The Wirecutter Show

By The New York TimesSociety & Culture Education Leisure How To Home & Garden

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Typical duration
32 min
per episode
If it hooks
49%
finish an episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

The Wirecutter Show episodes

July 14Find Your Perfect Shampoo
Walking down the shampoo aisle can feel overwhelming. There are formulas for curls, volume, moisture, color-treated hair, sensitive scalps, and everything in between—but how do you know what your hair actually needs?

In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Amanda Rosenthal explains how to choose a shampoo based on your hair type, scalp health, and biggest concerns. After testing 92 shampoos and consulting dermatologists, hairstylists, and a trichologist (a hair and scalp specialist), Amanda shares what makes a shampoo effective, which ingredients are worth paying attention to, and why the most expensive bottle on the shelf isn’t necessarily the best one for your hair.

This episode covers:
How to choose a shampoo based on your actual hair type. Determining whether you have fine, medium, or thick hair, as well as your curl pattern, density, and biggest concerns will help you pick the right shampoo. Consult your hairstylist if you’re not sure.

Why your scalp matters just as much as your hair. Shampoo’s main job is to cleanse your scalp and remove oil, debris, and product buildup—and a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.

The truth about sulfates. Amanda debunks one of the biggest shampoo myths and explains why sulfates can actually be useful cleansers for many people.

How often you should actually wash your hair. There’s no universal rule for shampooing frequency. Your hair type, lifestyle, styling products, and scalp health all play a role.

Expensive shampoos aren’t necessarily better. After testing dozens of formulas, Amanda found that a good shampoo doesn’t need to cost a lot—it just needs to address your specific hair and scalp concerns.

Products we recommend:
Best for fine hair: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo

Best for tight curls and coils: Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo
Best for dry, damaged hair: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo

Best for medium and thick hair: California Naturals Classic Clean

Best for sensitive skin and scalps: Vanicream Shampoo

Best for dandruff: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

Best for oily hair: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

Amanda loves: The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

Additional reading:
The 6 Best Shampoos of 2026

13 Best Drugstore Hair Products

The Best Hair Conditioners of 2026
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.
32 min
July 10The Best Fake Tans for Every Skin Tone
If you grew up with self-tanners, you may remember them as an orange, streaky mess. Today's formulas have come a long way, delivering a natural, sun-kissed glow—as long as you know how to apply them correctly.

In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Ayanna Redwood-Crawford explains how today's self tanners work better for a range of skin tones. She shares how to choose the right formula for you, avoid the dreaded orange streaks, and find the best self tanner whether you're a first-timer or getting ready for a beach vacation.

This episode covers:
Why self tanners aren't just for light skin. Self tanners work on virtually every skin tone. While lighter skin may develop a deeper tan, darker skin tones can use them to even out uneven pigmentation and add a healthy glow.

How they actually work. The active ingredient in self tanners, DHA, is a sugar-derived ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to temporarily darken it without any UV exposure.

How self tanners differ from spray tans and bronzers. At-home self tanners use the same active ingredient as professional spray tans, while bronzers only provide temporary color. Self tanners are also a much safer alternative to tanning in the sun or a tanning bed.

How to apply without streaks or orange patches. Ayanna walks through her step-by-step routine, from exfoliating and moisturizing dry spots to using an application mitt and choosing the right clothing while your tan develops.

How to make it last longer. The right maintenance routine preserves an even tan for up to a week. Consider how to shower, when to moisturize, and avoiding exfoliation until you're ready for the color to fade.

Products we recommend:
Best for beginners: Jergens Natural Glow + Brighten Daily Moisturizer

Best for a streak-free tan: Norvell Venetian Self-Tanning Mousse

Best for the quickest, darkest tan: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

Additional reading:
The 3 Best Self-Tanners of 2026

Most Self-Tanners Look Orange on My Pale Skin. This One Doesn’t.

Actually, Self-Tanner Works for Every Skin Tone

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.
24 min
July 07The Light Switches That Changed My Life
Buildings generally aren’t designed for people with disabilities—and when your own home poses daily physical barriers, it can be incredibly frustrating. But smart home technology can offer surprisingly simple, life-changing solutions for people with disabilities, those aging in place, or anyone with temporary mobility issues.

This week, Wirecutter accessibility editor Claire Perlman and smart home editor Jon Chase join us to discuss a recent project where they retrofitted Claire's apartment with smart light switches. Because Claire uses a wheelchair and has limited arm mobility, her apartment's light switches were too high for her to easily turn on, leaving her in the dark if a helper wasn't around. Jon and Claire share how they solved this issue using switches that allow Claire to control her overhead lighting using just her voice.

They also break down the learning curve of setting up smart home devices, the frustrating realities of Wi-Fi pairing, and the best devices to start with if you want to make your home more accessible.

This episode covers:
The limitations of standard ADA compliance: An "ADA compliant" apartment is designed to meet a wide range of needs, which may not work for every disability.

Smart switches vs. smart bulbs: If you want to automate built-in overhead lighting, you don't need to replace your bulbs. Instead, you can replace the physical wall switch with a smart switch that wires directly into your existing setup and can be controlled via an app or a voice assistant like Alexa.

The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi pairing trick: If you are struggling to get a new smart device to connect to your phone during setup, it's likely because your phone is on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network while most smart devices use a 2.4 GHz network. You can often fix this by temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band on your router until the setup is complete.

The best smart devices for accessibility: You don't have to automate your entire home at once. Start small with high-impact devices. Smart plugs can turn any standard lamp into a voice-controlled device. Smart locks allow you to let guests or helpers in without needing to get up. Smart smoke detectors let you silence false alarms from your phone, and automated shades can help control room temperature and glare without physical effort.

Why you should stick to name brands: When investing in smart home gear, established companies offer better cloud support, longer software updates, and more reliable compatibility with major ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Products we recommend:
The best smart switch for Z-wave users: Leviton Decora Smart Z-Wave Dimmer ZW6HD

The best smart switch, neutral wire not required: Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD

The best smart plug: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25)

The best smart deadbolt lock: Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt

The best smart light bulb : WiZ 60W A19 Color LED Smart Bulb

The best smart shade: SmartWings Motorized Light Filtering Roller Shades

The best smart smoke alarm: Kidde Smart Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The best power washer for the constant user: Ryobi RY142500 2500 PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer

Additional reading:
She Was Physically Unable to Use Her Light Switches. Smart Switches Gave Her Convenience and Control.

The 4 Best In-Wall Smart Light Switches and Dimmers of 2026

The 4 Best Smart LED Light Bulbs of 2026

18 Best Smart Home Devices to Help Aging in Place in 2026

The 5 Best Smart Plugs of 2026

The 4 Best Smart Window Shades, Blinds, and Curtains of 2026

The 3 Best Smart Smoke Alarms of 2026

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.
35 min
July 03Lawn Games We Love, Beyond Cornhole
A soccer ball, a football, a tried-and-true set of cornhole are all classic go-to’s for a summer gathering. But there are a lot more outdoor games worth trying.
This episode, Wirecutter staff writer and resident games expert James Austin shares his favorite lawn games for every kind of summer hangout, from backyard barbecues to picnics and camping trips. He explains a few under-the-radar picks that might earn a permanent spot in your warm-weather rotation this season.
Products we recommend:
Best cornhole set: AllCornhole Tournament Series Cornhole Boards

Best for highly competitive groups and energetic beach days: Spikeball

Best for an easy-to-learn game that's great for mixed ages and abilities: EastPoint Sports Steel Ladderball Set

Best for something with a little more strategy: GoSports Kubb Viking Game Regulation Size

Best for a packable, string-based shuffleboard game: Helinox StringTrees

Best for a portable, fun version of chess: Hive Pocket

Best for a chunky tabletop game that travels well: Azul

Best for a frisbee-based game that’s especially good for tailgates: Kan Jam

Best kite: Prism Vertex
Additional reading:
7 Offline Games We Love for Camping (That Are Also Great for the Backyard)

The Best Gear for Cornhole, Bags, Sack Toss, or Whatever Y’all Call It Where You’re From
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.
15 min
June 30The Secrets to Being Stink-Free
Finding the right deodorant or antiperspirant can feel weirdly difficult. Maybe your go-to product suddenly stops working, maybe you're tired of pit stains ruining your clothes, or maybe you're still not entirely sure what the difference is between deodorant and antiperspirant in the first place.

In this episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Abbie Kozolchyk explains why choosing an underarm product is so personal. She breaks down the science behind sweat and body odor, debunks common fears about aluminum, and shares what she learned from testing dozens of products with everyone from teenagers to older adults.

Plus, we hear about one of the strangest jobs in the personal care industry: a professional armpit sniffer.

This episode covers:
The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant masks odor and antiperspirant reduces sweat. Understanding the difference can make it much easier to find the right product for you.

Why finding your perfect deodorant or antiperspirant is mostly trial and error. Everyone's body chemistry is different, which means the product your friend swears by might do absolutely nothing for you.

Why aluminum in antiperspirants probably isn't something to fear. Abbie breaks down why scientists aren’t concerned about antiperspirants causing breast cancer or Alzheimer's.

How to get better results from the products you already use. From applying antiperspirant at bedtime to giving a new deodorant a full week before judging it, small tweaks can make a big difference.

Products we recommend:
Best to prevent pit stains Degree UltraClear Black + White Antiperspirant Deodorant

Best for preventing white streaks on clothing: SheaMoisture Fresh Antiperspirant Deodorant

Best for heavy sweaters: Mitchum Women Advanced Control Antiperspirant & Deodorant Gel

Best for odor control with elevated scents: Nécessaire The Deodorant

Best for exotic fragrances: Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant

Best for people with sensitive skin: Dove Aluminum Free Deodorant Stick

A controversial deodorant balm: Akt’s The Deodorant Balm

Additional reading:
Best Deodorants

Best Antiperspirants

Why Finding a Good Deodorant is So Tricky

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.
37 min
June 26The '90s Are Calling. This Landline for Kids Is Answering.
If you want to get your kids off screens this summer, you aren't alone. Along with a growing nostalgia for '90s tech like point-and-shoot cameras and MP3 players, parents are increasingly turning to Wi-Fi landlines to avoid smart phones. These Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones look and feel like old-school corded phones but run over your home internet connection.

This episode, Wirecutter baby and kid editor Rachel Hurn explains why families are embracing these devices. She shares how her own Wi-Fi phone, a Tin Can, has given her eight-year-old independence to set up playdates and created an environment for undistracted conversations.

This episode covers:
Why parents are returning to landlines: Phones like the Tin Can delay the need for smartphones and allow kids to have more independence and less distraction.

How VoIP phones differ from traditional landlines: Instead of using physical copper wires, VoIP phones make calls using your internet connection.

Kid-friendly safety features: These phones feature controlled contact lists to prevent spam calls and allow parents to set quiet hours.

Competitors and costs: Although we’ve only tested the Tin Can, other companies (including Ooma, Pinwheel, and Ring Ring Club) sell similar devices. These phones typically cost between $60 and $100, and subscriptions for added features (like a controlled contact list) typically cost around $10 per month..

The limits of Wi-Fi: Because these phones rely entirely on your Wi-Fi connection, they won't work during an internet or power outage.

Products we recommend:
A Wi-Fi–enabled home phone: Tin Can

You can also check out Ooma, Pinwheel, and Ring Ring Club for other kid-friendly Wi-Fi landlines.

Additional reading:
8 Ways to Create a “Light-Tech” Summer for Your Kids

Parents Are Lining Up to Pay $100 for Tin Can’s Screenless, App-Free “Landline”

The 4 Best First Phones for Kids 2026

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.
17 min
June 23Better Than Store-Bought: The Best Gear for Homemade Popsicles, Slushies, and Ice Cream
It’s officially summer, and prime time for ice cream, ice pops, slushies, and more. Making frozen treats at home lets you customize flavors and accommodate dietary restrictions, and having the right tools on hand can help make the process more fun.

Wirecutter senior kitchen editor Marilyn Ong walks us through the most reliable gear for every type of frozen treat, from $10 ice pop molds to an $800 gelato maker. Plus, she reveals Wirecutter’s take on popular gadgets like the Ninja Creami, Ninja Slushi, and KitchenAid shaved ice attachment.

We also hear from Wirecutter experts Lesley Stockton, Ciara Murray Jordan, and Kathleen Squires, who share their favorite treat recipes and tips for making great frozen treats.

This episode covers:
Why DIY treats are worth making: You won’t necessarily save money on ingredients, but you will have total control over those ingredients. You can control the sugar content, dairy options, and flavor combinations.

Popsicle molds that actually work: Our favorite ice pop molds are easy to fill and release with little effort. You can choose from kid-friendly shapes (think fun animal shapes) all the way to refined classic molds fit for adults.

Shaved ice and slushie makers we like: The KitchenAid shaved ice attachment is a powerhouse for making Bingsu (a popular Korean-style shaved ice), while our kitchen team was surprised by how much they like the Ninja Slushi for making frozen drinks at home.

Why we don't recommend the Ninja Creami: Despite its viral popularity for making healthier frozen treats, in our testing it resulted in burning smells and complaints of plastic shavings.

Choosing an ice cream maker: Start by asking yourself how much you’re willing to spend and the texture you want to create. Our recommendations range from a $60 option that makes denser scoops, to an $800 machine that makes smooth, airy gelato.

Products we recommend:
Traditional, easy-to-make pops: Tovolo Classic Pop Molds with Tray

A colorful spin on the classic: Williams Sonoma Rainbow Pop Molds

Best metal pop molds: Ecozoi Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds

Lie-flat molds in cute shapes: Zoku Cat and Dog Ice Pop Mold

Cute penguins in silicone molds: Tovolo Penguin Pop Molds

Best push-pop style molds: Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Pop Maker

Easy to tuck in a crowded freezer: Tovolo Classic Stackable Pop Molds

For sweet treats, cocktails, and more: KitchenAid Shave Ice Attachment

An at-home frozen drink maker: Ninja Slushi

The best ice cream maker: Cuisinart ICE-21P1

A great compressor model for lighter-texture ice cream: Whynter ICM-201SB

A great compressor model for denser ice cream: Whynter ICM-15LS

The best of the best ice cream maker: Lello 4080 Musso Lussino

An inexpensive slushie cup: Frozen Magic Squeezie Cup

A higher-end slushie cup ZOKU Original Slush and Shake Maker

Marilyn loves: Bissell Little Green

Additional reading:
The Best Popsicle Molds

The 4 Best KitchenAid Attachments of 2026

We Tested the Ninja Creami. The Ice Cream Tastes Great. But That Burning Smell ...

We Regret to Inform You That the Ninja Slushi Lives Up to the Hype

The 4 Best Ice Cream Makers of 2026

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.
35 min
June 19Are Robot Mops Actually Good?
The iconic robot vacuum—the autonomous bot that can roam your home sucking up pet hair and Cheerios–is evolving. Manufacturers are shifting almost entirely to combo robot vac-mops. The question, for our vacuum tester, is whether they’re any good and if they’re worth the very steep prices (upwards of $1,600 for top-of-the-line models).

Wirecutter writer Evan Dent joins us to explain how the new vac-mops handle everyday messes, the homes they’re best suited for, and what you should know about storing and repairing them.

If you’re looking for a deal on a robot vac or vac-mop combo, he also shares the prices to watch for during Amazon’s upcoming Prime Day sale (or any deals event).

This episode covers:
Why robot vacuums are disappearing: Basic robot vacuums have reached a profit ceiling, so manufacturers are phasing them out. Instead, they can charge a premium for the added features of vac-mops.

These new bots are only decent cleaners: The mop function isn't great for tough stains, and the mop pad actually makes them sit higher off the ground, which slightly reduces their vacuuming power. But they serve just fine as maintenance cleaners.

The ideal home for a vac-mop: They work best on hard flooring on a single level of a home (they can’t really handle stairs). While carpet detection has improved, it still isn't flawless.

The realities of bulky docks and limited repairability: Newer models rely on large docking stations that take up a significant amount of floor space. Plus, the added mopping components mean there are more parts that can break.

When to buy and what to spend: Wait for major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, or look for deals when newly updated models are released. A good price to look for on a mid-range combo vac-mop like our pick is around $600 or below.

Products we recommend:
A great vacuum-only robot: Roborock Q7 M5+Roborock Q7 M5+

A decent $200-ish vacuum-only bot: Tapo RV30 Max Plus

A solid entry-level robot vac-mop: Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25

Additional reading:
Even Robots Don’t Want to Vacuum

The Best Robot Vacuums of 2026

The 4 Best Robot Mop-Vac Combos of 2026

We Tested 16 Newfangled Robot Vacuum-Mop Combos. Don’t Buy One.

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.
18 min
June 16Is This the End of Affordable Tech?
Consumer tech is getting more expensive just as laptops and phones have become more essential than ever. In this episode, Rosie leads a roundtable discussion with Wirecutter’s senior editor Caitlin McGarry, supervising editor Arthur Gies and senior staff writer Kimber Streams, about why the era of truly cheap computers is ending. They discuss how AI is reshaping the hardware supply chain and what you can do if you need a new device right now.

This episode covers:
Why RAM and storage costs are spiking. AI companies are buying up much of the supply of RAM and storage, increasing the price for these tech essentials. Consumer tech companies that make our laptops and phones are struggling to compete.

How price hikes are showing up across devices. From Chromebooks and Windows laptops to flagship phones, microSD cards, and video game consoles, 2026 has brought record price increases.

What to prioritize in a new computer today. If you need a new computer, look for models with enough RAM and storage, even if that means refurbished models from manufacturers or third party retailers.

Guidance on when it makes sense to buy. While the landscape of truly affordable computers is shrinking, there are great options like the MacBook Neo available now. We may see summer sales on other models, but consider purchasing your “back-to-school” tech early for the best prices.

Products we recommend:
A surprisingly great budget laptop: Apple MacBook Neo

Additional reading:
The Death of the Cheap Laptop Is Coming

The Best Cheap Laptops Under $500 for 2026

MacBook Neo Review: A Surprisingly Great Budget MacBook

The 6 Best Laptops for College Students in 2026

Tech Prices Are Skyrocketing. Nintendo’s Switch 2 Might Be Next.

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.
35 min
June 12Real Dads on the Best Father’s Day Gifts They’ve Ever Received
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and if you're stuck for ideas, Wirecutter’s dads and gift experts are here to help. We asked the dads on our staff to share the gifts they actually loved receiving—including custom socks, a backyard fire pit, and sweet handmade crafts.

Our experts also open up about the meaningful gifts they’ve given their own fathers that sparked deeper appreciation and a closer family connection.

Products we recommend:
Funny and comfortable custom socks: DivvyUp Custom Socks

A lightweight smokeless fire pit: Solo Stove Classic Bonfire Fire Pit

Additional reading:
The 48 Best Gifts for Dads of 2026

The 41 Absolute Best, Wirecutter-Approved Father's Day Gifts Under $50

The Best Personalized Photo Gifts

Why I Love (Safely) Using My Backyard Fire Pit

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

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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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14 min

About The Wirecutter Show

From the publisher's feed

The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.