The Wirecutter Show

Hosting overnight guests doesn't mean you need a dedicated guest room—or even a bed. Whether you're working with a small apartment, an uncomfortable sleeper sofa, or an empty corner of your living room, there are plenty of ways to give visitors a cozy place to sleep.

In this episode, seven Wirecutter staffers share their favorite guest-bed solutions, including ways to upgrade the bed you already have, alternatives to traditional air mattresses, and options that can be folded up and tucked away when company leaves.

This episode covers:

• Upgrade the bed you already have. A mattress topper can soften up a mediocre bed or air mattress; latex and memory foam feel firmer, while down alternative is plusher. Offering pillows in different materials and firmnesses also helps guests find one that suits them.
• Know what to look for in a sleeper sofa. Traditional pullouts can have uncomfortable metal bars and poorly constructed mechanisms. Look for a sofa designed specifically as a sleeper, and test the actual pullout rather than assuming it feels like the regular sofa.
• Upgrade an old sleeper sofa. A replacement foam mattress and a folding support board can make an uncomfortable pullout more suitable for guests. They're a less expensive alternative to buying a new sleeper sofa.
• Use foam furniture as a makeshift bed. Boneless sofas can double as sleeping spaces, while children's play couches like the Nugget can be lined up and covered with a sheet. These options work especially well for kids.
• Consider a tri-fold foam mattress. Unlike air mattresses, these won't pop or leak, and you can stack two to make a thicker bed or separate them for two guests. They do take up storage space, even when folded.
• Try a Japanese-style futon. These quilted sleeping pads are soft and breathable, and can be rolled or folded away in a closet or under a bed. They're especially useful for toddlers but can also comfortably accommodate adults.

Products we recommend: 

• The best memory-foam mattress topper: ViscoSoft 3 inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best adjustable memory-foam pillow: Coop Original Adjustable Pillow
• An ultra-comfortable sleeper sofa that will last: American Leather Gaines Comfort Sleeper
• A sleeper-sofa mattress upgrade: Milliard 4.5-inch Memory Foam Replacement Mattress For Sofa and Couch Beds With Cover (Sofa Not Included)
• The fix for a saggy sofa bed:  Meliusly Sleeper Sofa Support Board
• A modular (boneless) play sofa: The Nugget
• The best air mattress: Serta Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat Pump
• A comfortable guest-bed alternative: Best Choice Products 4in Portable Folding Mattress (Twin)
• A compact Japanese futon: Fuli Japanese Traditional Shiki Futon

Additional reading:

• The Best Mattress Toppers
• The Best Bed Pillows
• The Best Sleeper Sofas
• Upgrades to Make a Sleeper Sofa Worth Sleeping On
• We Tested Viral Boneless Couches. Are They Worth It? 
• The Nugget Is the ‘Original Play Couch.’ Costco’s Version May Be Better.
• The Best Air Mattresses
• The Folding Mattress My Overnight Guests Love
• I’ve Never Slept Better Than on a Japanese Futon

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Being a good host isn't about having a perfectly styled guest room or spending a fortune on amenities. It's about anticipating what your guests might need and making it easy for them to feel comfortable in your home. 

Wirecutter interior design writer Ivy Elrod, who regularly hosts friends, family, and rental guests in her garden apartment, shares how to prepare for visitors before they arrive, what to stock in the bathroom and kitchen, and how to make even a couch feel like a welcoming place to sleep.

This episode covers: 

• Ask guests about their needs before they arrive. Find out whether they need a truly dark room to sleep, have allergies or food sensitivities, drink coffee or tea, or prefer to get up early. A little advance planning can prevent guests from feeling uncomfortable or having to ask you for things.
• Make the essentials easy to find. Stock up on towels, toilet paper, toiletries, and other bathroom basics. In the kitchen, set up a coffee or tea station and show guests how to use your appliances so they can get what they need without waiting for you.
• Give guests the information they need to feel independent. Share practical details in writing, including the Wi-Fi password, how to operate unusual light switches, how to adjust the temperature, where to find keys and safety equipment, and useful neighborhood information.
• Think beyond the traditional guest room. Extra blankets, multiple pillows, blackout curtains, and a place to charge a phone can make a big difference. If you're offering a couch instead, make it up with layers, provide a reading light, and give guests somewhere to put their belongings.
• Prioritize comfort over appearances. A room doesn't need to look perfect in a photograph; it needs to feel good to spend time in. Avoid things like strong cleaning-product scents and tripping hazards, and consider whether guests can move around the space comfortably.
• Be clear about expectations. If you have specific dates in mind for a visit, communicate them warmly but directly. Clear plans help everyone enjoy the stay without awkwardness about when it's time to head home.

Products we recommend: 

• Affordable blackout curtains: IKEA Rosenmandel Black-out Curtains
• The best budget percale sheets: Target Threshold 250 Thread Count Organic Percale Sheet Set
• A flat silk mask: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
• Top-notch noise masking: LectroFan EVO
• Tiny air purifier for small rooms: Blueair Blue Pure 511
• A fast but heavy hair dryer: Infiniti Pro Conair Quick Styling Hair Dryer
• The best USB power strip Anker 341 USB Power Strip (A9183)
• A compact travel steamer that’s great for occasional use: Beautural Portable Clothes Steamer
• Ivy loves: Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt

Additional reading:

• 7 Cheap(ish) Things to Have on Hand When Guests Stay Over
• The Best Blackout and Room-Darkening Curtains
• The Best Sleep Mask
• The Best White Noise Machine
• The Best Air Purifier

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Wirecutter Social and Website

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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Battery-powered socks, insoles,  hand warmers, and vests can offer instant warmth in freezing temperatures. Yet, some of these items have caused burns and even fires, resulting in recent recalls. 

This week, Wirecutter outdoor gear writer Kyle Fitzgerald explains what you should know about heated gear, and how to avoid riskier products. He walks us through the safety certifications to look for, why you should only buy from a trusted brand, and what to know about traveling with battery-operated clothing. 

Plus, he shares classic layering principles and Wirecutter’s top-tested winter gear to keep your core, hands, and feet warm on the coldest days.
 

This episode covers:

• How to spot safety risks in battery-powered gear: Lithium-ion battery issues like bulging, discoloration, or an unusual electrical odor indicate a problem. Stop using the product if you see these signs. 
• What safety certifications to check for: Verify that heated apparel has a mark from an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory program (NRTL) or through UL before buying, and steer clear of unverified "alphabet soup" brands.
• How to charge and care for heated apparel safely: Charge batteries in open view, avoid leaving them plugged in overnight, never wash garments with batteries attached, and keep lithium-ion packs out of checked airline luggage.
• How to layer effectively without batteries: Master the three-layer system—moisture-wicking merino wool base layers, air-trapping down or fleece mid-layers, and weather-protective outer shells—to stay warm naturally.
• How to protect cold hands and feet: Choose mittens over gloves for better heat retention, and pair heavyweight merino or alpaca wool socks with insulated winter boots.

Products we recommend: 

• The best ski and snowboard gloves: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
• Floofy foot nests: Tabio Extremely Warm Alpaca-Merino Lounge Socks (unisex)

Additional reading:

• Heated Gear Keeps Catching on Fire. How Can You Know What’s Safe?
• The 3 Best Hand Warmers of 2026
• The 7 Best Insulated Vests of 2026
• 35 Best Socks of 2026
• The Best Winter Boots

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Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One-pot meals promise less cleanup and easier dinners, but the best tool depends on what you’re cooking and how much time you have. 

Wirecutter senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton breaks down the pros and cons of Dutch ovens, slow cookers, and pressure cookers, including when an Instant Pot makes sense and why she prefers a stovetop pressure cooker. She also shares some of her favorite recipes from risotto to whole fish, and where to find reliable one-pot recipes.

This episode covers: 

• How to choose the right equipment for your needs. Dutch ovens excel at deeply flavored braises, slow cookers offer inexpensive set-it-and-forget-it convenience, electric pressure cookers save hands-on time, and stovetop pressure cookers cook quickly.
• Why foods taste different cooked in a Dutch oven and pressure cooker. Dutch ovens allow moisture to evaporate, concentrating flavors and thickening sauces as food cooks. Pressure cookers trap moisture, so you may need to reduce the liquid afterward to get the flavor and consistency you want.
• Why you shouldn’t fear stovetop pressure cookers. Modern models have safety features, and they can release pressure much faster than electric pressure cookers. That makes it easier to add ingredients during cooking and build more complex flavors.
• Why you should think beyond stews and braises. Lesley uses pressure cookers for risotto, beans, eggs, and even whole steamed fish. Risotto takes just seven minutes at pressure, without the constant stirring traditional recipes require.
• How pressure cookers can make meal prep easier. Lesley’s favorite thing to make in a pressure cooker is stock and big batches of soup that she can freeze in individual portions. It’s a practical way to have homemade meals ready when you don’t have time to cook.

Other Resources For One-Pot Recipes We Love: 

• A great consolidated resource for one-pot meals: NYT Cooking One-Pot Dinner Recipes
• One-pot recipes from Lesley’s past: Martha Stewart’s One-Pot Recipes
• A dedicated pressure cooker resource: Hip Pressure Cooking by Laura Pazzaglia
• Christine’s favorite one-pot meals cookbook: Instant Family Meals by Sarah Copeland

Products we recommend: 

• A dutch oven made to last: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5½-Quart Round French Oven
• The best Dutch oven: Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• The best slow cooker: Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
• The best electric pressure cooker: Instant Pot Rio 6-quart
• The best stovetop pressure cooker: Fissler Vitavit Premium Pressure Cooker

Additional reading:

• The Best Dutch Oven
• The Best Slow Cooker
• The Best Electric Pressure Cooker Is an Instant Pot
• The Best Stovetop Pressure Cooker
• I Make Creamy Risotto in 7 Minutes in This Magic Pot
   

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Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mediocre slippers trap sweat, lose their shape, or wear through after just a few months. The good news is that there are plenty of options that will keep your feet perfectly toasty and last for years.

Wirecutter senior editor Jen Hunter explains how to choose between shearling, felted wool, synthetic fleece, and cotton. She elaborates on when to go for rubber soles over soft bottoms, and how replacing an insole can give your favorite pair a second life. 

Plus, she shares top picks for cold floors, sweaty feet, and people who need real arch support indoors.

Products we recommend: 

• Cozy women’s shearling booties: L.L.Bean Women’s Wicked Good Slippers
• The men’s version: L.L.Bean Men's Wicked Good Slippers
• Extra-plush women’s shearling moccasins: L.L.Bean Women’s Wicked Good Moccasins
• The (less-floofy) men’s version: L.L.Bean Men’s Wicked Good Moccasins
• The GOAT wool slip-ons: Glerups Slip-On with Natural Rubber Sole
• The GOAT wool mid-height pair: Glerups Shoe with Natural Rubber Sole (unisex)
• The GOAT wool ankle booties: Glerups Boot with Natural Rubber Sole (unisex)
• Squishy, secure slip-ons: Bombas Women's Sunday Slipper
• The men’s version: Bombas Men's Sunday Slipper
• Silly (in a good way): Crocs Classic Cozzzy Slipper (unisex)
• Grab-and-go slippers: Muji Cotton Plain Weave Insole Slippers (unisex)
• A striped terry pair: Parachute Terry Stripe Slippers (unisex)
• Supportive, shoe-like slippers: Birkenstock Zermatt Premium (unisex)

Additional reading:

• The 8 Best Slippers of 2026 
• How to Restore Shearling Slippers to Their Original Fluffy Glory 
• Why You Need Indoor Shoes 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s no secret that Wirecutter has great advice for cleaning just about anything in your home. And now all that great advice is collected into Wirecutter’s first book: How to Clean Everything. 

For the past two years, our co-host Christine Cyr Clisset has combed through Wirecutter’s extensive cleaning coverage to build the ultimate manual, which you can now pre-order (it officially publishes on March 16)!

The book is packed with expert advice from dozens of Wirecutter experts who have spent countless hours researching and testing the best ways to clean and maintain the products we recommend. 

Whether you struggle with getting stains out of laundry, organizing closets, de-gunking cookware, or making your bathroom sparkle, this book has the guidance, with step-by-step instructions and the exact list of cleaning supplies you’ll need. 

We’ll be sharing plenty more about the book in the coming months. In the meantime, pre-order your copy now! 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From sleep trackers to self-pay bloodwork and full-body MRIs, health tracking has exploded in popularity. These tools promise to potentially catch diseases earlier, so that you can live a happier and healthier life. But can they deliver?
 

This week, we’re turning the tables to interview Wirecutter Show co-host Christine Cyr Clisset about her six-month experiment tracking her health 24/7. She spent six months testing an array of Wirecutter-recommended wearables, as well as direct-to-consumer tests to see what, if anything, could help improve her health.

We discuss the surprising insights she gained, as well as the significant perils of health tracking, from privacy risks to data-induced anxiety.

This episode covers: 

• What health and fitness trackers do best. Devices like the Oura Ring and Apple Watch can act as "accountability buddies" to help people change their daily habits. 
• The pros and cons of self-pay tests. Many doctors don’t recommend self-pay bloodwork or full-body scans (like MRIs), because they can lead to overdiagnosis and health anxiety. Yet Christine found external bloodwork helpful (to an extent), as well as a DEXA scan, which helped flag her thinning bone mineral density.. 
• How AI can help. Christine found that feeding her various health reports into chatbots helped her come up with better questions for her doctors.
• The risks of tracking. Tracking can cause data-induced anxiety. Plus, many wearables, apps, and AI tools fall outside HIPAA protection, which means your data may be used in ways you don’t want. 

Products we recommend: 

• A stylish wearable with tons of data: Oura Ring 4
• The best smartwatch for iPhone owners: Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)

Additional reading:

• The Promise and Peril of Tracking My Health 24/7
• The Best Sleep Trackers: Rings, Watches, and Other Wearables 
• The 4 Best Fitness Trackers of 2026
• Can You Really Disappear Online?

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apple just released their first foldable phone, the $2,000 iPhone Duo. Foldable phones promise to give you a smartphone and a tablet in one device, with a bigger screen for reading, streaming, and multitasking. But with a price tag that high, are they actually worth it? 

Senior tech editor Caitlin McGarry and staff tech writer Brenda Stoylar break down what Apple has improved with the Duo, what still falls short, and who these phones are for. Their biggest takeaway: The iPhone Duo is a top-tier foldable phone, but you probably don’t need one. 

This episode covers: 

• Who might actually benefit from a foldable. If you regularly multitask, read, stream, or want to combine your phone and tablet, a larger folding screen could be useful.
• Foldables have gotten better. Improved hinges, more durable displays, and better water and dust resistance make the iPhone Duo and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 more practical than earlier models.
• Why most people don’t need one. If you mainly call, text, browse, and take everyday photos, a regular phone will get the job done for far less money. 

Products we recommend: 

• A top-tier iPhone experience: Apple iPhone Duo
• The best foldable phone-tablet: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
• The best clamshell foldable: Motorola Razr Ultra (2026)

Additional reading:

• Apple’s Foldable iPhone Duo Is the Most Exciting Phone in Years. And It Lives Up to the Hype.
• The Best Foldable Phones

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Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s easy to forget to wear sunscreen in the fall and winter, but the sun’s rays can still cause skin damage–like aging and skin cancer–even on cold and cloudy days. That’s why it’s important to find a sunscreen you’ll happily wear year-round. 

Wirecutter health writer Nancy Redd joins us to explain what to look for in a face sunscreen and how to find one that feels good on your skin. She breaks down mineral versus chemical formulas, how to layer sunscreen with makeup, and when you can get away wearing body sunscreen on your face. 
 

Plus, we discuss Nancy’s early testing of two sunscreens that include an ingredient newly approved by the FDA.
 

This episode covers: 

• The difference between UVB and UVA rays: These two types of ultraviolet rays damage the skin in different ways. UVB causes the skin to burn, while UVA rays play a bigger role in aging skin. Nancy reminds us to think of B for burning and A for aging.
• Why you need a  minimum of SPF 30. SPF 30 should shield 97% of the sun’s UVB rays, and is the minimum the American Academy of Dermatology recommends for daily wear.
• Look for “broad spectrum” on labels: This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply according to the label, generally every two hours.
• The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently. Mineral and chemical sunscreens can both protect your skin effectively, but their textures, finishes, and ingredients feel different from person to person.
• Sunscreen should go underneath makeup. Apply moisturizer first, then sunscreen, and let it absorb before adding makeup or tinted moisturizer. Makeup with SPF is a useful extra layer, but it shouldn’t replace your primary sunscreen.
• Give sunscreen time to settle before judging it. A formula that initially feels greasy or looks shiny may change as it dries down. Testing how it wears with your skin and skincare routine can help you find a better fit.
• A new ingredient: The FDA approved a new chemical sunscreen ingredient (bemotrizinol or BEMT) for the first time in 25 years. Wirecutter is currently testing the two brands with versions on the market so far. 

Products we recommend: 

• A crowd-pleasing lotion in an economical jug: Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
• A lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 50
• A gel that doubles as a makeup primer: Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40
• An unobtrusive mineral lotion: Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
• A daytime moisturizer with SPF (mineral): Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
• An ultra-blendable, fragrance-free lotion: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100
• A daytime moisturizer with SPF (chemical): CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
• A face-specific lotion that costs less than our other fragrance-free picks: Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive Face Lotion SPF 50 
• An inexpensive body sunscreen in a big pump bottle: Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50
• Nancy loves: CyberPower LE1000DG

Additional reading:

• The Best Face Sunscreens
• The Best Sunscreens
• The Problem With SPF Makeup (and How to Solve It)
• This Trader Joe’s Sunscreen May Be Even Better Than Its Much Pricier Counterpart

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever found yourself cranking the volume on a movie to hear the dialogue, only to be blasted by the next explosion, you’re not alone. Televisions today produce subpar sound quality. That’s why a good soundbar–basically a compact stereo system–can instantly upgrade your home television experience. 

Wirecutter audio expert Brent Butterworth joins us to explain how soundbars work, what you actually get when you spend more, and which features matter most for your setup. Whether you want clearer dialogue, deeper bass, or a more immersive surround-sound experience, Brent breaks down how to find the right soundbar. Plus, he shares his favorite testing stories as he retires from Wirecutter after 14 years! 

This episode covers:

• Why TV speakers sound so bad. Modern sleek televisions don’t have enough room for large enough speakers to produce a fuller, clearer sound. 
• What you get from a soundbar. Even an inexpensive model can improve dialogue and bass, while pricier systems may add wireless surround speakers and more powerful subwoofers.
• How to choose the right model. Consider the size of your room, how loudly you listen, what you watch, and whether you need a dialogue-enhancement feature.
• How to test sound quality. Brent loves to test soundbars with the films U-571 and Apocalypse Now because they have a range of sounds, voices, and loud explosions. However, he suggests testing soundbars with the kinds of movies and shows you watch often and love, and pay close attention to whether dialogue stays clear during action scenes and whether bass sounds full rather than distorted.

Products we recommend: 

• A soundbar with strong, clear sound at a friendly price: TCL S55H
• A clearer, more enveloping sounding soundbar: Samsung HW-Q990H
• The best soundbar for the style-minded shopper: Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar and Subwoofer
• The best soundbar for the money: Vizio Elevate 7.1.4 Pro

Additional reading:

• The Best Soundbar

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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