmet chocolates, exotic truffles, an elaborate gift basket, or an affordable box of chocolates.

Pretty much the only people who don't like chocolate are the people who are allergic to it, so it's the perfect gift to give any time of the year. 

Although you can pop into any pharmacy and grab a box of Russell Stover or Whitman's chocolates, you're better off shopping around to find delicious gourmet chocolates that you'll actually enjoy.

Not only do chocolates made by master chocolatiers taste better, they're also less expensive and more accessible online than you might think. You don't have to live in New York City or travel to Europe to find delicious gourmet chocolate — all you have to do is read our guide.

We've done the research and the taste testing to find the absolute best chocolates you can buy online. 

Here is the best chocolate you can buy in 2019:

Updated on 10/24/19 by Connie Chen: Updated links and prices. 

SEE ALSO: The best online flower delivery services to send freshly cut blooms

The best gourmet Belgian chocolate box

Neuhaus has been making fine Belgian chocolates since 1857, and its pralines are among the best we've ever tried.

Back in 1857, Jean Neuhaus opened a pharmacy in Brussels, Belgium and decided to coat medicines with chocolate to help them go down better. By 1912, Neuhaus' son had created the praline, and in 1915, his wife designed the first box of Neuhaus chocolates. Fast forward to 2018, and Neuhaus chocolates are still considered among the very best. We've tasted Neuhaus chocolate at its shops in NYC, and it's delicious.

Neuhaus uses non-GMO ingredients to make its high-end chocolates, and this 25-piece box includes some of the very best milk, dark, and white chocolates the chocolatier has to offer. The box is filled with pralinés, ganaches, caramels, and more so there's something for everyone. Best of all, you can order this box with two-day shipping if you're in a rush.

Buy the Neuhaus Chocolate Dark Collection on Amazon for $52.98



The best French gourmet chocolate box

Michel Cluizel's chocolates are crafted from sustainably grown cocoa beans and they taste delicious.

For three generations, Michel Cluizel has been making gourmet chocolates in France. The family-owned company uses sustainably grown cocoa beans to make its chocolates from scratch. Cluizel works with the farmers directly to ferment the beans before taking them off to France or New Jersey for roasting and chocolate making.

If you prefer, you can also opt for Cluizel's solid chocolate bars, which come very highly recommended. We've tasted Cluizel's chocolate in New York City, and it is delicious.

Shop Michel Cluizel chocolate on Amazon, starting at $9.99 per bar

Buy the Michel Cluizel Chocolate Bar - Noir 72% on Amazon for $12.49



The best high-end gourmet French chocolate box

La Maison du Chocolat makes some of the finest chocolates you can buy with its rich pralines and flavored ganaches.

In 1977, Robert Linxe achieved his life-long dream of opening a gourmet chocolate shop in Paris, France. Now, La Maison du Chocolat has shops all around the world, and it's widely regarded as one of the best chocolatiers.

This chocolate box contains both milk and dark chocolates so you get a little bit of everything. It includes several different pralines and a number of flavored ganaches. If you choose rush delivery, you'll get it within four to five days, so order now if you want it to arrive on time.

We've tried La Maison du Chocolat's confections before, and they live up to their great reputation as one of the best chocolatiers.

Buy the La Maison du Chocolat Coffret Assorted Chocolates on Saks Fifth Avenue for $65



The best exotic chocolate truffle box

Adventurous chocolate connoisseurs will love the Vosges Exotic Truffle Collection for its unique flavors.

The founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat Katrina Markoff believes that each piece of chocolate should be an adventure with a unique story. Her exotic truffles are unlike any others you'll find in our guide. The exotic truffle collection uses intriguing flavors that will make any foodie swoon.

The Oaxaca truffle, for example, uses guajillo and pasilla chilies with 75% cacao Tanzanian dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds, while the Naga truffle is filled with sweet Indian curry and coconut that's covered by 45% cacao deep milk chocolate. If you're getting a bit freaked out by the experimental flavors, have no fear — there are also chocolates with cherries, hazelnuts, and other more traditional ingredients inside.

We've visited Vosges' New York shop to try some of these wild truffles, and it was certainly a fun experience.

The truffles come in a stylish purple box and include a booklet that details the unique flavors in each truffle and the story behind their creation.

Buy the Vosges Exotic Truffle Collection on Williams Sonoma for $54.95



The best gourmet chocolate bars

Fresh, clean, and antioxidant-rich, K+M's olive oil-infused chocolate is a sheer delight.

Thomas Keller (The French Laundry) and Armando Manni (Manni Olive Oil) may have engineered the holiest of earthly matrimonies with their Dark Chocolate and Extra Virgin Olive Oil bar, which may at once be the healthiest and most decadent chocolate bar on the market.

The duo spent five years researching, crafting, and perfecting their take on chocolate. Making a bar involves direct-sourcing to a warehouse in Napa, CA, where the beans are carefully processed so as to preserve their finer antioxidant properties. Instead of cocoa butter, K+M uses Extra Virgin Olive Oil for even more antioxidant magic.

Okay, we're not all that sure of how much all these antioxidants will do for your health, but Keller and Manni find them to be important for taste, and ultimately, this chocolate really just speaks for itself. — Owen Burke

Buy K+M Dark Chocolate, Madagascar on Williams-Sonoma for $14.95

Shop K+M Chocolate on Amazon, starting at $29.95 



The best chocolate-covered strawberries

Shari's Berries dips delicious, sweet strawberries in rich Belgian chocolate and delivers them to your door, safely chilled with an ice pack.

Not everyone wants a box of fancy chocolates, so if your loved one is a bit more unorthodox in his or her chocolate choices, a nice box of chocolate-covered strawberries from Shari's Berries is a great idea.

You can choose from many different berries, including ones dipped in Belgian chocolate or ones that are dipped in white, milk, and dark chocolate. The berries are hand-dipped to ensure that each one is evenly coated in the rich chocolate.

We received a box of chocolate-covered strawberries in the mail to give them a taste. The delivery arrived the day after it was placed in an insulated cardboard box that included an ice pack for good measure. The berries were fully chilled and the chocolate was unmelted. 

Although it's not gourmet-level chocolate, these are still the chocolate covered strawberries we'd recommend to our friends and family.

Buy Shari's Berries Chocolate Strawberries from $24.99



The best affordable Swiss chocolate box

You don't have to spend a ton of money to get great chocolate, and Lindt is the ultimate proof of that with its delicious creations.

David Sprüngli-Schwarz and his son, Rudolf Sprüngli-Ammann, founded the Swiss chocolate company in 1845, and Lindt-Sprüngli has been making delicious affordable chocolate ever since. Personally, this is the chocolate I reach for every time I see it at the grocery store.

If you want a box of chocolates, we recommend the Swiss Luxury Collection with its European pralines made from milk, dark, and white chocolate. You get macchiato, carre de stracciatella, caramelita, and perle de cacao flavors in this box. 

Those of you who prefer to give a sampler of solid chocolate bars will love the dark chocolate assortment box, which includes the following bars: 70% Cocoa, 85% Cocoa, A Touch of Sea Salt, Intense Orange, and Caramel with a Touch of Sea Salt.

Buy the Lindt Swiss Luxury Selection, Assorted Chocolate, 5.1 Ounce Box on Amazon for $16.27

Buy the Lindt Lindor Dark Chocolate Assortment Gift Box, Assorted on Amazon for $27.85 (originally $30)



The best Mexican chocolate bars

Artisanally made and wrapped, Taza chocolate is stone-ground for a grainy, gritty, almost sandy feel.

Taza chocolate is a breakaway from your run-of-the-mill chocolate bar. The chocolate is round, for starters, and break into slices like a pizza, which is sort of different. The chocolate is also stone-ground, which offers a grittier, grainier feel than more heavily processed chocolate, and reminds you that what your eating came from something of the natural world.

This all has the potential to put off many chocolate lovers who want nothing but smooth, soft, milk-chocolaty goodness, but anyone willing to try out something different will likely find themselves pleasantly surprised.

The flavor options are a little limited, but still dazzling, but do include a coffee-infused bar which uses Counter Culture Coffee, and two different chili-bearing options for the pepper-obsessed chocolate fiend.

In all, they're all good, and they all also make for excellent hot chocolate. You can check out Taza hot chocolate recipes here. — Owen Burke

 Buy Taza Chocolate on Amazon from $7.53



The best affordable Belgian chocolate

Godiva makes Belgian chocolate that's affordable and deliciously smooth.

Godiva is perhaps one of the most well-known chocolate companies, given its 90-year history. The chocolatier got its start in 1926 in Brussels, Belgium, when Joseph Draps opened his first shop. Godiva now has more than 600 shops around the world and sells at many big-name stores.

You can get everything from chocolate-covered strawberries or pretzels to truffles, bars, and boxes of assorted chocolates. Flavors are traditional and the chocolate is rich and creamy, whether you want milk, dark, or white chocolates. 

If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on chocolate, Godiva is a great, affordable option. The majority of its chocolates cost between $8 and $50, with many falling in the $20 to $40 range. Most 4-piece boxes cost about $8, 6-piece boxes cost $17 to $20, 20-piece boxes cost about $30, and prices go up from there.

Shop all Godiva chocolate from $8



The best affordable chocolate bars

Green & Black's chocolate is an affordable, organic, and sustainable option that ensures nothing's lost in the way of quality or purity.

Green & Black sources its cocoa beans through Cocoa Life, a Global Ethical Standard-accredited company that's recognized as the leader of the cocoa industry working to end child labor and support farming communities. They're also working against deforestation and wildlife poaching. Oh, and did we mention yet that they make really good chocolate?

This isn't the frill of Jacques Torres or Vosges, but it is just as thrilling in its delivery of simple pleasures. The 85% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar is heavenly for dark chocolate lovers.

Palates looking for something somewhat more adventurous might reach for the ginger or hazelnut and currant bar, but that's about as eclectic a mix as you'll find here. This is a chocolate lover's chocolate, a thoroughly pedestrian array that makes no apologies for not dazzling us with wild infusions or hunks of cured pork.

Take this bar and love it for all that is plain and pure about it. No waxy preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, just the real, unabashed deal. — Owen Burke

Buy Green & Black's chocolate on Amazon from $3.69



The best gourmet gift box

Jacques Torres' chocolate boxes are fun and different, but not prohibitively exotic to the point where there's a chance that the recipient of these lovingly crafted boxes will turn their nose up at it.

Colorful and diverse, Jacques Torres' gift boxes give a little taste of almost everything the chocolatier has to offer, which is to say a lot.

Fillings, coatings, and flavorings include cream, passionfruit, melon, raspberry, strawberry, pineapple, coconut, various citruses, teas, wines, spirits, gold leaf, and more — and that's just in the small box alone).

Patterns bedazzle some chocolates and little flowers, nuts, and pieces of fruit adorn others, all contributing to an elegantly-arranged spread of delightful bite-sized morsels that taste as good and often better than they look.

We at Insider Picks were nearly in fisticuffs over the "Golden Espresso." — Owen Burke

Buy the Jacques Torres Choice Chocolates Collection on 1800Flowers for $44.99



How to password protect a PDF on a Mac computer to secure sensitive files

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Macbook Air

  • You can password protect a PDF on a Mac computer in a few simple steps using the Preview app. 
  • Adding password protection to a PDF can make the file even more secure and is the best practice when sharing any sensitive information.
  • A PDF is one of the best ways to share information because the files can be unalterable — unlike with a Word or Pages document that's easily edited and added to, PDF content is locked in place.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It takes about 10 seconds to add password protection to a PDF when you use a Mac's Preview software, and those few seconds you invest could save you hours of work and thousands of dollars if securing that document now prevents information theft later.

Whenever you are sharing a PDF with even potentially sensitive information, such as your address, bank info, Social Security number, and more, you owe it to yourself to encrypt the file, securing it with a password.

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

Here's the quick and easy process for doing it.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

1. Open the PDF that you want to password protect, then click "File" in the taskbar at the top of the screen. 

2. Select "Export…" from the dropdown menu.

3. At the bottom of the pop-up window, check the box next to "Encrypt."

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

4. Enter a password, then re-enter it where indicated to verify, then hit save.

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks you can buy

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The best fish tanks and accessories for beginners

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fish tanks beginners buying guide

  • Keeping pet fish is something of a science. To build a great aquarium for your fishy friends, you need a good fish tank and a few accessories.
  • Whether you want to start out small or go big and bold, the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set is the perfect beginner tank and our top pick for the best fish tank overall.

There is something about a beautifully maintained aquarium that eases the mind and soothes the soul. Lush aquatic plants, natural decor elements, and colorful fish come together to create something amazing that anyone can appreciate and any aquarium hobbyist can be proud of. Keeping a fish tank at home does come with its challenges, but the beauty of a healthy and thriving aquarium is a reward in and of itself.

Whether you are a seasoned aquarium enthusiast or a newcomer, your success in the aquarium hobby hinges on the choices you make when starting out. First and foremost, you need to choose the proper fish tank to sustain the kind of aquatic environment you want to cultivate. From there, you'll need to outfit the tank with the necessary equipment and decorate it according to your liking before adding your fish and other tank inhabitants.

Fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes — they can even be made from different materials. Before you start shopping for your own tank, you would be wise to learn about the different options available to you. If you have no idea where to start, you're in luck because we've done the hard work for you!

We've scoured the reviews to bring you our top picks for the best fish tank overall as well as the top choices in five other beginner-friendly categories. We've also included the substrate, filter, and light you'll need for a planted tank.

Here are the best fish tanks and accessories you can buy:

Updated 10/24/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, formatting, links, and text. Removed discontinued heater (Hydor Cable Heater). We are currently testing new products, so we'll update this guide soon.

SEE ALSO: The best saltwater aquariums you can buy

The best fish tank overall

If you're looking for a beginner tank that offers the ideal combination of durability and good design, look no further than the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

When shopping for the perfect beginner tank, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, you want the tank to be well constructed and sturdy. The two most common materials for fish tanks are glass and acrylic. Acrylic is generally the better choice for beginners because it is 15 times stronger than glass but half the weight. It also doesn't hurt if the tank comes in a variety of different sizes or if it comes as a combo set with all of the equipment you need for set up. Our top pick for the best overall fish tank for beginners that meets these requirements and more is the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set.

Not only is SeaClear one of the oldest and most trusted names in the aquarium industry, but its Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set comes in a wide range of sizes from 15 to 50 gallons. Constructed from break-proof acrylic, this aquarium is virtually leak-proof and safe for both freshwater and saltwater use. It comes with a fluorescent light fixture and reflector so you can showcase your fish. You'll need to purchase additional equipment such a heater and filtration system, but most aquarium hobbyists prefer to choose their equipment on their own.

Best Automatic Fish Feeders comments on the durability and unique design of the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set. Not only is it stronger than glass, but it is clearer and easier to see through as well. Pet Gear Lab confirms the tank's durability and attractive design. Fishing Picks names this tank its top choice in fish tanks for 2017, commenting on the elegance of the rounded seamless corners and the fact that it is easy to clean.

With more than 300 reviews on Amazon, buyers love the seamless corners and elegant appearance of the tank as well as the fact that it is easy to clean. Several customers commented that the lighting could be better, but that is an easy feature to replace if you want to choose something better.

Pros: Available in sizes ranging from 15 to 50 gallons, made from break-proof acrylic for durability, half the weight of a glass tank, rounded seamless corners, clear view all the way around, easy to clean, comes with a fluorescent light fixture

Cons: Not available in sizes under 15 or over 50 gallons, doesn't come with a filter or heater, some assembly required, included fluorescent light may not be adequate for planted or reef tanks

Buy the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set on Amazon for $290



The best betta fish tank

The Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit includes everything you need to get started with your betta tank, and it has a unique design that will show your fish off both day and night.

If you've never kept aquarium fish before, you should start out with a species that is beginner-friendly. Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a great option for beginners because they are relatively hardy and easy to care for. One thing to keep in mind is that males of the species are highly territorial and should be kept in a tank by themselves. This is perfect for the beginning aquarium hobbyist, however, because you only need to worry about meeting the needs of a single fish. If you choose to get your feet wet in the aquarium hobby by starting out with a betta fish, we recommend the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit.

With a sleek, modern design, the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit is the ultimate desktop tank and the perfect choice for a betta fish. Available in 3- and 5-gallon sizes, this fish tank is constructed from clear glass with rounded corners to give it a unique appearance. The aquarium kit includes a 3-stage filtration system hidden behind frosted glass as well as an energy-efficient LED light fixture and a hinged glass lid for feeding and cleaning.

Heavy describes the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit as a stylish aquarium with bonus features like a hinged light rail and a hidden filter. Aquarium Advisor speaks to the benefits of the LED light fixture which, in addition to being energy-efficient, contains both blue and white lights. During the day, white lights beautifully illuminate the tank while, at night, blue lights give it a subtle moonlit glow.

Similar to the Marineland Portrait 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit, the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit offers two options for size and a slightly different lighting system. Either model would be a great option for a betta fish, especially considering that both models are available at a similar price point.

Pros: Made from clear glass with rounded corners, available in 3 or 5 gallons, comes with a hidden 3-stage filtration system, included LED light fixture with white and blue lights, hinged glass lid for easy feeding and cleaning, perfect for desktop use, room to install a heater

Cons: Doesn't come with a heater, may be difficult to remove and replace the included filter, stock lighting could be stronger, water flow from the filter is not adjustable  

Buy the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit on Amazon for $50 to $70 (depending on size)



The best fish tank with less than 10 gallons

With an integrated three-stage filtration system and included LED light fixture, the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit has everything you need to get started.

Small fish tanks under 10 gallons in capacity are often referred to as "nano tanks." While maintaining a healthy environment in a tank this small comes with its challenges, a small tank offers certain benefits. It is a great option for people with limited space for a larger tank and it is cheaper to run. Some aquarium hobbyists also enjoy the challenge of cultivating a thriving aquatic ecosystem in such a small space. Our top pick for a fish tank with less than 10 gallons is the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit.

Made from durable etched glass with a contemporary design, the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit is an impressive tank for its size. With an integrated 3-stage filtration system and included LED light fixture, this tank comes with everything you need to get started. Its 5-gallon capacity is large enough for several small fish but not so large that it takes up a lot of space in your home.

Equipped with 37 LEDs to give your tank a gorgeous glow, Aquarium Adviser notes that this tank will keep your fish looking their best while the integrated 3-stage filtration system will keep them feeling their best. The tank comes with a foam block for mechanical filtration, activated carbon for chemical filtration and BioMax Bio rings for biological filtration. The combination of the three will ensure excellent water quality to keep your fish healthy and thriving. Best Reviews includes this tank in its top five picks for the best fish tank, adding that it is small enough for a desktop or dresser but big enough to hold a few fish.

With more than 300 reviews on Amazon, the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit has a strong 4.5-star rating. Buyers love the contemporary design and the strength of the integrated filter, though some say the lighting could be stronger. Overall, however, this product receives excellent reviews.

Pros: Made from durable etched glass, contemporary design with an aluminum trim, included tank hood with LED light fixture, integrated BioMax 3-stage filtration system, filter has an adjustable flow rate, small enough for desktop or dresser, 5-gallon capacity can hold several small fish

Cons: Doesn't come with a heater, integrated lighting could be stronger, doesn't include gravel or other tank decorations, included filter may be difficult to remove and replace

Buy the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit on Amazon for $100



The best 20-gallon fish tank

With its classic rectangular shape and ensemble of included equipment, the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit is a great option for beginners.

If you are new to the aquarium hobby, you might assume that smaller fish tanks are easier to maintain than larger tanks. In reality, however, the opposite is true. A fish tank is a delicate, enclosed ecosystem and changes in water chemistry can be lethal for fish. Tanks with larger volumes of water allow wastes and toxins to be more diluted, reducing the danger that they might have a negative impact on your fish. For this reason, 20-gallon tanks are what many aquarium enthusiasts recommend for newcomers to the hobby. Our top pick for a 20-gallon tank is the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit.

Made from scratch-resistant glass in a classic rectangular shape, the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit comes with everything a beginner needs to get started. In addition to a three-stage filtration system, this kit includes a mini heater and an energy-efficient LED light fixture. The kit even includes several artificial plants to get you started in decorating your tank — just add gravel and fish and you are good to go!

Fish Tank Advisor speaks to the simplicity and beauty of the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit. This site makes note that the LED light fixture changes colors and the included filter has an adjustable flow rate. This aquarium kit is included in Best Reviews' top five picks for fish tanks. Not only do the writers comment on the tank's size, which is ideal for multiple fish, but they also speak to the fact that the kit comes with all of the necessary equipment to get started.

The Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit has more than 270 reviews on Amazon, and while there is room for improvement, with the quality of the equipment that comes in the kit, it offers great value for the price. Customers love how easy it is to set up as well as the affordable price tag.

Pros: Made from scratch-resistant glass, comes with everything you need to set up a basic tank, 20-gallon size is manageable for beginners, includes a LED hood light, comes with a mini heater, includes several fake plants for decoration

Cons: Included equipment could be better, filter included in the kit may be noisy, may be too simple for experienced aquarium hobbyists

Buy the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit on Amazon for $102.06 and up



The best glass fish tank

Surprisingly affordable for a combo kit that includes all of the things you need to get started, the Marina LED Aquarium Kit is our top pick for glass fish tanks. 

Most aquariums are made from either glass or acrylic. While acrylic may be lighter and more resistant to impact, glass is less likely to scratch and it can support more weight. In terms of price, glass also tends to be more affordable than acrylic which makes it a great option for beginner tanks. Our top pick for the best beginner glass fish tank is the Marina LED Aquarium Kit. This kit comes in three sizes — 5, 10, and 20 gallons — and it is made from clear glass in a classic rectangular shape.

The Marina LED Aquarium Kit is perfect for the beginner aquarium because it comes with everything you need to get started. In addition to the glass tank itself, this kit includes a clip-on filter that takes quick-change filter cartridges for easy maintenance. The included LED light module is seamlessly integrated into the tank hood and it offers energy-efficient lighting to enhance the appearance of your fish. Also included is a bottle of water conditioner, a mesh net, fish food, a thermometer, and an aquarium care guide full of advice on how to set up and maintain your new tank.

Best Reviews gave the Marina LED Aquarium Kit its "Best Bang for the Buck" award, commenting that this tank is sturdy and perfectly sized for the beginning aquarist. The site also mentions the fact that the kit includes all of the necessary equipment to get started as well as some extras. Aquarium Adviser says the filter hooks easily onto the back of the tank and it has an adjustable flow rate so you can customize it to suit your tank inhabitants. The site calls this tank simple but versatile, a great choice for a first aquarium.

The Marina LED Aquarium Kit has more than 320 reviews on Amazon and a 4.1-star rating. Buyers appreciate the simplicity of the design and the ease of setup, though there are some comments about the lighting being too powerful for some fish. Additionally, some users who purchased the kit online rather than in-store found the packaging to be insufficient to prevent breakfast.

Pros: Made from clear glass in three sizes, simple rectangular design, comes with a clip-on filter with easy-change media, energy-efficient LED lighting integrated into the hood, comes with extras like fish food and water conditioner, includes an aquarium care guide

Cons: Packaging from online order insufficient to prevent breakage, lighting system could be too powerful for some fish, limited options for sizes, doesn't come with a heater 

Buy the Marina LED Aquarium Kit on Amazon for $66 to $97 (depending on size)



The best beginner saltwater fish tank

The SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit is the ultimate beginner tank for aspiring saltwater aquarium enthusiasts.

Cultivating a thriving saltwater tank is a unique but rewarding challenge. When it comes to keeping the water quality in a marine tank high, you need more than just a standard filtration system. You'll need a protein skimmer to remove organic wastes from the water column as well as a system of powerheads to facilitate water flow. You will also need to work out a system for performing water changes without changing the salinity of the water or causing the tank to overflow. If you're looking for the perfect beginner tank to help you break into the saltwater aquarium hobby, we recommend the SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit.

The SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit includes a rimless 50-gallon tank with a classic cube design and a heavy-duty cabinet with plenty of storage space. The aquarium itself is highly durable so you never have to worry about cracks or leaks, and the cabinet offers unwavering support. Also included in this aquarium kit are a protein skimmer and return pump, a sump system, and a filter with all of the necessary media for three-stage filtration. All you need to buy is your choice of fish or other marine inhabitants and a lighting system customized to their needs.  

Aquascape Addiction calls the SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit its top pick for the best all-in-one reef tank, and that's exactly what it is. In addition to the premium 50-gallon glass tank, this aquarium kit comes with a heavy-duty cabinet and all of the equipment you need to get started. A detailed review from 55 Gallon Fish Tank strongly recommends this product to beginner saltwater enthusiasts, making note that the unique Starfire Glass from which it is made is ultra-durable and algae resistant.

Though it comes at a hefty price, buyers and numerous review sites agree that the SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit is the best comprehensive aquarium kit for beginning saltwater enthusiasts. 

Pros: Includes a 50-gallon rimless aquarium, made from durable and algae-resistant Starfire Glass, comes with a heavy-duty cabinet for storage, includes a 3-stage filtration system and filter media, comes with a protein skimmer and return pump, includes a sump system

Cons: Requires a significant amount of assembly, cabinet stand does not come pre-assembled, installation of equipment may require additional connectors, doesn't come with a light, protein skimmer doesn't come with a removable cup

Buy the SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit on Amazon for $845



The best substrate for planted tanks

Loaded with 25 nutrients, including those that live plants need most, CaribSea Eco-Complete is the only planted tank substrate you're going to need. 

When it comes to keeping aquatic plants alive, it all comes down to the substrate. In a typical freshwater aquarium, gravel or sand are the top choices for substrate because they are inexpensive and attractive. These substrates do not provide any nutrients, however, which makes them a poor choice for a planted tank.

The best substrate for a planted tank will not only provide rooting material for the plants themselves, but it will also contain essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, nitrogen, and magnesium. Our top pick for the best planted tank substrate is CaribSea Eco-Complete.

CaribSea Eco-Complete is our top pick for planted tank substrate because it is attractive, easy to use, and contains all of the nutrients live plants need. This substrate can be added directly to your tank without rinsing, and it comes in the form of tiny porous grains that absorbs waste products more quickly than other substrates. Simply put, it is the best all-in-one substrate on the market, and it even comes in a "live" version infused with beneficial bacteria.

A reviewer at Aquarium Adviser comments that CaribSea Eco-Complete contains everything needed to support aquatic plant life with the added benefit of a new formula that promotes enhanced root development. Fish Tank Setups praises this formula for the fact that is nutritionally complete and there is no need to add extra chemicals or fertilizers.

With more than 1,1000 reviews on Amazon and a solid 4.3-star rating, CaribSea Eco-Complete also carries an Amazon's Choice award. Buyers love the rich black color and the nutrient content, though there are some comments that it has a distinct odor at first.

Pros: Contains more than 25 nutrients to support plant life, does not need to be rinsed and won't cloud water, porous granules to absorb wastes, cost-effective compared to other options, new formula supports root development, dark color is attractive

Cons: May have an odor when you first open the bag, could affect aquarium pH (tends to be a little alkaline)   

Buy CaribSea Eco-Complete on Amazon for $21



The best filter for planted tanks

Available in many sizes with options to customize both the filter media and flow rate, the Fluval External Canister Filter is a versatile choice for any planted tank.

Filtration is incredibly important in any aquarium but particularly so in a planted tank. In a planted tank, a filter helps to remove both solid and dissolved wastes from the water column before they can negatively affect your water chemistry. Filtration also helps to limit algae growth which is good for your plants because algae compete for the same nutrients.

Though filters come in many forms, we recommend canister filters because they offer high-quality filtration with options to customize both the filter media and the flow rate. Our top pick for the best filter for planted tanks is the Fluval External Canister Filter.

Though it may be at the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to price, the Fluval External Canister Filter is unmatched in performance and versatility. This filter comes in many sizes, and it has plenty of room for several types of filter media. With options to customize both the filter media and the flow rate, this filter enables you to find the perfect setting for your planted tank. As an added bonus, it features quiet operation, a powerful motor, and high-quality construction.

A review from Fishing Picks describes this canister filter as powerful and reliable, noting that the filter itself is quick and easy to setup as well as simple to maintain. The Aquarium Guide writes that the Fluval External Canister Filter offers multi-stage filtration and excellent productivity, not to mention the endless options for customization with different types of filter media.

On Amazon, buyers say they love the filter's simple setup and excellent performance, though there are some comments that it may leak if not properly assembled.

Pros: Powerful three-stage filtration, comes in many different sizes, simple to set up and maintain, advanced motor for strong flow rate, customizable media filter and flow rate

Cons: Requires some assembly, may leak if not properly assembled, can be somewhat expensive depending what size you choose, output nozzle doesn't have a height deflector

Buy the Fluval External Canister Filter on Amazon for $200



The best light for planted tanks

The Finnex FugeRay LED Light comes in seven different lengths and has both daylight and moonlight LEDs.

Even though they live underwater, aquatic plants are still photosynthetic organisms, so they require a certain amount of light to provide the energy. The best lighting for a planted tank would be full spectrum, similar to natural daylight, at an intensity that matches the plants you plan to cultivate.

Aquarium lighting comes in many different forms, but we recommend LED because it is energy-efficient, affordable, and easy to customize and control. Our top pick for the best LED lighting system for planted tanks is the Finnex FugeRay LED Light.

The Finnex FugeRay LED Light comes in seven different sizes ranging from 12 inches to 48 inches long. It features an ultra-slim body equipped with high-output LEDs — 660nm true red LEDs that are ideal for supporting photosynthesis. The fixture has a splash guard and a separate on/off switch for the integrated moonlight LEDs. Overall, the unit delivers up to 40,000 hours with an LED spread of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and a unique design to keep the unit from overheating.

High-quality tank lighting systems are never cheap, but the Finnex FugeRay LED Light offers a mid-range price with high-quality features to match. Tropical Fish Care Guides comments that the fixture is very bright and works well for low- to mid-level plants. Build Your Aquarium praises the light's ultra-sleek design and minimalist look as well as its quality and longevity.

With over 650 reviews on Amazon, the Finnex FugeRay LED Light has a 4-star rating. Buyers love the slim and sleek profile as well as the combination of daylight and moonlight LEDs. There are some comments, however, about diodes dying out after two years and the clamps being tricky to use on rimmed fish tanks.

Pros: Slim and sleek design, up to 40,000 hours of light, available in 7 lengths, equipped with daylight and moonlight LEDs, includes a moisture-resistant splash guard, 660nm true LEDs for photosynthesis

Cons: Clamps may be tricky to use on rimmed tanks, some diodes may burn out after 2 to 2 ½ years, only two color settings (white and blue)

Buy the Finnex FugeRay LED Light on Amazon for $53 to $133 (depending on size)



The best water bottles

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the best water bottles

  • A great refillable water bottle will help you stay hydrated while you're on the go.
  • Of all the water bottles we've tested and researched, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is the best one you can buy with its rugged construction and great temperature retention.

Reusable water bottles are a must for anyone who wants to quench their thirst without leaving a trail of landfill-clogging plastic in their wake. But just like travel mugs, choosing a water bottle isn't as simple as picking the prettiest option or the cheapest one. If your bottle is mostly going to sit on your desk at work, your needs will be very different than if you want a lightweight companion for an epic weekend hike or a leak-proof bottle that can rattle around in your gym bag without soaking everything inside.

Experts have conducted a lot of water-bottle tests, evaluating criteria including weight, design, ease of use, and durability. We read through the most recent tests, as well as thousands of owner reviews on major retail sites to make our picks. We've also used a few of these water bottles ourselves.

Our favorite water bottles include a versatile stainless-steel option for the majority of buyers, an inexpensive but reliable plastic bottle when budget is a concern, and a sturdy bottle for glass lovers. We also include picks for anyone who wants a bottle with high-end design and a collapsible water bottle for situations when weight and portability are paramount. You should also check out our guide for the best travel mugs you can buy.

Here are the best water bottles you can buy:

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best travel mugs you can buy

The best water bottle overall

The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth water bottle is durable, keeps water ice cold for hours on end, looks cool, and is easy to use. 

Hydro Flask is a great choice if you hate gulping warm water in the summer. It also offers some much-appreciated versatility, with a wide opening that fits three lids depending on your needs: A flip lid with a loop, a flex cap with an even larger loop (included), and a straw lid for more convenient sipping. Users like having the option to switch out lids, and the wide mouth also makes it easy to load this bottle up with ice. You can choose between 18-, 32-, 40- and 64-ounce capacities and a number of fun colors.

During Outdoor Gear Lab's testing, ice resisted melting for nearly a full 24 hours, and water was ice cold for more than a full day. Outside found that the bottle's contents warmed one measly degree after 24 hours and noted that it kept a gin and tonic "ice freaking cold" after 14 hours in 90-degree heat. The insulated stainless steel also keeps drinks warm for several hours, so Hydro Flask can pull double-duty as a travel mug for coffee and tea. 

This thing is seriously rugged, too. Like all stainless-steel water bottles, it can dent when dropped, but in Outside's tests, it managed to survive being pelted with large rocks and getting backed over by a Toyota Camry and a Chevy Silverado. After all that punishment, it sustained a quarter-inch dent and one small scratch.  It also has a loop on the lid that makes it easy to carry one-handed.

In our Insider Picks review, Owen Burke calls Hydro Flask water bottles "lightweight and nearly indestructible" (he tested the 24-ounce version). But he found the silicone loop on the lid to be "not the most durable thing in the world, and it will eventually break." Nearly every member on the Insider Picks team uses a Hydro Flask. You can read about their experiences on why they like the company's products.

What's not to like? The Wirecutter notes that it's heavier than other bottles (the 18-ounce version weighs in at 11.6 ounces, the 32-ounce closes in on 1 pound) so serious hikers looking to save on weight might want to consider lighter options.

Some Amazon customers complain that the flip top is prone to leaks, so consider sticking with the flex cap if you want to toss your bottle in a bag without worrying. A few also complain of a slight metallic taste. Finally, this bottle is hand-wash only – steer clear if you live and die by the dishwasher. — Saundra Latham

Pros: Very durable, great at keeping drinks cold or hot, easy to use,compatible with three kinds of lids, comes in high-capacity options

Cons: Heavy, expensive, flip top may leak, not dishwasher-safe

Buy the 32-ounce Hydro Flask Wide Mouth from Hydro Flask for $39.95



The best plastic water bottle

If you prioritize price or weight over temperature retention, consider the inexpensive and easy-to-use Camelbak Chute water bottle

Stainless-steel water bottles like the Hydro Flask have a lot of pros, but they're heavy. A plastic water bottle like the Camelbak Chute is cheaper and a lot lighter. In fact, the largest 50-ounce Chute weighs a measly 7.6 ounces. If you're not quite that thirsty, no worries: There are 20-, 25-, and 34-ounce versions, too.

Like the Hydro Flask, the Chute has a wide mouth that makes it easy to fill and load up with ice, and the large spout means you can gulp until you're content instead of dealing with a valve that restricts flow, which is common on other water bottles. It also has a loop on the cap, making it easy to clip to a backpack or hook around a finger or two.

Though the Chute may not be as tough as stainless steel, it's still relatively rugged for a plastic water bottle. It's made of BPA-free, dishwasher-safe Tritan plastic that is engineered to resist cracking. Several Amazon reviewers say it has been dropped repeatedly on concrete without shattering or showing any signs of wear. Even better, most say the bottle doesn't impart any funky plastic taste to their water.

A few minor issues: Other testers have found that it can be tricky to lock the cap down onto the lid while drinking, though they still appreciate having the option to keep the cap from springing back and bonking them in the nose. Of course, plastic isn't great at regulating temperatures, so if you need to keep drinks hot or want to keep them cold for longer, take a look at the pricier stainless-steel Chute.  — Saundra Latham

Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, durable, easy to carry, gulp-friendly spout, dishwasher-safe, comes in high-capacity options

Cons: Lid is tricky to lock down, won't keep your water cold for long, may "sweat" with condensation on a hot day

Buy the 34-ounce (1 liter) Camelbak Chute on Amazon from $39.99



The best glass water bottle

The Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle is a better choice for the most discerning palates and a more eco-friendly choice for anyone concerned with green living.

If you hate that metallic or plastic taste you get with other water bottles, you'll love the Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle, which testers say keeps water fresh and untainted, even after a full day sitting in the bottle. You don't get the aftertaste that seems to impart on metal or plastic.

The Lifefactory is also a good option if you're worried about the chemicals in plastic and want something that is more readily recyclable.

No, glass bottles won't survive as many drops as stainless steel or shatter-resistant plastic, but he Lifefactory is protected by its substantial silicone sleeve. Several Amazon reviewers confirm that they've dropped this bottle without incident, even on hard surfaces. The sleeve also provides a grippier surface for holding the bottle. Since glass "sweats" more than other materials, this is a feature most users should appreciate.

You have a few lid options with Lifefactory water bottles: A silicone flip cap (included), a straw cap and a leak-proof classic cap meant for those who want to toss the bottle in a bag without worrying. Other testers have said the wide mouth makes it easy to fill, though they do note it can be easy to misthread the cap, raising your risk of leaks. The bottle is dishwasher-safe, even with the silicone sleeve on.

Other issues are minimal: The flip cap can pop off and doesn't regulate flow well enough for users who may just want a sip. Of course, like all glass bottles, the Lifefactory is heavy — the 22-ounce bottle is just over a pound — so it isn't the best pick when weight is a big concern. — Saundra Latham

Pros: Glass won't alter taste of water, more recyclable than other options, silicone sleeve provides good grip and protection from bumps and drops, compatible with three kinds of lids, dishwasher-safe

Cons: Heavy, glass is less durable than plastic or stainless steel, flip top may not regulate flow well enough for sippers, may "sweat" with condensation on a hot day

Buy the 22-ounce Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle from Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99



The best water bottle for design lovers

S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottles are a great blend of form and function, keep your water cold, and look amazing doing it.

S'well has become something of a phenomenon in a few short years, thanks in part to powerful backers like Oprah and massive retail partners like Starbucks and Target. Stainless-steel S'well bottles are always a standout on store shelves thanks to their eye-catching designs, whether you like wood grain, marble, metallic, animal print, or more.

Business Insider's Guides Editor Malarie Gokey loves her stone-style S'well bottle for its slick design, ability to keep drinks cold, and its trusty lid. There are three sizes  — 9, 17 and 25 ounces — and the smaller two bottles can fit in standard cup holders.

It's easy to get wrapped up in the design of a S'well bottle, but its triple-walled body means it's just as good as the Hydro Flask and similar bottles at keeping drinks cold or hot – up to 24 or 12 hours, respectively. Users note that the bottle doesn't sweat, keeping their hands dry. S'well bottles should stand up to a good amount of abuse, but reviewers note that like any steel bottles, they can sustain dents and dings if dropped.

S'well features a simple twist cap that receives high marks for its ease of use, and Hydration Anywhere says that it really is leak-proof. Though there is no wide-mouth lid (or any other cap) compatible with S'well bottles, many reviewers say they're still able to fit standard ice cubes inside. If a straw lid or a flip top is more appealing, S'well won't be an option. You'll also want to hand-wash these bottles, a common recommendation for stainless steel.

These aren't the lightest water bottles around – the 25-ounce bottle weighs in at a pound, similar to the 32-ounce Hydro Flask. You can't ignore the fact that S'well bottles are on the pricier side compared with others. Target offers the less budget-busting Sip by S'well bottle, which also gets great reviews.  — Saundra Latham

Pros: Wide range of beautiful designs, great at keeping drinks cold or hot, relatively durable, doesn't "sweat"

Cons: Heavy, expensive, narrow mouth won't accept anything other than original lid, not dishwasher-safe

Shop all S'well bottles from $25



The best compact water bottle

The collapsible Vapur Element weighs just one ounce unfilled, so you may even forget it's in your bag.

"Water bottle" may not be the best way to describe the Vapur Element. In fact, Vapur bills the Element as an "anti-bottle," which does sound a lot cooler than "water pouch." Made of a flexible BPA-free plastic, the Vapur can be squished, folded and rolled up when empty. Best of all, it weighs only about an ounce. There are two sizes: 24 and 34 ounces, though Vapur makes similar anti-bottles that are smaller and larger.

It's the perfect water bottle for backpackers and anyone who's always on the go. Business Insider's Guides Editor Malarie Gokey brings the Vapur with her every time she travels because it's so easy to carry. It's often in her bag during the weekend, too.

As if weighing next to nothing and flattening for easy packing isn't enough, the Vapur has a few more tricks up its sleeve. It's freezable, which means your water stays colder longer, but Your Best Digs notes that the mouth is also wide enough to accommodate ice cubes. Despite its flexibility, it's still designed to stand up on its own. The cap has an integrated carabiner that can be used to clip the bottle onto a backpack or belt, or keep it neatly rolled up when it's empty.

Speaking of the Vapur's cap, Amazon reviewers give it high marks for staying tightly shut. Your Best Digs also likes the flip-top design, which it says "closes securely with an audible click and will not pop off accidentally in your bag." The mouth is also large enough to allow a brush inside, and the bottle is dishwasher-safe.

As for cons, most have to do with durability and cleaning. Other reviewers noted that it leaked from its seams when it was twisted during testing, and some Amazon reviewers also report leaks forming near seams. Some reviewers say it's also difficult for the Element to thoroughly dry out between uses. While the lining is antimicrobial, germophobes may want to look elsewhere.  — Saundra Latham

Pros: Very lightweight, inexpensive, freezable, can be rolled up when empty, integrated carabiner makes for easy carrying, easy-to-use flip-top design

Cons: Slow to dry out, may spring a leak after extended or heavy-duty use

Buy the Vapur Element on Amazon starting at $9.99



The best rugged water bottle for adventures

The Bear Grylls Triple Wall Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle is extra durable, keeps water ice cold, doesn't weigh much, and is easy to use. 

It can be difficult to call one water bottle better than another these days, what with the sheer volume of bottles available. But when a water bottle is good enough for Bear Grylls, known best for his escapades in the popular series "Man vs. Wild," chances are it's hardier, longer-lasting, larger, and just all-around better than most. The Bear Grylls Triple Wall Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle can keep beverages hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours, and this isn't just a claim — it's absolutely a promise.

The bottle's three walls really do their job. Constructed with stainless steel and food-grade materials, this water bottle is BPA-free and won't retain odors or flavors from whatever you kept in it before.

The water bottle is part of Grylls' Bear Gear line, so it's "built tough so that you can explore further." And "tough" isn't a word that Grylls throws around lightly. He's a former British Special Forces soldier, as well as a high-altitude mountaineer, and most famously, a survival expert. So when he puts his name on a water bottle, you can bet that it's one that'll last.

My favorite aspect of the bottle is how lightweight it is. When you're on a backpacking trip or looking to hike the Appalachian Trail, you don't need to carry around any more weight than necessary. The Bear Grylls bottle will only add 9.6 ounces to your pack. Moreover, the outside of the bottle is scratch-resistant, and thanks to its no-sweat powder-coated exterior, you can keep a grip on your beverage even in the sweatiest, hottest situations.

To ensure that this really is a bottle that you'll use for the rest of your life, the Bear Grylls Triple Wall Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle comes with a lifetime warranty. It's available in a wide range of colors, including aqua teal, midnight black, lavender, and stainless steel in both 20- and 32-ounce sizes. — Lulu Chang

Pros:  Very effective at keeping beverages' temperatures, no-slip grip, lifetime warranty, durable

Cons: While customers seem universally aligned on the bottle itself, there are some complaints about the construction of the lid

Buy the Bear Grylls Triple Wall Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle on Amazon starting at $19.92



The best collapsible water bottle for travel

If you feel like you spend much of your life on the road or on a plane, the Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is the travel essential you can't go without.

Not all collapsible water bottles are bottles. Some are pouches, some are basically water bags, but none of these are quite as cool as the Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle. It's cylindrical, maintains its shape even as you empty it of liquid, and has a lid with a sippy top. But once you're done drinking or need to get through TSA, you can collapse the Hydaway into a flat disc that won't take up a huge amount of space in your bag.

Rather than toting about a bulky bottle that has nothing in it, you can simply compress the Hydaway and, as the name suggests, hide it away. Even though the water bottle can be collapsed to take up no space at all, when it's full, it can actually contain up to 20 ounces of water. So don't think that you're cheating yourself of much-needed hydration simply by choosing a bottle that's super portable.

The Hydaway is made with food-grade silicone and plastic, which have both been tested by third-parties and certified safe. The bottle is also BPA-free and dishwasher safe for added convenience. Thanks to its watertight seals throughout, you won't have to deal with any leakage from this bottle, and there's a carry handle that easily fits your finger or a carabiner so you can attach the Hydaway to a backpack or piece of luggage.

While some silicone leaves its contents with a rather plasticky taste or odor, I didn't have this problem at all when I tested out the Hydaway. — Lulu Chang

Pros: Lightweight, collapsible, great for travel or for folks on the go, easy to carry

Cons: Some customers have noted that it's difficult to "un-collapse" the bottle after being collapsed

Buy the 17-ounce Hydaway bottle on Amazon for $25.95




How to disable Siri on your Apple Watch in 3 simple steps, so you can stop activating it accidentally

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Apple Watch Series 3

  • You can disable Siri on your Apple Watch by turning off all the ways to activate it.
  • By default, Siri is activated on your Apple Watch when you wake the watch and say "Hey Siri," when you raise it close to your face, or when you press the Digital Crown. 
  • If you find that you often accidentally start Siri by pressing the Digital Crown, you can specifically disable that feature and only access Siri with the other methods. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

By incorporating Siri into the Apple Watch, Apple has placed a personal digital assistant on your wrist. It's convenient for performing routine tasks hands-free, like starting a timer or searching online for information. 

But if you find Siri gets in the way, or you have privacy concerns, you can disable Siri on your Apple Watch with a few taps. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Watch Series 5 (From $399 at Best Buy)

How to disable Siri on an Apple Watch 

1. On the Apple Watch, start the Settings app by pressing the Digital Crown and tapping the gear-shaped icon. 

passcode 3

2. Tap "Siri."

3. On the Siri page, turn off all three methods of controlling Siri by swiping the buttons to the left: "Listen for 'Hey Siri,'" "Raise to Speak," and "Press Digital Crown." 

siri 2

Siri is now completely disabled on the Apple Watch. 

If you want to turn Siri back on in a more limited way, you can choose which options to enable:

  • Listen for "Hey Siri." Raise the watch to activate the display and say "Hey Siri." You don't have to raise the watch very high; you just need enough movement that the screen comes on. 
  • Raise to Speak. If enabled, Siri will listen for commands without the need to say "Hey Siri." Instead, raise it close to your face and just issue a command. You can use this with or without "Listen for 'Hey Siri'" enabled. 
  • Press Digital Crown. Press the Digital Crown to activate Siri. Many users find this the easiest mode to trigger by accident, so you might consider turning this off but leaving the other two on.

 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

Join the conversation about this story »

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The 9 most valuable luxury brands in the world

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louis vuitton

Marketing consulting company Interbrand has released its list of 2019's top global brands. The ranking revealed that for the second consecutive year, luxury and retail comprise the fastest growing sector — outpacing even technology — with an average growth rate of 11%. 

In order to estimate a brand's valuation, Interbrand analyzes the financial performance or services of a brand, the role a brand has in purchase decisions, and a brand's competitive strength compared to other brands within its sector.

As result, the analysis found that the top nine luxury companies have a combined brand value of roughly $117.784 billion. 

The top luxury brand in the world is Louis Vuitton, with a $32.223 billion brand valuation and 14% year-over-year growth. In addition, Gucci was noted as being the fastest growing luxury brand in the world, with a growth rate of 23%. 

Keep reading to find out which brands dominated the luxury sector this past year.

SEE ALSO: 30 of the oldest American clothing brands that are still around today

DON'T MISS: 10 companies you've never heard of control more than 50 of the biggest restaurant chains in the world

9. Prada

Prada has a $4.781 billion brand valuation, but decreased by 1% year-over-year. It was No. 100 on the overall list of best global brands in 2019 across all industries.

Source: Interbrand



8. Burberry

Burberry has a $5.205 billion brand valuation and had a 4% growth rate. It was No. 96 on the overall list of best global brands in 2019 across all industries.

Source: Interbrand



7. Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co., ranked No. 94 this year in the overall list of global brands across all sectors, has a brand valuation of $5.335 billion but had a -5% growth rate when compared with its value in 2018, when it ranked No. 83 among all global brands.

Source: Interbrand



6. Dior

Dior, ranked No. 82 this year among global brands in all sectors, has a $6.045 billion brand valuation and saw a 16% growth rate. 

Source: Interbrand



5. Cartier

Though Cartier dropped one spot in the overall ranking of all industries' brands (from No. 67 in 2018 to No. 68 this year), the company's growth didn't decline. Cartier has a $8.192 billion brand valuation, with a 7% growth rate.

Source: Interbrand



4. Gucci

Gucci (the 33rd most valuable global brand in all sectors) has a $15.949 billion brand valuation and saw 23% growth, making it the fastest growing luxury retailer. 

Source: Interbrand



3. Hermès

Coming in at No. 28 on the overall list of global brands, Hermès has a $17.92 billion brand valuation, with 9% growth. 

Source: Interbrand



2. Chanel

Chanel, No. 22 on the ranking of most valuable brands worldwide, has a $22.134 billion valuation, with 11% growth. 

Source: Interbrand



1. Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton has a $32.223 billion brand valuation, with 14% growth. This makes Louis Vuitton the most valuable luxury brand in the world; it was also the 17th most valuable brand worldwide across all sectors.

Source: Interbrand



The best natural deodorant you can buy

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best natural deodorant

  • Using natural deodorant sometimes feels like a compromise, but not with Schmidt's.
  • It's just as effective as the conventional stuff, but it's formulated without aluminum, propylene glycol, or artificial fragrance.

I made the switch to natural deodorant about two years ago and I've never looked back. It takes some trial-and-error, but it's certainly possible to find a more natural formula that works. Over time, I've realized I actually prefer the experience of using natural deodorant — but not before experimenting with a few duds first.

Once I discovered the formulas on this list, I stopped feeling like I was compromising by avoiding traditional antiperspirants and deodorants.

Though I was initially drawn to natural deodorant out of a desire to avoid aluminum, I've come to appreciate them for a host of other reasons. The skin under my arms is really sensitive, especially after shaving, and I find that natural deodorant is far less irritating than most conventional formulas and, in the case of options that contain coconut oil, even a bit hydrating.

Of course, the antiperspirant power of natural deodorant is not going to be the same as what you're used to if you're new to the stuff. Some of the fragrances don't last as long, and you might find yourself smelling like, well, a human instead of a rosebush or whatever after several hours. Overall, these picks keep sweat and B.O. at bay for almost as long as traditional formulas, so I really can't complain.

Here is the best natural deodorant you can buy:

Updated on 10/24/19 by Connie Chen: Updated links and prices. 

SEE ALSO: The best natural makeup you can buy

The best natural deodorant overall

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant is a vegan, cruelty-free, and natural deodorant that works just as well as more traditional deodorant formulations — no reapplication necessary. 

Schmidt's is the Holy Grail of natural deodorant — it's vegan and cruelty-free; formulated without aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrance; applies like a dream; lasts all day long.

I'm not kidding: The Jasmine Tea Sensitive Skin fragrance (my favorite of the bunch) stayed put even after I took a quick rinse in the shower. I obviously didn't scrub very hard, but still! Of the formulas I tested for this article, Schmidt's had the most staying power and did the best job keeping sweat at bay.

I also love the variety you get from the brand: It comes in stick, sensitive skin stick, and jar formulas that are each available in multiple unique scents like Bergamot + Lime or Tea Tree.

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant has 4,700 reviews on Amazon and has been featured by NY Mag's The Strategist, Good Housekeeping, Allure, and Reviews. "I've worn [Schmidt's] for 14 or 15 hours under hot lights, so I'm a believer," the actress Ana Gasteyer told The Strategist.

I can't say I've put it through quite such a vigorous test, but I did walk around New York City for several hours on a hot day and still smelled fresh as a jasmine tea leaf by the end of it.

Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free, made without any of the artificial ingredients commonly found in deodorant, long-lasting, comes in a variety of fragrances and formulas

Cons: Stick formula is a bit hard if kept in cool temperatures

Buy Schmidt's Natural Deodorant on Amazon for $8.99+



The best active natural deodorant

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe uses a blend of natural antimicrobial and antibacterial ingredients to help you stay fresh through a tough workout. 

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant was my initial foray into the naturals category — it was the only deodorant I used for about two years before discovering the other picks mentioned in this article. While I may have found some new faves, I won't be giving up on my first love anytime soon.

The brand's Sport Luxe Deodorant is a stand-out from the range. Formulated with ingredients like baking soda, green tea, and rosemary, it's meant to keep you feeling and smelling fresh even after an intense sweat session. I find that the light vanilla scent holds up nicely during long walks in the New York City heat and through hour-long yoga classes.

Like Schmidt's, Lavanila Sport Luxe has a very similar texture to more traditional deodorant, and while it might wear off a little bit faster, it still keeps body odor and perspiration at bay for several hours. The mini version is small enough to toss in your gym bag in case you need to re-apply, but I haven't found it necessary unless I'm having a really long and busy day.

Sport Luxe is a two-time Allure Best of Beauty winner with 257 5-star reviews on Sephora and has been featured by Rank & Style and Good Housekeeping. The regular, non-active formula is also fantastic, and has been featured by Total Beauty and Allure.

Pros: Specially formulated for active users, long-lasting, includes baking soda to help absorb moisture

Cons: Not quite as long-lasting as formulas that include aluminum (but it comes close!), pricey

Buy Lavanila Sport Luxe Deodorant on Ulta for $14



The best drugstore natural deodorant

Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Natural Deodorant is a great starter option if you want to try going natural at drugstore prices.

Many of the best natural deodorants are, unfortunately, a bit pricier than your average drugstore picks. That's where Tom's of Maine comes into the picture — the brand's Long-Lasting Natural Deodorant is less than $5.

I discovered this the way many women discover beauty products — my mom told me about it. When I visit my parents, I have a charming habit of packing almost nothing and then treating their bathroom like my own personal drugstore. On one such occasion, I found a half-finished tube of Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Natural Deodorant in "Refreshing Lemongrass" on my mom's dresser.

Maybe it's gross to admit that I used someone else's deodorant, even if that someone gave birth to me, but it's the truth. And I don't regret it one bit because this stuff is indeed long-lasting, natural, and refreshing. The Lemongrass scent is my favorite, but it comes in other flavors if citrus isn't your thing.

The smooth consistency comes from a variety of vegetable and plant oils. It also contains soothing aloe (great for sensitive skin), ascorbic acid as an antioxidant, and hydrating sunflower seed oil. The Toms of Maine website has a helpful explainer that breaks down the sourcing of the ingredients. Ten points for transparency!

Pros: Long-lasting and hydrating formula safe for sensitive skin, inexpensive

Cons: Not as strong as an antiperspirant

Buy Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Natural Deodorant on Target for $4.89



The best clear natural deodorant

Kopari Coconut Deodorant has a hydrating, oil-based formula that goes on completely clear so it won't stain your clothes.

If you love coconut and hate the white marks that some opaque deodorants can leave on your clothing, I suggest you check out Kopari Coconut Deodorant. It's a clear formula the glides on smooth (seriously, it feels like a moisturizer) and doesn't gunk up your underarms throughout the day.

The texture is unique from anything else I tested for this story — it feels like a solid block of oil that melts slightly on contact with your skin without turning goopy. Because of this, I do worry that it might get soupy in hot temperatures, so I'll probably store it somewhere cool, at least until the end of summer.

Otherwise, I love how hydrating this feels on my normally dry and irritated underarms. Due to the texture, I think it would be a great pick for winter, though it held up well on me in 80+ degree weather. The formula has several hero ingredients, including coconut oil, a popular choice for natural deodorants; sage oil, which acts something like a natural antiperspirant; and vitamin-packed coconut water.

Kopari Coconut Deodorant is relatively new to the market, but it's one of the most innovative formulas I've tried. It also comes recommended by Allure editor Sophia Panych, who writes, "I've been pleasantly surprised at how effective it is as keeping sweat and stickiness at bay."

Pros: Clear and hydrating coconut oil-based formula, aluminum-, phthalate-, and silicone-free, great baking soda-free option

Cons: Has a strong coconut scent (which I personally didn't mind but some might!)

Buy Kopari Coconut Deodorant on Amazon for $14



The best roll-on natural deodorant

Weleda 24h Roll-On Deodorant gives you mess-free application and delicious scents.

I'm usually more of a stick deodorant kind of lady, but the second I applied Weleda 24h Roll-On Deodorant in "Citrus," I knew I was a fan. First of all, it smells like the inside of a lime, which might as well be my signature scent. It goes on cool and wet, like most liquid roll-on deodorants, and it didn't sting my sensitive underarms. I call that a win!

According to the brand, it "[r]ebalances body odor without the use of aluminum salts and other harmful ingredients." I'm not sure about that, but I can say that my armpits were still citrusy at the end of a very long day of wearing this, and I even woke up still smelling a bit like limes before I showered the next day.

I also liked how clean the application of this was — because the formula is liquid, you don't get any residue on your body, clothing, or on the packaging. For that reason, it seems like a great option for travel.

This is a newer formula, so it doesn't have many reviews online just yet, but Weleda 12h Deodorant Spray has a 3.9-star rating on Amazon based on over 1,000 customer reviews, so other people clearly approve of what the brand is doing when it comes to deodorant.

Pros: Mess-free liquid formula with roll-on application, long-lasting, comes in a variety of scents

Cons: Feels a little wet when you first apply which might be uncomfortable for some

Buy Weleda 24h Roll-On Deodorant on Amazon for $7.99



The best natural deodorant made with mineral salts

The Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick keeps odors at bay for up to 24 hours, lasts for about a year, and has only one ingredient: mineral salts.

The Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick has only one ingredient: mineral salts. It basically looks like a smooth, rounded hunk of salt in a plastic container. The hypoallergenic deodorant doesn't have any Aluminum Chloride/Chlorohydrate/Zirconium, parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrance in it, so it won't irritate sensitive skin. It's also vegan and cruelty-free.

To apply the deodorant correctly, you have to put it on right after your shower. The mineral salts work best on freshly washed skin that is still wet. If your skin isn't wet, you need to dip it in water several times as you apply it. It's best to apply a few coats and let your pits dry before you put on any clothing, but either way, the deodorant won't leave any white marks on your clothes.

The mineral salts eliminate and block odor so you can stay fresh smelling for up to 24 hours. Since it's essentially a stick of salt and you only use a bit of each time you apply it, the deodorant lasts a long time. Mine typically lasts about a year before I have to replace it, which is both good for my wallet and the environment. The plastic container it's in is also recyclable.

If you prefer to get rid of the plastic packaging, Crystal also has a solid piece of mineral salt that doesn't come in a plastic house. The company also sells traditional deodorant sticks, roll-ons, and sprays if you feel like the mineral stick is just too weird for you. All of the company's deodorants are natural, cruelty free, and safe for sensitive skin.

I still prefer the mineral stick, but the roll-on options are nice for when I'm in a rush or traveling. All the ones I've tried have worked, though you need to be sure your skin is clean before you apply it and that you don't miss a spot to ensure that it really works. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Mineral salts, effective, easy to use, stick lasts long, no white marks, affordable, vegan, no animal testing, no parabens or fragrance, no Aluminum Chloride/Chlorohydrate/Zirconium

Cons: Have to cleanse pits before using, requires clean wet skin, can break

Buy the Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick on Amazon for $5.51

Shop all Crystal deodorant on Amazon, including sprays, roll ons, and sticks



The best electric blankets

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  • The best electric blankets have a broad range of temperatures to choose from, heat up quickly, and are made from soft fabrics.
  • The Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket ticks all the boxes with its plush design, 20 personalized heat settings, and auto-adjust features that provide consistent warmth.

Like most dads, I keep a close eye on our thermostat — much to my family's chagrin. If you are willing to give up a few degrees here and there, you can save big on utility bills during the cold months while helping the environment. Of course, there are sure to be members of any household who are chronically cold. For them, there are electric blankets.

Just about every electric blanket these days features an auto shut-off function, which automatically turns your blanket off after a set amount of time to save on power. Most throws shut off after three hours. The blankets that are large enough to use in bed generally have a 10-hour shut-off. Also, queen- and king-sized blankets usually have two controllers to allow for individual temperature settings.

For the most part, electric blankets are safe, but even the best models can potentially overheat. Manufacturers do a pretty good job of addressing this issue, as is the case with each of the blankets we chose as our top picks.

To determine which electric blankets made the cut, we combed through hundreds of ratings and reviews from experts and average customers. The main criteria we focused on were comfort, warmth, and long-term, consistent performance.

Here are our top picks for the best electric blankets:

Updated on 10/24/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik. Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides.

The best electric blanket overall

The Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket not only feels soft to the touch, but the heat adjusts on its own to stay at your ideal temperature.

Sunbeam has a broad range of electric blankets that are among the best on the market. That's why we focus on three of the company's top offerings in this buying guide. We chose the Luxurious Velvet Plush Heated Blanket as the best electric blanket overall because of its ThermoFine warming system, which provides consistent warmth.

In order to keep the blanket cozy, it monitors the temperature and auto-adjusts to the perfect amount of heat. There are 20 personalized heat settings, including a pre-heat setting and an auto-off function. The dual controls allow for two individuals to choose the setting that works best for them.

The blanket is made of 100% polyester velvet plush fabric with hemmed edges. It comes in 12 colors, including brown, ivy green, beige, and dusty blue. The entire blanket is machine washable and safe for the dryer. Sunbeam stands behind this product with a five-year limited warranty.

The Sunbeam Luxurious Velvet Plush Heated Blanket was runner-up on Consumer Search's list of the best electric blankets. The reviewers liked that it heats up quickly, the fabric is soft, and that auto-off options are available. However, they disliked that it wasn't low voltage. The10Pro ranked it among the best heated blankets because it's machine washable and features a ThermoFine warming system, which monitors temperatures and makes adjustments for improved sleep. 

Around 62% of the people who reviewed the Sunbeam Luxurious Velvet Plush Heated Blanket on Amazon gave it four or five stars. Most users seem to like this blanket because it is incredibly soft on your skin. One buyer compared it to a teddy bear. They also comment that it heats up quickly and allows them to turn their thermostats down and save on utility bills.

There were a few complaints, of course. The blanket's silky soft material causes it to slide off the bed, as some reviewers pointed out. You may feel the wires within the blanket. Also, one buyer complained that their feet still tended to get cold and recommended bunching the blanket up by your feet.

Pros: Soft velvet plush fabric, quick heating that auto-adjusts, dual controls, five-year warranty

Cons: Uses standard voltage, may have dead spots



The best electric blanket on a budget

If you want an affordable way to stay warm this winter without cranking the thermostat, the Sunbeam Microplush Electric Throw Blanket gets the job done.

The Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw is made of 100%, extra soft, plush polyester. The throw measures 50 by 60 inches and is machine washable and dryer safe. Like our top pick, this Sunbeam blanket features the ThermoFine warming system which adjusts the temperature to provide consistent warmth.

There are only three heat settings (Low, Med, High) on this blanket, and the auto-off feature turns off after three hours, which does not make it ideal for staying warm through the night. 

Consumer Search awarded the Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw the title of "Best Heated Throw Blanket" because it heats quickly, has a three-hour automatic shut-off, features soft material, and is a convenient size. Check What's Best loved the affordable price of this throw blanket and its three heat settings. Your Best Digs also ranked this throw highly because of its easy-to-use controller and excellent performance.

For the most part, Amazon buyers like the plush, soft fabric and the fact that the blanket heats up evenly and quickly. We did not find complaints about cold spots or dead zones. However, there have been a few reports of the controller overheating and melting. In the instances we found, the overheating happened at around the one-month mark of ownership. Be aware of this issue and contact Sunbeam if you experience overheating.

Pros: Heats up quickly and evenly, soft

Cons: Potential overheating hazard, only comes in one size



The best electric blanket for king-sized beds

The Biddeford MicroPlush Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes so you can stay warm no matter what size bed you have.

What sets the Biddeford MicroPlush Sherpa blanket apart from the competition is the amount of control you have. First of all, it comes in twin through king sizes (but not California king). There are also nine colors to choose from, including cream, sage, brick, and denim.

The king- and queen-sized blankets come with two controllers, which allow for two different heat settings. There are ten heat settings to pick from, too, so you're sure to find one that suits your needs. The auto shut-off lasts for ten hours, which should get you through the night.

The blanket itself has a 100% polyester MicroPlush top and Sherpa bottom. The Biddeford MicroPlush Sherpa is machine washable and comes with a five-year warranty in case of problems.

The Biddeford MicroPlush Sherpa Electric Blanket was included in Warm Electric's look at the best heated covers. The reviewer was impressed with the multiple heat settings and how the blanket would stay at the temperature you select. Top Electric Blankets performed a thorough review of this model and liked that the larger models come with multiple controllers, it heats up quickly, has a wide range of settings, and is energy efficient. However, they found the controllers are not durable and the blanket may be too thick for temperate climates.

Around 53% of reviewers on Amazon gave it five stars. Buyers commented that they like that the temperature range goes from slightly warm to roasting. They found the fabric soft. One user commented that their blanket arrived with a defect, and the seller fixed the issue immediately. The biggest complaint was that the auto shut-off was too short, though it is one of the longest on our list at 10 hours. One workaround is to turn the blanket off and then on again right before you drift off to sleep.

Pros: Wide temperature range, illuminated digital display, five-year warranty

Cons: Controller has some durability issues



The best electric blanket for lounging on your couch or recliner

If you like to cuddle up on your recliner or couch and take in a movie, the Sunbeam Reversible Heated Throw will keep you comfy.

Sunbeam has created its own softness rating scale that goes from Soft to Extra Soft to Ultra Soft and maxes out at Premium Soft. The Reversible Sherpa/Mink Heated Throw has the highest rating, Premium Soft. The top is made of faux mink, and the bottom is Sherpa. The entire product is washing machine and dryer safe.

Sunbeam makes a big deal about the "EliteStyle II Controller," but it isn't necessarily more impressive than any of the other controllers out there. It has three settings (Low, Medium, and High) and features a three-hour shut-off, which means it is better for staying warm on the couch rather than providing heat all through the night. As with the other Sunbeam blankets on this list, the Sherpa/Mink Throw uses the heat-sensing and auto-adjusting ThermoFine warming system.

The Sherpa/Mink Heated Throw is second to the Sunbeam Microplush on Consumer Search's list of the best heated throw blankets. Your Best Digs calls this blanket the best heated throw because of the unparalleled softness found on both sides of the blanket. One of the negatives is that it only has three temperature settings. 

More than 1100 reviewers on Amazon gave the Reversible Sherpa/Mink Heated Throw a positive review. Buyers are impressed with how soft the materials are and that the blanket has some heft to it.

There are a few complaints, though. One user didn't like that the Sherpa side started to get nappy over time. They also found the blanket did not give off enough heat. Another buy had trouble getting the power to connect correctly. Fortunately, there is a five-year warranty that covers you if your blanket is defective.

Pros: Features ThermoFine warming, extremely soft, five-year warranty

Cons: Questionable durability, only comes in one size



The best electric blanket for the environmentally conscious

If you want a low-voltage blanket that doesn't get too hot, the Soft Heat Micro-Fleece Low-Voltage Electric Blanket by Perfect Fit is your best bet.

The Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece blanket is made of 100% polyester with ultra-soft micro-fleece fabric that is safe for the washer and dryer without stretching, shrinking, or pilling. Most blankets are marketed as energy-saving because you can turn your thermostat down, but this blanket offers further savings by operating on less than 25 volts. The thin wires are spaced around five inches apart for even heating.

The blanket comes in natural, beige, chocolate, grey, and slate blue. Each color is available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. For the queen and king sizes, there are dual controls for individual comfort. The controllers also feature an auto shut-off after ten hours of use. All of the styles come with a limited five-year warranty.

Consumer Search rated the Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece Blanket highly because of the easy-to-use control, thin interior wires, preheat function, and low-voltage heating. However, this model lost points because the reviewers found the connector doesn't last and it's slow to heat up. 

Around 1,800 of the reviewers of the Soft Heat Micro-Fleece Blanket on Amazon gave it five stars. Users like that the heat is subtle. This blanket is not burning hot. Buyers were also impressed with how responsive the brand's customer service is. There were a few complaints from a few years ago about the wiring overheating and starting to burn. It appears that the manufacturer has addressed this problem because there are no recent complaints about this happening.

Pros: Low-voltage, simple controls, no dead spots

Cons: History of electrical issues, slow to heat up



Check out more of our bedding guides

The best comforters

Comforters keep you extra warm and cozy at night and they can also add a fun splash of color or pattern to your bedroom. These are the best comforters you can buy:


The best mattress toppers

Although a mattress topper isn't a must-have for your bed, it's one of the easiest ways to up your sleep quality and comfort. We researched dozens of mattress toppers and determined that these are our favorites:



Hotel Review: Most rooms at the micro-hotel Arlo SoHo are barely 150 square feet — here's what it's like to stay there

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Arlo Soho 4x3

  • With sleek, tiny rooms measuring barely 150 square feet and starting at only $134 in slower winter months, the Arlo SoHo is a budget-friendly way to explore New York.
  • What it lacks in room size, Arlo SoHo makes up for with bustling common spaces, four bars, an on-site restaurant, co-working space, rooftop lounge, and a seasonally-themed, Instagrammable courtyard.
  • I spent the night in a City King Room, and while the room was small and the bathroom afforded little privacy, the alcove bed was a cozy haven from busy SoHo streets below.

I've lived in Brooklyn for the past five years and grew up close by in New Jersey, but only recently realized I've never stayed in a hotel in Manhattan. So when I had the opportunity for a staycation at the Arlo SoHo, I jumped at the chance to experience one of my favorite neighborhoods in a new way.

Since 2016, Arlo has been hosting travelers in boutique hotels in both SoHo and NoMad. Known for impeccable attention to detail, and prioritization of public spaces and common areas, the Arlo brand is highly decorated. It has won several hospitality awards for both locations, as well as its Miami Beach endeavor, Nautilus.

With a new Midtown location on the way, as well as expansions planned into Washington, D.C., and Wynwood in Miami, I was excited to see if this growing brand lived up to its award-winning reputation.

I stayed in a City King, which was comped for review purposes, but quick online scrolling revealed that prices vary wildly based on season and demand. In colder months, you should be able to grab a City King for as little at $134 a night, which is perfect for a low-budget getaway.

However, when the weather warms, the Arlo SoHo becomes less budget-friendly, with prices skyrocketing into the high $200s on average, even reaching $367 per night for the lowest level room.

Though, in high season, those prices are still pretty competitive for lower Manhattan, drawing a mix of all kinds of tourists who prioritize a central, stylish neighborhood over roomy quarters.

Keep reading to see why I was so impressed by the Arlo SoHo.

SEE ALSO: Hotel review: We stayed at the Moxy Chelsea and were impressed by its central location, co-working spaces, and great views

SEE ALSO: Hotel review: We loved the boutique Sister City in the Lower East Side, an affordable spin-off of the Ace Hotel with self-serve features

SEE ALSO: Hotel review: We stayed at the hip Freehand New York — you'll love the artsy decor, affordable price, and great location



Talk about a sweet welcome: the first thing you'll notice as you enter Arlo SoHo is a huge wall of bulk candy within a mini offshoot of famed store, Dylan's Candy Bar. It's part of the hotel's "bodega," which is a 24/7 convenience store in the lobby.

Lest I became one with the gummy worms, I quickly moved along and was pleased to find that a concierge was free to check me in. I arrived exactly at 3 p.m., the designated check-in time, and was surprised to see the lobby fairly empty. The staff were friendly and incredibly efficient at getting people squared away and up to their rooms.



The concierge did forget to tell me where the elevators were, but in all fairness, we were both distracted by a guest who interrupted to ask if the roof was upstairs — it was — so I don't blame him for being thrown off a bit.

Looking for the elevators actually gave me a good opportunity to become more acquainted with the hotel. I wandered the ground floor and admired workspaces with a mid-century modern vibe, a lobby bar with lots of dark wood and leather, and a gorgeous courtyard in the midst of being decked out for fall.

After a quick lap, I found the elevators tucked away out of sight. As many members of the public frequent the bar and common spaces, this is likely an attempt to prevent them from finding their way upstairs. Though, they wouldn't be able to anyway, room keys must be tapped to select your floor.





As I opened the door to my room, I couldn't help but laugh. I knew the room would be small — they're clearly stated to be around 150 square feet when booking — but I still wasn't prepared for just how tight it would look and feel.

The focal point was the bed, and with good reason. It was perched in an alcove set up surrounded by walls on three sides, for a bunk bed-meets-canopy effect. Yet rather than feeling closed in, I thought it felt incredibly inviting and comforting. With thick, fluffy pillows and a plush down comforter, it was like a cozy nest I was immediately drawn to.

Thankfully, Arlo SoHo has never appeared on the bed bug registry, so I had no hesitations about diving right in. I liked the alcove set up, though, if you're sharing the bed with someone, there might be some climbing and scooching necessary to get both partners in and out.



The shower was one of the best I've ever experienced in a hotel. I actually typically dread taking showers in hotels because I find the water never gets hot quickly enough, the temperature is inconsistent, or the water pressure to be notoriously bad.

This was not the case at all at Arlo. The pressure from the giant waterfall showerhead was outstanding and reached my desired temperature within seconds.

Arlo's toiletries were sourced from Blind Barber, a boutique barbershop with East Village roots (tip: visit the speakeasy bar), and I loved the citrusy, energizing lemongrass and rooibos scent. Large bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel were locked into an apparatus in an attempt to be more eco-friendly.

I appreciated that, though I would have liked the opportunity to stash some to take home. Fortunately, major online retailers like Target sell them.



One big downside to this room is the toilet. The only barrier between the toilet and the rest of the room is a sliding glass door with a pretty sizeable gap at the top that leaves little to the imagination, even when closed.

It's akin to doing your business in a public restroom, but paired with already tight quarters, you'll want to be really comfortable with your travel companion. Worst case, banish them to one of the many bars for 15 minutes if you truly require total privacy.





Arlo SoHo is engineered for socialization. There are a whopping four bars on-site in what is not a giant hotel. There's one in the lobby adjacent to an outdoor courtyard, one inside the hotel restaurant Harold's, and two on the roof — one indoor and one outdoor.

Each evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Harold's hosts a free happy hour for guests with complimentary beer, wine, and small snacks. I stopped by for a bit and found it impressively bustling for a Monday night. The crowd seemed to be mainly young professionals traveling solo for business trips, and mingling was in full effect.



The hotel's focal point, and most Instagrammable spot by a mile, was the seasonally-decorated courtyard. I observed the transition from their summer setup — a 1960s Woodstock-themed "Summer of Love" pop-up, complete with a Volkswagen Beetle with psychedelic paint-job — to the fall installation.

Though I wasn't able to get the full effect of the forthcoming autumnal wonderland, it was shaping up nicely. A myriad of pumpkins, corn stalks, and decorative gourds flanked two cabins that you'll be able to actually reserve for two-hour time slots for dinner. Bedeck yourself in flannel and hiking boots to really immerse yourself in the experience. And you don't have to be a hotel guest to indulge, anyone can make a reservation by giving Harold's a call.



Arlo also sets itself apart with a bike rental program that is free for guests. From dawn until dusk, you can check out a cruiser and explore the city.

While I wouldn't recommend taking to the Manhattan streets unless you're a seasoned cyclist, Hudson River Park is a mere three blocks away with protected bike lanes that run along nearly the entire length of the west side of Manhattan. It's a great way to experience New York.



SoHo is a shopping mecca. If you're into streetwear, Nike, Adidas, and Opening Ceremony will be your go-tos. For luxury brands, check out storefronts from APC, Céline, and Isabel Marant.

While the East and West Village often get the most hype for foodie hotspots, SoHo is home to most of my favorite restaurants. For breakfast, get pastries from Dominique Ansel (skip the cronut and go for a kouign amann), sit down for bagels and smoked fish at Sadelle's, or indulge in pizza at Rubirosa. I also discovered Taco Dumbo while at Arlo, and was thrilled to find something so affordable and delicious in a neighborhood that tends to be very swanky. 

For sightseeing, Arlo is a short walk from the 1 train, which can get you to Times Square in about 15 minutes. A trip downtown to Battery Park will take roughly the same amount of time. 



Arlo SoHo has an outstanding 4.6 out of 5 on Trip Advisor and ranks number 49 out of 507 hotels in New York City. The hotel has a rating of 8.6 out of 10 on Booking.com as well. 

The most common complaint in negative reviews are related to room size and the lack of bathroom privacy, both of which were my biggest gripes as well. But most tend to rave about the chic vibe, cleanliness, and rooftop bar. 

Read more reviews of Arlo SoHo, compare prices, and book on Trip Advisor



Who stays here: Those who want to experience downtown New York and go beyond the typical tourist spots. The crowd is a mix of young professionals on business trips and visiting shoppers who want to be in close proximity to New York's retail playground.

We like: The alcove bed. While I was initially surprised at the small, tight set up, it turned out to be an incredibly cozy and comforting focal point of the room. The generous number of super fluffy down pillows helped too.

We love (don't miss this feature!): The outdoor rooftop bar. Grab a drink at sunset and enjoy some stunning views.

We think you should know: The bathroom offers very hardly any privacy. The sliding glass door leaves a visual gap and little to no barrier.

We'd do this differently next time: Splurge and upgrade to one of the terrace rooms when it's warmer out. The extra space would be worth the higher price tag, and I'd love to take an outdoor shower in the middle of Manhattan, which is available on some terraces. How cool is that?



Stay at the Arlo SoHo if you prefer to treat a hotel room like a crash pad. It's not a space you'll want to lounge in all day, because there's just not enough of it to go around. Though, with SoHo right outside your door, there's no reason to hide inside anyway. 

While rooms tend toward micro, and highly-priced in warmer months, the Arlo SoHo is worth the money for a prime base near New York's best neighborhoods, shopping, eating, and drinking. Plus, with four hotel bars, seasonal social events, and super cozy alcove beds, it's an ideal retreat after a busy New York day.

Book Arlo SoHo starting at $134 a night here



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