Best overall		DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro		SEE IT	Despite its advanced camera, this drone only weighs 249 grams so it doesn’t require registration with the FAA.
Best for pros		DJI Mavic 3		SEE IT	A very robust camera system and advanced all-around object avoidance make this drone worthy of pro work.
Best for photos		Parrot Anafi		SEE IT	A unique camera system captures 4K footage and provides a view unlike the rest of its competition.

Travel drones aren’t just for professional creatives anymore. In the last few years, these pint-sized crafts have become widely accessible thanks to compact and budget-friendly options hitting the market. A travel drone is a great way to capture photos and footage with unique perspectives while you are on the road. It’s a great tool for travel vloggers, filmmakers, or families looking for a way to keep kids entertained on vacation. While you can go seriously Hollywood with your purchase, we think the best drone options are either so compact that they don’t even need to be registered with the FAA or feature a foldable design that makes them easy to slide into a camera backpack. Price can vary widely depending on what types of advanced features that drone might include and the manufacturer. A higher-end consumer drone will typically cost about $2K, while budget options can be as low as $100. In this buying guide, you will find the best travel drones that fit various budgets and use cases.

• Best overall: DJI Mini 3 Pro
• Best value: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone
• Best for professionals: DJI Mavic 3
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Mini Drone
• Best for photos: Parrot Anafi

How we chose the best travel drones 

When selecting the products in this buying guide, it was important to select a combination of compact travel drones (that don’t need to be registered with the FAA) and a few full-sized drones aimed at a professional user. We selected products that would fit a range of budgets and skill levels and represented different brands currently on the market. When selecting the drones in this buying guide, we also considered flight time, video capture capability, and advanced features that make specific models stand out in the field. Camera quality and functionality play a key role in our selections. The products that appear in this guide were selected through a combination of hands-on experience, editorial reviews, and user feedback.

The best travel drones: Reviews & Recommendations 

While we offer specific recommendations depending on your usage, many of the drones on this list will work for several kinds of pilots. Be sure to check out the entire list before making a purchase to make sure you’re getting what you need out of your new flying machine.

Best overall: DJI Mini 3 Pro

Mason Marsh

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: Under 249 grams
• Flight Time: 38 minutes 
• Video: 4K 

Pros

• No need to register with FAA
• Small and compact 
• Vertical shooting capabilities
• Dedicated controller
• Wind resistant up to 38kph winds

Cons

• Expensive for size 
• Visibility in air could be improved 

The DJI Mini Pro 3 claims our spot as best overall travel drone due to its compact size, substantial flight time, and advanced features like 3-way obstacle avoidance. And because this particular drone is under 249 grams, there’s no need to register it with the FAA before you take to the skies. The impressive 38-minute battery life can be extended to 51 minutes when used with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus—a flight time unheard of for most compact drones on the market. It can shoot 4K/60fps video and capture 48-megapixel RAW images; it also features vertical shooting—ideal for capturing social videos for TikTok or Instagram stories. A variety of QuickShot modes make it easy to capture panoramas and pre-programmed dynamic flight patterns. It has a fast F/1.7 lens, which means it will perform well at sunset or on overcast days, plus it features wind resistance up to 38kph so that it can withstand a bit of turbulence. The DJI Mini Pro 3’s all-in-one RC-N1 controller has a nicely sized 5-inch screen, eliminating the need to use your smartphone while flying. The DJI Mini Pro packs pro-level features into a super compact package that can easily fit into a camera backpack. Although it’s on the pricey side for its size, we think the advanced features make it a worthy investment for taking on your next adventure. 

Read our full review: DJI Mini Pro 3

Best value: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone

Holy Stone

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 149 grams
• Flight Time: 20 minutes
• Video: 1080p 

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Easy-to-use controller
• Compact size 
• No need to register with FAA
• In air flip mode 

Cons

• No wind resistance 
• Limited flight time 

The Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone is a great option if you are looking for a travel drone that won’t break the bank. At under $100, this is one of the most affordable compact drones on the market. Its compact size also means it doesn’t require registration with the FAA—making it a nice choice for care-free flying.  The Holy Stone has a 120-degree “first-person view” camera and can shoot 1080p video. Flight time is shorter than other compact drones, and this drone lacks wind resistance, but this is to be expected, given the super low price point. The Holy Stone does include fun pre-programmed flight patterns like in-air flips, and features like altitude hold and landing assists. Intuitive in-app features allow users to control the drone through gestures or draw a flight path for the drone to follow. This is a great travel drone if you aren’t looking to spend a fortune to capture your out-of-town adventures. 

Best for professionals: DJI Mavic 3

Dan Bracaglia

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 895 grams
• Flight Time: 46 minutes
• Video: 5.1K

Pros

• 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera 
• Advanced Omnidirectional Object sensing 
• 15-kilometer transmission range 
• Smart return to home feature 
• Folding design 

Cons

• Expensive, over 2K 
• Requires registration with FAA 

If you are looking for a travel drone with all the pro-level features, look no further. The DJI Mavic 3 is the priciest option on our list, and because of its larger size must be registered with the FAA, but its foldable design still makes it an excellent option for travel. The DJI Mavic 3 is equipped with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and a sensor that provides 12.8 stops of dynamic range—making for footage that has a lot more detail in both the highlights and the shadows. It can shoot 5.1K video up to 50fps, 4K video up to 120fps, and capture 20-megapixel 12-bit RAW stills. It has an impressive flight time of 46 minutes, a 15-kilometer transmission range, and advanced features like omnidirectional object sensing, with improved range—giving users way more time to react and prevent crashing into a tree while flying. Other pro-level features include Advanced Return To Home, which will automatically bring your drone back to you using the most energy-efficient route. Although the DJI Mavic 3 is expensive, the top-level features and impressive camera make it well worth the price point. 

Read our full review: DJI Mavic 3

Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Mini Drone

Ryze Tech

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 79.9 grams 
• Flight Time: 13 minutes
• Video: 720p 

Pros

• Lightweight build 
• DJI-powered flight controller 
• Good for kids 
• No need to register with FAA

Cons

• Very short flight time 
• No wind resistance 
• Only capable of shooting 720p video

Ryze Tech Tello Mini Drone Quadcopter is a great choice for the novice drone pilot. Although its flight time is much shorter than some of the other drones in this buying guide and video is limited to 720p, it’s extremely easy to operate. It also happens to have a DJI-powered flight controller for performing in-air tricks. The drone’s mobile programming app supports Scratch, which allows users to program corresponding movements using coding blocks. It can shoot 5-megapixel photos, and pre-programmed modes like Circle-360 and Up & Away make it easy to capture short clips even if you don’t know how to fly. Overall, this is a great starter drone for kids and adults who want to capture an aerial perspective while traveling. 

Best for photos: Parrot Anafi

Parrot

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 707 grams
• Flight Time: 25 minutes 
• Video: 4K 

Pros

• Capable of capturing 21-megapixel images 
• Features timer and burst mode shooting options
• Folding design 
• Built around a Sony CMOS sensor

Cons

• Limited flight time 
• Not great in low light 
• No wind resistance 

If you primarily want to capture photos with your drone, the Parrot Anafi is a great choice. It can shoot 4K video at 60fps, but it really shines as a tool for photographers. The Parrot Anafi is built around a Sony CMOS sensor with a unique camera that offers a vertical 180-degree field of view. It has a vertical folding design that makes it easy to slide into a backpack with other gear—making it an ideal choice for travel. The navigation app is intuitive and easy to use. The price point falls right in the middle of the pack, making this an appealing option for a wide variety of budgets. 

What to consider when choosing a travel drone

When shopping for a travel drone, you should consider your budget and how you will be using the drone first and foremost.

Camera

We live in a 4K world at the moment, but camera tech doesn’t necessarily stop there. Some higher-end drones can capture 5K and beyond, allowing oversampled 4K footage with more detail or simply a bigger frame so you can crop in later while maintaining a full-res picture. Ideally, you’ll get 4K footage at 60fps with a reasonable megapixel count for photos. Of course, you’ll want to think about how you will use that footage later on. You may not need 4K at a high framerate if you’re trying to make a simple travel blog. In fact, it may hinder your editing process. Find a balance between easy edibility and high quality, then stick with it.

Weight

You’re traveling with these machines, so you want them to be as light as possible. Most only weigh a few pounds at most. But be sure to note the 250g threshold. A drone weighing 250 grams or more requires registration with the FAA before you can fly. Conveniently, our top pick on this list weighs 249 grams for this exact reason.

Obstacle avoidance

While drones have gotten easier to fly in recent years, you still have to navigate the learning curve. Unfortunately, tons of trees, houses, and power lines are littering that learning curve. Higher-end drones offer dedicated object avoidance systems that automatically stop a craft from smacking into something it shouldn’t. Top-tier models offer object avoidance in almost every direction, but more consumer models typically only see in front of them and sometimes to the side. It’s a nice touch if you’re learning and want to minimize possible damage.

Range

Some high-end drones can go nearly 20 miles away from their pilots, but local regulations and practical considerations make that unlikely for most users. If you’re considering two drones and opting toward one because it has a longer range, just be sure you will need that range. If all you plan is to fly it up into your neighborhood or over the lake, you don’t need a massive flight area.

Flight time

Drone batteries are small, and the juice inside can fade fast if conditions are less than perfect. Every gust of wind or fancy maneuver requires more power to execute. Our top pick, the DJI Mini 3 Pro, promises “up to 34 minutes” of flight time, but that “up to” is doing a lot of work. Add wind or complex movements, and that will drop quickly. You also couldn’t stay fully airborne for 34 minutes unless you’re cool with the craft falling out of the sky once the battery is exhausted.

Should you buy the Fly More combo?

DJI typically offers its drones on their own or as part of a Fly More combo, which includes a carrying case, extra rotors, and (most importantly) extra batteries. The Fly More combos typically offer a better deal than buying all the products together. And since you’re definitely going to want extra batteries (and a dedicated charger that can handle more than one cell at once), we recommend you invest upfront.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best travel drones 

• Best overall: DJI Mini 3 Pro
• Best value: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone
• Best for professionals: DJI Mavic 3
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Mini Drone
• Best for photos: Parrot Anafi

A travel drone is a great way to capture unique aerial perspectives with ease and is a worthy investment for travel vloggers, filmmakers, or families looking for a fun way to document their vacation. The DJI Mini 3 Pro takes the cake for being the best overall travel drone thanks to its impressive flight time, compact size, and video and photo capabilities. Although it’s small enough that you don’t need to register it with the FAA before you fly, it still manages to pack many pro-level features into its tiny body. If you are interested in a travel drone to capture your adventures, we recommend checking out any of these top options.  

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best travel drones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best multipurpose		Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000		SEE IT	The Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 combines the convenience of portable battery and outlet-based charger in a single package.
Best for travel		Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand		SEE IT	Belkin’s gaming charger with a stand lets you power up your phone while watching media or playing games.
Best for laptops		Anker 747 Power Bank		SEE IT	The Anker 747 Power Bank power bank pulls out all the stops with its massive charging capacity.

Keeping a portable charger in your car, bag, or pocket prepares you if an emergency arises as you’re running out of power. Say you’re stuck in a raging blizzard, your car in a snowbank on the highway, and you need a tow if you don’t want to stay where you are overnight. No problem, you can just call for roadside assistance, right? That isn’t the case if your phone happens to run out of power and you have no way to charge it back up again. It’s not the case unless you carry a portable power bank, that is. A battery pack to charge your phone, laptop, and other devices can make all the difference when your battery’s nearly dead and draining fast. The right power bank will let you top off all your essential gear to get your devices through the day (or longer). Fortunately, we’ve collected some of the best portable chargers available and sorted them into categories that should fit most people’s needs.

• Best overall: OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank
• Best multipurpose: Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000
• Best for travel: Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand
• Best with flashlight: superallure Solar Charging Power Bank
• Best with wireless charging: Mophie Charge Stream
• Best large: Goal Zero Sherpa Wireless Portable AC Power Bank
• Best for laptops: Anker 747 Power Bank
• Best budget: INIU Portable Charger

How we chose the best portable chargers

When choosing the best portable chargers, I relied on my years of experience covering the tech industry. I’ve used portable power banks to keep my phone and other devices charged while covering events, conducting interviews, and recording presentations. In addition to my personal and professional testing, we’ve parsed reviews from consumers and other publications to find chargers that have made a strong impression on their owners. 

The best portable chargers: Reviews & Recommendations

Our choices for the best portable chargers run the gamut from small pocket-sized batteries for extending your phone’s battery life to big, beefy chargers that can power a mobile office. Depending on what devices you carry around daily or while traveling, there are different power banks for everyone.

Best overall: OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank

Amanda Reed

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This speedy power bank allows for 3.6x faster charging compared to other portable chargers and can power two devices at once.

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.26x 3.08 x .92 inches
• Weight: 15.3 ounces
• Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh
• Ports: 2 (one USB-C, one USB-A)
• Charging speed: 18W

Pros

• Fast charging
• Can charge two devices at once
• Drop protection

Cons

• Heavy compared to other portable chargers

Otterbox makes some of our favorite MagSafe accessories, so it’s no surprise we love its powerful wired charger as well. The OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank gives you 20,000 mAh of juice to recharge your tablets and phones. And, with a USB-A port and a fast-charging USB-C port, you can charge two devices at once, no matter what brand. It comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable, so you won’t have to get one on the go, but it works fabulously with others you may have around the house, as we did in the above photo. An LED power indicator shows you how much power you have left, and the power bank is designed for durability thanks to trusted drop protection. Although it’s a little chonky, we’d rather carry around a powerhouse than be left in the dark and uncharged.

Best multipurpose: Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 combines the convenience of a portable battery and outlet-based charger in a single package.

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.23 x 1.39 inches
• Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
• Ports: One USB-A, one USB-C
• Charging speed: 20W

Pros

• Convenient size
• Doubles as a wall outlet and battery pack
• Charges multiple devices

Cons

• Can be awkward to plug into some sockets

As the best multipurpose portable charger, the Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 is especially convenient, even among power banks. It’s a fairly small portable charger with two ports and a 10,000mAh battery, but you can also plug it into an outlet and draw power from there. This is extremely convenient for travelers and rolls two devices into one well-crafted package. Its only downside is that it’s a little larger and heavier than a standard wall-based charger. The shape can also make it awkward to fit into some places, and the weight might cause it to fall out of a loose socket.

Best for travel: Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Belkin’s gaming charger with a stand lets you power up your phone while watching media or playing games.

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.21 x 1.56 x 4.02 inches
• Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
• Ports: One USB-A, one USB-C
• Charging speed: 12W

Pros

• Stand makes continuing to use the phone while charging more convenient
• Stand is retractable

Cons

• Fast charging is hit or miss

It seems like combining a portable charger and a stand would be a no-brainer, but surprisingly few companies have actually made them. Belkin’s Gaming Power Bank with Stand is the best portable charger for travel. It offers a retractable shelf with a lip that makes it easy to continue enjoying media or games on your phone as it charges. Unfortunately, its fast-charging seems to be hit-or-miss: Some users report speedy refueling, while others aren’t as impressed with how quickly their devices get juiced up. It’s a great charger when you have a few hours to kill and need to top off your phone’s power, but not the most efficient option.

Best with flashlight: superallure Solar Charging Power Bank

superallure

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This power bank is powered by the sun and can give you some extra light in the great outdoors if your flashlight decides to take a day off.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.48 x 4.92 x 1.42 inches
• Weight: 1.15 pounds
• Battery capacity: 43,800 mAh
• Ports: USB-C, USB-A
• Charging speed: 15W

Pros

• Built-in chargers
• Solar-powered
• Built-in flashlight is bright

Cons

• Heavy

Sometimes you don’t need solar generator-level power, but you still need a bit of juice while adventuring the in the great outdoors. This one is solar-powered, Qi wireless charging compatible, and has USB-A and USB-C cords built-in—that’s one less thing in your pack. You can maybe even leave the flashlight at home—this charger also has a built-in flashlight. An IP65 rating makes it dust-resistant, with a bit of waterproofing on top. Plus, it can power 3-5 complete phone charges. Reviews note that customer service is great, and the power bank gave peace of mind while traveling in remote settings.

Best with wireless charging: Mophie Charge Stream

mophie

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Ditch the cables entirely with this Qi-enabled wireless portable charger that works across Android and iPhone.

Specs

• Dimensions: 2.72 x 0.63 x 5.19 inches
• Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Battery capacity: 6,040 mAh
• Ports: USB-A, USB-C
• Charging speed: 10W

Pros

• Pass-through charging enabled
• Can charge wirelessly or with a cable
• Can charge two devices at once

Cons

• Shows dirt easily

No cables? No problem, thanks to this wireless power bank from Mophie. You’ll be able to charge using the power of magnets as long as your device is Qi-enabled. Simply place your phone on the portable charger and push the button to begin wireless charging. You can get 48 extra hours of battery depending on what you’re charging, and a USB port allows you to charge another device while using wireless charging. Our only complaint? It tends to show dirt easily. Its powerful charging and wireless transcendence across brands make up for this.

Best large: Goal Zero Sherpa Wireless Portable AC Power Bank

Goal Zero

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This large portable charger is like a mini generator in your pack.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.49 x 1.02 inches
• Weight: 3.19 pounds
• Battery capacity: 25,600 mAh
• Ports: 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 AC port
• Charging speed: 100W

Pros

• Heavy-duty
• Can charge laptops two times over
• Solar generator power without the size

Cons

• Expensive

We’ve reviewed Goal Zero’s Yeti 1000 Core generator in the past and gave it kudos for its durability and battery capacity. Goal Zero took both of those aspects and packed them into an ever smaller package with its Sherpa Wireless Portable power bank. It’s great if you need major power on the go without needing an entire solar generator. And you’ll get plenty of use out of it: this power bank can charge a smartphone 8 times; a tablet three times; a laptop two times; and a GoPro 18 times. It also supports wireless charging. Talk about a multi-hyphenate. Its aluminum unibody is durable, and it easily integrates with other Goal Zero products, like solar panels. It’s pricey, but we think it’s worth it if you’re looking for a tough portable charger that’s made to last.

Best for laptops: Anker 747 Power Bank

Anker

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This sleek laptop power bank can keep you powered in the coffee shop or library.

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.2 x 3.23 x .95 inches
• Weight: 26.4 ounces
• Battery capacity: 26,600 mAh
• Ports: Two USB-A, two USB-C
• Charging speed: 87W

Pros

• Recharges in 2.5 hours
• High voltage protection
• Can charge more than one device at the same time

Cons

• No AC outlet

Those who leave their house to work in a coffee shop know the struggle of trying to find a precious outlet. Worry no longer, thanks to this portable laptop power bank from Anker, which can give your laptop enough juice while you wait for an outlet to open up. It’s built with Anker’s MultiProtect safety system, which combines temperature control and high-voltage protection for a safer charging experience. If you use up the portable charger’s power, fret not—it takes 2.5 hours to reach a full charge. Those who need an AC outlet to use their laptop charger, however, will be out of luck.

Best budget: INIU Portable Charger

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The INIU portable charger is cheap and does a fine job powering your phone … plus it has a pawprint-shaped indicator light!

Specs

• Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.7 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
• Ports: 2 USB-A, One USB-C
• Charging speed: 15W

Pros

• Has a built-in paw print indicator light
• Extremely affordable
• Cute LED logo

Cons

• Reports of quality assurance issues

Sometimes you just need a product that does exactly what it’s supposed to for as little money as possible. The INIU Portable Charger is affordable and provides a 10,000mAh battery in a very slim form factor. Conveniently, it also has a built-in indicator light which can be a big help in a pinch, and its paw print makes looking at your power bank fun. Unfortunately, there are some reports of dead units, which means customers need to watch out for poor QA. Reports suggest that INIU customer service has done right by users who reported getting a nonfunctional unit, though, shipping out replacements quickly.

What to consider when buying the best portable chargers

Portable chargers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For many, they’re just random bricks that you plug stuff into, with little to differentiate between them. While they may look the same, there are aspects of a charger’s design that vary, which you should keep in mind when picking one out. 

How much power can it hold? Will it fit in my pocket or my backpack? Does it have the ports to charge all my devices or just my phones? If you know these things, you can buy the right portable charger for your needs:

How big is the battery?

Portable chargers are really just fancy plastic and a circuit board wrapped around a battery. The most important thing you need to know about any portable charger is how big that battery is. Portable chargers measure their power storage in Milliamp Hours (mAh), a unit of measurement that shows how much power a battery can hold. The number of charges it can provide will depend on the specific device, but it’s a good way to get a general sense. 

If you plan to keep a laptop going through your workday or charge many devices simultaneously, you will likely want the largest battery possible, which tends to range between 2,000mAh and 10,000mAh for most users, depending on the devices they cart around.  If you’re just looking to top off your phone to get through a busy day, you can probably get something smaller. More storage translates to a larger, more expensive charger, so that’s definitely good reason to go small if that’s all you need.

How much space does it take up?

As we said, more power means a bigger battery pack. It doesn’t matter how impressive a portable charger’s specs are if it’s a pain to carry around. Power banks range in size from slim and pocket-sized to whopping boxes as big as a book. They can get heavy, too. While it can be tempting to get the biggest, most powerful charger, you will make a better choice if you’re realistic about your needs.

What are you charging?

When you choose a portable charger, you’ll want to remember what you will be using it for. Most people tend to buy chargers to top off their best tablet, new iPhone, Bluetooth headphones, or noise-cancelling earbuds: As a result, most portable battery packs are made for that purpose. If you’re looking to charge something bigger, like a laptop, you should make sure to get a charger that has the right ports for the job. For larger devices, you will also need to make sure the charging rate is actually high enough to replenish your laptop’s battery.

How quickly can it charge your devices?

The second major consideration when buying a portable charger is how fast it charges. Different batteries can charge devices at different rates, depending on the device and the cable used to charge. In general, portable chargers tend to be slower than plugging a device into a wall, but some are faster than others. Check the maximum charging rate, measured in watts (W), to determine how quickly most devices will charge.  For a portable charger, 18 watts is considered a good charging speed. 27 watts is excellent.

Sometimes companies will show a battery’s voltage and amperage rather than a rate in Watts: In that case, multiply the two numbers to get the rate in watts. For example: If a charger serves 5 volts at 2 amps (5V/2A), its charging rate is 10W. (5 x 2 = 10).

How fast does the battery pack charge itself?

It’s also important to look at how long you need to juice each charger back up to full capacity. When you’re in a pinch and pressed for time, knowing you can fall back on a fast-charging portable device offers peace of mind. A good charging rate, for example, is anywhere from 3 hours (111.11 mAh/min) to 4 hours (111.48 mAh/minute), though there have been packs that have charged back up to 100% in just 20 minutes or so. The larger the battery bank, the longer it will need to charge, especially when you factor in larger capacities. This rate may differ from pack to pack if the charger can power other devices. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best portable chargers

• Best overall: OtterBox Performance Fast Charge Power Bank
• Best multipurpose: Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000
• Best for travel: Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand
• Best with flashlight: superallure Solar Charging Power Bank
• Best with wireless charging: Mophie Charge Stream
• Best large: Goal Zero Sherpa Wireless Portable AC Power Bank
• Best for laptops: Anker 747 Power Bank
• Best budget: INIU Portable Charger

Possessing the best portable charger can be a real lifesaver under the right circumstances. There isn’t that much to the tech, but there’s still a surprising amount of variation from device to device. It pays to learn their ins and outs to tell the difference, whether you need a slim power bank to get a quick jolt or something massive that can keep a laptop going for days. No matter what, we can all agree on one thing: Nobody likes having a battery die on them.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best portable chargers for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for campers		Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock		SEE IT	A durable option that doesn’t hurt the bank.
Best for hikers		Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks		SEE IT	These socks are made of Merino wool, which will keep your feet warm and dry.
Best solar generator		Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300		SEE IT	Power small appliances while camping.

It feels safe to assume that—after spending the better part of many years cooped up inside classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, and/or dorm rooms—any grad is ready for a change of scenery, especially grads who love the actual outdoors. Once all their schoolwork is done, grades have been entered, and degrees are in hand, these grads will surely feel it’s time some exploits braving the elements, and you can help by giving graduation gifts for outdoor lovers that travel well. Wherever their love for the outdoors takes them, we have you covered with the best graduation gift guide for well-accessorized adventurers.

• Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  
• Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks
• Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro
• Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print
• Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
• Best personalized gift: Engraved Compass
• Best useful: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife
• Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection
• Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag
• Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee
• Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag
• Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit
• Best fire starter: Pull Start Firestarter
• Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler
• Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle
• Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses
• Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot
• Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
• Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit
• Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro
• Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  

Wise Owl Outfitters

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If your favorite grad is equipped with just about everything they need to make it through a backcountry trip, get them camping gifts to introduce even more relaxation and fun to their next outdoor escape. A camping hammock is a perfect way to sit back, take a nap, read a book, or drink a calming beverage outdoors. This is the best hammock from Wise Owl and weighs under 2 pounds, including the hanging straps, so it’s perfect for campers who prioritize portability. When packed down, it’s about the size of a grapefruit, so your grad should be able to easily carry it with them or keep it stashed away in their car. Each hammock comes with tree straps and carabiners for easy setup, with no need for any additional equipment. It comes in over 10 colors so that you can choose their favorite. It’s 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, with a 400-pound weight limit, which should be suitable for just about any user. You can even grab a two-person hammock (weighing only 5 ounces more) if they tend to go camping with a partner or friend.

Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

Brandt Ranj

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No graduation gift guide would be complete without some great speakers. If your recent grad is always on the go—heading out for day hikes, camping trips, beach hangouts, long bike rides, and more—you can’t go wrong gifting them a portable Bluetooth speaker. No matter where they are or what they are doing, a smartphone and a compact speaker will provide the perfect soundtrack for any outdoor activity. The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is an excellent option, weighing under 1 pound and equipped with a flexible handle that can easily attach to a backpack, bike basket, or belt loop. It’s only 4 inches tall, but the small, compact design doesn’t mean you sacrifice anything when it comes to sound. The portable speaker can reach up to 87 decibels (equivalent to standing next to a loud blender or vacuum) and produces full 360-degree sound coverage. This powerful Bluetooth speaker can also withstand the elements and is one of our favorite waterproof speakers for a good reason; it has an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being dropped into a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour, plus it’s dirt/dust-resistant. In addition, the battery lasts a full 13 hours, so your grad can jam outside all day long. And, if they want to be a party-goer and a party-thrower, you can up the energy with a portable party speaker.

Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks  

Smartwool

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A hiker is only as good as their socks are strong, so give a grad who loves to ramble amongst the rocks a pair that will last. While socks may seem like a simple gift, a quality pair or two is one of those hiking gifts that can go a long way. You’ll be taking care of an essential need any avid hiker has and investing in their overall outdoor experiences. Take it from us: nothing ruins a hike faster than angry blisters and constant friction. Smartwool hiking socks come in various colors and sizes, both men’s and women’s. From a tried and true brand, these socks are designed for rugged day hikes and moderate backpacking. An elasticized arch brace provides extra support, medium cushioning absorbs impact, and a flat-toe seam keeps things comfortable. Made from Merino wool and nylon, these socks will keep their feet warm even during cold winter hikes. If your loved one likes to embark on a variety of adventures, you can check out Smartwool’s other socks specifically designed for activities like running, cycling, skiing, and more. There’s a reason we listed them as our favorite wool socks.

Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro

Garmin

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Whether your grad is thinking more about the backcountry or the boardroom, they could use a smartwatch that helps them get where they need to be when they need to be there. And when it comes to multi-band GPS smartwatches, Garmin makes the best adventure accessories out there. Endurance athletes to purposeful wanderers can benefit from the rugged, sensor-embedded case, metrics-rich displays, and accurate navigation resources found in Garmin’s newest Pro editions of the company’s multisport timepieces—available in multiple sizes and colors with different types of scratch-resistant/solar-charging glass.

Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print

Fuzzy Ink

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The perfect grad gifts for outdoor lovers aren’t always the ones they’ll bring on their adventures—they can be ones they’ll appreciate before and after an excursion. A woodsy print or poster is a great present for a graduate who needs a little help decorating their new apartment. At this point, they might have all the gear they need, but what they probably don’t have are elegant pieces that express their personality but also provide a sense of maturity for an adult abode. This print from Fuzzy Ink is an artistic way for your grad to stay inspired. It measures 18 inches by 24 inches and is printed on coated paper with a matte finish, so they won’t have any trouble finding a great spot to display it. This print quietly depicts the beauty and awe that many outdoor enthusiasts find so mesmerizing about being in nature. From the crackling campfire to the expansive display of fir trees, this piece will surely bring joy to a grad who longs to roam around the forest.

Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack

CamelBak

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Any outdoor lover knows how important it is to stay hydrated. Whether hiking, cycling, or running, drinking water is key to preventing heat stroke, dehydration, fatigue, and other issues. Of course, a water bottle is the first thing we think of when it comes to H2O on the go; however, bottles can be bulky and cumbersome. So, if you want to get your grad a great outdoor gift that prioritizes function and efficiency, we recommend a CamelBak Hydration Pack. This multisport hydration backpack can hold 50 ounces of water and easily straps to your back with a long drinking tube and trap management to make hydrating hands-free. All they need to do is bite down and suck to get as much water as necessary—no need to stop during a long run or bike ride to grab a water bottle. The 3D vent mesh provides lightweight comfort and airflow, while front harness pockets can hold snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials. Reflectivity strips are added for extra safety during early morning or nighttime exercise. Your grad will be able to get a run in anytime, anywhere, and stay hydrated all the while. If you’re looking for more options, consider our list of the best hydration packs.

Best personalized gift: Engraved Compass

Etsy

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A personalized gift is always a good idea, especially when you’re celebrating a significant achievement. Giving a gift designed specifically for them—something special that only they will have—will let your grad know how much you care for and support them. If you want to give a personalized gift suited for the outdoors, check out these engraved compasses. You can choose from existing mountainscapes or upload your own favorite photos and illustrations to be perfectly recreated on the compass’s cover. Practically any part of the compass can include etching, so you won’t have to choose between a picture or a message. You can even ask for your own handwriting to be impressed on the metal so your graduate can take a piece of you with them no matter where they travel.

A useful graduation gift for the outdoors: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife

Victorinox

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Outdoor enthusiasts know that it’s essential to prioritize gear that is lightweight, portable, and multipurpose. You will rarely find a seasoned camper lugging around a toolbox, though the need for various utensils and instruments is frequent. From quick repairs to food preparation, a survival tool or multipurpose knife is a helpful gift for anyone who spends a lot of time outside (they can also be pretty practical for indoor use). A Swiss Army knife is practical, classic, and cool. A household name when it comes to compact knives, the Trekker lives up to the hype. Its attached tools include a wood saw, large blade, 3-millimeter and 5-millimeter screwdrivers, wire stripper, can opener, tweezers, toothpick, and more. It’s one of those camping gifts that offer pretty much everything you need to make it through the trek without any issues. A knife like this is a thoughtful graduation gift that they are guaranteed to use for years to come.

Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection

Paddywax Candles

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A candle is a fantastic gift for any graduate, signifying new beginnings and ordaining their adult apartment, or childhood bedroom, with sophisticated, balanced scents to keep them calm as they figure out their next steps. We’re a fan of scented gifts in general. But if your recent grad pines for the outdoors but doesn’t have time to travel just yet, a candle that brings nature to them is even more highly recommended. Paddywax has created a National Park Service-inspired collection that features the complex aromas of our country’s natural wonders. “Yellowstone” has hints of sagebrush and fir, the “Great Smoky Mountains” features Maplewood and moss, “Acadia” has seagrass and driftwood, while the “Grand Canyon” smells like cactus flowers and fern. Each candle is 11 ounces and has a burn time between 50 and 60 hours. When they’ve used up every drop of wax the candle has to offer, grads can upcycle the jars and repurpose them as plant pots, beauty tool holders, catch-alls, and more. Best of all, Paddywax donates a minimum of $25,000 per year to the National Parks Foundation, so your gift will not only go to your graduate but support the beautiful natural landmarks they love so much.

Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag

YETI

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There is only one thing better than a day outdoors, and that is a day outdoors with snacks. Whether they plan on packing a lunch for a mountaintop picnic or bringing a few celebratory drinks to a grad party on the beach, beverages, and munchies are a must-have for your graduate’s next outside hang. A cooler is the best way to keep their tasty treats fresh all day long, so they never have to worry about their food heating up in the sun while they hike or swim. This YETI lunch bag is the perfect gift for grads to take food outside or pack a tasty lunch for their new job. Available in two sizes, a standard box or larger bag, and a variety of colorways, this pack uses Coldcell Flex insulation” technology and a “thermosnap” closure to keep food at the correct temperature, hot or cold. The adjustable grid means you can set the size by simply closing the top hook into any one of the available hoops. That way, the lunch bag can easily fit under a desk or be stuffed with snacks and drinks using all of its available 15.75 inches. This bag will pair well with just about any outdoor excursion, so your grad will be able to pack all the necessities and then some.

Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee

540Brands

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If you want to get sweet, versatile graduation gifts guaranteed to make them smile, go with cute graphic tees like this one from Outdoor Life. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, the “Go Play Outside” slogan is a fun way for you to tell everyone you see where your priorities lie. Made from 100-percent cotton and available in five colorways, this T-shirt will complement any hunter, angler, hiker, camper, surfer, sailor—just about any outdoor enthusiast you could think of. The soft material makes these tees particularly great for lounging around a campfire, though we recommend sizing up for maximum coziness—your grad will thank you.

Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag

STNKY

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STNKY’s Bag Pro Wash Bag is the simple gift our adventurous grad didn’t know they needed. The zip-up laundry bag can hold all of their dirty clothes during multi-day camping and hiking trips to prevent unwanted odors and bacteria from getting onto their clean ones. When it’s time to wash their clothes, the STNKY bag can be unzipped and turned inside out, at which point the clothes will fall into the washing machine without being touched. The bag itself is also machine washable, which is a nice bonus. Anyone who struggles to stay organized and sanitary during their next outdoor trip will love this gift.

Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit

Colsen

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Sometimes setting up a big outdoor fire pit isn’t feasible or reasonable, but that doesn’t mean giving up s’mores for the night. Colsen’s Tabletop Portable Fire Pit runs on the company’s odorless liquid fuel, can be set up and ignited within a few minutes, and produces flame up to one foot tall for roughly 45 minutes. This is the ideal gift for someone who’s into glamping or wants a fire pit they can use indoors and out at any point during the year. The fact that you don’t need firewood to ignite it is particularly important because rainy weather can make dry fuel hard to find. And if you happen to have a grad living somewhere with a sizeable backyard/patio, you can give them a tasteful taste of the campfire life at home with a Solo Stove Bonfire firepit.

Best firestarter: Pull Start Firestarter

Pull Start Fire

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On the other hand, if you’re shopping for someone who spends days upon days out in the woods, they’re going to need Pull Start Firestarter. The fire starter is literally ignited by pulling a string built into its small box. Smoke will begin to billow from the box, indicating that the fire starter will be fully ignited within three seconds. It lasts up to 30 minutes once fully ignited. Beyond the convenience of not having to strike a match, keeping a pack of these around can be helpful during an emergency. It’s very difficult to light wet wood with a match, but prolonged exposure to a fire starter can do the trick. Whether they’re trying to save time or their own life, your grad will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Firestarter in their pack.

Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler

RTIC

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No campsite or boat is complete without a cooler that can reliably keep foods and beverages cold for hours—or days—at a time. If you’re shopping for a grad who’s planning a big summer trip, there’s a good chance Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler is the perfect gift. The high-capacity cooler has three inches of insulation to maintain a consistent temperature inside, but it was engineered to be nearly a third lighter than the competition. This means it’ll be easier to carry when filled with ice, food, and dozens of cans. A cooler is one of the few gifts that may actually last your grad a lifetime, so it’s important to make the right choice. If you know they tend to pack extra light, RTIC also offers a 32-Quart model of this same cooler. Want more options? Check out more of the best coolers for camping.

Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle

Hydro Flask

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Enjoying a bottle of wine on a mountain sounds like a dream—but wine bottles and hiking don’t exactly mix. Give your grad the gift of sneaky boozing with this ceramic reusable wine bottle from Hydro Flask, which fits one 750 mL bottle of wine. It’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and BPA-free for peace of mind. TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation keeps whites chilled and reds at room temp, and a ceramic-lined interior prevents flavor transfer. Although it’s advertised for wine, we think it’s also perfect for any spirit: Our favorite nature-inspired aqua vitae is Tin Cup Whiskey, cut with water from the Rocky Mountains and named after the tin cups miners used to drink. Need a more traditionally shaped option? Check out our favorite insulated water bottles.

Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses

Silipint

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We’ve included the Silipint in our best camping gifts guide, but we think it makes a great gift especially for someone who may be too transient for real drinkware. These shatterproof “glasses” are made of 100% food-grade silicone, meaning you don’t have to deal with dangerous broken glass. Plus, they’re a fun, bright way to reduce the amount of plastic your grad may use between graduation and their very first job.

Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot

Amanda Reed

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Chaco is known for its rugged and arch-supporting sandals, but we think their covered shoe offerings deserve some praise. The Ramble Puff Ankle Boot feels like a down parka for your feet, and they’re perfect for throwing on after a day of skiing or hiking. And, water-resistant rip-stop nylon means they’re not just indoor shoes—they can hold up in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for something that slips on, the Ramble Puff also comes in a clog style just as comfy and dreamy as its boot brethren. Our staff writer lives in both the clog and boot for women—don’t ask her to pick her favorite. Speaking of puffy stuff …

Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down

ThermaRest

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We all know the importance of having appropriate layers for hiking—but what if you want to stay warm without having to wear the same jacket you’ve worn all day. The Honcho Poncho from Therm-a-Rest (also makers of excellent sleeping pads) combines the lightweight, warm properties of 650-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down with a water-resistant 100% recycled polyester shell for a wearable sleeping bag. You can wear it around the campsite or campfire or lay it out in your tent and use it as a blanket. Its front pocket doubles as a stuff sack to make it easy to stow away back into your pack (or to use it as a lite pillow).

Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit

Opinel

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These knives are great for a grad who trying to step up their outdoor cooking game. The kit comes with a serrated folding knife, a folding corkscrew knife, a pocket peeler, a beechwood cutting board, and a microfiber cleaning cloth that doubles as a travel pouch. A Virobloc safety ring is attached to all knives/peelers to make it safer to open and transport the kit. Your grad never has to struggle to cut a piece of campfire-cook beef or a hunk of crusty bread again.

Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot

Tony Ware

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Your grad deserves a new pair of hiking boots for successfully climbing the mountain that is college. This one from Vasque is comfortable—our assistant managing editor (his ankles and dog shown above) says, “Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to … boot … the Vasque Breeze immediately impressed me by requiring zero break-in, then continued to impress me with its stability and traction.” This means grads can climb the highly-graded mountain of post-grad life and worry more about their rent than getting blisters. They’re waterproof and made of sustainable, durable materials for years and years of adventures.

Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro

BioLite

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Grad gifts are all about shiny new things, and this new headlamp from BioLite should excite your night crawler. It packs 800 powerful, bright Lumens to illuminate any dark trails … or the way to the bathroom at night. Your grad will get 150 hours of power on low; seven hours on high; and 8 hours on reserve. It recharges using a micro USB port, and includes a Constant Mode for full illumination without auto-dimming. Plus, 3D SlimFit tech gives you bounceless, slipless, and near-weightless wear. Being comfortable and able to see where you’re stepping? Sounds like a win.

Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Jackery

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Jackery topped our list of the best solar generators, and we love the company’s small-but-mighty portable power station that can be charged by a wall outlet, car outlet, and the sun (!!!). The solar panel isn’t included, but you can get this bundle that solves the lack of solar panel upon purchase. It’s easy to carry at 7.1 pounds and can charge up to six devices while your grad is on outdoor adventures. Your grad may go outdoors to unplug, but you’ll get peace of mind that their phone or other powered essentials won’t die out in the wilderness.

Things to consider when picking gifts for folks who love the outdoors

From lite hiking gifts to entertaining accessories to full-on camping gifts, you can help recent graduates prepare for whatever their next exploration entails. Or, for graduates moving to a new city or starting a new job and unsure they’ll get out much in those early post-grad days, give graduation gifts that remind them of what they love, from naturally scented candles to beautiful nature prints. The key is determining their favorite outdoor activities, skills, comfort level, and existing accouterments, allowing you to match the grad with the gift.

Final thoughts on the best graduation gifts for outdoors enthusiasts

• Best for campers: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock  
• Best for grad parties in the backyard or backcountry: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best for hikers: Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks
• Best for interval training to interviews: Garmin epix Pro and Garmin fēnix 7 Pro 
• Best for your grad’s new apartment: Fuzzy Ink Wilderness Print
• Best for outdoor athletes: CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
• Best personalize gift: Engraved Compass
• Best useful: Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Knife
• Best thoughtful: Paddywax Candles Parks Collection
• Best for day trips: YETI Packable Lunch Bag
• Best wearable: Outdoor Life Tee
• Best for dirty hiking clothes: STNKY Bag Pro Wash Bag
• Best portable firepit: Colsen Tabletop Portable Fire Pit
• Best fire starter: Pull Start Firestarter
• Best hard cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light 55 Quart Hard Cooler
• Best for post-trail drinks: Hydro Flask 25 oz Ceramic Reusable Wine Bottle
• Best unbreakable glasses: Silipint Silicone Pint Glasses
• Best for ski lodge lounging: Chaco Ramble Puff Ankle Boot
• Best for camp comfort: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down
• Best for camp chefs: Opinel Nomad Camping Kitchen Utensil Kit
• Best hiking boot: Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best headlamp: BioLite 800 Pro
• Best solar generator: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

We hope this graduation gift guide for grads who love the outdoors has filled you with ideas and inspiration for the perfect present. Whether you’re celebrating a trekking champion, kayaking aficionado, or dedicated camper, you’ll find grad gifts for outdoor lovers that fit their specific interests. After all, a graduation gift, whether it’s hiking gifts or camping gifts, or apartment decor, is about celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them to follow their dreams while holding onto their passions. 

PopSci wants to help you find the most useful shopping recommendations for the best gifts regardless of occasion or preoccupation. Searching for more unique gifts? Check out our additional expert gift guides, including Best Gifts for Travelers, Sustainable Gifts, Gifts to Turn Any Kitchen Into a Café, New Gear for those New Year New You Resolutions, and Science Toys for Kids.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post A graduation gift guide for grads who love the outdoors: From practical tools to personalized accessories appeared first on Popular Science.

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The Nines are the latest in Klipsch’s wildly popular family of retro-modern, media-friendly powered speakers, which launched in 2020 with The Fives, compact powerhouses that claimed the first HDMI-ARC connection in a bookshelf speaker. Like The Fives and The Sevens before them, a pair of Klipsch The Nines speakers ($1,499) aims to deliver an expressive audio experience that seamlessly integrates with just about any entertainment setup, while exuding a heritage-inspired aesthetic that pays homage to mid-century elegance.

Sarah Jones

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Overview

• The Nines are the top of three models in the Klipsch line of Heritage-inspired powered bookshelf (or standmount) speakers.
• The brand’s signature horn-mounted driver delivers a fleshy, high-fidelity presence across an almost multidimensional soundstage.
• These are a great pair of speakers if you have numerous sources but can’t find the space or budget for discrete components.

Pros

• The sound—classic Klipsch concert-like sound
• Plentiful inputs and robust internal amps mean you can skip the added expense of an AV receiver
• HDMI-ARC makes integration in a home theater with a modern TV easy
• Can decode most digital files up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
• A built-in phono preamp means no external hardware is needed with moving magnet cartridge turntables
• Dynamic Bass feature can provide enough low-end that a subwoofer is a bonus, not a requirement (a plus in apartments)

Cons

• Price (though they’re a relative bargain compared to many connected stereo speakers)
• Height, weight, and vibration produced mean you need an extremely sizable, sturdy bookshelf, so it’s just better to pay extra for stands
• An external phono preamp can still outperform the build-in signal path

Verdict: Klipsch The Nines speakers exude retromodern style and hypermodern versatility, making them a, well, sound investment for audio-video audiophiles.

The build

The Nines’ warm-and-cozy retro exterior belies their high-tech innards. Vintage-inspired cabinets are finished with handcrafted wood veneers and top-mounted brushed-metal input-selection and volume dials. Speakers are available in walnut or ebony and feature removable magnetic grilles; I left mine off. (A collectible McLaren Edition, designed in partnership with McLaren Racing, is finished in the vibrant orange and white motif of the McLaren F1 dynasty.)

When you describe “the Klipsch sound,” anyone familiar with the brand will immediately think of the visually and audibly recognizable horns, with their clear, commanding presence. The Nines are two-way powered speakers featuring 1” titanium tweeters on Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix horns. These 90° x 90°, silicone-composite horns stretch from edge to edge, a design optimized for the most efficient high-frequency transfer, for more detailed, accurate sound. (This proprietary technology also aims to minimize reverb from sound reflecting off walls.) Woofers are all-new 8” long-throw fiber composite cones, and cabinets feature rear-firing bass-reflex ports.

Minimalists, rejoice: Because The Nines are self-powered speakers, there’s no need to connect an external amp, receiver, or even a phono preamp. The Nines use a bi-amped design, featuring a built-in 240W RMS (480W peak) amplifier—100 watts to each woofer and 20 watts to each tweeter—optimized with a sophisticated DSP package integrating crossovers, limiters, and EQ.

When it comes to connecting all your favorite sound sources, from your TV to your turntable, these speakers are truly ready to rock (or jazz or hip-hop or house, etc.). Inputs include integrated HDMI-ARC, USB-B, optical, and analog 3.5mm; high-res aficionados will be happy to learn that digital-to-analog conversion is at 192 kHz/24-bit. (One caveat: The Nines do not accept files in the MQA or FLAC formats, so you’ll need to decode them to PCM at your source.) The Nines also have a built-in phono preamp, with a switchable phono/line RCA in and a ground connection, plus a subwoofer out (with a 60Hz crossover). Finally, the Nines offer Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, including aptX, aptX HD, and AAC support (the former two commonly found on Android devices and the latter the native Apple protocol). However, there is no built-in WiFi/AirPlay/Chromecast/Spotify Connect, etc.

Everything you need to connect your speakers is in the box, including a proprietary four-conductor cable that connects the powered speaker to the secondary speaker (either speaker can serve as left or right); an extension speaker cable; and HDMI, USB-B to USB-A, and AC power cables, plus a no-frills remote (AAA batteries included, though we always recommend rechargeables).

These are big, brawny boxes, measuring 19 x 9.5 x 13 inches, weighing around 28 pounds each, and approaching the size of commercial studio monitors. It’s advisable to place these musical monoliths on stands for optimal response and to avoid vibrations interfering with your turntable. (Klipsch stands feature hidden cable channels and threaded inserts for securing your speakers.) 

Setup is plug-and-play simple and takes just minutes. (A quick note, however, about connecting turntables: When running a phono signal directly from a turntable to your speakers, you might face longer cable paths than you would if you were connecting your turntable to a receiver; be aware that phono cable lengths longer than three feet can degrade sound quality, and plan accordingly.)

Once you’re physically up and running, pair the speakers with your smartdevice and use the Klipsch Connect App as a virtual remote and to access EQ controls and firmware updates. I found the app clumsy and sluggish to connect and update, but very easy to operate. Functions include a customizable three-band graphic EQ with presets, which can be useful if you need to boost mids to hear movie dialog better or crave extra-deep bass in your gaming soundtrack, for example, but listening to music, I left the EQ flat at all times. The app also offers processing compensating for wall or corner speaker placement, a Night Mode that adjusts dynamic range for quieter listening, and a Dynamic Bass function, which boosts low end at low volume levels.

The sound

Decades ago, Klipsch founder Paul Klipsch identified four design principles that he felt led to the most lifelike recreation of the live concert experience at home: high efficiency, low distortion, controlled directivity, and flat frequency response. Together, these principles provide the foundation for the signature “Power Detail Emotion” focus in premier Klipsch towers, and they are well-represented in The Nines.

I used The Nines in a music-only setup, streaming TIDAL over USB from my laptop and over Bluetooth on my iPhone 13 Pro. l connected an Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP direct-drive turntable, A/B-ing a direct phono in using The Nines’ built-in phono preamp and a path through an ART DJ Pre II phono preamp to The Nines as line-in. Spoiler alert: The external preamp won out, delivering slightly cleaner, slightly more dynamic sound, especially at higher volumes. But given the convenience factor, I doubt many Nines users will find their internal preamp (which only supports moving magnet cartridges, FYI) a deal-breaker. It’s just one of several signal paths you can take. These speakers could easily flank the plinth of a quality turntable (with or without a built-in preamp) to create a relatively compact, aesthetically and aurally pleasing listening station in a single connection; a quick flip of the Line/Phono switch and you’re in business.

Because the cabinet is a rear-ported design, for optimal bass response and imaging it’s best to set speakers at least 12 to 18 inches away from the wall, which I did; another selling point for stands. This two-way speaker package produces a wide frequency range of 34 Hz to 25 kHz. I found The Nines’ bass output so deeply extended and articulate that a subwoofer was unnecessary for my music-listening setup. Gamers, hip-hop fans, and action-movie junkies may seek a bigger boom. Still, given how much air these beefy 8” woofers can move, I recommend trying the speakers without a sub first, especially if you are in a shared-wall living situation.

In my large (15×20-foot) listening space, The Nines sounded balanced and natural out of the box. I never felt the need to tinker with the response, choosing instead to dive right in. (That said, if you’re hoping to tease out some nuances, the Connect App gives you access to a three-band graphic EQ with bands centered at 200 Hz, 1 kHz, and 4 kHz; you can save your preferences as custom settings.)

Feeling inspired by The Nines’ bass for days, I queued up Crystal Waters’ classic house banger, “100% Pure Love.” I was instantly transported to the clubs of my youth, triggering the muscle memory of clambering atop massive PA speakers in the days before I knew better. Everything—the bone-melting bass, the silky-smooth, snaking vocals, those knife-edged cowbell clanks—sounded incredibly clear and balanced, with deep, defined lows and ultra-clean, pinpoint-precise highs, even at blow-the-roof-off levels, which is what this track demands. Think of The Nines’ sound as effortless meets in-your-face.

The Nines showcased the modal intricacies of Miles Davis’ “Nardis,” as realized on Bill Evans’ landmark 1968 live recording Bill Evans–At the Montreux Jazz Festival, in astonishing clarity. Every textural detail was brought to life, from the sandpapery slide of bassist Eddie Gomez’ virtuosic fingers traveling down the neck of his instrument to the crisp counterpoint of Jack DeJohnette’s drums as they cascaded into a kaleidoscopic solo.

Because Klipsch speakers are highly efficient, their drivers don’t have to work very hard, which helps bring dynamic range to levels comparable to a live performance. And because they’re bi-amped, they offer great separation between high and low frequencies. To me, the overall effect was that of sitting in the front row, an expansive soundstage washing over me, each instrument presented with remarkable depth and distinct separation.

And although I generally listen at old-lady conservative levels, with The Nines, I never heard compression at high volumes or experienced fatigue over long listening sessions. I found I didn’t need the Dynamic Bass turned on to feel every articulate attack, but YMMV.

The conclusion

More and more, powered home speakers are morphing into entertainment hubs, dishing out everything from built-in streaming to sophisticated DSP to inputs that support every device you own (think the wireless network-enabled KEF LS50 Wireless II and JBL 4305P, among others). Although the all-in-one system is somewhat at odds with the audiophile “mix and match components until it’s perfect” ethos, as The Nines demonstrate, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy amazing sound in a convenient package without the expense and learning curve (and clutter!) of building a hi-fi system. The Nines even add the vinyl-friendly preamp that those other WiFi-connected speakers lack.

Considering their lineage and the success of their predecessors, it’s almost a given that The Nines sound amazing. Their sound signature can be characterized by its exceptional coherence, impressive imaging, and a sense of depth that draws you into the heart of the music. Bass is punchy and defined, and the midrange is rich and textured, for a warm and lifelike audio experience. Highs are crisp and detailed, a sparkling presence with no edgy harshness. The Nines’ comprehensive features and seamless connectivity make them standouts in their class.

Using these speakers feels a bit like enjoying the ease and convenience of a soundbar while experiencing the sonic separation, imaging, chest-thumping bass, and room-filling energy of component speakers. Add in their gorgeous vintage looks, and Klipsch The Nines speakers strike an ideal balance between versatility and charm and are sure to satisfy discerning listeners seeking to bring a new dimension of fun to gaming, movies, and, of course, music.

The post Klipsch The Nines loudspeakers review: Huge hi-fi sound, simple setup appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Dell S2722DZ		SEE IT	Dell’s mid-range S2722DZ monitor hits all the right marks, including a high-quality webcam and versatile features like USB-C connectivity.
Best 4K		Samsung M8 Smart Monitor		SEE IT	The Samsung M8 Smart Monitor blurs the line between monitors and TVs with an impressive feature-set you can use with or without a computer.
Best curved		Philips Brilliance 499P9H		SEE IT	Loaded with features, the massive Philips Brilliance 499P9H ultrawide can easily do the job of two monitors.

Monitors with built-in webcams can make life a lot simpler for people who need to spend time on video calls but don’t want a lot of clutter or devices strewn about their desks. For most people, a dedicated webcam is still the way to go to ensure a sharp feed in meetings, but there’s a growing number of high-end productivity-focused monitors built with video conferencing in mind. Using a monitor with an internal webcam eliminates the unsightly clutter of a larger, standalone webcam. If you’re a laptop user, there’s a good chance you’ll get both a bigger screen to look at and better picture quality when on video calls.

For monitor shoppers, however, a webcam heaps extra factors onto an already-complicated world of specs you need to understand when picking out your next PC display. If you need a bit of guidance, we have some thoughts on how to pick the best monitor with a built-in webcam, including a set of recommendations with awesome options for every kind of PC user. 

• Best overall: Dell S2722DZ
• Best 4K: Samsung M8 Smart Monitor
• Best 27-inch: HP E27m G4
• Best curved: Philips Brilliance 499P9H
• Best budget: ​Dell S2422HZ
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display

How we picked the best monitors with built-in webcams

Most monitors do not have a built-in webcam, so we’re working with a much smaller number of monitors than we usually do. That said, all the usual rules for picking a great one still apply.

As a freelance writer who’s covered technology for publications including Engadget, Popular Mechanics, and Reviewed, I’ve spent a lot of time using, researching, and staying up to date on the latest monitors. In addition to testing, I surveyed a wide range of professional reviews and consumer impressions to determine the best monitors with built-in webcams on the market today.

The best monitors with built-in webcams: Reviews & Recommendations

Our list of the best monitors with built-in webcams consists of monitors that make the fewest trade-offs possible while offering all-in-one convenience. We focused on the overall monitor quality first and the webcam quality second, but we ruled out any models that were consistently noted to have poor webcam quality. We also paid attention to other features like connectivity and built-in speakers that can help to further simplify your setup.

Best overall: Dell S2722DZ

Dell

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Dell’s S2722DZ is an incredibly well-rounded display, making it a perfect pick for home office workers looking for a monitor with a built-in webcam.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Ports: USB-C (65W), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.2 (2), 3.5mm audio out
• Panel type: IPS
• Webcam: 5-megapixel IR pop-up camera
• Webcam resolution: 1080p

Pros

• Great value
• Ample connectivity 
• Full-featured webcam

Cons

• Not 4K

Dell makes quite a few monitors with built-in webcams but the 27-inch S2722DZ hits a sweet spot for generalist office workers. The 1440p, “QHD” resolution will be more than adequate for non-visual arts work, watching videos, and even gaming. Its 5MP pop-up webcam can stream in 1080p at 30fps and is compatible with Windows Hello. Though it looks large, you can conveniently tuck it away when it isn’t in use. A pair of built-in 5W speakers and noise-canceling microphones round out the all-in-one package. There are also plenty of ports and connection options, including USB-C (with 65 W of power delivery), HDMI, DisplayPort, and a pair of USB 3.2 ports—plus a 3.5mm audio out if you do decide to upgrade the speakers. Considering its often discounted price tag, it’s an overall value that’s tough to beat.

Best 4K: Samsung M8 Smart Monitor

Amanda Reed

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Samsung M8 Smart Monitor stands out in more ways than one, offering all the features you’d expect from a smart TV in a sleek package that’ll look great on your desk. 

Specs

• Size: 32-inch
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: USB-C (65W), micro HDMI 
• Panel type: VA
• Webcam: Detachable webcam with privacy cover
• Webcam resolution: 1080p

Pros

• Built-in processor allows you to use it for basic functions without a PC
• Magnetic webcam that’s removable and adjustable
• Multiple color options

Cons

• Connectivity options may be limited for some
• No Windows Hello support

Plenty of people use their monitor as a TV, whether it’s for console gaming or video streaming, but Samsung’s 32-inch, 4K M8 Smart Monitor goes the extra mile and throws in an onboard processor, allowing to perform basic productivity functions, including video calls, without connecting to a PC. You could call it a smart TV dressed up as a monitor.

When disconnected from other devices, you control the M8 through a smart TV-esque smart hub, complete with a range of streaming apps (plus support for Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay), a remote control, and, naturally, built-in speakers.

Wired connectivity options are considerably more limited, however, with only upstream and downstream USB-C ports, plus a micro HDMI port on offer (no DisplayPort or additional USB ports for connecting multiple peripherals). You can also connect wireless devices via Bluetooth.

As for the webcam, it isn’t built-in, so much as it is a fully removable webcam that comes baked into the monitor. That gives you the ability to tilt the Full HD (1080p) webcam to get the right angle when you need to. The webcam also comes with a camera cover, an always-welcome feature to let you prevent people from seeing you when you aren’t ready for them.

Best 27-inch: HP E27m G4

HP

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: With plenty of connectivity options, HP’s E27m G4 monitor is an ideal all-in-one hub for anyone with lots of peripherals.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Ports: USB-C (65W), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.2 (4), Ethernet, 3.5mm audio out
• Panel type: IPS
• Webcam: 5-megapixel IR pop-up camera
• Webcam resolution: 1080p

Pros

• Loads of ports
• Pop-up, adjustable webcam
• Front-facing speakers

Cons

• Expensive for its feature-set

The HP E27m G4 has a lot in common with our top pick, the Dell S2722DZ. It’s a little pricier but comes with a few advantages that may give it an edge depending on your needs. The form factor is similar: Both monitors are 27-inch QHD displays with pop-up 5MP webcams: The E27m G4 features larger forward-facing speakers that provide better sound, and even more connectivity options than the Dell, though. It too has a 65W USB-C port, DisplayPort, and HDMI, but also has a whopping four USB-A ports and Ethernet. A monitor is already front and center in your setup: The HP E27m G4 lets it serve as a connectivity hub as well.

Best curved: Philips Brilliance 499P9H

Walmart

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Why it made the cut: An ultrawide display designed with productivity in mind, the Philips Brilliance 499P9H is perfect for dual-computer setups.

Specs

• Size: 48.8-inch
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 70Hz
• Ports: USB-C (65W), DisplayPort, HDMI (2), USB 3.1 (3), Ethernet, 3.5mm audio out
• Panel type: VA
• Webcam: 2-megapixel IR pop-up camera
• Webcam resolution: 1080p

Pros

• Huge display
• Built-in KVM switch
• Plenty of connectivity options

Cons

• Webcam falls short of other monitors
• Hard to find

The Philips Brilliance 499P9H can easily take the place of two standard 27-inch displays. Its curved 49-inch 5120 x 1440 resolution display gives you a huge canvas to work on. A built-in KVM switch also makes it a very strong choice for work-from-home power users who regularly switch between using personal and professional PCs.

At only 2MP, the pop-up webcam on the 499P9H leaves something to be desired. It does, however, support Windows Hello. A 49-inch curved ultrawide monitor won’t be for everyone, but the Philips Brilliance 499P9H is a unique offering and a great fit for the right kind of office workflow optimizer.

Best budget: ​Dell S2422HZ

Dell

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Buy it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the cut: An affordable option that doesn’t compromise where it counts, the ​Dell S2422HZ is ideal for anyone with more modest needs or a smaller space.  

Specs

• Size: 24-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Ports: USB-C (65W), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.2 (2), 3.5mm audio out
• Panel type: IPS
• Webcam: 5-megapixel IR pop-up camera
• Webcam resolution: 1080p

Pros

• Affordable
• Ample connectivity options
• Full-featured webcam

Cons

• 24-inch display may be small for some

Technically, you can get a cheaper monitor with a built-in webcam than the Dell S2422HZ, but this smaller counterpart to our top pick offers a better all-around value than you’re likely to find in more basic models, at a similar price point. The 24-inch, 1920 x 1080 display has basically all of the same great features as the Dell S2722DZ, including a 5MP pop-up webcam, 5-watt speakers, and USB-C connectivity with 65 watts of laptop-charging power. Dell also offers one of the best warranties around on monitors and includes a Premium Panel Exchange policy that will replace a panel for free if you find even one faulty pixel.

Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display

Bestbuy

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: It’s expensive, and not without issues, but Apple’s Studio Display is an attainable 5K display with all the design flourishes you’d expect from an Apple product.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3/USB-C (96W), USB-C (3)
• Panel type: IPS
• Webcam: 12-megapixel fixed camera
• Webcam resolution: 1080p

Pros

• 5K display with great color accuracy
• Impressive sound from built-in speakers
• 12-megapixel webcam with Center Stage support

Cons

• Expensive
• Webcam picture quality issues require an upcoming firmware update

Eagerly anticipated by Mac lovers, the new Apple Studio Display finally delivers on the promise of a high-end monitor made by Apple for its desktop fans and Macbook Pro aficionados. While it isn’t as performant as Apple’s obscenely priced Pro Display XDR, you do get a great 27-inch, 5K display for the money and most of the features you’d expect from a pro-level monitor, including a Thunderbolt 3 port that delivers 96W of power, three USB-C ports, and one of the best speaker systems you’ll find in a monitor. 

Unfortunately, the monitor’s 12MP webcam has been the monitor’s one big point of contention at launch, with a number of reviews finding its performance to be lackluster given the monitor’s hefty price tag. Apple is promising a fix in a future software update, however, and we did find the webcam to still at least be usable in our testing.

What to consider before buying a monitor with a built-in webcam

While the webcam is the distinguishing feature of the monitors in this guide, it does not change the core requirements of what makes for a great monitor. Ultimately, finding a monitor with the right resolution, refresh rate, and other features are all prerequisites for making this list, and you probably shouldn’t compromise on any of them for the sake of a feature that can be easily tacked on for an extra $100 or so.

We have many, many guides on picking specialty monitors—for Macs, color grading, gaming, etc.—so we’ll only cover the basics here. You’ll want to get one that’s the right size for your needs—likely at least a 24- or 27-inch monitor for most people, or even larger for some uses—but don’t compromise on technical performance for the sake of buying bigger. If some features are particularly important to you, like color accuracy for creative professionals or refresh rate for gamers, it’s probably a good idea to broaden your choices and consider monitors both with and without a webcam to see which option makes the most sense for you. 

Monitor specs 101

In order to get the sharpest possible picture, you should treat picking your monitor’s resolution and size as a single decision. Bigger and higher-res always look better, but there’s a sweet spot for getting the best possible picture from a display if you pair the right resolution and size. A 1920 x 1080 (or 1080p) monitor looks great on a 24-inch display, but that same resolution will look noticeably less sharp on a 27-inch display, where a 2560 x 1440 (or QHD resolution) will be a much better fit. Likewise, 4K resolution can also provide a bump in picture quality on a 27-inch display, but starts to feel essential when you move up to a 32-inch monitor, or something even larger.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the monitor’s refresh rate, which controls how often the screen draws and redraws what it shows on-screen. A higher refresh rate makes anything that moves on your screen look more fluid. Whether or not you need a high refresh rate, however, comes down to what you’re doing: Gamers will want to look for a high refresh rate monitor—144 Hz or more (scroll back up and click on our gaming monitors round-up for examples)—while most productivity monitors are 60Hz, which is fine for basic office work, though a slightly higher 75Hz display will make things feel more fluid.

If you specialize in creative work—image and video editing—there are other factors you’ll want to focus on to ensure the most accurate picture, such as color accuracy, which determines just how true the colors you see on the monitor are to real life. There are a number of different standards that different manufacturers use to measure color reproduction. Scroll back up and click through to our round-up on the best monitors for color grading has an explainer if you want to get into the nitty-gritty but, fair warning, it gets very technical, very fast.

What a built-in webcam brings to the table

Webcams built into monitors run the gamut of quality. Some monitors have a tiny webcam built into the bezel just like a laptop. Others have larger pop-up webcams, which can be both more full-featured and flexible. You can conveniently hide them when they’re not needed, and some also let you adjust or tilt the camera to get just the right angle. One of our picks even lets you remove it altogether. 

Larger built-in webcams are generally better. They feature larger lenses that can take in more light, leading to better picture quality. This is especially important for poorly or unevenly lit rooms, where a little light has to go a long way. They’ll also be able to house a sensor supporting more megapixels (MP), another factor contributing to a better broadcast.

Lastly, keep in mind that built-in webcams have utility beyond video conferencing and streaming. For Windows users, we recommend looking for monitors with infrared webcams that support Windows Hello, so you can log into your computer using facial recognition instead of a password.       

Other features to pay attention to

Since the appeal of a monitor with a built-in webcam is all-in-one convenience, most also go one step further and include built-in speakers, as well as a built-in microphone (or often multiple microphones for the best performance). As you’d expect, there is a trade-off in sound quality compared to standalone speakers, but they can often be more than adequate if you’re only watching or listening to the occasional video or podcast, and some of the more premium monitors with built-in speakers can sound surprisingly good. 

If you’re connecting a laptop to your monitor, another way to keep your setup as simple as possible is to look for one with USB-C connectivity. That will let you use a single cable to charge your laptop while it’s connected to the monitor, while your peripherals can remain permanently connected to the monitor USB ports instead of your laptop.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors with built-in webcams

Given the growing importance of video calls in our hybrid remote lives, one can only assume that a wave of new and exciting monitors with built-in webcams is on the way. For now, the options are still somewhat limited. That said, you don’t need to wait and hope for good options, because there are already a few good ones to choose from.

The post The best monitors with built-in webcams of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The beginning of summer is a great time to finally get around to those home projects that have been piling up since November. But to do that, you’ll need the right tools for the job, and DeWalt has you covered if you’re stuck with a rusty, crusty screwdriver or a cheap corded drill with barely any torque. The company has discounted its Cordless Drill / Driver Kit to $99—an $80 discount that makes it accessible to many more people (and, coincidentally, makes it an amazing Father’s Day present).

DeWalt Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit $99 (Was $179)

DEWALT

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We like that DeWalt offers this deal on a full kit instead of just a drill because it will likely be a one-and-done purchase. The company has bundled an extra battery, charger, half-inch drill driver, and carrying case. The only accessory we recommend getting is the company’s 45-piece bit set, which will prepare you for any home repair task. The drill itself has all the features we look for in a tool: power (it rotates up to 1,500 times per second); safety (a locking mechanism); ergonomics (a 3.8-pound weight and grippy handle for easy maneuverability); and thoughtful extras (a front-facing light that shines when the drill is activated). This model is also cordless, meaning you can safely carry it up a ladder or use it in places without an outlet.

Given DeWalt’s reputation and this tool’s power—likely more than you’ll need, but helpful to have when necessary—this is probably the last drill you’ll ever need. The company is confident enough to recommend using it on stone, metal, and wood. Whether you’re attaching new gutters to your home, setting up outdoor security cameras, or want to go overkill when tightening screws on cabinet handles, this drill is up for the task. Just remember to keep at least one battery fully charged, and to store it inside the carrying case when it’s not in use to ensure it lasts a lifetime.

More tool deals to help improve your home (and life):

• DeWalt MAX Orbital Sander, $94.74 (Was $179)
• BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Chainsaw, $168.36 (Was $199)
• IRWIN Tools 50 Magnetic Torpedo Level, $4.49 ($7.31)
• IRWIN Hammer, $9.99 (Was $17.66)
• REXBETI Folding Saw, $18.99 (Was $32.99)
• Ryobi 5-1/2″ Circular Saw, $47.90 (Was $64.99)
• EFFICERE 24-Piece All-Purpose Master Combination Wrench Set, $29.99 (Was $44.99)
• Performance Tool 40-Piece SAE and Metric Socket Set, $12.51 (Was $17.99)
• Wera Hexagon Flexible Shaft Bitholding Screwdriver, $20.35 (Was $27.43)
• Stanley Wet/Dry Vacuum, $54.98 (Was $59.97)
• GearLight LED Flashlight, $14.95 (Was $29.94)
• GearLight LED Head Lamp, $12.99 (Was $29.94)

The post Get drilling after grilling with DeWalt deals on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Shokz OpenRun		SEE IT	Impressive battery life, water resistance, and reliable connectivity make these the best pair of bone-conduction headphones around.
Best for kids		N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones		SEE IT	Give your kids a pair of headphones that will provide safe entertainment while they stay active.
Best waterproof		Shokz OpenSwim		SEE IT	A pair of open-ear headphones that’s waterproof, the OpenSwim suit doing laps in the pool swimmingly.

If you’ve got a bone to pick with the way traditional audio devices disconnect you from the world, there is another option: bone-conduction headphones. Headphones, in general, can play many valuable roles, no (or some) bones about it: they let you jam out to music, dive into podcasts, or dial into phone calls while blocking out environmental noise. This can help you concentrate on tasks, but there are some circumstances when being cut off from what’s around you isn’t optimal. The best bone-conduction headphones let you enjoy all your favorite listening experiences with your ear canal exposed so that you can drive, walk, run, bike, swim, etc.—all while remaining completely aware of your surroundings.

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsound Bone Conduction Headphones

How we chose the best bone-conduction headphones

Bone-conduction headphones are still a relatively new product, but—after consulting academic articles, peer recommendations, real-world user impressions, and our own first-hand tests—we have identified certain models that stand out. Following extensive research, we selected pairs that address the specific needs of athletics, work environments, and age. We chose units that were easy to use, incorporated the features we love about traditional headphones, and prioritized sound quality.

The best bone-conduction headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Sitting right outside the ear on the jaw, bone-conduction headphones are a different physical and acoustic experience than most people are used to. But different can be good. Here are our picks for the best bone-conduction headphones to help keep you in the hear and now.

Best overall: Shokz OpenRun

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: Shokz is dedicated to producing top-tier bone-conducting headphones, and the OpenRun is the company’s most advanced model, employing eight-generation technology to boost sound quality.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP67
• Microphone: Dual noise-canceling

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Impressive battery life
• Sweat-resistant for intense exercise

Cons

• Hard to replace charging cable
• Audio quality can’t hold up against traditional headphones
• Buttons are close together

Without a doubt, Shokz has cornered the bone-conduction headphone market. The company produces thoughtfully engineered, top-quality products, creating an audio experience to complement the activities you enjoy. The OpenRun (formerly the AfterShokz Aeropex) is an excellent pair of bone-conduction headphones overall. Available in four colors and two band sizes, the OpenRun fits gently, yet securely, around the back of the head, looping around the ears and resting against the temples. The headphones employ patented eight-generation bone-conduction technology, are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 SBC, and feature PremiumPitch 2.0+ signal processing, which prevents bleed, minimizes distortion, and produces a more dynamic bass with minimal vibrations. The battery lasts eight hours, and each pair comes with two magnetic USB charging cables, which can provide a full charge in just two hours. A dual noise-canceling mic will let you make clear calls, and included earplugs can help you tune things out when the time is right. An IP67 rating means this pair can withstand dirt, dust, sweat, and rain, while a built-in moisture detector will let you know when it’s getting wet. However, while the OpenRun is water-resistant, it’s not designed to be fully submerged in the pool.

Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: The OpenSwim have an IP68 rating, which means they can be fully submerged in water for up to two hours; you can swim with them without making terrible sacrifices regarding audio quality.

Specs:

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz 
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP68
• Microphone: None

Pros

• Waterproof
• Ample storage for songs and audiobooks
• Comfortably fits under swim cap

Cons

• Single-purpose headphones
• No Bluetooth connection
• Limited color options

The Shokz OpenSwim is specifically designed to deliver your favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts while swimming. These headphones have an IP68 rating, fit comfortably under a swim cap, and can be submerged in 2 meters of water for up to two hours at a time. While these headphones are not Bluetooth compatible, they can store up to 1,200 songs (4 GB) of various file types, including MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC. The OpenSwim headphones feature the same command controls and PremiumPitch 2.0 technology as other Shokz open-ear headphones, so while you won’t be able to stream, you can listen to your favorites with solid, satisfying sound quality. They even come with a noseclip.

Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm

SHOKZ

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Why it made the cut: A DSP noise-canceling microphone means the OpenComm headphones are able to isolate your voice while talking, drowning out any surrounding din but keeping you in tune with your environment.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 16 hours of talk time // 8 hours of listening
• Charge time: 1 hour
• Water resistance: IP55
• Microphone: DSP noise-canceling boom microphone

Pros

• Comfortable for long wear
• Extended battery life for long phone calls
• Boom microphone enhances call quality

Cons

• Shape is hard to store
• Some sound bleed might limit private conversations
• IP55 rating could be better

The OpenComm headphones prioritize clear communication using an adjustable DSP boom microphone that suppresses background noise and highlights your voice when positioned near your mouth. Though the person on the other end of the line won’t pick up on your environment’s sounds, the open-ear headphones will ensure you can hear the person talking on the phone and the one right in front of you. The OpenComm system also lets you bypass your car’s choppy stereo if you have to make a call on the road, without cutting yourself off from the sound of traffic. You can also stay on the call when you’re at a job site or keep connected during a busy commute, all without losing situational awareness. You can get up to 16 hours of talk time or 8 hours of listening, and with Quick Charge, you’ll get a replenished two hours of battery life in just five minutes.

Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones

Amanda Reed

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Why it made the cut: These waterproof, sweatproof headphones will hold up as you pump iron or just rearrange your living room.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 10-minute quick charge
• Water resistance: IP67
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• IP67 rated
• High sound quality
• Long battery life

Cons

• Proprietary charger

Using your sweaty hands to remove your headphones because someone is asking to use the treadmill is common in the gym. So is taking your earbuds out or headphones off repeatedly while roommates/family/friends try to talk to you as you get chores done. Keep your headphones on while keeping your ears open with these sport-friendly HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones. They are IP67 rated, meaning sweat and water won’t get in the way of completing your reps—whether that’s lifting weights or emptying the washer. An eight-hour battery life gives you all-day tunes power, and 10-minute quick charging gives you two hours of power. The sound quality is superb compared to other bone-conduction headphones, with deep bass and a solid range of highs and lows thanks to a strong Bluetooth 5.2 connection. A noise-canceling microphone means you can take calls without the background bleeding into your conversation. However, a proprietary charger means you’ll be tuneless if you lose power on the go, so prep before you step.

Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones

N/0

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Why it made the cut: These headphones include a volume limit of 85 decibels, and the open-ear design means your child will always be able to hear the world around them and when you call for them.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 1-hour quick charge
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Lightweight
• Volume limiter keeps kids’ hearing safe
• Adjustable band can grow with your child

Cons

• Soundbeaming technology is difficult to grasp
• Susceptible to water damage
• No noise cancellation means they’re not great for travel

These open-ear headphones aren’t exactly the same as bone-conduction headphones, but the form factor and effect are similar. With soundbeaming speakers resting outside the ear on the cheekbones, these headphones ensure your active child can stay alert to their surroundings even when listening to their favorite songs. With an adjustable band suitable for children ages 4 to 15 and a volume limit of 85 decibels, these headphones go above and beyond to address any concerns you might have for their awareness or hearing. They are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, 8 hours of battery, and an automatic sensor to control playback. An IP54 rating means you won’t have to worry about a few spills or drops in the dirt. Whether they’re skateboarding, biking, or just running around the backyard, your kids can enjoy music and mobility safely.

Best budget: Guudsound Bone Conduction Headphones

Guudsound

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Why it made the cut: If bone conduction is new to you, you might not be ready to shell out $100 or more. The Guudsound headphones produce satisfying sound quality and suitable specs in a great intro pair.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 6-10 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Useful, responsive multifunction button
• Sound quality is good for the price point

Cons

• Flimsy build
• Sound quality could be improved
• Battery life is just okay

If you want to try out bone conduction but are not ready to invest in a high-end pair, this cheap model from Guudsound might be right for you. Available for less than $40, they are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, a built-in microphone, multifunction buttons, and an adjustable band for comfort. The battery can last up to 10 hours, and a 15-minute quick charge provides one hour of playback. Each pair comes with a USB charging cable and a pair of earplugs so you can create custom noise cancellation.

What to consider when buying the best bone-conduction headphones

If your mom always warns you not to listen to your headphones while walking home at night, or you need to hear the traffic behind you as you pedal to work, try out the best bone-conduction headphones. To determine which pair will work best for your needs, you’ll want to consider where and when you’ll be using them the most. You’ll also want to make sure you understand how they work, especially if this is your first pair of bone-conduction headphones.

First of all, what is bone conduction, and how does it work?

Bone-conduction headphones allow you to experience audio sans any direct interaction with your ear canal or eardrum. While this may sound like some new-fangled, tech-heavy sorcery, there is evidence that bone conduction has been around for centuries. It is rumored that Beethoven relied on bone conduction to compose music after losing his hearing by attaching a metal rod to his piano and biting down on it as he played. But how does it work? 

Typically, sound waves travel through the air and are funneled through the ear canal to the eardrums, where they are then decoded into vibrations and sent to the inner ear (or cochlea), which is connected to the auditory nerve. When the vibrations hit the inner ear fluid, tiny hair cells start to convulse, creating electrical pulses that travel up the auditory nerve to the brain. This process is called air conduction. Bone conduction completely avoids the eardrum and relies on a transducer—like headphones, or a metal conductor’s rod in Beethoven’s case—to convert sound waves into vibrations and send those through the facial bones to be received by the inner ear. Essentially, the vibrations received by the cochlea are the same no matter which way you receive them; they are simply sent via a different pathway. 

This concept has even been used in reverse. The Sony WF-1000XM4 earphones include a bone-conduction sensor that picks up the vibrations from your voice during calls to help enable clearer speech without picking up ambient sound.

Who should use bone-conduction headphones?

Medically, the best bone-conduction headphones benefit those experiencing conductive hearing loss, a condition that directly affects the transmission of sound through the eardrums. Conductive hearing loss is just one way the auditory system can be disrupted, so bone-conduction headphones won’t work for everyone with hearing difficulties. 

Bone-conduction headphones are also helpful for those who need to maintain situational awareness while they enjoy their music. These headphones provide an additional layer of safety for bikers, hikers, drivers—essentially anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings. Active in dense urban environments? Bone conduction makes for great running headphones. Bone-conduction headphones are also particularly great for swimmers. Air conduction is heavily suppressed when we are underwater, but the vibrations created by bone conduction can still be transmitted, which means a pair of bone-conduction headphones with an Ingress Protection rating of IP68 (a.k.a. waterproof) can keep you connected to your workout playlist lap after lap. 

Now, bone conduction won’t make your entire face shake, rattle, and roll, so you don’t need to worry about experiencing discomfort while you listen. In fact, many report that these headphones are secure, comfortable, and easy to wear. However, if you are sensitive to pressure, there is a chance that you may experience dizziness or headaches after a long stretch of listening.

How’s the sound quality?

If you’re an audiophile searching for your next pair of headphones, chances are bone conduction isn’t going to be what you’re looking for. That being said, the overall audio quality of these headsets can certainly get you through a tough training session or walk to work. At high volumes, audio can start to distort or get crunchy and an expansive mix isn’t really possible. However, with a quality model, you will still get to experience impactful bass; you’ll feel the vibrations instead of highly pressurized waves from over-ear cans. 

Just remember that even the best bone-conduction headphones aren’t meant to fit or even necessarily sound like traditional headphones or earbuds. If you haven’t used bone-conduction headphones before, you might feel inclined to turn up the volume as loud as it can go in an attempt to recreate that natural, passive noise cancellation that every other type of headphone relies on. Remember that nothing is blocking your ear canal, which means that you will purposefully be able to hear your surroundings clearly; maxing out the volume won’t affect that, but it could lead to hearing loss down the road.

Can bone-conduction headphones use Bluetooth?

Yes, there are wireless bone-conduction headphones that use Bluetooth 4.2 and higher to connect to smart devices such as cellphones and computers. Set up and pairing is no different with Bluetooth bone-conduction headphones than connecting any other type of Bluetooth headphones, and some may even have onboard controls like play, pause, and skip for your streaming services. Other models are more like a portable MP3 player, with the ability to store hours of songs internally that you can then play through without any wires involved. Remember the iPod shuffle? That’s what you’ll be getting—an excellent option for folks who want to jam out to a curated playlist while they focus on working out or a walk about the town.

Can you take phone calls with bone-conduction headphones?

Yes, some bone-conduction headphones are equipped with a microphone so you can answer calls on the go. While the headphones themselves can’t employ any passive or active noise cancellation to enhance your listening experience, some models can use technology to make calls crisp and clear. The headphones with mic use various means to minimize outside sound—like wind, traffic, etc.—ensuring that the person you’re talking to can hear you without interruption. Just remember that bone-conduction headphones are subject to more sound bleed than traditional units, so you’ll want to be conscientious about volume when it comes to private calls.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best bone-conduction headphones

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsound Bone Conduction Headphones

Chances are you’re either an experienced bone-conduction headphones user or a novice looking to see if these air-conduction alternatives are right for you. Regardless of your familiarity, finding the right pair means homing in on when and where you’ll use them most. Think about your surroundings and consider your priorities regarding sound quality, microphone use, and waterproof rating, then shop accordingly. If you’re accustomed to traditional earphones or over-ear models, get ready to be surprised by the best bone-conduction headphones.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best bone-conduction headphones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Are you searching for the perfect gift for the adventurer-dad in your life? Allow them to experience the ultimate fusion of telescope and digital camcorder capabilities with the HD Digital Camera Binoculars. These advanced binoculars are now on sale for only $121.99, just in time for Father’s Day.

This remarkable gadget lets users capture indoor and outdoor moments with great precision and detail, and just in time for Father’s Day, you can gift your dad these fantastic binoculars for only $121.99 (reg. $199). You’ll have to act fast, though, as they must be ordered no later than June 5 to ensure on-time delivery by the holiday.

With its 12X magnification and exceptional focus adjustment, these HD binoculars excel at recording high-quality videos and capturing stunning photographs. These binoculars are ideal for obtaining unforgettable memories, whether your dad’s camping, bird-watching, traveling, or engaging in various activities like traveling.

Dad can capture high-quality content in any environment with the HD Digital Camera Binoculars, which boast impressive video resolutions of 1440x1080p and 1280x720p and image resolutions ranging from 1.3M to 5M. Equipped with a premium full glass HD lens, this device records videos at a smooth 30 frames per second in 1080p, while its decisive autofocus ensures stunning 720p resolution at 60 frames per second. 

Thanks to its waterproof, anti-dust, anti-fog, and anti-shock design, Dad can confidently take this gadget anywhere, regardless of the weather conditions. And with a weight of 15.8oz, these compact binoculars can easily be stowed in Dad’s pant pocket, jacket, or bag.

The HD binoculars offer a range of additional features, including a 750mAh battery, support for JPG and AVI formats, an anti-reflective coating that enhances light transmission and prevents water filtration, a convenient 2″ LCD screen, and much more. Thanks to its budget-friendly pricing, you can gift your dad professional-quality video content without breaking the bank.

Make your dad’s day this holiday and upgrade how he records his next outdoor adventure.

Give Dad the HD Digital Camera Binoculars for just $121.99 (reg. $199) this Father’s Day. Hurry, June 5 is the last day to order to ensure on-time delivery.

Prices subject to change.

The post These HD digital camera binoculars are now only $122 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Memorial Day is over, but you most likely have leftover burgers, snacks, and beers in the fridge from your celebrations. The Memorial Day deals also linger with $100 off a Jackery solar generator, among other savings.

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 $239.99 (Was $349.99)

Stan Horaczek

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The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is an excellent starter portable power station if you want to power smaller appliances before moving on to a larger, more powerful solar generator. It weights less than 10 pounds and can be charged with an outlet, car charger, and via solar power (although you’ll have to purchase solar panels separately). It can charge up to six devices, including laptops, drones, and cameras. It may not be able to power a refrigerator, but it can keep your WiFi running (important so no one gets bored in a power outage after all the board games are exhausted).

We’re also fans of Bluetti—another brand included in our best solar generators round-up—and the company’s EB3A, 268Wh portable power station (another excellent starter portable power station) is on sale for 40% off, down to $209 (from $349).

Like the meat in your fridge during a blackout, this deal will expire if you don’t act. Although it won’t smell as bad, you’ll still feel sorry that you didn’t act sooner and avoid the situation altogether.

Here are more post-Memorial Day deals for continued savings all week long:

• iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum & Braava Jet m6 (6112) Robot Mop Bundle $949 (Was $1,599.99)
• iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum $749 (Was $999.99)
• iRobot Roomba j7 (7150) $399 (Was $599.99)
• iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) $599 (Was $799.99)
• iRobot Roomba Combo™ j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop $799 (Was $1,099.99)
• iRobot Braava Jet M6 (6110) Robot Mop $299 (Was $449.99)
• iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) Robot Vacuum and Braava Jet m6 (6113) Robot Mop Bundle $679.99 (Was $899.99)
• iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum $179 (Was $274.99)
• Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage with Spinners, 3-Piece Set $416.75 (Was $779.97)
• Casper Sleep Original Hybrid Mattress, Queen $1,196 (Was $1,495)
• LG 48GQ900-B 48” Ultragear UHD OLED Gaming Monitor $1,099.99 (Was $1,499.99)
• SAMSUNG 49” Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor $1,099.99 (Was $1,399.99)
• TP-Link WiFi Extender with Ethernet Port $17.99 (Was $34.99)
• Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs $19-$30 (was $49.99)

The post Power post-Memorial Day savings with $100 off a Jackery solar generator appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best gardening gloves		Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves		SEE IT	This pair of gardening gloves are comfortable and will keep your hands free from small nicks and exposure to poison ivy.
Best gardening knife		Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath		SEE IT	This knife is perfect for pruning, cutting, and weeding. The attractive sheath makes it easy to safely store, too.
Best garden hose		Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose		SEE IT	A garden hose that’s easy to move around and won’t get kinked or cut is an absolute gardening essential.

With the weather turning warmer, it’s only natural to want to spend time outdoors, which means polishing off your green thumb and grabbing some garden tools. Whether planting tomatoes in a stand-up planter or squash in a raised garden bed, there’s little as satisfying as watching your efforts pay off in the form of fresh, tasty food you can pick right in time for dinner. Seasoned pros already have a shed or basement full of equipment, but if you’re new to gardening it can feel overwhelming to get started. The wrong gear can lead to frustration and wasted efforts, whereas the best gardening tools can help you to get your garden planted, weeded, watered, pruned, and harvested with ease.

• Best garden hose reel: Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel
• Best pruning shears: KOTTO Four-Pack Kit with Storage Bag
• Best wheelbarrow: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart
• Best shovel: Hooyman Short Handle Digging Shovel
• Best gardening knife: Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath
• Best hand rake: Fiskars Cultivator
• Best pots for seedling: DSUWAZU Peat Pots for Seedlings
• Best garden hose: Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose
• Best rain gauge: AcuRite Magnifying Rain Gauge
• Best potting bench: Yaheetech Outdoor Garden Potting Bench
• Best gardening gloves: Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves

Best garden hose reel: Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel

Giraffe Tools

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If you’ve ever used a vacuum with a retractable cord, you know that it’s hard to go back to winding long cords up yourself. The Giraffe is the best garden hose reel because it’s self-winding and can lock at any length you need. It’s 100 feet of ½-inch hose, wall-mountable with just four screws and anchors, and it’s a sturdy unit that retracts slowly so you won’t hurt yourself.

Best pruning shears: KOTTO Four-Pack Kit with Storage Bag

KOTTO

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When it comes to garden clippers, you’re likely going to want more than one type. For delicate work, like cutting herbs, you need something precise and narrow, whereas you’ll need something more heavy-duty with thicker branches and stems. The best pruning shears depend on your job, but versatile bypass pruning shears that make sharp, clean cuts are generally a must-have for any garden, and clippers or scissors are easier to work with when you need precision so you don’t wind up cutting things you don’t mean to cut. So the best choice is … all of the above, which you get in this convenient gardening kit.

Best wheelbarrow: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart

Gorilla Carts

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The best wheelbarrow for your garden is one that can easily and efficiently haul what you need it to, and this Gorilla cart fits the bill: It has a padded handle that can be pulled by hand or converted to hook up to a tractor or ATV. The difference between a traditional wheelbarrow and a dump cart is that the latter has a simple mechanism to release the tub vertically to easily dump out whatever you’re carrying—rocks, logs, dirt, what have you. This dump cart is versatile and easy to maneuver.

Best shovel: Hooyman Short Handle Digging Shovel

Hooyman

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A good shovel is essential when digging flower beds or planting vegetables, and the no-slip handle on this one from Hooyman makes all the difference. Both the handle and shaft grips are textured, which makes them easy to grab even when your hands are sweaty or you’re working in rain. The shovel’s carbon blade is serrated, which Hooyman says makes it easier to break up rocks, too.

Best gardening knife: Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath

Fiskars

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Slicing a small branch or pruning vegetables? A gardening knife is the best tool for the job, and we like the Hori Knife from Fiskars because of its two-sided construction and built-in ruler. One side of this knife is a standard blade, while the other is serrated, which means it’s ready for both slicing and cutting. Its forked tip was specifically designed for cutting through the thin stems of small weeds. The knife’s hilt has raised edges, which give you a safe place to rest your index finger and thumb while cutting things, and the included sheath is perfect for storage.

Best hand rake: Fiskars Cultivator

Fiskars

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Some digging jobs don’t require a shovel, which is where Fiskars’ Cultivator comes in clutch. The hand rake has cast-aluminum prongs, a grippy handle, and circular hole for easy storage on a pegboard. This tool is deceptively simple, but can be used for loosening or aerating soil, and removing weeds. You could also use it to dig smaller holes for vegetable or fruit planting, or to help excavate potatoes when they’re ready to be harvested.

Best pots for seedling: DSUWAZU Peat Pots for Seedlings

DSUWAZU

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If you want to kickstart your gardening indoors before your area gets warm enough to keep plants outside, you’ll want a set of seeding pots. This 100-piece from DSUWAZU may seem excessive, but the pint-sized pots will last several years, and even come with plant labels. We like these seedling pots because they’re made of a biodegradable material, which will break down in soil over time. The pots will stay in tact before you use them, though, so picking up a big set now means you’ll be ready for several planting seasons.

Best garden hose: Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose

Aqua Joe

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Carrying a garden hose can be cumbersome, but this one from Aqua Joe makes it a lot easier. The 50-foot hose’s outer jacket is made from marine-grade fiber that’s abrasion resistant and won’t get kinked or twisted. Additionally, the materials Aqua Joe used are free from BPA, lead, and phthalates The company says its host is roughly half the weight as a traditional one, which makes a big difference when you’re hauling it around your backyard. The thin hose can also be easily stored in a shed or garage once gardening season is over, though Aqua Joe says it can be used in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best rain gauge: AcuRite Magnifying Rain Gauge

AcuRite

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Water is essential to all life, but too much can end up killing your plants, which is why AcuRite’s Magnifying Rain Gauge is a gardening essential. It can measure up to five inches of rain, and the larger numbers are easy to read from a distance. A stake at the bottom of the rain gauge will keep it in the ground during inclement weather, but its holes allow you to screw it into the side of your home if you’d prefer to keep it elevated. In either case, its acrylic coating will prevent it from getting damaged.

Best potting bench: Yaheetech Outdoor Garden Potting Bench

Yaheetech

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If you have enough space, a potting bench will allow you to keep all of your most-used tools in one place, and give you a solid surface to pot your plants before they go outside. This one from Yaheetech has a 44.1-inch tabletop, and stands 49.2-inches tall. This is enough space for you to spread out your tools and work for hour-long stretches without getting a backache. We like this potting bench because it’s loaded with storage, including a top shelf, pull-out drawer, bottom shelf and side cabinet. The cabinet comes with a latch, so its contents can be kept secure. Our favorite touch is the three hooks on the right side for hanging handheld tools. Most of the potting bench is wood, but its tabletop is made out of metal, which is more durable and won’t stain when soil gets spilled on it.

Best gardening gloves: Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves

Pine Tree

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A pair of gardening gloves is the most fundamental item we’re recommending, and they should be worn at all times. This is to avoid minor cuts and scrapes, but more importantly exposure to poison ivy and ticks. This pair from Pine Tree Tools are available in multiple sizes, are easy to spot because of their green color, and are thin enough to give you complete control over all your fingers. They’re even touchscreen friendly in case you need to use your phone. A textured grip on the palm-side of the gloves will make handheld tools even easier to hold, while their cuff makes them easy on your wrist and simple to remove.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best garden tools

• Best garden hose reel: Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel
• Best pruning shears: KOTTO Four-Pack Kit with Storage Bag
• Best wheelbarrow: Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart
• Best shovel: Hooyman Short Handle Digging Shovel
• Best gardening knife: Fiskars Garden Hori Knife with Sheath
• Best hand rake: Fiskars Cultivator
• Best pots for seedling: DSUWAZU Peat Pots for Seedlings
• Best garden hose: Aqua Joe iberJacket Non-Expanding Kink-Free Garden Hose
• Best rain gauge: AcuRite Magnifying Rain Gauge
• Best potting bench: Yaheetech Outdoor Garden Potting Bench
• Best gardening gloves: Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Gardening Gloves

If you’re going to put the time and effort into growing your own plants, investing in the best garden tools you can afford can make your job easier and help you achieve better results. Once you have the right garden equipment for the job, you may find that your hobby becomes a better stress-buster and your harvest becomes more abundant. Happy gardening!

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best garden tools of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best kitchen upgrade		Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity		SEE IT	Let this Bluetooth monitor do a lot of the work while cooking at the grill.
For the aspiring drone enthusiast		DJI Mini 2 SE		SEE IT	Get sky pics without breaking FAA rules.
Best watch		Citizen Men's Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet		SEE IT	Encourage your dad’s nerdy tendencies (just the good ones) with this Star Wars-themed timepiece.

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate dads, or granddads, this Father’s Day: Where would the field of meteorology stand without dads looking out the window, putting their hands on their hips, and exclaiming, “Sure is coming down hard” whenever it rains or snows? Who else pours hours into creating a pristine, luxurious lawn or beefing with the neighbors over tree limbs and property lines? Without dads, society would not have an encyclopedias-worth of corny jokes and a reason to go to therapy. Truly tasteless jokes and trauma aside, here are our recommendations for gifts to make his life easier, light up his face with a smile, or both. 

• Best for the outdoorsy dad: Rux Waterproof Bag
• Best for the device dad: Austere Surge Protector
• Best for the dad that loves to cook: Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer
• Best for the coffee-loving dad: Bruvi Bundle
• Best for the stressed-out dad: Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies
• Best for beardy dads: Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men
• Best for the WFH dad: Lillipad 42 Standing Desk
• Best for movie-loving dads: Dangbei Mars Pro 4K Projector
• Best for vinyl-loving dads: Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable
• Best for pizza-loving dads: Ooni Koda 12
• Best for dads with good taste: Terra Delyssa Organic Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set
• Best for stylish dads: Highland Duds Weekender Short
• Best for dads who want to clean up their act: Tineco Pure ONE S11
• Best for gamer dads: Nintendo Switch OLED Model
• Best for handy dads: DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Hammer Drill
• Best for dads who need an everyday carry: Gerber Gear Armbar Slim Drive
• Best for dads with a green thumb: Gardyn 2.0
• Best for dads who just want a new TV: Samsung QN77S95CAFXZA
• Best for dads who crave perfect sound: KEF LS50 Wireless II
• Best for dads who grill: Konnected Joe
• Best for dads who love breakfast: Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
• Best for dads who tailgate: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler
• Best for dads who love the beach: Sunflow Beach Bundle
• Best for the dad who is tired of mowing the yard: Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower
• Best for dad relaxing in the backyard: Solo Stove Mesa
• Best for dad working from the backyard: Netgear Orbi 960 Black Edition
• Best for the aspiring drone enthusiast: DJI Mini 2 SE
• Best for the fanboy dad: Citizen Men’s Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet
• Best to help dad’s short game: Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Golf Balls

How to shop for the best Father’s Day gifts

Mark your calendars: Father’s Day 2023 is Sunday, June 18. And before the big day comes, you’ll want to ensure you’ve secured a great Father’s Day present. But never fear; there’s something for everyone. You can help fuel your dad’s current interests or get him a gift that sparks a new one. Here are our picks for some of the best Father’s Day gifts:

For the outdoorsy dad: Rux Waterproof Bag

Rux

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From hitting the waves to hitting the slopes, outdoorsy dads need something that will carry all of their (for lack of a better term) crap. Other bags and backpacks crumble when stuffed with hiking shoes, an insulated water bottle, and a few beers—not the Rux Waterproof Bag. This packable, durable bag is waterproof (as the name suggests) and built to last, and comes with a lifetime warranty if it falters before that. It’s seamless, radio frequency-welded (read: made with magnets), and has 360-degree lash points that make it attachable to almost everything. It also rocks as a grocery bag—score! 

For serious power: Austere Surge Protector

AUSTERE

SEE IT

If your pops is a Device Dad (he has a tablet, a laptop, a cellphone, a smartwatch, and a charger, and that’s just the beginning), they’ll need a surge protector that can handle all those plugs and power. Enter the Austere Surge Protector, which has fire and power spike safety—you never know! The flexible cable helps the surge protector fit nicely into tight spaces. It also has two USB-A and three USB-C ports for even more flexibility. Plus, it has a lifetime guarantee and a five-year component guarantee: If the power strip is responsible for any damage to a plugged-in device, Austere will replace it regardless of value. 

Best kitchen upgrade: Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer

Yummly

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Regardless of whether your dad is getting into Keto or is a strict pescatarian, a meat thermometer is a must-have kitchen device. No one wants to develop a case of food nasties from an undercooked cut of meat in their own home! The Yummly Smart Meat Thermometer requires no wires, thanks to a Bluetooth connection. Dad won’t even need to stand like a hawk over the grill or oven—the thermometer, with a coordinating app for iPhone and Android, sends notifications when it’s time to flip the food, reduce the heat, when it’s done cooking, and how long to let it rest. There are even presets to completely take the guesswork out of getting the perfect medium rare doneness—no “Dirty Work” here. 

For the coffee lover: Bruvi Bundle

Bruvi

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So your dad got a “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee” mug in Father’s Day past? Give Pops a better coffee system this year with the Bruvi Bundle. The bundle comes with a Bruvi BV-01 coffee brewer, a variety pack of biodegradable 20 B-Pods, a water filter, and a reusable Japanese Knot Bag. The optional mobile app will let Daddio brew a cup of Joe remotely, schedule brews in advance, re-order B-Pods, and access a personal consumption dashboard if they’re super specific about their morning cuppa. It can even fit a 6.5-inch travel mug—we recommend the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug on that front. 

For the stressed-out dad: Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies

Onyx + Rose

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Does your dad need something a bit stronger than CBD? Have you recently learned they were a grass enthusiast back in the day? The Onyx + Rose Feelin’ Good Gummies use HHC, an isomer (minor chemical variant) of Delta-9 THC (the illegal stuff). This provides a similar head and body high to the federally regulated stuff, all while following federal regulations. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, THCs (tetrahydrocannabinols) in hemp are legal provided they have a THC concentration less than .3%—these gummies meet those requirements. Pass if dad is subject to random drug screening. If they’re not, we’re partial to the peach flavor.  We also love CBD prerolls from aptly named company Dad Grass.

Best for beardy dads: Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men

Bevel

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An electric razor is a gift your dad will actually use every day, and this one from Bevel may actually help encourage him to dedicate a little more time to his morning routine. The razor offers pinpoint precision, so he can get the exact shave he wants, and a grippy handle that makes it easy to hold with wet hands. Its battery lasts up to eight hours, so he can use it for several weeks (or one if he’s very particular about his facial hair) without charging it. This is the type of gift your dad doesn’t know he needs, but will really appreciate.

For the WFH dad: Lillipad 42 Standing Desk

Jen McCaffrey

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Home offices can easily become a mess of monitors, coffee cups, keyboards, and tangled cords. But if the dad in your life would appreciate an organized workspace that also empowers them to get out of their office chair, the Lillipad Work Station fits the bill. This electric desk is available in two versions that rise from 6 inches to either a 42- or 48-inch standing height (recommended for people 5’9” and taller). At 67 pounds and 72 pounds each, and with metal legs, these desks are more substantial than many other options on the market but are designed with wheels for portability. 

Advanced functionality doesn’t equal advanced set-up in this case: The Lillipad comes fully assembled out of the box. Dad can plug it in, unlock the safety lock, and use the buttons on the right corner of the desk to raise and lower it to the ideal height for a chair or standing. The 46-inch-wide workspace provides plenty of room for desktops and keyboards, and you can purchase either a single monitor or dual-monitor stand separately. The workstation also features three outlets, three USB ports, and one USB-C port, so dad can plug everything in and charge their devices. And when he’s done for the day, they can easily lower it back down and use the wheels to slide it away for storage. Add a Grovemade Wool Felt Desk Pad to add some soft style to their workstation.

Best for movie-loving dads: Dangbei Mars Pro 4K Projector

Dangbei

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Movies and TV shows can look great on a TV, but nothing beats watching them on a projector, which offers a true movie theater-like experience. Dangbei’s Mars Pro 4K is among the best we’ve tested, offering exceptional visual clarity, color, and surprisingly good sound. It runs Android, which means dad can stream their favorite media without any additional accessories. That said, the Mars Pro 4K has multiple HDMI ports, making it easy to easily connect game consoles and other peripherals. It’s luxe, but Dangbei’s Mars Pro 4K will ensure they have the best home theater system on the block.

Best for dads who love vinyl: Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable

Victrola

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Does Dad go on and on about how much he wishes he could play his Steely Dan albums while explaining that Pretzel Logic is superior to Can’t Buy A Thrill? If so, let him relive his glory days with Victrola’s Stream Onyx Turntable. The sleek-looking, belt-driven deck has RCA outputs so that it can be connected to a traditional home audio system, but its luxe allure is support for wireless audio streaming to Sonos speakers. The record player even offers the option to play music through multiple sources at the same time. Best of all, the Stream Onyx is easy to assemble and operate, as we found out firsthand, and comes with an Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge so he can enjoy his collection immediately.

Best for dads who love pizza: Ooni Koda 12

Ooni

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If dad complains how pies and slices just aren’t how they used to be, Ooni’s Koda 12 will allow him to make them to his exact specifications. This portable pizza oven can get up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and cook personal-sized pizzas in roughly 60 seconds. Ooni has a wide range of pizza ovens, but we like the Koda 12 because of its size and the fact that its fuel source is gas, which is easier to manage and more reliable than wood or pellets for first time pizzaiolos. Ooni’s oven can also be used to roast meat and vegetables on non-pizza nights. Just remember to get dad a pizza peel and Toque to complete the experience.

Best for dads with good taste: Terra Delyssa Organic Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set

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Has your dad continued to tell food stories from his trip around the Mediterranean right out of college? If so, Terra Delyssa’s flavor-infused olive oil can help take him back to those days. The olives are all harvested from Tunisian orchards rather than mixed with ones from different regions, which can impart a different taste. We like this gift set because each oil is infused with a different strong taste—rosemary, chili pepper, lemon, and garlic—which are all good for different applications. He’ll immediately be able to taste the difference, which means you may also be signing up for even more culinary stories from his past.

Best for stylish dads: Highland Duds Weekender Short

Highland Duds

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Add a little pop of color to your dad’s wardrobe with Highland Duds’ Weekender Shorts. The ultra-comfy summer-friendly short pants are mostly made of cotton and very comfortable to wear. Their slim pockets are surprisingly roomy, too. Highland Duds offers the shorts in khaki and grey if he’s less flashy. Help him complete an outfit with the Maverick Long Sleeve Shirt, made from the same materials.

Best for dads who want to clean up their act: Tineco Pure ONE S11

Tineco

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If dad wants to take a more active role in household chores—or has been using the same vacuum since the mid-’90s—Tineco’s Pure One S11 is the upgrade he needs. The cordless stick vacuum can run up to 40 minutes per charge, and comes with various attachments for different scenarios. At 12 pounds, it’ll be easy for your dad to pick up and move around, and all of its controls are conveniently located within reach of his thumb. If dad enjoys his gadgets, he’ll enjoy the fact that the Pure One S11 can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi connection, allowing him to see how much battery is left on the vacuum and the state of its filter through an iOS or Android app.

Best for gamer dads: Nintendo Switch OLED Model

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The Nintendo Switch is the least-powerful current-generation console, but it’s still the one we recommend for Father’s Day because of its hybrid design. The Switch can be played portably, and the 7-inch OLED HD screen really makes games pop. When dad’s home, they can connect it to a TV or projector to play on a larger screen. The Switch’s extreme popularity is matched only by its deep catalog of games, which can satisfy players regardless of their preferred genre. Whether Pops is playing games as a distraction on a long work trip or taking time to clear his backlog at home, there’s no way this gift will go unappreciated.

Best for handy dads: DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Hammer Drill

Dewalt

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A drill is the type of gift a handy person will appreciate but never expect. This battery-powered model from DeWalt has a compact design but plenty of power for any indoor or outdoor housework. At only 2.5 pounds, a home improvement-minded dad can carry it around easily, and the drill’s LED will make it easy for them to see what he’s doing in dark environments. Despite its size, the drill can rotate up to 1,650 times per minute. A good drill will last a dad a lifetime, and if they’re still making do with a screwdriver—or a drill that needs to be plugged into an outlet for power—this upgrade will make him smile.

Best for dads who need an everyday carry: Gerber Gear Armbar Slim Drive

Gerber

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Power tools are great, but dad won’t be able to use them everywhere, which is why you should equip him with Gerber’s Armbar Slim. The pocket-friendly multi tool consists of a bottle opener, plain-edge blade, and a screwdriver. It even has a belt clip, so he can keep it securely fastened to the inside of his pants pocket like a boss. If your dad is the practical type, he’ll immediately see the utility of each of this tool’s functions, and keep it on him at all times. The screwdriver alone (with a reversible bit, we might add), will likely save him a couple of trips to the garage each month.

Best for dads with a green thumb: Gardyn 2.0

Gardyn

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Does dear old dad wait all year for the weather to be fair enough to grow a garden? With the Gardyn 2.0, they can enjoy growing fresh herbs and vegetables all year long. The indoor garden comes with an assortment of pods containing plant seeds. A water tank on the bottom keeps the plants hydrated, while LED strips provide them with enough light to flourish regardless of the weather conditions. The lights and water pump work automatically so that the plants will be cared for on a continuous basis without any need for much intervention. Dad will have to prune dead leaves and harvest their crops after they’re fully grown, but that’s part of the fun.

Best for dads who grill: Konnected Joe

Kamado Joe

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The Konnected Joe is the ultimate tool for grilling, an incredibly thoughtful gift for a dad who loves cooking meat and vegetables outdoors. The charcoal grill and smoker offer rich taste that a gas grill can’t replicate, with useful smart features. Its front display allows you to monitor the grill’s temperature and the temperature of up to three pieces of meat. An electric fire starter at the bottom of the grill will ignite charcoal briquettes at the push of a button, and they’ll be able to dial in the temperature between 250-700 degrees right from the grill. All of the information displayed on the Konnected Joe’s screen can also be monitored via an app (iOS and Android) on your dad’s phone, which is especially helpful if they’re smoking a large hunk of meat for several hours. The Konnected Joe manages to bring the best aspects of charcoal cooking with the conveniences of the digital world, and we guarantee they’ll be raving to friends and family about it at each cookout.

Best for dads who just want a new TV: Samsung QN77S95CAFXZA

Samsung

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Sometimes dad just wants a new TV to watch his favorite shows and movies—spoil him rotten with Samsung’s QN77S95CAFXZA, a 77-inch OLED set. This is a no-compromise cream-of-the-crop 4K TV with built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, native 120hz refresh rate, and a custom-designed Samsung processor that continually calibrates the TV to make it run as smoothly as possible. It’ll even upscale 1080P video to look crisp on a 4K TV, so his collection of Blu Rays and older TV shows will still look good. Because the QN77S95CAFXZA is an OLED TV, it offers incredible contrast and color reproduction, so videos and games will look as realistic as possible.

One quirk about this TV is that it’s actually so thin that it can basically sit flush on the wall. The set gets connected to a separate box (called the One Connect Box), which has an assortment of HDMI ports and other inputs. There’s no performance hit for this system, but something to keep in mind if you’re setting the TV up for him. Whether he wants to play video games, stream movies, or even listen to music in the background, the QN77S95CAFXZA is the best choice.

Best for dads who crave perfect sound: KEF LS50 Wireless II

KEF

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CDs promised perfect sound forever in the 1980s, but KEF made good on that lofty promise decades later with the LS50 Wireless II speakers. The pair of powered speakers sport a variety of connectors, including an AUX in, Ethernet port, coaxial input, optical audio input, and HDMI port. Those physical ports are complemented by Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 support for direct wireless streaming. KEF says that the LS50 Wireless IIs’ DAC can natively play 24-bit 384kHz audio files with no compression. Each speaker is driven by a 280 watt low frequency amplifier and 100 att high frequency amplifier. If those numbers don’t mean much to you, here’s the upshot: music can sound really, really good and very, very loud through these speakers. If your father loves music more than most people (family excluded, of course), these speakers will rock (or jazz, R&B, hip hop, classicial, reggae, and pop) his world.

Best for dads who love breakfast: Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

Cuisinart

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Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day, and Cuisinart’s WAF-F40 will turn waffles from an occasional brunch food at restaurants into an at-home staple. This model can cook two-inch-thick Belgian waffles simultaneously at one of five pre-set doneness levels. If the cook gets distracted, a loud beep will get his attention, so waffles will never get overdone. Getting two waffles onto a plate at once will allow dad (and you!) to start eating more quickly.

Best robot mower: Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower

Husqvarna

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Robotic lawnmowers seem like a perfect gift for a lazy pop. But, there are more practical reasons you might want to consider an automower as a gift this Father’s Day. Husqvarna’s surprisingly powerful little mower is great for people who have issues with mobility and can’t get out there to mow on their own. It’s also great for tricky yards as it can cut up to 40 degrees on a slope. If you’ve ever mowed on a steep hill like that, you know it’s not fun. It requires the installation of a guide wire to keep it contained within its own yard, but following setup, mowing is simple. A trio of extremely sharp blades can cut grass as short as 0.8 inches or as long as two inches if you want something more lush. Plus, an onboard object avoidance system means your dad (or grandad) won’t run over a rock and cause collateral damage.

Best for dads who tailgate: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler

RTIC

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A wheeled hard cooler will help your old man get beverages to and from the parking lot, backyard, or beach without straining his arms or back. We like this cooler from RTIC because of its large capacity, thick wheels, lite weight, and overall performance. RTIC says it can retain ice for up to six days if its latches remain closed, which means he can use it for a backyard cookout on Sunday and keep drinks cold for a concert he’s attending the following Saturday. Another benefit to getting a cooler is that it’ll likely last a lifetime, so get ready for many compliments. We like the classic look of RTIC’s white cooler, but it also offers a red, white, and blue variant if he wants to stand out.

For dads who love the beach: Sunflow Beach Bundle

Sunflow

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Whether your dad actually likes the beach or only goes because the rest of the family insists he’ll have a good time out of the house, this bundle from Sunflow will sort him out. It includes the company’s beach chair, which has a flip-over top to keep him in the shade, and a beverage cooler on the side to help keep his thirst quenched. The chair’s angle can be adjusted, so he can find the most comfortable spot, and a dry bag on the right side will keep his belongings from getting sandy. When heading back to the car or beach house, a pair of straps will allow dad to carry this beach chair like a backpack for easy transport.

Best outdoor accessory: Solo Stove Mesa

Solo Stove

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We’re huge fans of the full-sized Solo Stove fire pits, but this mini version fits nicely on a patio table or by the pool. Despite its tiny size, the Mesa relies on Solo Stove’s signature airflow system to create a clean fire with almost no smoke. It starts quickly and cleans up easily, so you can fire it up and make s’mores whenever you want without having to wait for a full-sized fire to die down at the end of the night. Solo even sells miniature firewood specifically meant for use in the Mesa. It’s adorable, but not too adorable. 

Work from the backyard: Netgear Orbi 960 Black Edition

NetGear

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Give your dad a chance to brag about their router. Netgear’s Orbi 960 Mesh Wi-Fi kit can cover up to 9,000 square feet with super-fast connectivity up to 10.8Gbps. That means anyone and everyone can take meetings or stream content in the backyard, front yard, basement, or just about anywhere else he can think of. Wi-Fi 6E technology and Netgear’s quad-band design allow for an absurd number of devices to connect to your local network without bogging everything down. The Black Edition is only available directly through Netgear’s own online shop, which also gets you a free year of the Netgear Armor security tech. It’s advanced enough to do anything a dad needs and reliable enough that you won’t have to play tech support whenever you go to their house.

For the aspiring drone enthusiasts: DJI Mini 2 SE

DJI

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Getting started with drones can be tricky. Not only are they hard to fly, but most drones require registering with the FAA before taking to the skies. The DJI Mini 2 SE is different. It weighs just 249 grams, which fits conveniently under the FAA’s 250-gram limit for registration. Despite its being lightweight and a small size, the Mini 2 SE captures 2.7K video and employs an object avoidance system to keep it away from power lines or other hazardous obstacles.

Best watch: Citizen Men’s Star Wars Eco-Drive with Stainless Steel Bracelet

Citizen

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Your dad’s a nerd, and that’s OK. In fact, we recommend you encourage their nerdy tendencies as much as possible. This Citizen watch is a full-on Eco-Drive model, so it doesn’t require winding. It draws enough energy from light in its environment to keep on ticking. The handsome stainless steel bracelet makes it totally appropriate for work or classy events. But, your pop can always look down and think about Star Wars while they’re wearing it. Find a more versatile piece of nerd merch than that. We dare you. 

To help your dad’s short game: Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Golf Balls

Callaway

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Golf balls make a great gift because it’s hard to splurge on something you might whack way into the woods or chunk straight into a water hazard. Callaway’s Chrome Soft golf balls are versions of the balls pros play on tour—they won’t have to be a pro to play them. These balls promise a high launch angle, low spin off the driver, and high ball speed off the club face. In case you’re not big on golf ball specifics, those are all very helpful things for improving overall scores. The Triple Track design sports three parallel lines on the ball to help Pops lineup shots just right. Dad will think of you and your great gift as they reach into their bag and grab another ball after slicing one across the highway next to the first fairway. 

Final thoughts on the best Father’s Day gifts

You don’t need to sweat over finding a cool gift for your dad this year. If you get him a Father’s Day gift that he’ll be able to use long-term—or, even better, something he can use with the whole family—it’ll be something he treasures. Consider it a success if you find fun presents that complement one of his hobbies or unique gifts that spark interest in a new pastime. And using this gift guide should help narrow down the best options for cool gifts for any and every dad.

The post The best Father’s Day gifts that say, “Thanks, Dad!” appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin is well known for its expansive list of rugged fitness watches, with multiple lines specifically tailored to different activity types. And now, the options for adventurers and serious endurance athletes are even more extensive with the announcement of updated Pro versions of the epix and fēnix 7 watches. 

Most of the updates to these premium next-gen. multisport watches are incremental software changes, such as more activity types and new fitness measurement tools. But there are also a few notable hardware and build upgrades, including a new size option and AMOLED display for the epix Pro and an LED flashlight in all three sizes of both the epix Pro and fēnix 7 Pro. Both watches will also benefit from trickle-down features from the new Forerunners.

Garmin epix Pro details

Garmin just debuted its epix 2 line of watches last year. Despite how new the series is, the company is rolling out some worthwhile updates to make it even better in a new Pro version. With vibrant metrics-rich watch faces and extensive sensors/navigation features in a sleek body, the epix Pro remains a great choice for boardroom-to-backcountry adventures and weekend warriors, from climbers and mountaineers to ultra-marathon trail runners. 

Garmin

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epix Pro and build changes

The epix came in two sizes—42mm and 47mm—while the Pro version adds a 52mm option for those who really want a statement piece on their wrist. The larger size offers more than just a dramatic look, however. Garmin packed extra battery into the 52mm version, which promises up to 31 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. The 42mm and 47mm both should provide 10 and 16 days of battery life, respectively. 

Like the epix Gen. 2, the Garmin epix Pro will be available in Standard Edition, which features Corning Gorilla Glass and stainless steel case, or the Sapphire Edition, which uses a more durable Sapphire lens and titanium case. And all three sizes get an even brighter upgraded AMOLED display for a colorful, detail-packed watch face. 

All three sizes will offer an LED flashlight, which can vary in intensity and features a strobe mode. We were glad to see the flashlight included even on the smallest watch since it is a potentially game-changing feature. It can illuminate your path while trail running or hiking in the dark and help others see you, which is invaluable if exercising near a road. 

The epix Pro also gets an updated and optimized heart rate sensor. Garmin didn’t provide any information on what exactly that means, but it says these changes will provide “enhanced multisport performance tracking.”

Fitness tracking features

Garmin watches are already robust in their fitness tracking abilities, but the company is not one to just let things be. The epix Pro will offer new activities, which include team sports such as soccer, basketball, and racquet sports, as well as horseback riding and more.

Beyond new tracking modes, Garmin also created new training features. Hill Score gives you a better idea of how your training impacts your ability to run uphill. Uphill segments are automatically detected and analyzed, and that information is combined with other physiological metrics to provide a score from one to 100. It even breaks the score down into Hill Endurance and Hill Strength, which reflect short, fast efforts versus long, sustained climbs. And it offers feedback to improve your training over time. 

The second new feature—Endurance score—looks beyond your VO2 Max, giving a more personalized look at your fitness. It analyzes both short-term and long-term endurance training and takes into account all types of activity, not just running or cycling. And, like Hill Score, it provides training feedback to help you understand your score.

Additional new features

The Garmin epix Pro will provide a unique Red Shift Mode, which changes the display to shares of red. This lessens the impact on your vision when looking at your watch in the dark and reduces any sleep cycle disturbance you might get from the standard display. You can manually turn on this display mode or schedule it to automatically turn on and off based on sunset and sunrise time. And you can even select certain activities that automatically use Red Shift Mode.

Up Ahead mode will allow you to view running points of interest, such as checkpoints and aid stations, right on the map. This allows you to better understand what’s in front of you and plan accordingly on your race or activity. 

The last feature those navigating the backcountry will especially appreciate is the new weather map overlays and relief shading on topographic maps. The weather overlays can display temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover, to help you make more informed decisions on the go. And relief shading will assist in navigation. You can also opt into Outdoor Maps+ for even more map content, including satellite imagery and more detailed maps.  

Garmin epix Pro pricing & availability

The epix Pro is available for purchase as of today, starting at $899.99.

Garmin

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Garmin fēnix 7 Pro details

Like the epix Pro, most changes to the fēnix 7 Pro are smaller software additions. The fēnix 7 Pro still comes in 42mm, 47mm, or 51mm sizes, though you no longer have the option of a version without solar charging. You can, however, choose between Standard Solar or Sapphire Solar, depending on how robust you want your watch face. 

Like many of Garmin’s new watches lately, including the Instinct 2X, the fēnix 7 Pro will feature an LED flashlight in all sizes. It offers a broad pattern, variable intensities, red safety light, and strobe mode. 

New training features

The fēnix 7 Pro also gets a new heart rate sensor. Garmin says this next-gen sensor utilizes “more spatially diverse optical sensors and sport-specific algorithms.” It should provide even better performance tracking for more activities, giving you even more accurate insight into your training. 

Like the epix Pro, the fēnix 7 Pro will also get the new Endurance Score and Hill Score for better endurance training insight. It also gets its share of new activities, including white water rafting, motocross, overlanding, and dozens more. And the watch will provide access to the weather map overlays, new relief shading, and Up Ahead mode.

Garmin fēnix 7 Pro pricing and availability

All versions of the fēnix 7 Pro are available for purchase at a starting price of $799.99.

The post Garmin’s newest smartwatches are even more adventure-ready appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Vivo Standing Desk		SEE IT	A great portable option that is strong enough to support up to 33 pounds.
Most adjustable		Lillipad Work Station		SEE IT	This heavy-duty work station comes with an electric motor that lets you adjust it from 6 inches to 42 inches of height right out of the box.
Best budget		LapGear Essential Lap Desk		SEE IT	This lightweight lap desk will keep your computer and your legs from overheating.

The verdict is in on sitting all day: It’s not good for you—but a portable desk can help. Having to stay seated in one location all day wrecks your back and overall health. Getting up on your feet and gaining the ability to move around will make you healthier and create a happier, more flexible work environment. Whether working from home, in an office, or on the go, a portable desk allows you to set up shop anywhere. Every space will have demands, so here’s how to find the best portable desk for your setup.

• Best overall: Vivo Standing Desk
• Most adjustable: Lillipad Work Station
• Best lap desk: Cooper Mega Table for Bed & Sofa
• Best rolling desk: Sdadi Standing Desk
• Best folding desk: Need Foldable Writing Desk
• Best compact desk: Rainbean Portable Workstation
• Best full-sized premium desk: Hoek Home Office Desk
• Best budget: LapGear Essential Lap Desk

How we chose the best portable desks

We work, and we work till we know what works. As a remote-first office, we’ve tried many portable desks around our own homes and asked coworkers and peers for recommendations. We scrolled through specs and critical perspectives and combined that research with real-world user impressions to find the best portable desks we could stand (or sit) behind.

Best portable desks: Reviews & Recommendations

When we’re stuck in one place, work—or life, for that matter—can become repetitive, hurting our productivity. Neither sitting nor standing for hours throughout the day isn’t great for your overall health, so how about having the ability to move where you work? Feel healthier and more comfortable while you work with a portable computer desk. Also, a change of scenery can help stimulate creativity beyond the health benefits.

Best overall: Vivo Standing Desk

Vivo

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Why it made the cut: This space-efficient desk riser allows on-demand standing without needing an outlet or expanding your workstation.

Specs

• Material: Wood, metal
• Dimensions: 31.5″D x 31.5″W x 31.3″H
• Weight: 22 pounds

Pros

• Room for laptop and monitor
• Wide keyboard tray
• Lift-assist mechanism
• Minimal assembly

Cons

• Hydraulics can be sticky/inconsistent

This adjustable standing desk is a great portable option that is strong enough to support up to 33 pounds. The double-tier workstation also means it’s great for people who use a mouse, keyboard, second monitor, or need some extra space for papers. If you want one surface, the keyboard tray is removable. The Lift Assist mechanism allows you to rotate from sitting and standing mode—4.5-20 inches—easily throughout the day. It’s available in seven colors and five widths, from 26 to 42 inches.

Most adjustable: Lillipad Work Station

Jen McCaffery

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Why it made the cut: This substantial work station can support two monitors, plus a comprehensive work station. It comes ready to go out of the box, easily lifts to standing, and is designed with wheels for portability.

Specs

• Material: Steel and composite
• Dimensions: 42 x 46.25 x 24 inches
• Weight: 67 pounds

Pros

• Comes fully assembled
• Provides generous workspace
• Designed with integrated power strip
• Portable

Cons

• Heavy 
• Expensive

If you’re looking for a substantial portable desk that’s will provide maximum adjustability, consider the Lillipad Work Station. This electric desk is available in two versions that rise to either 42 inches or 48 inches (recommended for people 5’9” and taller) that allow users to stand. At 67 pounds and 72 pounds each and with metal legs, these portable desk with wheels can also support a full work station.

A key feature is that the Lillipad comes fully assembled. When the UPS man delivered the box to my apartment, he struggled to get it up the steps. But once I got it out of the box, it was easy to start using the Lillipad 42. I used to wheels to move it in place, plugged it in, unlocked the safety lock, and used the buttons in the righthand corner of the desk to raise and lower it. The 46-inch wide workspace provided more than enough room for my equipment, and if you have a single monitor or two monitors, you can purchase stands for either separately from Lillipad. 

The work station also features an integrated power system with three outlets, three USB ports, and one USB-C port, so you can plug everything in and charge your devices. When I was done working, it was easy to lower the desk to its lowest height of 6 inches for storage. That said, while this work station is designed with portability in mind, it’s worth noting that at about 70 pounds, you’ll need to lift them carefully and it’s not going to be easy to just toss one into the back of your car.

Best lap desk: Cooper Mega Table for Bed & Sofa

Cooper

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Why it made the cut: If you need space for a laptop and open book, whether you might need to work or study, the Cooper mega table is for you.

Specs

• Materials: MDF wood, aluminum alloy, polycarbonate, silicon
• Dimensions: 19.3″D x 25.6″W x 10.6″H
• Weight: 26.6 pounds

Pros

• Extra-large surface area
• Perfect for the floor, couch, or counter
• Foldable legs for storage
• Ergonomic edges and carrying handle

Cons

• May be tall for children/those with short torsos

The smart design of this folding lap desk means it takes up very little space and allows you to lay out all you need for the day. The large surface area and 11-inch leg height allow you to lie in bed without needing to place the desk on your legs. Beyond that, a handy side drawer gives additional space for your pens, pencils, and notebooks, making this option an ideal portable writing desk. This portable laptop desk can be propped up on a countertop, and you have a standing desk as well. A groove in the back lets you set up your phone or tablet.

Best rolling desk: Sdadi Standing Desk

Sdadi

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Why it made the cut: Easily assembled and moved around, this wheeled adjustable desk fits whether you stand or sit.

Specs

• Materials: Engineered wood and alloy steel
• Dimensions: 23.6″D x 45.3″W x 23.6″H
• Weight: 26 pounds

Pros

• Standing and seated modes
• 2-inch ABS mute wheels with locking function for maneuverability
• Easy to install, can be finished in 15-20 minutes by one person with attached tools

Cons

• Instructions need work
• Tilting isn’t perfectly balanced

Made of steel and wood, this ergonomic portable desk allows you to stand or sit with the ability to move your desk anywhere you please. The height can be adjusted between 27.5 to 45.3 inches. The portable adjustable desk’s durable, lockable 2-inch wheels make it super easy to move on carpet, wood, or floor materials. This option is easy to install, and there are four styles available, so you’ll be able to find a portable rolling desk that fits your aesthetic.

Best foldable desk: Need Foldable Writing Desk

Need

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Why it made the cut: With no assembly required, this foldable writing table is sturdy and perfect for a home office/dormitory.

Specs

• Materials: Engineered wood and alloy steel
• Dimensions: 15.75″D x 31.5″W x 29.25″H
• Weight: 17.9 pounds

Pros

• 4.5 inches, convenient for storing
• High-strength, thick powder-coated steel tubing
• Scratch-resistant surface
• Adjustable leg pads

Cons

• Legs sometimes uneven/wobble

A stylish wood finish gives this folding desk a great look. This collapsible portable desk is lightweight but made of quality steel components, so you’ll be folding it away for years to come. An ideal option for those with heavier desktop computers or additional weight on their desks, it can support up to 220 pounds. Conveniently adjustable leg pads allow it to be propped to the right height.

Best compact desk: Rainbean Portable Workstation

Rainbean

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Why it made the cut: With multiple configurations, this table lets you work comfortably whether sitting, standing, or lying on your back.

Specs

• Materials: Aluminum
• Dimensions: 16.54″W x 10.24″D x 1.97″H
• Weight: 3.3 pounds

Pros

• Adjustable
• Ergonomic
• Ventilation holes for laptop heat dissipation

Cons

• Not padded
• Poor instructions booklet

We love how small this portable workstation is. It boils your desk down into the essentials and can fit a mouse and laptop easily. This compact desk gives you full control and flexibility to work in the most comfortable position possible. This may be too little if you need to sprawl out notes across your desk. However, if you’re short on space, this is the smart portable desk for you.

Best full-sized premium desk: Hoek Home Office Desk

Hoek

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Why it made the cut: Fabricated-to-order and hand-finished before being flat-packed, this quality carpentry is a modular, minimalist workstation that’s up and running within seconds of arrival.

Specs

• Materials: Birch or walnut plywood, recycled plastic
• Dimensions: 47.5″L x 23″W x 30″H
• Weight: 42 pounds

Pros

• Quick assembly
• Can be hung from the included mountable wall cleat
• Sustainably sourced materials
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• Hanging requires drilling in a wall mount

If you’re looking for more surface area for work but have limited working space, Brooklyn, NY-based Hoek designs, machines, and hand-finishes quick-assembly furnishings that arrive flat-packed and can hang flat on a wall (mountable wall cleat included). Ultra-slim but extremely sturdy, the 42-pound fabricated-to-order tabletop (sustainably sourced maple or natural birch plywood, with a black colorway option) sits atop modular 100% recycled HDPE plastic legs that click in or out in seconds (no tools required) and store on the chassis’ underbelly when not in use. Measuring 47.5 inches long by 23 inches wide by 30 inches high, with an integrated handle, the Home Office Desk offers a stylish, easily moveable workstation. And suppose later you want it further kitted out. In that case, you can purchase a perfectly paired CNC-meets-carpentry creation, including a monitor shelf, keyboard under-shelf, and/or a headphones/bag hook (or buy it all upfront as a discounted bundle). That would allow you to also use this as a portable gaming desk. At $495 ($795 for the bundle), the Hoek Home Office Desk costs far more than the other options in this roundup. Still, you’re buying creative, quality craftsmanship with a lifetime warranty that makes your workspace look appealing, not just practical.

Best budget: LapGear Essential Lap Desk

Lapgear

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Why it made the cut: An inexpensive way to keep your lap, and laptop, properly ventilated while working wherever you feel like sitting.

Specs

• Materials: Plastic, fabric
• Dimensions: 10″D x 13.7″W x 2″H
• Weight: .66 pounds

Pros

• Cheap and compact
• Easily carried and stored
• Good for children and adults

Cons

• Cheap

This lightweight lap desk will keep your computer and your legs from overheating. This portable travel desk is available in six colors, from basic black to bright turquoise, which is a nice plus when setting up portable desks for the whole family. It fits up a laptop up to 13.3 inches, so make sure you’re buying a surface that works for your computer. If you’re working with a larger device, LapGear has a pro model that includes some luxury features like a built-in mouse pad and wrist rest.

What to consider when buying the best portable desk

Creating a workspace anywhere is super helpful today, where it’s not uncommon to be working from home. The problem is, we don’t all have extra space to turn a room into a properly kitted-out office. What to do? Using a portable desk, you can create a workspace anywhere and get back to what you need to do. Bedrooms, sofas, and yards are all fair game when setting up a portable desk.

For those looking for the ease of working from bed, a lap desk can easily be set up after you’ve hit snooze a few too many times and transport you into your next conference call. If you have minimal space, you may want a standing desk extension that can be put onto a countertop.

Location

It’s great to work from an extremely comfortable location like your bed. Work guilt-free by setting up a fully functioning laptop desk for your bed. Working on a bed or sofa can also ease the strain of sitting at a desk all day. You’ll be able to prop up a notebook, lay out your laptop, scatter some snacks, and do most things you would on any other kind of desk. It’s also ideal for days off—who wants to crane their neck to watch a movie or YouTube video when the laptop could just be propped up closer to eye level?

Portability

One of the biggest benefits of a portable desk is that it allows you to set up an office in various rooms. Do you need to be seated at your desk one moment and then rearrange the space to make room for a photo shoot later in the day? Look to a portable desk on wheels for those who want to switch their workspace daily. You won’t have to lift it, so it’ll be friendlier on your back and let you transfer your gear from room to room without removing it from the desk’s surface.

Storage

If you’re setting up a home office, the last thing you want to do is turn valuable home space into a room that will only be used when you’re on the clock. A foldable desk is one of the best portable desks that allows you to create a multi-functional room in seconds.

With foldable legs, you can slide your desk conveniently under a bed or sofa to maximize space. Think about your options when turning your daytime office into a game room, study, or guest room.

Your space

You’ll want to create a portable workstation within the room’s framework for the most compact spaces. A desk that clips onto an existing table can add extra functionality to a space, and easily move with you from room to room. Make sure to look for ventilation holes to allow airflow within your laptop (and keep your legs from overheating if you choose a lap desk).

Price

If the price is a factor, you can still get the best portable desk without sacrificing quality. For most jobs, you need a surface for your laptop. If that sounds like your job, a basic lap desk is a great option that will allow you to use your computer or take some notes while sitting on a seat, sofa, or bed.

FAQs

The final word on shopping for the best portable desks

• Best overall: Vivo Standing Desk
• Most adjustable: Lillipad Work Station
• Best lap desk: Cooper Mega Table for Bed & Sofa
• Best rolling desk: Sdadi Standing Desk
• Best folding desk: Need Foldable Writing Desk
• Best compact desk: Rainbean Portable Workstation
• Best full-sized premium desk: Hoek Home Office Desk
• Best budget: LapGear Essential Lap Desk

Gain the freedom to set up your workspace anywhere by getting the best portable desk. Consider a lap desk with vented airflow if you prefer to sit, or a standing option with wheels for easy mobility. Turn any room or outdoor space into an office that allows you to get your work done efficiently and effectively.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best portable desks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Need a great gift for your dad but unsure what to get? How’s a like-new iPad Air and a pair of renewed Beats Flex headphones sound? Just in time for Father’s Day, it’s on sale for only $114.99.

When it comes to Father’s Day presents, the more practical, the better. Nothing can be more practical than this tech bundle comprised of a refurbished iPad Air and a pair of renewed Beats Flex headphones. This incredible tech bundle won’t break the bank, and you can show Dad how much you care for only $114.99 (reg. $149). But you’ll have to order by June 5 to ensure on-time delivery.

You might feel iffy about gifting your old man something that isn’t brand new, but not to worry. The refurbished iPad Air in this discounted package boasts a Grade A rating, meaning it’s in near-mint condition with barely any cosmetic marks on the body. Meanwhile, the Beats Flex headphones are renewed open-box returns that have been tested, cleaned, and repackaged into their original packaging. They may not be brand new, but they might as well be!

In terms of features, the like-new iPad Air has a 9.7-inch Retina screen that offers a smooth, natural-looking display, an A7 chip that can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and 16GB storage for storing essential files and media. It also has dual microphones and supports 1080p HD video recording with its 5MP rear camera and 1.2MP FaceTime camera, so your dad will have no problem joining family video chats moving forward. As an exciting bonus, this refurbished iPad comes with accessories, including a case, tempered glass, a stylus, and chargers so Dad can use his new tech securely and easily.

The Beats Flex headphones have a dual-chamber acoustic that delivers superior sonics, Class 1 Bluetooth for an extended range, and an Apple W1 chip for seamless connection to any Apple device. As far as comfort goes, four ear tip options are included for a more personalized fit, and the Flex-Form cable sits at the back of the neck for convenience. This pair also lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge, which can be extended for 1.5 more hours with the 10-minute Fast Fuel charging.

Spoil your dad with this incredible tech bundle this Father’s Day.

Gift Dad this refurbished Apple iPad Air bundled with renewed Beats Flex Headphones for just $114.99 (reg. $149)—order by June 5 to ensure delivery by the holiday.

Prices subject to change.

The post Grab these like-new iPad Air and Beats Flex headphones for Father’s Day, now only $114.99 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Lillipad Work Station		SEE IT
Best dual-monitor		FLEXISPOT Adjustable Standing Desk		SEE IT
Best height-adjustable		FEZIBO Adjustable Electric Standing Desk		SEE IT

If your home office is a hodgepodge of mismatched furniture that leaves you achy at the end of a long day, consider the ergonomic desk. These desks can go a long way toward making your work station a little less clunky and a lot more comfortable.

By definition, the term “ergonomic” refers to efficiency and comfort; ergonomic computer desks, then, are designed with those two key factors in mind. By forcing you to sit up straight, relax your shoulders, place your wrists in a neutral position, and not get too close to your screen, they should make for a much better workday. Of course, a desk can’t actually force you to adhere to these habits—but the best ergonomic desks will make it that much easier.

• Best overall: Lillipad Work Station
• Best with storage: Nost & Host Computer Desk
• Best for small spaces: GreenForest 2-Tier Folding Desk
• Best dual-monitor: FLEXISPOT Adjustable Standing Desk
• Best for gamers: Mr.IRONSTONE Gaming Desk
• Best height-adjustable: FEZIBO Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
• Best budget: EUREKA ERGONOMIC Simple Computer Desk

How we chose the best ergonomic desks

Working from home for many means a lot of time at our desks. All that sitting and typing can do a number of our bodies. Ergonomic desks provide a range of features that can help counteract some of the effects, from height adjustability that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing, to a wider workspace, where you can incorporate desk pads and other ergonomic tools. In compiling our list of ergonomic office desks, we considered a variety of factors, including space requirements, height adjustability, what type of equipment the desks could support, whether they provided storage, price, and value.

The best ergonomic desks: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re looking for a durable desk that can support two monitors or a portable, lightweight option you can use for other purposes or easily stick in the closet, there’s an ergonomic desk to suit your needs.

Best overall: Lillipad Work Station

Jen McCaffery

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Specs

• Material: Steel and composite
• Dimensions: 42 x 46.25 x 24 inches
• Power: Corded electric
• Weight: 67 pounds

Pros

• Comes fully assembled
• Provides generous workspace
• Designed with integrated power strip
• Portable

Cons

• Heavy 
• Expensive

If you’ve got a complex workspace with a monitor or two, laptop, desktop, and power cords, but you don’t want to sit all day, consider the Lillipad Work Station. This electric desk is available in two versions that rise to either 42 inches or 48 inches (recommended for people 5’9” and taller) that allow users to stand at an ergonomic desk height. At 67 pounds and 72 pounds each and with metal legs, these desks are more substantial that many other options on the market, but are designed with wheels for portability. 

The main selling point of the Lillipad is that it comes fully assembled and ready to go out of the box. When the UPS man delivered the box to my apartment, he struggled to get it up the steps. But once I got it out of the box, it was very easy to start using the Lillipad 42. I just plugged it in, unlocked the safety lock, and used the buttons in the righthand corner of the desk to raise  and lower it. The 46-inch wide workspace provided more than enough room for my equipment, and if you have a single monitor or two monitors, you can purchase stands for either separately from Lillipad. 

The work station also features an integrated power system with three outlets, three USB ports, and one USB-C port, so you can plug everything in and charge your devices. The desk is available with a tabletop in in four colors (maple, black, white, oak). When I was done working, it was easy to lower the desk to its lowest height of 6 inches for storage. That said, while this work station is designed with portability in mind, it’s worth noting that at about 70 pounds, the Lillipads aren’t necessarily easy to just toss in the trunk of your car.

Best with storage: Nost & Host Computer Desk

Nost & Host

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Specs

• Material: Engineered wood and steel 
• Dimensions: 47.24 x 23.62 x 55.12 inches
• Weight: 46.3 pounds

Pros

• Provides overhead and lower storage
• Modern design
• Generous workspace

Cons

• Not height-adjustable
• Made from lower-quality wood

This ergonomic computer desk checks all of our style boxes (no plastic in sight!) while still offering tons of storage and adjustable shelves. The finish is also scratch-resistant and waterproof, in case you spill some coffee. But, while some of the shelves are adjustable, the desk itself is not—meaning there’s no wiggle room when it comes to height. So you may also want to accompany this desk with one of the best ergonomic chairs.

Best for small spaces: GreenForest 2-Tier Folding Desk

GreenForest

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Specs

• Material: Engineered wood and metal 
• Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 32.7 inches
• Weight: 20 pounds

Pros

• Comes assembled
• Provides ample workspace
• Lightweight
• Can serve a range of purposes

Cons

• Not substantial
• Not height-adjustable

Small space living demands a certain degree of ingenuity, and this ergonomic desk from GreenForest fits the bill. Available in small and large sizes, this rectangular desk comes fully assembled right out of the box. With two tiers, this desk has plenty of room for a laptop, keyboard, and mouse in its 27-inch workspace and can support two monitors on the upper shelf. The design is sleek and it can double as a writing desk, TV table, or display table. When you’re done, it easily folds down to a super slim shape. And at just 20 pounds, it’s easy to transport.

Best dual-monitor: FLEXISPOT EM7 Adjustable Standing Desk Converter

Flexispot

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Specs

• Material: MDF, steel, rubber
• Dimensions:‎16.3 x 16.3 x 5.7 inches
• Weight: 45.3 pounds

Pros

• Allows you to work on two monitors at once
• U-shaped design
• Mechanical lift

Cons

• Not actually a desk
• No storage space

If you’d like to adjust the height of your workspace, but don’t want to invest in a whole new desk, consider the FLEXISPOT EM7 Adjustable Standing Desk Converter. The lower tier of this converter can easily hold a standard keyboard and mouse, or 13-inch laptop, while the upper tier can support two monitors. Using the handle, users can adjust the mechanized X frame in height from  4.7 inches to 19.7 inches.

It’s the unique shape of this converter is what really makes it stand out—because it’s a U (instead of your typical rectangle), it will be so much easier to interact with all of your monitors without constantly readjusting your seat. This model is available in three sizes (36, 40, and 42 inches) and two colors (black and rustic). For further options, check out the best desks for dual monitors.

Best for gamers: Mr.IRONSTONE Gaming Desk

Mr. Ironstone

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Specs

• Material: Polyvinyl chloride, stainless steel, engineered wood
• Dimensions: 23.6 x 45.2 x 30.4 inches
• Weight: 36 pounds

Pros

• Designed with cable storage
• Comes with cup holder
• Has headphone hook

Cons

• No shelves for storage
• Not height-adjustable

Simple yet functional, this ergonomic gaming desk makes the most of every inch of space, ensuring that nothing comes between you and your game. Cluttered desktop? Slip tangled wires into the built-in cable storage in the back of the desk, and drop your soda can into the cup holder. Sans clutter, you’ll be climbing up the leaderboards in no time. For additional support during long sessions, pair it with one of the top office chairs for back pain.

Best height-adjustable: FEZIBO Adjustable Electric Standing Desk

FEZIBO

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Specs

• Material: Steel, wood
• Dimensions: 24 x 48 x 27.1 inches 
• Weight: 73.8 pounds

Pros

• Adjusts from 27.6 inches to 47.3 inches
• Available in four different heights
• Two tiers for more computer equipment

Cons

• Limited storage

This adjustable desk is actually electric, so there’s almost no work to be had in changing its height—simply tap the buttons, et voila. This ergonomic standup desk comes in four versions, with a range of heights (40, 48, 55 and 60 inches). Industrial-grade steel makes this desk extremely sturdy, and a two-tier wooden top provides plenty of room for a laptop, keyboard, mouse, and at least one monitor. This desk comes in six colors and with casters that allow for portability but also lock to keep your work station in place.

Best budget: EUREKA ERGONOMIC Simple Computer Desk

Eureka

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Wood
• Dimensions: 39.4 x 29.5 x 23.6 inches 
• Weight: 23.36 pounds

Pros

• Affordable
• Generous workspace
• Lightweight
• Multi-functional

Cons

• Provides no storage
• Not adjustable

In stark contrast to some of the other desks we’ve mentioned, this ergonomic desk from Eureka is as simple as it gets. Minimalism is key here: a steel frame means you’re not compromising on materials, and a very plain design makes this desk easy to assemble. You’ll miss out on some features—like a second-tier for storage, or side shelving, for example—but if you’re a minimalist at heart, this could be the desk for you.

Features to consider when shopping for the best ergonomic desk

When shopping for the best ergonomic desk, you’re going to want to consider a few factors: comfort, size, price, posture, and style. And, like most purchases, it’s rare that you can have it all—more likely, you’ll have to prioritize your needs, and shop accordingly. On that note, check out the following desks below, which were all selected with the aforementioned factors in mind.

Style

It’s no secret that ergonomic desks aren’t exactly the most stylish—in some cases, far from it. They’re designed with efficiency and productivity in mind, and, inevitably, that means that taste isn’t top priority. But that’s not to say that in order to be comfortable and maintain good posture you must forego style altogether. Find the right desk that matches your home office décor, and you can have it all. And you can pair it with one of the best office chairs.

Your space

If you don’t have a separate room for your home office, or even a designated permanent space, you’re probably looking for a desk that’s lightweight, portable, and easy to shuffle around. Maybe you want to tuck it away in a closet each evening, or simply remove your laptop and make good use of the surface area for some other task. That doesn’t mean it can’t be ergonomic. In fact, you can follow the exact same rules of sitting far enough away from your screen, for example and keeping your wrists straight, as you can with a much larger desk.

Simply put, sometimes it feels really good to completely remove any reminder of work from your space, and take back some of that work-life balance that might have otherwise been lost in our collective shift to working from home.

Number of monitors

Computer work stations vary widely depending on your job; for some, a mere laptop will do, while others need a much more, shall we say extravagant, setup. We’re talking two—or sometimes, three!—monitors, along with a host of other gear, and with that amount of screentime, only the sturdiest desk will suffice.

Beyond that, trying to squeeze everything in on top of a too-small surface area makes for a cramped, uncomfortable home office setup—thus, your ergonomic desk of choice better be quite large, too. If you prefer another option, check out these laptop stands for desks.

Work and play

We’ve already talked a lot about optimizing your workflow with the help of an ergonomic desk, but that doesn’t mean these home office beauties are exclusively for work. On the contrary, we know that so much of our social lives happen online, too, and that means we spend a lot more time at the computer than just the amount required for our jobs. Case in point: gaming, which is extremely popular, extremely fun, and extremely time-consuming, in that any hours spent behind the screen seem to simply melt away.

When you’re spending hours at a time hunched over your game of choice, it doesn’t take long before your back and neck begin to protest. That is, unless you have an ergonomic desk setup, in which case, your posture is excellent, and you’re golden.

Standing v. sitting

One telltale sign of an ergonomic desk is its adjustable height, which means you don’t have to spend all day sitting down. As the saying goes, everything in moderation, and that includes being on your feet versus being on your bottom. By cranking the desk up to a taller height, you can stretch out those legs, readjust your posture, and squeeze a little more movement into your day—without, say, running around the block.

Price

When you’re shopping for an ergonomic desk, it’s fairly easy to drop a few hundred bucks. The difference between a desk that checks all of the boxes and one that doesn’t could be some serious back, neck, or shoulder pain. And if you’re working from home, you’re going to be spending the majority of your days at this thing, so you want it to feel good and look good. We get it! That said, don’t go out of your way to break the bank. More money doesn’t always signal a superior product.

So, with that in mind, how does one find a good, cheap ergonomic desk? We’re so glad you asked. First things first: go simple. Cut out all the extra bells and whistles that you don’t really need (even if they look cool). Go for a more affordable material than say, solid wood, and be prepared to assemble it yourself. Here’s the best ergonomic desk we’ve found at an affordable price.

FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best ergonomic desk

• Best overall: Lillipad Work Station
• Best with storage: Nost & Host Computer Desk
• Best for small spaces: GreenForest 2-Tier Folding Desk
• Best dual-monitor: FLEXISPOT Adjustable Standing Desk
• Best for gamers: Mr.IRONSTONE Gaming Desk
• Best height-adjustable: FEZIBO Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
• Best budget: EUREKA ERGONOMIC Simple Computer Desk

Ergonomic desks have the potential to vastly improve your workday, so it’s worth taking the time to do some research and find out just what type of desk might be the right one for you. By taking into account factors like comfort, size, price, posture, and style, you’ll be on your way to buying the best ergonomic desks for your office in no time.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best ergonomic desks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Sennheiser MKH 416		SEE IT	Professional sonics and build capture the sound and fury of whatever you’re doing, wherever you are.
Best compact		Rode NTG3B		SEE IT	A relatively moderate price tag but wide frequency response means this giant sound from a small package.
Best for DSLR		Rode VideoMic Pro+		SEE IT	Able to run off of AA batteries, with a build that belies its affordable price tag, this is a perfect beginner mic.

Shotgun mics are flexible tools for capturing natural, focused sound for film and television, environmental recordings, sporting and live events, vlogs, or voice-overs. Their narrow pickup pattern rejects noise from the sides and, to a certain extent, the back, keeping the focus on your subject. The best shotgun mics are light enough to mount on a camera or carry on a boom pole all day and, in many cases, built with enough durability to survive the rough-and-tumble life of location recording. 

Plenty of times, you’re on the street or live streaming and don’t have the luxury of individually miking people, or you’re filming a scene where you can’t have a visible lavalier mic. That’s why you’ll find top-notch shotgun mics throughout the professional world—often accompanied by professional-level prices. But shotguns have been around for a while, and these ubiquitous tools of the trade are often inexpensive enough that even beginners and budget-minded users can add quality equipment to their kit bags. 

With every reputable—and less than reputable—microphone manufacturer producing them, it’s sometimes hard to figure out which shotgun mics deliver on their promise of great sound. So to help you out, we’ve rounded up a list of tips, advice, and the best shotgun mics.  

• Best overall: Sennheiser MKH 416
• Best compact: Rode NTG3B
• Best for DSLR: Rode VideoMic Pro+
• Best for most situations: Shure VP89M
• Best professional: Neumann KMR 81 i
• Best mini: Rode VideoMicro II
• Premium pick: Schoeps CMIT 5
• Best budget: Audio-Technica AT897

How we chose the best shotgun mics

We based our selection of the best shotgun mics on our own personal experience in the film, TV, and professional audio worlds, as well as conversations with other professional audio engineers and filmmakers, experts at equipment rental houses, and musicians. We consulted specialty review sites, industry trade magazines, and blogs, and read through the online impressions of typical users to see if performance typically matched a mic’s promise. In evaluating our selections, we prioritized sound quality and looked at construction (including moisture resistance), price, size, and how each microphone is powered.

The best shotgun mics: Reviews & Recommendations

Shotgun mics are ideal for recording dialogue on a movie set, the action on the court at a basketball game, or animals out in nature. It’s important to note that no shotguns will reject all off-axis sound. But they do an excellent job of keeping the focus on your subject.

Best overall: Sennheiser MKH 416

Sennheiser Pro Audio

SEE IT

Specs

• Weight: 6.17 ounces
• Length: 9.84 inches
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Wide frequency response for clear, natural sound
• Tight polar pattern isolates sound sources
• Moisture resistant

Cons

• Expensive

Sennheiser’s name repeatedly pops up when discussing the best microphones, and the venerable German manufacturer doesn’t slack off with their flagship MKH 416 shotgun mic. This professional-grade piece of kit has a wide 40-20,000 Hz frequency response, with a hyper-cardioid polar pattern at the low to mid frequencies that does an excellent job of rejecting off-axis sounds while zeroing in on the dialogue and other mid-frequency sources.

The shotgun works great indoors or out across various environments, thanks to an RF condenser design that’s highly moisture-resistant. And the MKH 416’s compact and light construction makes it easy to mount the mic on a boom pole without sacrificing maneuverability or tiring out your operator.

Make no mistake; you can get excellent shotgun mics for less money. But as good as they are, none provide the combined level of sonic quality, robust construction, and all-around utility of the MKH 416.

Best compact: Rode NTG3B

RØDE Microphones

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Specs

• Weight: 5.75 ounces
• Length: 10.4 inches
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Wide frequency response for natural sound
• Moisture resistant 
• Easy to mount on a camera or boom

Cons

• Slightly thinner sounding

Rode makes excellent mics. And thanks to its relatively moderate price tag, the NTG3B represents a common first step into the world of high-quality microphones. But thanks to its wide, natural 40-20,000 Hz frequency response and excellent build quality, it’s also the last stop for many pro and semi-pro indie filmmakers, documentarians, broadcast journalists, podcasters, and in-house audio-video teams.

It has excellent off-axis rejection, and its RF condenser technology protects it from moderate moisture. It isn’t quite as sensitive or directional as our top pick, Sennheiser’s MKH 416, but it usually costs about $300 less—and includes a handy metal case. For all but the most demanding users, that is often worth the trade-off. It’s still not what we’d consider “budget-priced,” but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of sonic integrity and build. 

Best for DSLR: Rode VideoMic Pro+

RØDE Microphones

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Specs

• Weight: 4.3 ounces
• Length: 6.69 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Built-in shockmount resists handling noise
• Extremely compact design
• Multiple power options
• 3.5mm TRS connectors

Cons

• No XLR connectivity
• Off-axis rejection could be better

Rode designed this compact and handy shotgun mic with mobile journalists, vloggers, and run-and-gun shooters in mind. It connects to cameras or audio recorders via a 3.5mm TRS cable and features an integrated shockmount that protects it from handling noise. The VideoMic Pro+ also has a built-in cold-shoe mount—so no extra arms or connectors are needed to mount it on your camera. 

The mic can be tuned to handle different recording environments, with buttons providing low-cut filters at 75 Hz or 150 Hz. You can also boost the frequency at 7 kHz if things start sounding a bit muddy. The mic has adjustable gain, as well, to help compensate for very loud or soft sounds. 

The VideoMic Pro+ won’t accept phantom power, but it does allow you to use AA batteries, Rode’s rechargeable battery, or an external battery that can connect via USB. 

With a shorter barrel, this shotgun mic sometimes has trouble rejecting off-axis sounds, especially in environments with large and noisy crowds. But if you want to keep your kit low-profile and nimble, this trade-off might be worth it.

Premium pick: Schoeps CMIT 5

Schoeps

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Specs 

• Weight: 3.35 ounces
• Length: 9.88 inches
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Natural sound
• Three switchable filters
• Shielded against electronic interference
• Compact design

Cons 

• Very expensive.
• Sensitive to environmental issues

Shoeps makes some of the best-sounding microphones in the business, and the CMIT 5 is no exception. It has a frequency response of 40-20,000 Hz tuned to provide flat, transparent, natural audio. But it also has three filters in case some additional acoustic sculpting is required: increase vocal clarity with a 5 dB boost at 10 Hz; roll off some bass at 300 Hz to offset proximity effect; or do a steep cut below 80 Hz to help wrangle handling-noise from a mic boom. It’s designed to perform best when paired with a high-gain mic preamp and is ideal for high-end applications like capturing dialogue, foley work, sound effects, or recording nuanced instruments.

However, Schoeps mics are some of the most sensitive to environmental issues like humidity. You don’t want to bring the CMIT 5 into the jungle or shoot down in Florida outside of an environmentally controlled building. This microphone is for the studio, concert hall, or closed set.

Remember that the best of the best comes with a high price tag, and the Schoeps CMIT 5 might be more microphone than many people outside the professional field need. 

Most versatile: Shure VP89M

Shure

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Specs 

• Weight: 4.9 ounces
• Length: 9.41 inches (Capsule), 4.02 inches (Preamp)
• Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz

Pros

• Unique modular capsule design
• Excellent sound quality
• Switchable low-cut filter
• Rugged yet lightweight build quality

Cons

• Requires 11 to 52 VDC phantom power

If you record in various situations, you typically need multiple shotgun mics to suit each scenario. But the Shure VP89M offers a unique modular design with interchangeable capsules, so you can stick with one mic even across indoor or outdoor applications. This version has a medium capsule, but you can also purchase short and long capsules to round out your kit. 

Shure built this mic around a Class-A transformerless preamplifier. It features a switchable low-cut filter to assist with less-than-desirable bass frequencies. The Medium capsule provides a narrow 50-degree acceptance angle, while the Long capsule offers a narrower angle, and the Short is wider. The mic produces a clean and natural sound that is very well-balanced. And it can easily pick up sound from up to 10 feet away, making it a worthy long-range mic option.

The Shure VP89M features a standard XLR 3-pin output. The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction adds to its durability but keeps the mic lightweight, making it easier to use for long periods. And it can operate in a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. Though you must purchase the different capsules separately, this comes with a windscreen and carrying case. 

Best professional: Neumann KMR 81 i

Neumann

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Specs 

• Weight: 5 ounces
• Length: 8.9 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Warm, clear sound
• Works in a variety of situations
• Low sensitivity to wind and handling noise
• Compact enough to mount on a camera

Cons

• Expensive

Neumann makes some of the best microphones, and the KMR 81 i is no exception. It has a steep price tag, but you get a lot for that high price. It is a super-cardioid mic and uses a pressure gradient transducer and an interference tube depending on the wavelength of the frequency for versatile use. 

The Neumann KMR 81 i is compact and light enough to be used on a camera for handheld shooting. Though the mic is specifically designed for film and TV applications, it also works well for recording individual musicians, orchestras, and more. The limited off-axis coloration keeps the sound consistent even if the subject is moving around. 

Most importantly, the KMR 81 i produces a high-quality, clear, warm sound. The 90-degree recording angle picks up just the right amount of sound. It offers switches to control a 200Hz low-cut filter and a -10dB pad to reduce traffic and wind noises. It also comes with a windscreen for even better results when outdoors. You’ll also get a leather carrying case and a one-year warranty.

Best mini: Rode VideoMicro II

Abby Ferguson

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Specs 

• Weight: 1.4 ounces
• Length: 3.1 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Pros

• Very compact and lightweight
• Affordable
• Straightforward and easy to use
• Excellent sound quality

Cons

• Only supports 3.5mm analog output

The Rode VideoMicro II, is, as the name suggests, tiny. At only 3.1 inches long and weight 1.4 ounces, it’s smaller than just about everything out there. This small shotgun mic is ideal for beginners getting into filmmaking or vlogging, partly because of its compact size. It’s also very simple to use. You mount it to your camera’s hot shoe, plug in the 3.5mm TRS cable, and you are good to go. It can even connect to a smartphone or tablet should you want to.

The VideoMicro II is also reasonably priced, under $100. But, despite the budget-friendly price, it produces quality sound. It comes with both foam and furry windshields, which do an excellent job of filtering out background noise. And Rode’s built-in HELIX isolation mount system keeps noise from any knocks and bumps down to a minimum. 

The mic has no physical controls, so you are more limited than when using more expensive models. But it only draws a tiny bit of power from your camera, so you won’t have to cut recordings short to charge back up. The short form factor even makes it feasible to use on gimbals, making it an ideal microphone choice for run-and-gun videographers and vloggers.

Best budget: Audio-Technica AT897

Audio-Technica

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Specs 

• Weight: 5.11 ounces
• Length: 10.98 inches
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Pros

• Inexpensive
• 80 Hz low-cut switch
• Lightweight
• Battery and phantom powered

Cons

• Susceptible to moisture
• Slightly brittle sounding 

With microphones, you often get what you pay for. But Audio-Technica’s AT897 delivers high-quality results while still costing less than $250. Its wide 20-20,000 Hz frequency response, with a switchable roll-off at 80 Hz, allows the mic to capture very natural sound. That said, the response across all those frequencies could be flatter, and you can expect some brittleness in the higher end that you won’t find on more professional-grade mics. Off-axis sound rejection is good but not great.

The AT897 is built like a tank, and while I wouldn’t suggest tossing it onto concrete or driving over it with a truck, it’ll generally survive the mishaps you’re likely to encounter when recording on location or out in nature. However, it’s susceptible to moisture and high humidity, so keep an eye on the weather if you’re using it outdoors. 

A nice bonus: This mic can run off an AA battery, which is particularly handy when the budget doesn’t allow for recorders or cameras that supply phantom power—for instance, in a classroom. Despite some shortcomings, this is an excellent shotgun microphone for beginners who want to develop their technique, schools, or anyone operating under a tight budget while still wanting plenty of features and quality. 

Things to consider before buying the best shotgun mics

Microphones have polar, or response, patterns, which describe how they “hear” sound sources depending on where they’re placed. A shotgun microphone is a type of mic with a very narrow, front-facing response known as a “supercardioid” pattern. This means the mic mostly picks up sound from whatever you point it at while rejecting sound from the sides and, to a lesser extent, the back.

Frequency response

Frequency response is measured in Hertz (Hz) and describes how well the microphone captures sound at different frequencies. Shotgun microphones tend to have very wide, flat responses—that is, they pick up a range of frequencies more or less equally well—to better represent what the human ear can hear. They’re often tuned a bit to help emphasize dialogue and other mid-range frequencies. 

Condenser vs. dynamic microphones

There are two main types of microphones: condenser mics and dynamic mics. In very basic terms, microphones use diaphragms that vibrate when hit by sound waves. These vibrations generate electronic impulses that can be recorded or converted directly back into sound. Condenser mics have very thin diaphragms sensitive to subtle, quiet, nuanced sounds. But they’re more delicate and susceptible to heavy handling and moisture.

Dynamic mics, with their thicker diaphragms, aren’t as good with nuance but do very well when blasted with loud noises. They’re also robust and can survive a lot of abuse. (Singers usually use dynamic mics on stage; if you’ve ever been to a punk show, you’ve seen the damage they can withstand.) 

Because shotguns are meant to capture even whispered dialogue, they’re almost always condenser mics. Some mics—like those in Sennheiser’s MKH series—use RF condensers in their capsules versus AF condensers, which do a better job of resisting humidity. But it’s important to understand the options and even test a mic to ensure you get the right one for the job at hand.

Length

Shotgun mics come in various lengths, from a compact 3 inches or 4 inches to more than one-foot long. Consider how you’ll use the mic when deciding whether you want a compact one. If you’re mounting it on a camera, a smaller profile makes the mic lighter and much more maneuverable. Longer shotguns tend to have tighter polar patterns; they’re great when recording concerts or sporting events, and you want to minimize the overwhelming crowd noise. But put one on a camera, and you’re liable to poke someone’s eye out!   

Power

Like all condenser mics, shotguns require some power source. They usually rely on 48v phantom power delivered from a recording device, mixer, or camera. But some also have an option of using an AA battery, which can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a situation where phantom power isn’t available. (For instance, some wireless rigs don’t deliver power themselves, so pick up and power up those rechargeable batteries.)

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best shotgun mics

• Best overall: Sennheiser MKH 416
• Best compact: Rode NTG3B
• Best for DSLR: Rode VideoMic Pro+
• Premium pick: Schoeps CMIT 5’
• Most versatile: Shure VP89M
• Best professional: Neumann KMR 81 i
• Best mini: Rode VideoMicro II
• Best budget: Audio-Technica AT897

If you’re shopping for a shotgun microphone, you’ve got a lot of options—that’s the good news. Manufacturers like Sennheiser and Rode make mics at different prices that all deliver excellent audio. The trick is figuring out which mic suits your needs best without accidentally overspending. It’s not easy—and that’s the bad news. Navigating all these microphones takes time and careful research. It also helps to use the mics before you buy one so you can tell from first-hand experience if it’s right for you.

That said, our own experience working with these mics professionally takes us back, time and again, to the classic Sennheiser MKH 416. It’s hard to beat the sound quality, which is simply excellent. But if you can’t quite afford one, Rode’s NTG3B, our pick for the best compact shotgun mic, is an excellent second choice. It sounds almost as good and has the same resistance to humidity. I’ve used both in professional settings and never had any complaints. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best shotgun mics in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Samsung Odyssey G7		SEE IT	The Samsung Odyssey G7 is an incredible valuable display with a bright QLED panel, deep 1000R curve, and elite gaming speed.
Best for gaming		Dell Alienware AW3423DW		SEE IT	The Alienware AW3423DW brings the sharper contrast of an OLED display to PC gaming.
Best for work		Dell UltraSharp U3421WE		SEE IT	The Dell UltraSharp U3421WE gives you an ultrawide workspace to make you more productive.

Whether you’re gaming or taking on a big project at work, upgrading to a curved monitor can elevate your computing experience. While using one feels a bit different, and may not be for everyone, an increasing number of people swear by them. The graceful arc of a curved display draws you further into the experience, increasing your immersion and blocking out distractions. The best curved monitors feature all the impressive specs and features of any other display while bringing a few unique tricks all their own.

• Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Best for gaming: Dell Alienware AW3423DW
• Best for work: Dell UltraSharp U3421WE
• Best 4K: Gigabyte M32UC 
• Best ultrawide: LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B
• Best budget: AOC G2 Series C27G2Z

How we chose the best curved monitors

I’ve worked in gaming and tech journalism since 2013. During that time, I’ve evaluated a wide range of monitors, from affordable flat panels to luxurious curved ultrawides. Covering displays and computers for sites like IGN, Reviewed, and Tom’s Hardware, I’ve built a deep understanding of what makes a monitor great.

Our selections for the best curved monitors are the product of extensive testing and research. Beyond testing and reviewing many of these monitors, I took a deep look at the most important specs: screen size, resolution, refresh rate, response time, and the core features that separate a great display from a basic one. I also turned to reviews from experts and impressions from real customers to see how they stacked up in dedicated performance tests and real-world scenarios.

The best curved monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you have a good handle on the monitor-buying basics, let’s talk about the best curved monitors you can buy. Even with all the knowledge we’ve shared, finding the best curved monitor may still feel like a daunting task. Our picks, selected through testing and extensive research, are a great place to start (and end) your search.

Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7

SAMSUNG

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Buy it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the cut: The Samsung Odyssey G7 delivers a great picture and outstanding value.

Specs

• Screen size: 27-inch
• Curve: 1000R
• Resolution: 2560×1440 
• Panel type: QLED
• Brightness/HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• Deep, immersive curve
• Crisp 1440p resolution
• An esports-grade 240Hz refresh rate
• QLED panel ensures high brightness and contrast

Cons

• 1000R curve may be too deep for some people
• Expensive

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is a performance powerhouse that provides surprisingly incredible value. It isn’t cheap, but you’d be hard-pressed to find another curved monitor that brings so much value to the table. Its vivid, Quantum Dot-enhanced picture enables exceptional brightness and contrast, winning it a DisplayHDR 600 rating. Colors pop on this display, and you can make out more detail in the screen’s dark and bright areas.

The G7 is definitely a gaming-first display. Its deep 1000R curve covers more peripheral vision, enhancing your immersion. Pushing 1440p resolution at up to 240Hz, you’ll get a perfect pairing of crisp visuals and high frame rates. Motion blur will be less of an issue on the Odyssey, giving you the edge to one-up the competition.

There are bigger, brighter monitors on the market, including several from Samsung: the 32-inch Odyssey G7 Neo, which offers an incredible 2000 nits of peak brightness, the 4K-enabled 16:9 Samsung Odyssey G8, and, if you have a gaming desk with space for an ultrawide display, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8. You can really level up that battlestation with this 34-inch 21:9 Ultra-WQHD screen supporting 0.03ms response times, 175Hz, FreeSync VRR support with G-SYNC compatibility, and DisplayHDR True Black 400 levels. The Neo G8 has more resolution (good for streaming content) and a higher refresh rate/lower lag for competitive gaming. In a dark environment, however, the OLED G8 offers amazing contrast with impossibly inky blacks and smoother motion handling, making it both perfect for productivity and very console-friendly.

Those are notable upgrades, but they come with much steeper price tags ($1,000 on average). For many players, the $500 Odyssey G7 is more than enough to allow systems to hit peak performance without overspending.

Best for gaming: Dell Alienware AW3423DW

Dell

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Alienware AW3423DW’s fast, color-rich OLED screen makes games look better than ever; it’s expensive but very impressive.

Specs

• Screen size: 34.18-inch (Ultrawide)
• Curve: 1800R
• Resolution: 3440×1440 (21:9)
• Panel type: QD-OLED
• Brightness/HDR: 1000-nit peak brightness (DisplayHDR 400 True Black)
• Refresh rate: 175Hz
• Response time: 0.1ms

Pros

• QD-OLED panel enables incredible contrast and sharpness
• 1000-nits peak brightness
• Quantum dots for rich, accurate colors
• G-Sync Ultimate

Cons

• Very expensive
• Doesn’t work well with PS5
• No HDMI 2.1 ports

The Alienware AW3423DW is a rare curved display indeed. It features a Quantum Dot-enhanced OLED panel. Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays feature “self-emitting” backlighting, where each pixel is individually backlit and independently controlled. This allows for incredible contrast, including “true” blacks. Standard OLED screens are known for lacking the brightness of conventional displays, but Quantum Dot technology enhances the screen’s inherent brightness, allowing the AW3423DW to hit an HDR-bright 1000 nits. It only achieves that maximum brightness in small spots on the monitor but is still more than capable of generating quality HDR gameplay.

You won’t have to worry about artifacts dragging down your gaming experience with the AW3423DW. With a ridiculously fast 0.1ms response time, ghosting just isn’t an issue for this display. A 175Hz refresh rate and Nvidia’s G-Sync Ultimate certification ensure excellent picture quality without screen tearing.

It isn’t perfect, though. The AW3423DW has a small number of flaws, particularly for console players who’d pair it with a PlayStation 5. It lacks HDMI 2.1, for example, so it can’t play games in 4K at 120Hz over HDMI cable. It also can’t downscale 4K content, so the PS5 can only run in 1080p on the monitor. (Luckily, there are monitors particularly well-suited to PS5.)

The Alienware AW3423DW is one of a few OLED gaming monitors in 2023. As a result, the distinctive, high-performance panel comes with a very steep price tag. If you’re a PC player who wants to see the sharpest possible picture on a monitor, though, it is worth it.

Best for work: Dell UltraSharp U3421WE

Dell

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Dell Ultrasharp U3421WE can replace multiple monitors and comes with productivity-enhancing features

Specs

• Screen size: 34.1-inch (Ultrawide)
• Curve: 1900R
• Resolution: 3440×1440 (21:9)
• Panel type: IPS
• Brightness/HDR: 300 nits
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Response time: 8ms

Pros

• Connects via USB-C
• Built-in KVM lets you switch between two PCs with one mouse and keyboard
• Useful software quickly divides screen space
• Remembers window positions between uses

Cons

• Expensive
• Low brightness

Looking to replace your multi-monitor setup for work with a single ultrawide monitor? The 34-inch Dell Ultrasharp U3421WE is as tall as a standard 27-inch monitor and provides roughly eight inches of extra width on either side, so you have plenty of space to work. It also features some productivity-enhancing software that can partition that space into 38 different configurations for up to five windows. You’ll be able to see everything you need to work quickly and efficiently. When you’re done for the day, the software can re-open those windows, allowing you to pick up right where you left off. 

It isn’t uncommon for monitors to feature a couple extra USB ports for your peripherals, but the U3421WE not only connects via USB-C but it also doubles as a bona fide USB-C hub. It features two USB-C ports, one of which empowers you to connect and charge a laptop. There are also a whopping five USB 3.0 ports (one upstream and four downstream), to connect all of your peripherals and transfer large files. There’s even an Ethernet port to connect to your office’s network. 

It may not be quite as wide as two 27-inch monitors, but the Dell Ultrasharp U3421WE makes a strong case for optimizing your home office with a curved ultrawide display.

Best 4K: Gigabyte M32UC

Gigabyte

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Gigabyte M32UC is a big screen with a crisp 4K picture and features to spare.

Specs

• Screen size: 31.5-inch 
• Curve: 1500R
• Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)
• Panel type: SuperSpeed VA
• Brightness/HDR: DisplayHDR 400
• Refresh rate: 160Hz
• Response time: 1ms 

Pros

• Crisp 4K visuals in a large viewing area
• Fast refresh rate
• Great color coverage
• Built-in KVM

Cons

• Limited HDR performance
• Minor ghosting without overdrive

Curved 4K monitors usually get expensive quickly, and the Gigabyte M32UC balances performance, features, and price better than most displays out there. It isn’t cheap by any stretch, but you get a color-rich gaming display with a ton of great features in return. You may have to adjust a couple of settings to make the most of it, but once you do, you’ll see that it’s a hidden gem among ultrawide gaming monitors.

SuperSpeed VA panel. Unlike traditional VA panels, the M32UC’s SuperSpeed VA panel gives it an unexpectedly low 1ms response time. It’s also fast, with a 160Hz refresh rate, which is high for a 4K display. With 93% DCI-P3 wide color gamut and 123% sRGB, it offers incredible color depth and accuracy, which is great for creatives. If you’d like to connect to a second PC for streaming or home office use, it also features a built-in KVM to swap your peripherals between devices quickly. The monitor also features a full suite of competitive gaming features, like a “Black Equalizer” that helps you peek into shadows, and an FPS monitor that can overlay on any game.

There are some important trade-offs with the M32UC that you should know before you buy in. First, with 8-bit color and only 400 nits of brightness, it can’t really handle HDR gameplay. Some users have also reported minor ghosting with Overdrive disabled, but that’s a quick fix within its settings menu. Even with these shortcomings, the M32UC is an outstanding choice if you’re shopping for a 4K monitor with an immersive curve.

Best ultrawide: LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B

LG

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B doesn’t come cheap, but its spacious Nano IPS screen is a joy to behold.

Specs

• Screen size: 34-inch (Ultrawide)
• Curve: 1900R
• Resolution: 3440×1440 (21:9)
• Panel type: Nano IPS
• Brightness/HDR: DisplayHDR 600
• Refresh rate: 180Hz 
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• 10-bit color and DisplayHDR 600 certification
• Rapid refresh rate adds smoothness to games
• G-Sync Ultimate certified (FreeSync also supported)

Cons

• Very expensive
• Low IPS contrast

Gamers who have taken the leap already know: A great ultrawide monitor can take your gaming experience to the next level. That’s certainly the case with the expansive LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B, which delivers a crisp 3440×1440 picture empowered by LG’s Nano IPS panel. A proprietary LG display technology, Nano IPS displays feature a coating of nanoparticles on the backlight that expand their color gamut to an incredibly vibrant 98% of the DCI-P3 color space, or roughly 135% of sRGB. 

Somehow, professional-grade color accuracy and gaming-grade speed go hand-in-hand. LG quotes a 1ms response time on its “faster” preset, dramatically reducing the chance for visible ghosting. Meanwhile, its perfectly respectable 144Hz refresh rate can be overclocked to hit an impressive 180Hz for competitive play. It’s also Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate certified so you can count on fluid gameplay without a hint of screen tearing.

The UltraGear 34GP950G-B is certified by VESA for DisplayHDR 600 high dynamic range. It has a higher peak brightness of 600 nits and true 10-bit color so that you can make out more detail in the shadows and highlights. Its HDR tech comes with a local dimming feature, but critics found it to be too distracting to actually use. Since it also uses an IPS panel, contrast levels are also low, which makes blacks look dark gray in dark rooms. Even with local dimming turned off, there’s little room to argue with how good this monitor truly is.

Best budget: AOC G2 Series C27G2Z

AOC

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The AOC G2 Series C27G2Z offers a lot for little. It costs less than $250 but still delivers strong performance.

Specs

• Screen size: 27-inch
• Curve: 1500R
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Panel type: VA
• Brightness/HDR: 250 nits 
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 0.5ms

Pros

• Large screen
• 240Hz refresh rate 
• Good VA contrast
• Good color coverage

Cons

• Low brightness
• No HDR
• Low pixel density

If you’re on a limited budget, the AOC G2 Series C27G2Z is easily one of best curved monitors for under $300. It offers a handful of key features that make it an incredible value at a price point where you rarely find any. Its 27-inch screen is large enough to make good use of its 1500R curve, taking up more of your field of view and drawing you further into your entertainment experiences.

Now, a 27-inch, 1080p screen stretches its pixels a bit thin, but not dramatically. If you’d prefer to go smaller to maintain the screen’s sharpness, the 24-inch, 165Hz AOC C24G1A is our favorite curved gaming monitor under $200.

The C27G2Z is also quite a capable gaming monitor. It features a rapid 240Hz refresh rate—fast enough for competitive esports. Response time is also excellent at 0.5ms in its fastest mode, but you should plan on turning this down a touch for the best image quality—but with 0.5ms to start, there’s responsiveness to spare. Color coverage is also impressive at 90% of the DCI-P3 color space so that hues will look deeper and more saturated.

Unfortunately, the C27G2Z scrapes the bottom of the barrel with peak brightness and has a luminance of only 250 nits. That’s fine for most games, but you’ll want to position it away from direct sunlight. HDR is also out of the question, but these are fair trade-offs considering its price.

Things to consider before buying a curved monitor

Once a niche offshoot of conventional PC displays, the curved monitor has become an increasingly popular gaming and office work option. Going for a curved monitor adds a couple of extra specs to the long list of considerations you want to keep in mind when buying any monitor. We’ll walk you through the basics, so you can make your own decision when you’re ready to buy your next monitor.

Setting the curve

The big difference between picking a curved display and a standard flat panel is the curve itself. Just like the size of the monitor, the depth of the display’s arc varies from model to model.

The arc of a curved display is measured using the distance from the outer edge of the screen to its center. That number, measured in millimeters, is expressed as the monitor’s Radius (R) and indicates the recommended viewing distance to fully experience that curve’s benefits. The lower the radius, the deeper the curve will be. The deeper the curve, the more immersive your viewing experience will feel.

As with other specs, there is a range of possible curvatures ranging from 3000R to 1800R, all the way down to 1000R. Most curved monitors tend to fall between 1800R and 1500R, as large shallow curves typically require larger screen sizes than is typical for computer monitors. These curvatures range from a gentle bend to minimize how often you twist your neck to a noticeable curve that can enhance the immersive qualities of first-person games. Some gaming monitors drop down to 1000R. As this excellent explainer from Viewsonic describes, 1000R is the same curve as the human eye and should theoretically feel most “correct,” though such a deep curve can also be the hardest to adapt to.

Curved monitors are an acquired taste. It’s hard to know whether you’ll like a curved monitor, or what curve arc you’ll prefer without seeing them in person. Pictures just can’t replace the experience of sitting before one and seeing what each curve feels like for yourself. We recommend stopping by the electronics section of your retailer to see for yourself. If that’s not possible, be sure to buy from a retailer with a friendly return and exchange process.

Resolution

Beyond the curve’s arc, there’s no major difference between picking a curved monitor and any other. There are three core specs that we look at first when picking any PC display: resolution, screen size, and refresh rate.

Resolution refers to how many pixels your display uses to generate an image. All other things being equal, a higher resolution enables a sharper, more detailed image. Manufacturers currently stick to three primary resolutions for all widescreen (16:9) monitors: The baseline is 1920 x 1080 pixels, more commonly known as 1080p. The middle option, which we frequently recommend for gaming, is 2560 x 1440 pixels (you may see manufacturers call this 1440p, or QHD). Lastly, you have 3840 x 2160 pixels, also known as 4K. Unlike TVs, where 4K has become the standard, 4K monitors are still luxury and usually expensive.

If you plan on using your monitor for gaming, remember that higher resolutions require more powerful hardware to run well. If you’re a gamer but aren’t sure what resolution will work best for you, download and run a selection of the best benchmarks to grasp your system’s performance better.

Screen size

Curved displays aim to take up more of your peripheral vision so, unlike conventional widescreen monitors, we recommend going with the largest display that feels comfortable for you.

That recommendation comes with a caveat: There is a correlation between screen size and resolution. Larger displays need more pixels to achieve the same level of sharpness as their smaller counterparts. So, while a larger screen will enhance the benefits of using a curved display,  we only recommend you do so if you can also afford to scale up to 1440p or 4K for a screen above 27 inches.

With curved displays in particular, it also makes sense to consider whether you’d be interested in the standard, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, or a 21:9 ultrawide monitor. Ultrawide monitors extend the horizontal viewing area without making the display taller than a traditional display, which pushes the edges of the screen closer to your peripheral vision. Since curved displays work best when they extend to the outer edges of your field of view, the ultrawide form factor enhances the benefits of a curved panel. Pairing the two unconventional form factors often leads to a more expensive display, but a large curved ultrawide creates enough screen space to replace two monitors in most setups. It’s expensive, but a unique pleasure.

Refresh rate

For gaming, refresh rate often feels just as important as screen size and resolution. Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how many times the screen updates the image on screen each second. Productivity monitors usually stick to basic 60Hz-75Hz, since smooth animation isn’t considered a priority. For gaming, however, a higher refresh rate allows games to run at a higher frame rate, making them look smoother and reducing motion blur. 

In general, we look for gaming monitors with a 144Hz refresh rate or higher. For office work, a little bump to refresh rate is a nice luxury, but not a crucial feature.

Panel type

The physical screen panel can impact a monitor’s color accuracy, contrast, and responsiveness. Aside from a few exceptions—some of which you’ll see on this list—monitors rely on one of three panel types:

In-Plane Switching, or IPS, panels have the best colors and widest viewing angles of the three types. Because of this, they have become a staple in the creative industries and are a popular choice for digital artists. At the same time, IPS panels typically have slower response times and low contrast.

Twisted Nematic, or TN, panels are traditionally regarded as the “fastest” monitor panels because they generally introduce less input lag. Their high performance comes at the expense of color accuracy and viewing angles, so images may not look as vivid as they would on a VA or IPS panel. Manufacturers have closed the gap in response time between TN panels and the others, so you really only see them in very cheap displays, or esports monitors with extremely high refresh rates.

Vertical Alignment, or VA, panels are the middle ground between IPS and TN, offering a balance between deep color and high speed. VA panels also benefit from superior contrast. While a great IPS panel may have a 1000:1 contrast ratio, many VA panels triple that and come in at 3000:1. Blacks are typically much darker on VA panels and are a better fit for use in low-light environments. 

While panel type impacts your monitor’s picture, the impact of using one panel type vs. another is usually quite small. They are a general indication of how a monitor may perform, but the nuances of a monitor’s color depth are usually best judged with the naked eye. (Or, if you’re a creative pro, using a colorimeter.)

HDR and brightness

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is one of the most popular display standards available today. In a nutshell, HDR content leverages new display technologies to display a much wider range of colors and brightness levels, capturing more vivid colors and enabling your monitor to depict a wider range of light and shadow in a single image. 

Judging whether a monitor supports HDR content or not is a surprisingly contentious issue. To really see HDR as intended, your monitor needs to be capable of getting very bright, so it can show both high- and low-light situations. Many PC monitors technically can serve HDR content, but can’t get bright enough to properly display it. For most PC monitors—32 inches or smaller—we look for a maximum brightness of 600 or higher. On larger screens, including TVs, you really want 1000 nits or more. Monitors that support HDR, but fail to reach those marks will appear brighter in HDR mode, but will not change how an image is lit. HDR also requires advanced color depth, so be sure the display you’re looking at also supports 10-bit color or higher. 

HDR-enabled monitors make it easy to check their maximum brightness, as they feature a DisplayHDR certification from the Video Electronics Standards Association, commonly known as VESA. The DisplayHDR rating system includes the monitor’s maximum brightness as part of its rating—which ranges from HDR400 (400 nits) to HDR1400 (1400 nits).

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best curved monitors

• Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Best for gaming: Dell Alienware AW3423DW
• Best for work: Dell UltraSharp U3421WE
• Best 4K: Gigabyte M32UC 
• Best ultrawide: LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B
• Best budget: AOC G2 Series C27G2Z

Curved monitors are more popular than ever before. They provide a comfortable, immersive experience that enhances games and productivity. With the market for curved monitors expanding, there are options at any price point now, so if you’ve tried one and want to make the jump, there’s an option for every budget.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best curved monitors in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Walker Edison Modern Computer Gaming Desk		SEE IT	Use this versatile model for computer work, writing, or gaming.
Best for two people		Tribesigns Double Computer Desk with Printer Shelf		SEE IT	Designed to allow the room and privacy for two people to share a workspace.
Best budget		Cubiker Computer Desk		SEE IT	This affordable desk still comes with plenty of storage for its size.

A computer desk is more than just a coffee table and some extension cords. It’s a dedicated space for the computer, and it’s the literal foundation for all your work and online play. Fortunately, computer desks have come a long way since folding card tables and particleboard eyesores, with models that bend and shape to your specific needs. Finding a computer desk with useful options but not add-on gimmicks and unnecessary flourishes is important. It should be nimble enough to handle your tasks and sturdy enough to support your workload. And, most importantly, it should make you happy and excited to get stuff done. You can easily get overwhelmed with choices or discouraged by high prices. Be strong. You’ll find plenty to pick from as you scroll through our recommendations for the best computer desks below.

• Best overall: Walker Edison Modern Computer Gaming Desk
• Best adjustable: Flexispot Kana Pro Bamboo Standing Desk
• Best for two people: Tribesigns Double Computer Desk with Printer Shelf
• Best for small spaces: Prepac Wall Mounted Floating Desk
• Best for corner: Teraves Reversible L-Shaped Desk
• Best for gaming: NTENSE Genesis Adjustable Gaming, White Desk
• Best budget: Cubiker Computer Desk

How we chose the best computer desks

I’m a writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience who has done extensive product reviewing. In compiling our recommendations for the best computer desks, we considered options from dozens of brands. We prioritized computer desks that provide good value for the money and serve a wide range of needs.

Our desk recommendations cover couples sharing home office space, gamers looking for a rad home for their battlestation, creatives who use two big monitors, and people with little floor space or money for a desk. We also considered the materials, durability, versatility, and storage space of the available options.

The best computer desks: Reviews & Recommendations

Comfort, efficiency, and style should combine when picking the most important piece of office furniture—next to an ergonomic office chair and a dependable coffee maker. Corner desks, adjustable desks, standing desks, portable desks, ergonomic desks, folding desks, dual monitor desks—there’s a desk for every job and every computer.

Best overall: Walker Edison Modern Computer Gaming Desk

Walker Edison

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Why it made the cut: This industrial-looking desk will work well in a home office or for gamers. It comes with a drawer and shelves for storage, plus a USB port and AC plug-in for additional power.

Specs

• Material: Driftwood and metal 
• Dimensions: 23.5 inches D x 48.12 inches W x 30 inches H
• Storage: Drawer and shelves

Pros

• Durable design
• Provides storage
• Allow for plug-ins

Cons

• Doesn’t provide adjustability for standing

Thanks to the handy shelves, plugs, and ports, the Walker Edison Modern Computer Gaming Desk is more useful than a standard table desk. A simple pull-out drawer provides enough space for your supplies, and the open shelves prevent gadgets, cameras, paperwork, and other items from getting lost in a dark, dingy filing cabinet. If you’re looking for a nice computer desk, everything is open and inviting, yet built to withstand even the hardest typers or heaviest lunches.  

Best adjustable: Flexispot Kana Pro Bamboo Standing Desk

Flexispot

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Why it made the cut: This beautiful bamboo desk is durable, comes in a variety of shapes and dimensions, and comes with safety features like a child lock to make it safe for the home office.

Specs

• Material: Bamboo
• Dimensions: Rectangular or curved, from 48 inches x 24 inches to 78 inches x 30 inches 
• Storage: None

Pros

• Customizable sizes
• Eco-friendly material
• Safety features for working at home

Cons

• Expensive
• No storage space

You shouldn’t have to choose between standing and sitting desks. Get the best of both worlds with the Flexisport Kana Pro. This durable model comes in rectangular and curved shapes with various dimensions, so you can pick the size you need. Made of long-lasting bamboo that’s finished with a scratch- and water-resistant lacquer, this standing desk’s frame comes in white, black, or gray and is also available with casters for portability. 

This modern desk mechanically adjusts between 23.6 inches and 49.2 inches, so you can easily alternate between sitting and standing. Safety features include anti-collision technology and a child lock that make it safe for home use. And a cable management system keeps your cords organized and your workstation tidy. That said, the desk is somewhat expensive and has no dedicated storage space beyond the desktop.

Best for two people: Tribesigns Double Computer Desk with Printer Shelf

Tribesigns

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Why it made the cut: The desk is designed to make the most of a home office for two, with space for a printer dividing two substantial desks. 

Specs

• Material: Engineered wood
• Dimensions: 19.7 inches D x 19.69 inches W x 29.5 inches H
• Storage: Stand for printer and two shelves underneath

Pros

• Ample workspace for two people
• Room for a printer built-in
• Clean design

Cons

• Isn’t adjustable for standing

Share the space, but not the frustration with this two-person computer desk from Tribesigns. The inexpensive dual-desk gives you the surface area needed to get things done with the privacy needed to focus. A printer shelf sits between each workstation, making you feel like you’re in your own little office. And with accessories like printers and scanners easy to reach for both workers, you won’t be interrupted with, “Can you hand me that?” Add a few plants or books for more privacy. Perhaps best of all, the simple, understated style is less likely to cause fights over design when shopping for furniture. This is the best desk for storage on our list.

Best for small spaces: Prepac Wall-Mounted Floating Desk

Prepac

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Why it made the cut: If space is at a premium, this wall-mounted floating desk allows you to make the most of your wall and provides some storage to boot. 

Specs

• Material: Composite wood
• Dimensions: 19.75 inches D x 42.25 inches W x 39.5 inches H
• Storage: Small shelves 

Pros

• Solution for a small space
• Attractive espresso color
• Decent storage for such a small desk

Cons

• Assembly and wall mounting make take some time

It’s not for everyone or all types of work, but the wall-mounted Prepac desk provides a flat place to rest a laptop and get to work. The accompanying (removable) shelves can hold supplies and cables, and the tabletop is just big enough for a laptop and mouse. If you don’t want a big piece of furniture hogging up valuable space or need to add a workspace to a cramped living space quickly, this small computer desk is the most efficient workstation available. You will need to mount this on the wall, which adds another step to the already annoying task of desk assembly. But once put together, the desk is surprisingly sturdy. While you shouldn’t rest your 45-pound desktop computer on this surface, it can hold up against most office work. If you want more vertical storage, check out this minimalist wall-mounted desk.

Best for corner: Teraves Reversible L-Shaped Desk

Teraves

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Why it made the cut: This L-shaped desk provides plenty of workspace for one or two people, plus room for files or a large monitor for creatives and gamers. 

Specs

• Material: Engineered wood and metal
• Dimensions: 68.9 inches D x 53.1 inches W x 30 inches H
• Storage: Two shelves

Pros

• Large workspace
• Comes with shelves for storage
• Made with durable materials

Cons

• Can take up a lot of space

The Teraves Reversible L-Shaped Desk gives you space and options. The elegant desktop surfaces can be arranged to suit your needs. It’s great for work and gaming and is one of the most affordable desks that fits nicely in a corner. The long side gives you 69 inches of space. The short side is 53 inches long. That’s plenty of room to work, so it would be best for two monitors, yet it isn’t too bulky to block your office door. Theoretically, you could fit a second person at the desk if you’re willing to give up some privacy.

Best for gaming: NTENSE Genesis Adjustable Gaming Desk

NTENSE

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Why it made the cut: Designed for gamers, this sleek modern desk comes with LED lights to enhance the experience and also allows you to adjust from sitting to standing.

Specs

• Material: Engineered wood and metal 
• Dimensions: 29.8 inches D x 53.62 inches W x 40 inches H
• Storage: None

Pros

• Height adjustable 
• Comes with LED lights
• Dedicated space for cup holder and headphone hook

Cons

• Expensive

The simple NTENSE Genesis Desk can be adjusted to three different heights to give you the right angle for work or gaming. A built-in wire trough keeps cords from strangling your productivity and snagging your legs. The headphone hook and cup holder can be installed in four different areas, ensuring everything you need is within reach. But best of all, this modern model looks good. Remote-controlled RGB LED lights make this best gaming computer desk glow and shine like a futuristic work hub without looking like a disorganized cyberpunk rig.

Best budget: Cubiker Computer Desk

Cubiker

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Why it made the cut: This affordable option comes in five different widths and has a side for storage. 

Specs

• Material: Engineered wood, steel, fabric
• Dimensions: Available in 32, 40, 47, 55, and 63 inches.
• Storage: Side storage bag

Pros

• Modern look
• Range of sizes available
• Affordable

Cons

• Not much storage space

The Cubiker Computer Desk checks off the three most important boxes for any quality desk: It’s flat. It’s durable. It’s the right size. While some budget desks are puny tray tables, the Cubiker’s 40-inch surface has enough space for a laptop and two monitors, with room to spare. The modern design will fit into any home office or gaming room, and the storage bag keeps things organized. It lacks USB ports and electrical outlets, but a few extension cords can turn this simple desk into a bonafide gaming hub. And go ahead and cover it with coffee stains, phone numbers, and stickers—it’s inexpensive! 

What to consider when shopping for the best computer desks

The best computer desk means different things to different people. Do you want a small and sleek modern computer desk? Or something large and multi-functional? Think about your computer use and what would make your current workspace more efficient.

Look for longevity

A well-made computer table won’t break or bend under pressure; it will last your entire career. Think of your desk as a hard-headed, dependable friend even when work gets stressful. This is not the time for cheap plastic and too many moveable (i.e., breakable) parts.

While it might seem cost-effective to buy the cheapest work table to simply “get the job done,” investing in a more substantial desk will eliminate furniture breakdowns and keep the workflow flowing. Working on a solid, dependable surface makes any task, from closing a deal to Slack-ing funny memes, feel important.

If you want a permanent workstation, think carefully about style and material. Tiny desks with spaghetti-thin legs won’t last past one intense Zoom call or Twitch livestream. And enormous, solid wood desks belong in Ebenezer Scrooge’s office, not your house. Simplicity is best, with clean lines, dark wood surfaces, and metal accents. Desks that are too trendy will look dated faster than you can say “spinning CD storage racks.” 

Luckily, there are solid desks that have an airy, lightweight aesthetic and storage for all the necessary tools of your trade.

A two-person desk doesn’t have to break the bank, or your relationship

As more people now work from their house, your home office desk might be getting crowded with a new “employee” (significant other) or pesky “interns” (kids). But adding a second worker to the office can quickly get pricey. Buying a two-person desk is often cheaper than buying two separate desks. And the style will be uniform instead of looking like your office is a collision of tastes. 

When shopping, think about how the two of you will work together. You want to conserve office space, but working on top of each other is a path towards annoyance and arguments. You need a little privacy and room to focus. 

Instead of a single tabletop, consider a two-person computer desk with desk space between workstations. This boundary will improve your work and prevent your relationship from falling apart before lunch.

Gaming desks don’t need to be elaborate

Desks don’t have to be all about work; they can still meet your needs with style. Even if your gaming rig has multiple screens, keyboards, wires, and a wildly expensive steering-wheel controller, it can all rest on a single level of an impressive-looking desk. 

Multi-level desks are often bulky, and some of those cubbyholes will only be used to store a dusty old ream of sprocketed Commodore 64 printer paper. Plus, the more planes and elements to a desk, the more the desk takes over, and the work and gaming become secondary. You need a workspace, not a 12-foot-tall cat tower.

Save as much space as possible

How small can a computer desk be? If you want a desk that’s one step above working on your lap but a few steps below standard workspaces, there are tiny options that conserve space for those organized enough to handle the limited surface area and lack of storage. 

Hidden desks that fold or roll away can turn any room into an office as needed. With a few flips and twists, your hallway is now your work HQ. Those living in cramped apartments or overcrowded houses need a desk as small as possible. And because tiny desks can be mounted or placed anywhere, your options for workspace subscribe to the number-one rule of real estate: Location, location, location.  

The guest room, the living room, even the bathroom can be a viable workspace with a compact computer desk. If you need the basics or even less than the basics, go small and keep your work-life balance leaning towards life.

Find a computer table that bends to your needs

L-shaped computer desks offer all the space you need while taking up as little space as possible. The L-shaped desks are standard for those serious about working from home and feeling in charge. You can make your own L-shape by combining two rectangular desks together, but a properly designed L-shaped desk will add uniform style and functionality to your workspace. 

When shopping online, take special notice of the size. L-shaped desks quickly grow and grow. And when shopping in-store, know the big airy sales floor will make any desk look perfect for your room. Remember: Measure twice, buy once.

You can also arrange and rearrange most L-shaped desk layouts, giving them a bit more versatility than you may assume. And you can easily fit two people at one well-sized L-shape desk, if privacy isn’t a concern. The L-shaped desk might be the most-used piece of furniture in the house.

Can a desk be healthy?

Like the desk itself, the standing desk trend rises and falls. One year these moveable tall tables are all the rage. Next, a Harvard study finds standing desks to be of no real benefit for weight loss. It comes down to your own personal taste. 

Standing desks do offer the benefit of keeping you on task. It’s hard to zone out when you’re upright. Remember when shopping for a standing desk that you want one that works efficiently. If the act of raising and lowering the desk requires six steps and a key, it probably won’t do you much good. 

It’s also important that the standing desk offers enough workspace for your laptop and other accessories. If you have to bend down to get equipment every ten minutes, your back won’t be a happy worker.

Price

Computer desk prices can vary significantly, with luxury furniture pieces skyrocketing past the $5,000 mark. You just need a place to work. But before you fork over $10 on the cheapest thing you can find, know that a low price may mean less workspace, poor quality, or a deadly combination of both. 

Scrutinize the product dimensions to ensure you get an adult-sized desk and not a breakfast-in-bed tray. And see if there are any weight limits in the specifications because a decent-sized desk isn’t worth much if it can’t even support a Nintendo Switch. 

Luckily, a computer desk is a simple, readily available piece of furniture, so you should be able to find one within your budget that won’t collapse under a mild breeze. Don’t spend hundreds of dollars if you only need a basic table with legroom and some storage.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best computer desks for you

• Best overall: Walker Edison Modern Computer Gaming Desk
• Best adjustable: Flexispot Kana Pro Bamboo Standing Desk
• Best for two people: Tribesigns Double Computer Desk with Printer Shelf
• Best for small spaces: Prepac Wall Mounted Floating Desk
• Best for corner: Teraves Reversible L-Shaped Desk
• Best for gaming: NTENSE Genesis Adjustable Gaming, White Desk
• Best budget: Cubiker Computer Desk

The best computer desk has one job: support your computer. Find a well-made desk that won’t crumble in a year and won’t overpower a room. Everything else is up to your own personal preference. Do you want shelves? Desk drawers? Do you need an L-shaped or corner desk to fit into a specific space? Do you want to try a standing desk? Before clicking “add to cart,” think carefully about how you’ll use the desk. It’s more than just a slab of wood. You need something more specialized than a kitchen table and more attractive than a folding table. But most of all, you need a computer desk that works.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best computer desks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Hopefully, you spent some time relaxing over the long Memorial Day weekend. But imagine how much more relaxing it would have been if you were chilling in an inflatable hot tub. Currently, Amazon has some popular inflatable hot tubs on sale for the lowest prices we have seen in a while. You’ll also find some cold plunges with discounts, so whether you want to sit in warm or cool water, these deals have you covered. Personally, I prefer warm every time because I don’t have the same warrior spirit all my CrossFit friends seem to have when it comes to dipping themselves in a big bucket of ice. I’m OK with that. You might feel differently, and there’s no better time to find out than during a sale.

Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub, 4-Person AirJet Spa $371 (Was $529)

Saluspa

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This 177-gallon tub can accommodate up to four people depending on how comfortable you are with your pals. It heats water to 104 degrees and blasts your battered body with 120 jets in an effort to turn you into a relaxed jelly. Setup doesn’t require any tools, and it’s easy to store when the cold weather comes around because you can deflate it. These aren’t going to get any cheaper as we get further into summer, so now’s the time if you want to spend your evenings soaking.

Explore Fitness Large Ice Bath $100 (Was $140)

Explore Ice

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If you prefer ice cubes over massage jets, this inflatable ice bath fits one person and a heap of ice cubes for at-home cold plunges. It sets up without tools and comes with a cover so it won’t get filled with bugs and debris when not in use. It even comes with an inflatable headrest if you want to pretend to be relaxed while cold water assaults your muscles. Honestly, the science is mixed about how effective ice baths really are in terms of muscle recovery, but some people swear by them. And if you’re looking for a solid way to wake yourself up, a dip in frigid water hits harder than any coffee I’ve ever had. Plus, if you get sick of it, you can fill it with margaritas for your upcoming Fourth of July block party. (Don’t really do that; it’s not food safe).

More inflatable hot tub deals

• Coleman SaluSpa 2 to 4 Person Inflatable Round Outdoor Hot Tub Spa $352 with coupon (was $440)
• EVAJOY Inflatable Hot Tub, Portable Inflatable Hot Tub with Built-in LED $411 (was $529)
• RELXTIME Inflatable Portable Hot Tub 2 Person Outdoor Air Jet Spa $379 (was $479)
• Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa $514 (was $649)

More ice bath deals

• Geezow Ice Bath Tub for Athletes $59 (was $129)
• Ice Bath Tub for Adults Cold Plunge Tub $70 (was $139)
• Foldable Ice Bath Tub Cold Plunge Tub for Adults $75 (was $89)
• Portable Bathtub Foldable $76 (was $99)
• Foldable Portable Standing Bathtub $60 (was $76)

The post Upgrade your summer with a deeply discounted outdoor hot tub or ice bath appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Fellowes Powershred 14-Sheet Micro-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder		SEE IT	Extra security and speedy shredding make this shredder work for home or office.
Best for home		Wolverine SD9113 Heavy Duty Shredder		SEE IT	A high paper capacity and powerful cutters shred through documents and more without slowing down.
Best budget		Bonsaii 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper Shredder		SEE IT	An excellent balance of power and capacity come together for under $30.

A paper shredder can help keep your personal and confidential information out of the hands of identity thieves and away from prying eyes. So much of our sensitive info, from bank account numbers to social security numbers, are printed on our mail, contracts and bills. Each time one of these ends up in the trash, we’re leaving ourselves vulnerable to identity theft. It’s super easy to avert this possibility by shredding documents and credit cards. It takes no time at all, either. Here’s a list of the best paper shredders currently available.

• Best overall: Fellowes Powershred 14-Sheet Micro-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
• Best for home: Wolverine SD9113 Heavy Duty Shredder
• Best for office: Aurora AU1580MA Professional Grade Micro-Cut Paper/ CD and Credit Card Shredder
• Best heavy-duty: Ideal 2604 Cross-Cut Centralized Office Shredder
• Best portable: Aurora AU800SD Professional Strip Cut Paper Shredder
• Best for credit cards: AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Capacity, Paper Shredder
• Best budget: Bonsaii 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper Shredder

How we chose the best paper shredders

When searching for the best paper shredders, I considered over 50 models from 10 brands in all price ranges, looking for a balance between performance and price. My picks were based on their ease of use, safety, versatility, and capacity.

The best paper shredders: Reviews & Recommendations

Specific features that were paramount to making my picks were reverse buttons to remove jams, simple emptying mechanisms, and a way to easily empty baskets, which all contribute to their overall ease of use. The paper shredders we’re recommending have thermal overload sensors and other safety mechanisms that turn off the cutters when the lid is removed from the basket.

When active, those cutters that can handle a wide range of materials, including paper clips and staples, take some of the work out of shredding. Some versatile models also have wide mouths for easier paper entry. Finally, I factored in how many papers could the shredder handle at once? Capacity also included the basket volume, which determines how often it needs to be emptied.

Best overall: Fellowes Powershred 14-Sheet Micro-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder

Fellowes

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Why it made the cut: This shredder from Fellowes can take on big jobs with its nine-gallon bin, but it’s quiet and safe to use, making it great for home or office.

Specs: 

• Dimensions: 25.2 x 11.4  x 17.3 inches
• Paper capacity: 14 sheets
• Security level: P-5

Pros:

• High capacity
• Childsafe
• Quiet

Cons:

• Expensive

Shred 14 sheets of paper at once in the teeth of this heavy-duty shredder from Fellowes. The micro-cut size means enhanced level P-5 security, and saved space, in part thanks to the nine-gallon integrated bin, and a tiny shred that comes out to roughly 2,000 particles per sheet of paper. It’s super quiet, making it perfect for shared workspaces, and the auto-stop feature can detect when your hands are close to the opening, so it’s extra safe to use and child-proof.

Best for home: Wolverine SD9113 Heavy Duty Shredder

Wolverine

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Why it made the cut: The Wolverines P-4 cross-cut comes with an 18-sheet capacity and long runtime that catapult it to the front of the heavy-duty shredders. 

Specs:

• Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.4 x 22 inches
• Paper capacity: 18 sheets
• Security level: P-4

Pros:

• Shreds through paper, credit cards, CDs, clips, and staples
• Cross shreds for added security
• Completely pull out the waste bin for dumping

Cons: 

• Loud
• Basket fills quickly

The Wolverine SD9113 Heavy Duty Shredder puts P-4 security on everything that passes through its cutters. Those cutters handle a wide range of materials, including staples, paper clips, credit cards, CDs, and (of course) paper. A high 18-page capacity and 60-minute runtime goes through paper quickly, without the need to cool for up to 60 minutes. 

While the wastebasket fills quickly, it is easy to empty and pulls completely out of the shredder. The only other downside to this model is the noise. It makes a racket but gets the job done.

Best for office: Aurora AU1580MA Professional Grade Micro-Cut Paper/ CD and Credit Card Shredder

Aurora

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Why it made the cut: The AU1580 makes quick work of paper, credit cards, CDs, and paper clips, turning them into a micro-shredded mass that’s nearly impossible to identify. 

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.93 x 12.99 x 23.62 inches
• Paper capacity: 15 sheets
• Security level: P-4

Pros:

• 60-minute continuous runtime
• Quiet operation
• Reverse mechanism effectively fixes jams

Cons: 

• Big and heavy

The Aurora AU1580MA shredder isn’t your average Home Depot shredder. This behemoth can hold 8.5 gallons of shredded paper. That kind of capacity doesn’t come without significant weight. The AU1580 weighs in at 43.28 pounds but features casters to provide some mobility. 

It makes quick work of 15 pages at a time and can handle CD/DVDs, paper clips, and credit cards. The blades turn them into a micro-shredded P-4 mass that’s caught in the basket. An impressive 60-minute runtime lets offices with a high paper volume stay ahead of shredding. Even when shredding at full power, this model stays relatively quiet. Five indicator lights provide insight into the current status, such as door open, overload, bin full, overheat (includes automatic shutdown), and power. 

This model’s size takes up a good amount of space, so it’s not the best for small offices or homes.

Best heavy duty: Ideal 2604 P-4 Office Shredder with Automatic Oiler

Amazon

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Why it made the cut: This German-designed shredder can handle the shredding needs of up to 10 people, is fast and secure, and comes with a sustainably made wooden cabinet. 

Specs: 

• Dimensions: 19.5 x 18.5 x 36.5 inches
• Paper capacity: 23-25 sheets
• Security level: P-4

Pros:

• High capacity
• Fast
• Comes in a wooden cabinet 

Cons:

• Heavy 
• Expensive

This industrial-grade shredder from Ideal is a high-security, German-engineered solution perfect for legal and medical office use as well as any high-volume home business where privacy needs to be protected at all costs. It runs continuously thanks to its automatic-oiling feature and can easily munch through staples, paper clips, and stacks of paper 25 sheets thick, adding up to a shred rate of about 500 sheets per minute. This, thanks to its sturdy, steel-toothed construction and its 26-gallon wastebasket, make it ideal for use by a staff of 8 to 10 people.

Best portable: Aurora AU800SD Professional Strip Cut Paper Shredder

Aurora

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Why it made the cut: This Aurora model made the list as the best home paper shredder for its power, small size, versatile fit, and range of shreddable materials. 

Specs:

• Dimensions: 6.5 x 12.99 x 2.95 inches
• Paper capacity: 8 sheets
• Security level: P-1

Pros:

• Compact and easy to store
• Expands to fit different wastebaskets
• Shreds credit cards and CD/DVDs

Cons: 

• Cannot handle a high volume

This portable paper shredder from Aurora can be used with or without a wastebasket, which allows you to use it in multiple locations from office to home. It cuts in strips and can destroy up to eight sheets of paper at a time as well as CDs, DVDs, and credit cards. It sits securely atop any open wastebasket and even has an extendable arm that allows it to accommodate bins up to 15 inches wide.

The AU800 can handle eight pages at once and shreds them to ¼-inch pieces. That’s only P-1 security, so this isn’t intended for ultra-sensitive information. A jam remover button helps dislodge paper or other materials from the blades. However, be aware that this model isn’t designed for high paper volumes. It shuts down and requires a cool-down period fairly quickly.

Best for credit cards: AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Capacity, Paper Shredder

Amazon Basics

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Why it made the cut: Amazon’s paper shredder features safety features and quick credit card shredding, rising to the top of the competition. 

Specs:

• Dimensions: 12.8 x 7.3 x 15.9 inches
• Paper capacity: 6 sheet 
• Security level: P-3

Pros:

• Safety mechanism shuts it off if it’s not fit to the basket correctly
• Shreds quickly during its 30-minute runtime
• Auto-senses paper for better energy efficiency

Cons: 

• Produces more paper dust than other models

This shredder from AmazonBasics comes with a 3.8-gallon integrated wastebasket and shreds up to six sheets of paper at a time in a cross-cut pattern, meeting P-3 security requirements. Easily shred a banker’s box worth of bills within the three-minute continuous run cycle, and you won’t have to worry about overheating thanks to the automatic shutoff feature.

Credit cards get a special center spot on the cutter, and it blows right through them. It also features the standard reverse mechanism and an auto-on feature that senses paper and turns on the cutters. If you’re worried about security, this is the best shredder for credit cards. You can also use it to destroy a single credit card at a time.

Best budget: Bonsaii 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper Shredder

Bonsaii

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Why it made the cut: For less than $30, this model provides security, transparent window, great capacity, and versatile shredding options.

Specs:

• Dimensions: 13.3 x 6.88 x 13.97 inches
• Paper capacity: 8 sheets
• Security level: P-2

Pros:

• Shreds credit cards, paper, paper clips, and staples
• Sharp, steel cutters hold their edge
• Transparent window lets you see when it’s full

Cons: 

• Noisy
• Short runtime

The Bonsaii 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper Shredder offers an impressive array of features for a relatively inexpensive model. Its 8-page capacity gets only better when you consider that it can also shred credit cards, paper clips, and staples. It even has a dedicated slot for shredding CDs, which is especially helpful if you’re getting rid of old data discs. That reduces the work it takes to prep papers for shredding. It’s the heavy-duty steel blades that eat through materials and strip cut them into P-2 sized pieces. 

Many of our recommendations adhere to the P-3 safety standard, but we can forgive the slightly less sophisticated security given the shredder’s cost. While we like the automatic overheat protection and cooling system, this model can only run for about two minutes before it needs to shut down. That might limit the shredding capacity in a large office. It’s also a noisy addition to the office environment.

Things to consider before buying paper shredders

Security level

Paper shredders are given a security rating according to the size of the paper pieces they create. Larger pieces are easier to reassemble, warranting a lower security level. Levels range from P-1 to P-7. The P-1 level machines create basic strips and offer the least security, while level P-7 is reserved for organizations like the NSA that have to shred top-secret documents. Depending on the sensitivity of the document’s information, you may need a P-3 or P-4 level shredder that cuts documents into smaller pieces than a P-2 model. At the P-5 and P-6 levels, the machines micro-cut the paper into tiny particles, making it nearly impossible to reassemble.

Paper capacity and runtimes

Shredders can handle different paper volumes at once, anywhere from four to 20 pieces. Machines that can shred a higher volume at once cost more. However, if you’re shredding hundreds of papers every week, these machines will save you time. 

Models that can shred more at once also have more powerful motors with longer running times. Less powerful motors may only run for five minutes or less before they need to cool down. Heavy-duty models can often run 30-60 continuous minutes.

What you’re shredding

Paper isn’t the only thing that needs shredding. Some of the best paper shredders can also eliminate credit cards and CD/DVDs. For those who have secure information in multiple mediums, this kind of shredder can offer a secure way to dispose of more than paper. 

Size

A home office may be limited in space with monitors and equipment taking up desk space, making the size of the paper shredder a serious matter to consider. Some models are as big as a garbage can, while others are small enough to sit on a desktop. A no-basket paper shredder can sit atop almost any garbage can and can be stored in a drawer.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best paper shredders

• Best overall: Fellowes Powershred 14-Sheet Micro-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
• Best for home: Wolverine SD9113 Heavy Duty Shredder
• Best for office: Aurora AU1580MA Professional Grade Micro-Cut Paper/ CD and Credit Card Shredder
• Best heavy-duty: Ideal 2604 Cross-Cut Centralized Office Shredder
• Best portable: Aurora AU800SD Professional Strip Cut Paper Shredder
• Best for credit cards: AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Capacity, Paper Shredder
• Best budget: Bonsaii 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper Shredder

The Fellowes Powershred 14-Sheet Micro-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder gets top marks because of its security rating, high paper capacity, and safety features. However, if you’ve got a business that regularly handles sensitive information, you’ll probably need the power of the Aurora AU1580MA Professional Grade Micro-Cut Shredder. This model’s high-capacity cutters whip through paper, credit cards, and other materials.

Bring your own wastebasket with this portable Aurora shredder and use it in multiple locations from office to home. It cuts in strips and can destroy up to eight sheets of paper at a time as well as CDs, DVDs and credit cards. It sits securely atop any open wastebasket and even has an extendable arm that allows it to accommodate bins up to 15 inches wide.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best paper shredders of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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OneAir helps you find and book cheaper flights, hotels, car rentals, and activities—get a lifetime Premium Plan for $59.99 or an Elite Plan for $109.99.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that airline tickets increased by 35% from 2021 to 2022. Unfortunately, these high prices are likely here to stay. If you don’t want to compromise your travel plans or go off budget, you might need OneAir. 

This service and app helps you save on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Get a lifetime subscription to their Premium Plan for $59.99 (reg. $290) or the Elite Plan for $109.99 (reg. $790).

OneAir Premium Plan

OneAir uses the power of AI to scan and track millions of airline fares accurately and in real-time. That means you can just pack your bags, and OneAir finds the deals for you. Here’s how it works:

1. Select your departure airports (up to 5 for the Premium Plan and up to 10 for the Elite Plan) so OneAir knows where to search.
2. Use the ‘Explore the World’ tool to set a flight budget, destinations, and travel months. You can set notifications for specific destinations.
3. Get instant deal alerts delivered straight to your email inbox. Or, download the iOS or Android app and set up notifications.
4. When you see a deal that meets your needs, book your flight!

The Premium Plan gives you lifetime access to Economy Class flight deals, mistake fares, and private discounted airfares. Take advantage of exceptional customer support if you have questions or issues while using the service or booking deals.

With OneClub Exclusive, you can also book cheap hotels, rental cars, and activities worldwide. Get fully set for your next adventure without breaking your budget.

OneAir Elite plan

The Elite Plan gets you all the benefits of the Premium Plan, plus a wider selection of deals. Get access to discounted Business, First, and Premium Class flights and all mistake fares. You could save up to $500 on each international economy flight and up to $2,000 on each business class flight.

Select the plan that’s right for you and your travel plans. Get a lifetime subscription today and save on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more for life:

• OneAir Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription, $59.99 (reg. $290.00)
• OneAir Elite Plan: Lifetime Subscription, $109.99 (reg. $790)

Prices subject to change.

The post Need a vacation? OneAir finds you massive savings on airfare, hotels, and more appeared first on Popular Science.

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In need of a Microsoft Office license? Save this Memorial Day and get a lifetime Microsoft Office license for Mac or Windows for only $29.99 until May 31.

According to the latest statistics, Microsoft Office currently has a staggering 345 million users—and the popularity and reach of Microsoft Office show no signs of waning anytime soon. A comprehensive Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license grants users access to top-notch Microsoft applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, catering to various industries. 

Whether you’re looking to create a presentation, organize complex data into a streamlined document, or design a sophisticated spreadsheet to impress your new client, pack a punch with lifetime access to leading Microsoft programs—which you can download and begin using instantly.

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Boost your productivity and reach everything from personal to professional goals with this powerful software.

This Memorial Day, you can enjoy additional savings and grab lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 for just $29.99. This deal ends May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Prices subject to change.

The post Limited-time offer: Secure a lifetime license to Microsoft Office for just $29.99 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Celestron Inspire 100AZ		SEE IT	This lightweight telescope is also easy to assemble and comes with a carrying case.
Best for travel		Gskyer 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refractor Telescope		SEE IT	This telescope lets kids take pictures with their phones and is great for camping.
Best budget		MaxUSee Kids Telescope 400x40mm with Tripod & Finder Scope		SEE IT	Comes with a moon filter and maps of the moon and stars—at a wallet-friendly price.

While trips to the Moon may not be commonplace yet, you can foster curiosity about the universe by letting kids see the lunar surface and the rings of Saturn up close with a telescope for kids. It’s one thing to learn about the Moon in school, and it’s another thing to see it up close. The best telescopes for kids are designed for amateur astronomers, and can provide night after night of out-of-this-world entertainment.

• Best overall: Celestron Inspire 100AZ
• Best for young kids: Celestron FirstScope 76 Tablestop Telescope 
• Best for older kids: Celestron Astro Fi 102 WiFi Maksutov Wireless Reflecting Telescope
• Best for travel: Gskyer 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refractor Telescope
• Best for smartphone photography: POPULAR SCIENCE AstroMaster 80mm – Portable Refractor Telescope
• Best budget: MaxUSee Kids Telescope 400x40mm with Tripod & Finder Scope

How we chose the best telescopes for kids

Popular Science covers the latest developments in astronomy, from stunning images from the James Webb Space Telescope’s discovery of its first exoplanet to meteor showers you can see from your backyard. Telescopes are a great way to help kids explore the galaxy and see the planets up close. But they can also be complicated instruments with many moving parts for the uninitiated.

In compiling our list of recommendations for the best telescopes for kids, we considered models from trusted brands like Celestron, optical quality and magnification, ease of set up and use, supplemental educational tools that explain what to look for in the night sky, durability, and portability. We also weighed user reviews, what kids look for at different ages, and prices.

The best telescopes for kids: Reviews & Recommendations

Looking for a telescope for the first time can be a daunting experience. Many of the considerations are the same finding telescopes for adults. Figuring out what type of telescope is best for your needs, what aperture you should look for, and the relationship between focal length and magnification are all important factors to consider. The best telescopes for kids should also be durable and easy to use. We break down what you should look for and our picks so you can compare telescopes and find the best option for your family.

Best overall: Celestron Inspire 100AZ

Celestron

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Specs

• Weight: 12.4 pounds
• Eyepieces: 10mm and 20mm
• Aperture: 100mm
• Type: Refractor

Pros

• Good for both stargazing and birdwatching
• Wide aperture for better focus
• Comes with smartphone adapter
• Plenty of training resources

Cons