The Wirecutter Show

This week, we’re re-airing a discussion about keeping your indoor air clean and healthy to breathe. Wirecutter senior writer Tim Heffernan walks us through how to reduce the outdoor pollution that inevitably seeps into your home, what to do if you're dealing with wildfire smoke, and surprising and free ways to keep your air clean.    Tim covers exactly why you shouldn’t overspend on an air purifie...

Whether you call it a sofa or a couch, it’s arguably the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home. And given the expense, shopping for one can often trigger decision paralysis.   This week, Wirecutter home and decor editor Daniela Gorny joins us to break down the complex world of sofa shopping. She shares a practical checklist for testing sofas in-store. And she gives her best tips for shop...

If you've ever looked at your phone's screen-time report and wondered where the day went, you're not alone. Many people want to stop mindlessly scrolling, but find it challenging to stop. Some Wirecutter staffers have found a solution: The Brick, a physical device that locks you out of the apps you choose.   This episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Elissa Sanci shares why the Brick worked for...

If you feel burnt out by endless passwords, security alerts, and authentication codes, you’re not alone. It can feel like the rules for staying safe online are constantly changing.    In this episode, Wirecutter writer Max Eddy, who covers online privacy and security, demystifies modern password hygiene. Max breaks down why reusing passwords leaves your accounts vulnerable and how a password manag...

As climate change makes natural disasters more frequent and intense, preparing for emergencies is becoming more important. A vulnerability for many people is their home-owners insurance policy. Without the right coverage, a disaster can bring devastating financial aftershocks.   This episode, Wirecutter writer Gregory Han shares the questions you should ask to make the process less murky. Gregory’...

You’ve probably seen “forever chemicals” make headlines in the past few years. This class of compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been used to make nonstick cookware and high-performance raingear. And they’re being phased out in certain product categories because of their health risks.   This episode, Wirecutter sustainability editor Katie Okamoto explains the po...

Technically, summer doesn’t end until September, but many kids go back to school as soon as early to mid August. In this episode, we’re celebrating the back-to-school season with practical, real-world advice from Wirecutter parents.    From clever routines to must-have gear, our editors and writers share their favorite shortcuts for making school mornings run just a little bit smoother. Whether yo...

This episode, senior kitchen writer Michael Sullivan demystifies all things olive oil. He shares how to navigate the overwhelming olive oil aisle, what “extra virgin” really means, and the best way to store this kitchen staple so it will stay fresh (and won’t go rancid).   Whether you're an olive oil aficionado or just looking to improve your everyday cooking, this episode is packed with essential...

Getting dressed every morning can feel like a chore. Maybe you own too many clothes but always wear the same five outfits, or maybe your closet is so crowded that you forget what you already have. That’s where digital wardrobe apps can come in: They let you catalog your clothes, plan outfits, and see your entire closet from your phone.   This episode, Wirecutter style writer Frances Solá-Santiago...

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 an...

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 yo...

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 ho...

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 th...

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 pr...

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, Wirecutte...

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 $8...

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 v...

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...

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...

If you've ever tried shopping for headphones, you know there’s an overwhelming selection to choose from.  We asked listeners to send us their most pressing headphone questions and brought in Wirecutter audio expert Lauren Dragan to answer them.    From earbuds that stay put in small ears to the best headphones for sleeping, Lauren shares practical advice from years of testing more than 2,000 pairs...

Gone are the days when canned alcoholic drinks meant only hard seltzers and tailgate beverages. Today’s ready-to-drink cocktails include everything from espresso martinis and old-fashioneds to gin- and soju-based spritzes.    Wirecutter kitchen writer, Antara Sinha, joins us to explain how she tested 40 canned cocktails, what separates a great canned drink from a mediocre one, and which ones are a...

A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines.    In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Board-certified dermato...

If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people.   In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty comp...

Moving can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Wirecutter travel writer Kit Dillon–who moonlights as a professional mover–shares insider tips on how to make the process less painful.    From selecting the best packing supplies to hiring the right crew, Kit’s advice will help you save time, money, and hassle.   If you’re in the weeds o...

Summer travel season is here, and you might be tempted to download a language-learning app before your next trip. But which ones actually help? Wirecutter writer Matthew Guay tested 15 different language apps to figure out how they can (and can’t) help you learn a foreign language.    This episode covers:  Why language learning apps are better for travel confidence than fluency. Matthew explains t...