Best Overall		Audeze LCD-2 Classic		SEE IT	You can count on rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble.
Best Closed-Back		Meze Audio LIRIC		SEE IT	This is the most spacious, source- and EQ-friendly closed-back planar magnetic headphone available today.
Best Budget		HIFIMAN Sundara		SEE IT	These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price.

In the world of audiophile headphones, planar magnetics rule the roost. Many of the most popular headphones, even for listeners on a budget, use planar magnetic drivers, and for good reason: the level of detail and clarity they’re able to provide is outstanding. It’s no exaggeration to say that the best planar magnetic headphones will let you hear things you’ve never heard before and can breathe new life into your listening. If you’ve found yourself craving an upgrade to your audio experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the best planar magnetic headphones you can buy across six key categories to help you sink into your music like never before with the set that’s right for you.

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina
• Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

How we chose the best planar magnetic headphones

I’ve been a headphone collector for over five years but an audio enthusiast for much, much longer. I began my first foray into the world of audio as a kid, borrowing my dad’s Sony over-ears to sink into Metallica’s 1991 self-titled LP (aka “The Black Album”). As an adult, I contented myself with cheap earphones until I joined the tech press in 2013 and discovered a passion for all things personal audio. Since then, it’s become a full-on hobby, and some of my very favorite listening experiences have taken place with planar magnetic headphones. I own nine different sets of planar headphones and have no plans to stop collecting them anytime soon.

For this round-up, I’ve gathered the best selections across six different product categories. Listening is a subjective thing, so I connected with Tony Ware—PopSci’s managing editor and a fellow personal audio enthusiast—to discuss our experiences and hash out what really deserved to be called the best of the best. Every choice we landed on was researched and cross-referenced with leading audio forums, Head-Fi and r/headphones, and a wide array of professional reviews and user impressions. They don’t often come cheap, but each of the headphones included in this list is exceptional and well worth your hard-earned dollars.

The best planar magnetic headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you’re interested in planar-magnetic technology (sometimes referred to as orthodynamic headphones), we’ve gathered the top choices across six categories for your consideration. There is some overlap in these choices, so consider all these planars and what works best for your budget and listening preferences.

Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-2 Classics balance outstanding sound with a reasonable price, making them an accessible and exceptional choice.

Specs

• Price: $799
• Type: Open-Back
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 70 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• Weight: 550 grams

Pros

• Great balance of price and performance
• Durable metal construction
• Outstanding value 
• Pelican-style travel case

Cons

• Boring appearance
• Requires EQ to sound its best

The LCD-2 Classic may not be the pinnacle of planar performance, but it’s the best overall choice for users looking to balance outstanding audio quality with a reasonable price. The LCD-2 Classic takes the LCD-2 back to its roots, removing the current generation’s Fazor waveguide system, and simplifying some design elements to deliver a headphone that’s the perfect fit for the value-conscious audiophile. 

The LCD-2 Classic features the same driver as the LCD-2, which means you can count on a similarly great sound: rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble. The LCD delivers a moderately wide soundstage but features exceptionally good layering, so you can hear every note and every harmony, regardless of how far back in the mix it is. This also makes it a great choice for sound engineers and content creators who need to hear every tiny piece of the content they’re creating. 

At $195 less than the current LCD-2 (with its more richly appointed trimmings and audiophile articulation), there are some trade-offs. The biggest is the need to EQ these headphones to get them to sound their best. Out of the box, many users describe the mids as sounding “off” or “glaring” due to some strange mid-range peaks. These can be easily tamed with EQ software, bringing this headphone in line with its more expensive sibling. Put another way, these headphones do require a touch more effort upfront but can sound downright amazing after.

The construction has also been changed, swapping out the wooden rings on the standard LCD-2 with basic black nylon. The all-black construction does make the LCD-2 Classic look a little boring, but it’s also more durable and pairs well with the otherwise metal build. Speaking of metal, specifically of the musical persuasion, the right planar magnetic headphone’s coupling of bass slam and nimble technicalities can be great when paired with the genre; the LCD-2 Classic has particular synergy with death and doom to industrial. Also, contrary to early reviews, this LCD-2 also now ships with a hard-back pelican-style travel case for even more peace of mind.

True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth

Dan Clark

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Why it made the cut: The Stealth from Dan Clark Audio is super stylish and packed with technology to enhance the listening experience. 

Specs

• Price: $3,999
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 23 ohms
• Sensitivity: 86-87dB
• Weight: 415 grams

Pros

• Huge V-Planar drivers
• Stylish design
• Outstanding bass and rich detail
• Intricate tuning system

Cons

• Big and bulky
• Extremely expensive

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line headphone custom-designed for audiophiles by audiophiles, look no further than the Dan Clark Audio Stealth. It’s a set that includes all of the latest innovations from one of the most respected names in the boutique audio business. It also breaks the mold with its closed-back design, making it a better fit for those times when you want to block the world out and disappear into your music.

This stealth bomber-like headphone uses the fourth generation of the company’s esteemed V-planar drivers, which are 20% larger than the last generation and deliver incredibly low distortion and outstanding detail. Enhancing these drivers further is DCA’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which not only reduces phase distortion for increased clarity but enhances treble performance without adding harshness or sibilance. 

When it comes to tuning, the Stealth plays it safe with a sound that’s close to the classic Harman Curve. That means you can count on rich, detailed bass that doesn’t overwhelm the other frequencies and plentiful details. The Stealth also manages to buck the stigma of closed-backs sounding compressed with a wide, airy soundstage.

The biggest drawback to this headphone really is its price. At $3,999, it will be hard for many listeners to justify. Those that do will be in for a treat, however. Dan Clark Audio rarely fails to impress.

Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5

Audeze

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-5 is a top-of-the-line headphone that showcases the very best of what this industry-leading brand can do.

Specs

• Price: $4,500
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 14 ohms
• Sensitivity: 90dB
• Weight: 420 grams

Pros

• Easy to drive
• Great build quality 
• Neutral sound signature
• Much lighter than the LCD-4

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• High clamping force
• Can be very revealing

Audeze is one of the biggest names in the business, and the LCD-5 represents the peak of its engineering. For its new flagship, the company went back to the drawing board, redesigning its fit and function. While it’s still unmistakably an Audeze headphone with its circular earcups, precision-cut grilles, and floating headband, the LCD-5 comes in a whopping 290 grams lighter than the former flagship, the LCD-4. It makes heavy use of magnesium and carbon fiber, so is made to last and you can look forward to longer listening sessions and less head fatigue over time (the clamp force is a bit stronger, though).

Part of the reason for its reduced weight is the redesigned driver system. The driver is now 90mm instead of 106mm and uses fewer heavy magnets to deliver its sound. The new driver has also been engineered with Audeze’s new Parallel Uniforce voice coil, tightening its response across its entire surface, improving resolution, and lowering how much power it takes to drive. No need for a monster amplifier here (though, like all summit-tier headphones, performance will scale the more you invest in your signal chain)! This driver system is paired with Audeze’s acclaimed Fazor waveguide tech to reduce distortion and phase interference. 

The best word to describe the sound of the LCD-5 is “revealing.” These headphones deliver all of the incredible detail you would expect from a $4,500 planar magnetic, but they’re more balanced and less bassy than prior sets from Audeze. Because of their outstanding resolution and mid-forward tuning, they’ll allow you to hear things you’ve never heard before, and old favorites in a new way, but that also means uncovering flaws in recordings or sound characteristics from your amp or DAC that may have missed with other sets.

Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The HIFIMAN Audivina offers a balanced yet wholly engaging listening experience with one of the best soundstages available in a closed-back planar.  

Specs

• Price: $1,999
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 55kHz
• Impedance: 20 ohms
• Sensitivity: 97dB

Pros

• Deep soundstage
• Gorgeously designed and comfortable to wear 
• Richly layered and detailed

Cons

• Exceptionally large
• Sound is slightly colored

Closed-back headphones usually trade soundstage for isolation, but that’s not the case with the HiFiMAN Audivina. These headphones deliver far less isolation than the average closed-back but trade that for a surprisingly deep listening experience that almost seems to draw instruments apart, allowing you to hear the rich detail within. The sound is natural, though isn’t exactly flat, thanks to a slight bump in the bass and some small peaks in the mids and highs to push out details. There’s a small amount of coloration, but nothing exaggerated, and it makes for a thoroughly engaging listen. The depth of its listening experience draws you in and delivers a sense of realism perfect for live recordings, the richly detailed, open soundscape of classical music, as well as films and cinematic scores.

The naturalness of its listening experience is a perfect match for the design of the headphones themselves. Its large, oval-shaped cups are carved from real hardwood and have a beautiful, orange wood grain finish and equally earthy tan ear cushions. Because of the multi-stage acoustic architecture housed within, resonance chambers inspired by renowned concert halls, the headphones are big—so much so that smaller listeners may find that they sit too loosely without being very particular about their positioning. They also have heft, weighing in at roughly one pound, though you wouldn’t know it based on how comfortable they are to wear. Meant to replicate (replace?) the spacious presentation of a pair of nearfield monitors, HIFIMAN has done a great job with these headphones, making them the kind of cans you can lose hours to in a cascade of different movements. (Want a more traditionally intimate closed-back planar? Check out the Meze Audio LIRIC below.)

Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze MM-500 is custom-tuned by a renowned audio engineer, and it shows. These headphones are comfy, balanced, and revealing. 

Specs

• Price: $1,699
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB

Pros

• Balanced, midrange-focused tuning that doesn’t color the mix
• Comfortable to wear over extended listening sessions
• Detail-rich with clear layering

Cons

• Soundstage isn’t very big
• Limited availability

The Audeze MM-500 sounds unlike any other pair of Audeze headphones we’ve heard, but there’s a good reason for that. Crafted with the help of Grammy-winning audio engineer Manny Marroquin (and emblazoned with his initials beneath the headband), they’re designed to be used in the studio, replacing the classic studio monitors that are a staple of audio mixing. Their tuning is anchored by an exceptionally clear upper midrange, as that’s the frequency range where the hardest work to avoid mix congestion must be done, but this emphasis doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an uncolored listening experience. And this actually makes the headphones perfectly suited for music with rich vocals and energetic instrumentation—able to handle tactile tones and busy articulation while maintaining a naturalistic presentation that never masks the rest of the spectrum. It’s the ultra-thin, ultra-responsive drivers that set them apart from other mixing headphones, enhancing the monitoring experience with the detail, speed, and resolution that only planar magnetic drivers can provide. 

These headphones are revealing. Though the soundstage isn’t very big, they offer a very detailed listening experience with outstanding layering between tracks. Everything is well-defined, crisp without being sharp. As you lay down takes, you’ll be able to hear exactly how they fit together without any of the messiness or veiling of lesser headphones. These same qualities mean that some listeners might find them less exciting for normal listening, as there’s no elevated low-end. But for audio engineers, their uncolored timbre and ability to deconstruct the mix are their secret weapons. 

The other high point they bring to the table is their exceptional comfort. While sitting slightly tighter around the ears than several of Audeze’s other headphones (like the popular LCD-2 Classic), their headband distributes their 1.09-pound weight well so that, despite the rock-solid aluminum and steel build, they can be worn for hours without soreness (as one might do in a mix session). They’re a well-rounded pair of headphones custom-tailored for industry professionals but with plenty connoisseurs can appreciate. (Interested in a taste of the tone? The Audeze MM-100, an introductory headphone in the studio line, is only $399.)

Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: The Meze LIRIC is a stylish closed-back in a world of open-back headphones and a great choice for isolation that doesn’t sacrifice an impressive soundstage.

Specs

• Price: $2,000
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: 4Hz – 92kHz
• Impedance: 30 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 391 grams

Pros

• Great isolation (for you and others!)
• Stylish but minimal: won’t attract unwanted attention
• Comparatively low-weight
• Surprisingly wide soundstage

Cons

• Pricey
• No wireless option
• Still a bit bulky

Closed-back planar dynamic headphones are few and far between, but the Meze Audio LIRIC is the best among the more (relatively) approachable top-tier models. This headphone is packed with technology to make it the premiere closed-back headphone for audiophiles. The LIRIC uses a custom-made MZ4 driver, a scaled-down adaptation of the voice coil included in the Romanian company’s flagship Empyrean headphone (which retails for $2,999), tuned to operate in a closed-back shell. Best of all, Meze has been able to overcome the biggest challenge facing closed-back headphones—reduced soundstage—with its all-new Phase XTM system. This may just be the most spacious closed-back option (of any driver style) available today. 

Mounted in a vented, purpose-built acoustic chamber, the LIRIC’s driver manifests a captivatingly deep staging without losing its imaging authority. Despite being a closed headphone, the bass is not overwhelmingly energetic, though the LIRIC can take well to goosing the lows. Mid-range gives vocals plenty of presence, while treble is fresh but not fiery. Pair the LIRIC with a source known for its top-end extension; you’ll experience more energy. Pair the LIRIC with a rounder source; you’ll up the musicality. What the LIRIC is, ultimately, is extremely friendly to equipment and EQ choices. 

Meze describes the LIRIC as a “portable planar,” meant to be taken on the go. At 391 grams, it’s lighter than many competitors at this price point but still made of durable magnesium and aluminum to withstand the rigors of daily life. The black matte leather-surfaced, copper-accented earcups are exceedingly stylish, if a bit bulky, and rotate to lay flat on your chest when you need a break, though the plush oval pads and wide headband promote long-term comfort. The biggest downside is that there’s no way to listen to the LIRIC wirelessly, so “portable,” in this case, still factors in toting around a cable. But the most unadulterated listening experiences are still found across a wire, and the LIRIC is efficient enough to play nicely with almost any source, so this isn’t that big of a deal for most listeners—as long as you have a device with a headphone jack or an adapter.

Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless AE

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The 7Hz Timeless AE offers well-tuned planar sound at an affordable price. 

Specs

• Price: $259
• Type: Closed-back earphones
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• Impedance: 14.8 ohm
• Sensitivity: 104dB
• Weight: 5.5 grams (each earpiece)

Pros

• Very well-tuned, balanced sound
• Full of detail
• Good bass performance

Cons

• Unusual shape 
• Limited soundstage

Planar earphones are nothing new, but few have been quite as well received as the 7Hz Timeless at its $219 price point, and the company recently released an updated version that’s even better than the first: the 7Hz Timeless AE. The magic of the Timeless lies in the tuning of its 14.2mm drivers (powered by double-sided N52 magnet arrays), updated to provide deeper, more impactful bass and smoother treble for hours of easy listening. While others in this space, like the Tin HiFi P1, were criticized for their brightness, the Timeless AE delivers a warmer sound that doesn’t skimp on the bass. At the same time, it delivers an enjoyable amount of detail which combines to make these earphones a well-balanced buy at $249.

The Timeless isn’t perfect, however. Since it uses an in-ear design, the soundstage is narrower than any over-ear headphones included on this list. It also breaks the mold with the divisive, quarter-like shape of its earpieces. You’ll either be ambivalent about the shape or outright hate the shells—there doesn’t seem to be much in between. If you already own the original Timeless, the AE version probably isn’t worth the price to upgrade if you’re comfortable playing with EQ.

One of the biggest reasons to choose the 7Hz Timeless AE is its impeccable balance of price and performance, but there are better options if you’re willing to spend more. For a truly audiophile experience, the Audeze Euclid has a more appealing aesthetic and delivers incredible sound quality but at the high price of $1,299. While not a small earbud (it can’t be to fit its 18mm drivers, bigger than the 14.2mm of the Timeless), the Euclid is comfortable. And that comfort extends to the frequency response, which is smooth and cohesive throughout. Bass is tight, mid-range spacious, and treble snappy without being sharp. Details are effortlessly retrieved and rendered across an uncluttered soundstage—one that’s astounding for a closed, compact earpiece.   

And suppose you’ve got $1,500 and want something exclusively yours. In that case, the Campfire Audio Supermoon is an in-ear monitor featuring 14mm, 2-micron-thick planar drivers in solid-body enclosures custom-molded to your ear canals. The bass is textured but controlled, mid-range is dynamic, and treble is honest (which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the recording). Planar IEMs are really coming into their own.

Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The Venus is only the second pair of headphones by Moondrop Labs, but you wouldn’t guess it based on its construction and sound quality—both of which convey a clear vision of clarity.

Specs

• Price: $599.99
• Type: Open-back headphones
• Frequency Response: 6Hz – 80kHz
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 600 grams

Pros

• Spatial cues are immaculate
• Distinctive look
• Responds well to EQ

Cons

• Somewhat bass-light out of the box
• Has to be used in a quiet location for optimal performance

We’re going out on a limb … a raid? a quest? … for this pick because it’s far from a standard “gaming headphone.” There’s no head-tracking or adjustable boom mic, etc. (but you have a signature mic for livestreaming already, we’re sure). However, the same things that make the Moondrop Labs Venus an attractive headphone for audiophiles—including a sparkly but still non-fatiguing treble that lets each note ring out—are also great for the situational awareness needed to win.

The Venus is the sophomore over-ear headphone of Moondrop Labs, a boutique audio company founded in 2015 in Chengdu, China, and colloquially known as “Moondrop,” which first became a darling of the IEM scene. It’s got a bold design and tuning designed to shear the veil between you and your music, or your adventure. Each earcup is finished with a milled faceplate that would be right at home in BioShock—if Andrew Ryan cared a little more about sound quality, that is. (And they’ll look great on a live stream.) The headphones have heft, but once in place, they’re stable: not too tight, not too loose.

Most importantly for missions, imaging and soundstage are excellent. Aided by a specialized waveguide that smooths any errant peaks, the Venus places each audio cue on its own layer. It’s resolving and spacious enough to make every sound source perfectly audible, even in busy tracks or cacophonous multiplayer matches. There’s no masking or loss of detail from overwhelmed drivers, but also not so immersive it’s diffuse (an experience we describe in more detail in our full review).

Being open-backed, the Venus lets in and leaks sound, so it won’t work if you’re gaming on the go. It’s also at its best when amped. And it isn’t going to hit as hard as some other closed-back planar gaming headsets (might we suggest the Audeze Mobius or Penrose, depending on your platform). But suppose you want to get lost in a soundtrack in or out of the game. In that case, the planar drivers have no trouble reaching low and maintaining speed, delivering rich sub-bass with engaging texturing even if it doesn’t delve to the deepest reaches of frequency response. Clarity is Venus’s hallmark, but it takes well to EQ if you think it’s slightly anemic. Honestly, it’s a strong contender for the best budget planar for pure audio lovers—as its fit, finish, and presentation are outstanding for the price—it’s just slightly more expensive than our next pick.

Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut: The HIFIMAN Sundara are detail powerhouses for their price and a gateway drug to the wider world of planar magnetics.

Specs

• Price: $299
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 37 ohms
• Sensitivity: 94db
• Weight: 372 grams

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Wide soundstage
• Exceptionally detailed
• Thin, low-profile design

Cons

• Bass can seem recessed
• Not great for portable use

To start off, budget is relative. To some (like our managing editor), the $1,299 HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition is an amazing “budget” pick because of its extraordinary bang for the buck when putting many options in the $2,000-$3,000 range to shame. But here we’ll talk true budget, which in the planar magnetics world is under $500. So we’re talking about the Sundara, which has become one of the staple recommendations for new hi-fi(man) fans, and it’s not hard to see why. These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price. In fact, it’s hard to find a better value in this space, which is exactly why terms like “giant killer” pop up so frequently in conversations surrounding it: these headphones deliver performance well beyond the $349 price point.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that balance is the name of the game with these headphones. Even though it offers good bass and treble extension, this isn’t what most people would consider a bass-heavy headset. Likewise, even though it offers a slim profile when worn, the cups don’t swivel to lie flat on your chest and there’s no travel case, so they’re still a better fit for listening at home than on the go.

Looking for something a little more portable but still great? The Audeze LCD-1, if you can snag one (it’s now discontinued), is an outstanding choice that solves the Sundara’s portability issues, is smaller, more stylish, allows you to rotate the earcups, and includes a travel case. Those benefits come at a higher cost of $399.99, less detail, and a more plasticky build, but it’s hard to argue with its still-great sound. 

Related, in a way, is the similarly priced Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3, which is quite a mishmash of branding and components, so let’s decipher. Edifier, a Chinese company with a firm foothold in the affordable speakers sector on Amazon (and beyond), bought the legendary STAX brand of electrostatic headphones in 2011. In 2016, Edifier invested in a minority share of Audeze. So, the STAX SPIRIT S3 is a wireless (but not noise-cancelling) closed-back headphone that, despite its name, has nothing to do with electrostatics (that’s a whole ‘nother tech for another time) but does feature Audeze’s Fluxor magnetic structure, Uniforce diaphragm, and Fazor phase management—and more than a passing resemblance to the LCD-1. Sonically, though, they’re a bit more reminiscent of the 7Hz Timeless in headphones form, offering a quick-moving body with plenty of detail balancing out bold but not boomy low end. It’s a clearly closed-back soundstage, so flat in comparison to its less-isolating brethren, but if you’ve got an Android phone that supports the aptX HD/Adaptive codec and are looking for some Bluetooth 5.2 headphones that travel well, the Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 could be a flavor to savor.

Things to consider before buying the best planar magnetic headphones

Buying any pair of headphones can be a confusing mix of terminology and marketing buzzwords. This is especially true with planar magnetics, where the costs are often significantly higher. To help you cut through the noise, these are the most important things you should consider when shopping for the best planar magnetic headphones:

Price

Let’s get this out of the way first: planar magnetic headphones can be expensive. This is true of other types of headphones as well, but it’s especially common to see planar magnetics come at a premium compared to their dynamic driver counterparts. This is due to the complexity of the driver itself, as well as the pedigree of the brand producing them. As with all things personal audio, a high price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to enjoy the sound more, so take the time to read reviews to get an impression of its real-world performance. If you’re considering a very expensive set, pay careful attention to the return guidelines to be sure you can refund or exchange it if it’s not your cup of tea.

How difficult they are to drive

Open up a headphone that uses dynamic drivers, and what you’ll find is familiar to anyone that has ever seen a speaker: a cone or dome, behind which a magnet pulls a coil that vibrates the diaphragm to create sound waves. At the heart of planar magnetic headphones, however, are incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung across magnetic arrays that manipulate them at incredible speed with low distortion.

Because most planars are physically larger than dynamic drivers (sometimes twice as large at 100mm versus 50mm, for instance), they often require more voltage to drive. It’s important to consider whether you’ll need an external amplifier to power them properly. This isn’t always the case. Efficient planars like the HIFIMAN Deva can be run straight from most PCs, smartphones, etc. without issue. It isn’t common, however, and manufacturers often design their headphones around the idea that listeners will have a separate amp in their setup.

The amount of power a headphone requires will vary from set to set. This is determined by two key specifications: impedance and sensitivity. The higher the impedance (measured in ohms), the more difficult the headphones are to drive. The inverse is true of sensitivity (how loud the headphone will get with a certain amount of power): the higher the sensitivity, the easier it will be to drive. The simplest course to determining the power needs of a headphone is to plug these values into a headphone power calculator. This will tell you how much power it takes to drive those headphones to different volume levels.  

Open- or closed-back

Like all headphones, planar magnetics come in open-back or closed-back varieties. These terms refer to the outward-facing side of the earcups and whether it’s sealed off to trap sound or uses a grille to let sound pass out the back (while protecting the delicate diaphragm inside). Each design has its benefits and drawbacks and there is no right answer for which is better. Instead, it’s best to understand what each term means and to determine what’s best for you.

Whether it’s the more affordable HIFIMAN Ananda or the ultra-premium line-up of ABYSS Headphones, open-back is by far the most popular design in planar magnetic headphones. It complements the strengths of the driver—detail, clarity, realism—by adding a natural sense of airiness and space to the music. This is referred to as soundstage. Open-backs don’t isolate sound well, which is their biggest drawback. Anyone sitting close to you will be able to hear your music and you’ll be able to hear the noise of your surroundings.

Closed-back headphones are much more common when looking at big-box consumer stores for connected convenience features like noise cancellation, whether in budget models or more high-end ones like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, Focal Bathys, or the Apple AirPods Max. These headphones usually offer a reduced soundstage but at the benefit of vastly improved isolation. If you plan on wearing your headphones to commute, or simply want more privacy to your listening, closed-backs are the superior choice.

Tuning

One of the most important considerations is also the most nebulous: how it actually sounds. Brands often refer to how clear and detailed their sound is, and make heavy use of buzzwords in their marketing. But what does that actually mean for how it compares to other headphones you’ve heard in the past? 

That’s where graphs come in. It can be difficult to test a headphone before buying it, so many manufacturers and audio enthusiasts provide frequency response graphs to give a better impression of how a headphone actually sounds. These graphs are essentially a swooping line that represents how the sound is balanced between the lows, mids, and highs. Take a moment to read up on how to read a graph and, wherever possible, take a peek at how the sound is balanced before hitting Buy Now.

Weight and size

While it’s not a rule, many planar magnetic headphones tend to be larger and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the driver itself tends to be larger and utilizes magnets on one or both sides of the driver to deliver sound. Both of these require a bigger earcup. Boutique audio brands also like to design their earcups around improved sound quality and unique aesthetics (even sometimes exotic woods and composites), which can mean anything from the egg-shaped windowshades of the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition to the stylish rings of the Audeze LCD-4z. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as the traditional design of the discontinued but still desirable Oppo PM-3 clearly illustrates. 

Regardless, be sure to consider where you’ll be using your headphones and your own comfort needs while you’re doing so. A heavier headphone can lead to sore spots on the top of your head. Likewise, a giant pair of cans can attract sideways glances you may not be ready for. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best planar magnetic headphones

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina
• Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

Upgrading to the best planar magnetic headphones can transform your listening experience. Take the time to find the right set for you, whether that’s a big and bold pair of over-ear headphones or a small-but-mighty pair of in-ears, and you’ll be able to experience your favorite songs like never before. They don’t always come cheap, but a great headphone investment can pay dividends in your enjoyment for years to come. 

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 planar magnetic headphones for 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best for Gaming		ASUS ROG Azoth		SEE IT	The ASUS ROG Azoth offers an excellent sound and feel with lots of programmability.
Best overall		Logitech G915 Lightspeed		SEE IT	The Logitech G915 Lightspeed looks sharp, has a great typing feel, and comes with lots of special features.
Best for the Office		Razer Pro Type Ultra		SEE IT	Razer is known for its gaming keyboards but the Pro Type Ultra is a more “grown-up” take with plentiful, office-friendly features.

Mechanical keyboards have never been so popular and they’re finally ready to cut the cord. While wireless mechanical keyboards are nothing new, they’ve been a very rare commodity until recently. It’s only been over the last few years that the manufacturers behind the best mechanical keyboards have started to make wireless models. Once two different paths, the best wireless mechanical keyboards truly make you feel like you’re getting the best of both worlds: mechanical reliability and wireless convenience.

• Best overall: Logitech G915 Lightspeed 
• Best for gaming: ASUS ROG Azoth
• Best for the office: Razer Pro Type Ultra
• Best for programmers: Happy Hacking Keyboard Hybrid Type-S
• Best compact: Nuphy Air75
• Best budget: Keychron K8

How we chose the best wireless mechanical keyboards 

I’ve been a keyboard enthusiast since 2015, when I purchased the Logitech G710+ with Cherry MX Brown switches. Since then, I’ve reviewed dozens of mechanical keyboards for sites, including IGN, Tom’s Hardware, and MMORPG.com, spanning brands big and small. I’ve built more than a dozen custom keyboards and have a collection totaling more than $3,500 in total value. Even with that collection, I still find myself looking for new and exciting keyboards to buy and build.

Even though my collection spans widely, it’s only in the last few years that I’ve really begun to consider certain wireless keyboards among the best out there. The reason is simple: It’s only over those few years that wireless mechanical keyboards have gotten good enough to compete with the best keyboards available right now. But now that they have, there are wireless mechanical keyboard options to fit every user without the sacrifices of yesteryear.

To create this list, I researched the best wireless options from as many major brands as I could find. I dug deep into user reviews to weed out the “good on paper” options and left only those that would deliver the very best in reliability and performance. Finally, I relied on my own experience with a number of the boards and brands up for consideration. With the exception of only two keyboards, the Razer Pro Type Ultra and Keychron K8, I’ve spent dozens, if not hundreds, of hours with each keyboard on this list.  

The best wireless mechanical keyboards: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you have a sense of what to look for, we’ve put together a list of the best wireless mechanical keyboards you can buy right now. They come in different form factors to meet all kinds of needs, depending on whether you’re playing games, getting work done, or simply want the most pleasant typing experience. There are a lot of great keyboards out there, but these are all exceptional.

Best overall: Logitech G915 Lightspeed 

Logitech

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Why it made the cut: The Logitech G915 Lightspeed looks sharp, has a great typing feel, and comes with lots of special features.

Specs

• Layout: Full-size (TKL option available)
• Switches: Clicky, Linear, Tactile; Low-Profile
• Connection type: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, Wired
• Battery life: 135 days (RGB off), 30 Hours (100% brightness) 
• Software: Logitech G-Hub

Pros

• Exceptionally well-built
• Thin, low-profile design with well-isolated RGB
• User-friendly software for advanced functions
• Incredibly responsive

Cons

• Expensive

The Logitech G915 Lightspeed has something for everyone. It’s a full-size keyboard (with a tenkeyless version available) that’s ready-made for gaming but is great for work too. It features low-profile switches, which are shorter and flatter than a normal keyboard, and a thin, 22mm design, making it an easy transition for laptop and Magic Keyboard users. It also features Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, providing it with gaming-grade responsiveness. Logitech’s G Hub software also allows you to easily map Windows shortcuts, making navigating your PC faster and easier than competing keyboards. Add to that dedicated media controls, excellent switches, programmable (and optional) RGB lighting, and you have a keyboard that’s a powerhouse for both work and play. 

All of this functionality comes at a steep price of $249. The TKL version is significantly cheaper at $189 but drops the number pad, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Logitech also limits key remapping to just the G-keys, but with three onboard profiles, that tallies up to 15 programmable buttons, which will be plenty for most users. If you can afford it, this is the Logitech mechanical keyboard to buy.

Best for gaming: ASUS ROG Azoth

Chris Coke

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Why it made the cut:  The ROG Azoth offers the best sound and feel of any gaming keyboard, excellent programmability, and shockingly great battery life. 

Specs

• Layout: Compact TKL
• Dimensions: 12.8 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches
• Switches: Linear, Clicky, Tactile
• Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT
• Backlight: Yes, programmable RGB
• Software: ASUS Armoury Crate

Pros

• Tri-mode, high-speed wireless connectivity
• Smooth switches that feel, sound, and perform great
• Tremendous battery life

Cons

• Battery life drops substantially with RGB-enabled

The ASUS ROG Azoth is easily the best mechanical gaming keyboard on the market today. It’s built to an incredible standard, complete with some of the smoothest and best-sounding switches we’ve ever tested in a gaming keyboard. Its compact layout is perfect for a gaming PC battlestation, providing your mouse with the additional space you need for first-person shooters. But thanks to its exceptional programmability, you have access to all of the functions of a larger tenkeyless keyboard, as well as advanced features like macros, media controls, and Windows shortcuts. Despite its smaller size, it has considerable heft thanks to layers of foam and silicone throughout its construction to quiet your keystrokes and improve its acoustics. There’s even an OLED screen and adjustable volume knob that allow you to customize its settings and display custom animations. 

The Azoth features tri-mode wireless connectivity, as well as a traditional USB Type-C to Type-A wired connection with its detachable cable. Over Bluetooth, you can connect up to three devices, which is perfect for when you need to get work done. For gaming, it supports ASUS’s SpeedNova Wireless technology, which offers wired-like one millisecond connection speeds. It’s also incredibly power efficient, supporting up to 2,000 hours of playtime with the lighting turned off. 

The keyboard is a looker with its per-key RGB backlighting, but like most backlit keyboards, running the backlight at full brightness significantly reduces battery life. ASUS doesn’t provide a rating with backlighting on, but in our testing, it seems like full brightness drops that to roughly 100 to 200 hours. It’s a big drop, but still fairly generous and well worth the other benefits it has to offer.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the ASUS ROG Azoth, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed wireless gaming keyboard is a great choice. That’s in part thanks to its compact design and wired-like performance. With the company’s proprietary HyperSpeed wireless technology, it’s able to maintain a reliable 1ms connection that’s free of interference-based stutters. It also features bright RGB backlighting, complete programmability, and excellent doubleshot ABS keycaps. 

Razer’s only 65-percent keyboard, the BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed, keeps things compact. It leaves dedicated media keys on the cutting room floor, so if you need an actual volume wheel, you’re best looking elsewhere. And while the battery life is great at 200 hours with RGB turned off, that plummets to 48 hours at 30 percent and 17 hours with backlighting turned all the way up. Thankfully, it can recharge to 50 percent in just 30 minutes and to 100 percent in five hours, so you won’t need to stay plugged in for long when you do run it dry.

Best for the office: Razer Pro Type Ultra

Razer

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Why it made the cut: Razer is known for its gaming keyboards, but the Pro Type Ultra is a more “grown-up” take with plentiful, office-friendly features.

Specs

• Layout: Full-size
• Switches: Razer Yellow (Linear, Silent)
• Connection type: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz
• Battery life: 214 hours (2.4GHz), 207 hours (Bluetooth), 13 hours (100% brightness)
• Software: Razer Synapse

Pros

• Clean, minimalist look
• Simple white backlighting
• Silent switches
• Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options

Cons

• Simple ABS keycaps that will shine sooner than later
• Advanced features requires Synapse software
• One switch type
• Low battery life on max brightness

Razer is best known for its flamboyant RGB gaming keyboards, but the Pro Type Ultra is altogether more grown-up. It features a clean, minimalist look with a silver deck, white keycaps, and simple white backlight. It also includes a plush gray wrist rest to support your arms and maintain your typing form.

The Pro Type Ultra sports many of the features found in elite productivity keyboards, including both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support. If you pair the keyboard with its mouse mate, Razer Pro Click Mini wireless mouse, you can use the 2.4GHz USB receiver to connect to both devices, saving you a second port. 

There is one downside for mechanical switch aficionados. The Pro Type Ultra is only available with silent linear switches, which makes sense if you’re trying to be a courteous office worker, but might cramp some enthusiasts’ style. It’s a keyboard built for a very specific job and setting, though, and it excels in that situation.

Best for programmers: Happy Hacking Keyboard Hybrid Type-S

Happy Hacking

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Why it made the cut: This retro mechanical keyboard is a modern classic; it’s been a mainstay in the programming world for years and doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon.

Specs

• Layout: 60-percent
• Switches: Electro-capacitive
• Connection type: Bluetooth, Wired
• Battery Life: 3 months 
• Software: None

Pros 

• Layout designed for programmers
• Compact design is great for traveling.
• Topre switches are especially comfortable (and quiet!)

Cons

• Alternative layout creates learning curve
• Extremely expensive

The Japanese Happy Hacking Keyboard is iconic in the mechanical keyboard world and a longtime favorite among computer programmers. Its layout is centered on efficiency as it applies to coding. The key arrangement shifts the Control key to the Caps Lock position and Delete to Backspace. These streamline the programming process by allowing for less hand movement, allowing you to input commands more quickly and get more work done with less backtracking. The tiny 60-percent layout reserves less common inputs for secondary commands and makes it more portable to easily continue work at home.

At the same time, the HHKB uses electro-capacitive Topre key switches that feel lightweight, tactile, and quiet, while still offering a crisp typing experience that won’t irritate your fellow programmers. These switches are excellent for typing over long hours and reduce finger fatigue due to their lightweight tactility.

The biggest downside to Happy Hacking keyboards, including the Hybrid Type-S, is the price. Because electro-capacitive switches are expensive to produce and not widely available in the United States, they’re typically very expensive. Bluetooth-enabled models begin at $277 on Amazon for the Classic design, all the way up to $385 for the silenced Type-S model. Also, as a compact keyboard with an alternative layout, there is a steeper learning curve than usual when you use it for the first time, so expect to type slowly and imprecisely for the first few weeks. Still, after trying dozens of keyboards, there is nothing quite like it.

Best compact: Nuphy Air75

Nuphy

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Why it made the cut: The Nuphy Air75’s Mac-friendly design is exceptionally portable and feels great to use with its Gateron Low Profile switches.

Specs

• Layout: Compact TKL (75-percent)
• Switches: Gateron Low Profile Red, Brown, or Blue
• Connection type: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, Wired
• Battery life: Up to 48 hours
• Software: Nuphy Console

Pros

• Designed for use with Mac (also works with PC)
• Can replace the keyboard on MacBook Pro
• Thin and easy to travel with
• Hot-swappable switches with plenty of travel

Cons

• Standard-height switches are not supported
• Can’t sit atop all laptop keyboards

The Nuphy Air75 is the mechanical keyboard Mac users have been waiting for. With Apple-centric keycaps that match the function row of the modern MacBook, the Nuphy Air75 is actually designed to sit on top of your existing MacBook keyboard and become a true mechanical replacement. It’s only 16mm high, so it doesn’t drastically alter the keyboard’s profile if you actually stack it on top. (To be clear, you do not have to do that.)

That doesn’t mean Windows users are left out in the cold. With a recent firmware update, you can easily swap between a standard function row and MacBook functions. Nuphy also includes alternate Windows keycaps in the box. 

Regardless of your platform, the Nuphy Air75 is a great wireless mechanical keyboard. It features Gateron low-profile switches, hot-swap sockets to easily change switches, per-key RGB backlighting, and your choice of Bluetooth 5.0 or 2.4GHz for high-speed gaming. It’s also one of the few low-profile wireless keyboards to feature PBT keycaps for added longevity and an improved typing experience.

Best budget: Keychron K8

Keychron

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Why it made the cut: Keychron has become one of the biggest names in budget mechanical keyboards, and the K8 is a good example of why: plentiful features and performance at an even better price.

Specs

• Layout: TKL
• Switches: Gateron G Pro or Gateron Optical in Red, Blue, or Brown
• Connection type: Bluetooth, Wired
• Battery life: 3 months 
• Software: None

Pros

• Affordable
• Customizable lighting, switch, and frame upgrades
• Hot-swappable switches

Cons

• Cheap ABS keycaps
• White-only backlighting

The Keychron K8 is a banger of a budget keyboard. It offers many of the bells and whistles of high-end keyboards at a fraction of the cost. For only $69.99, you’ll get pre-lubed Gateron Pro mechanical switches, hot-swappable switch sockets to try new ones (and replace switches that may get broken in the future), reliable Bluetooth 5.1, and per-key backlighting for typing in the dark. The K8 also features native Mac support so you can easily swap use it on a Windows PC or Apple Mac. 

The lower price comes at the expense of per-key RGB and some pretty generic keycaps. That said, Keychron offers the ability to spend a little extra and upgrade the keyboard with RGB backlighting and an aluminum frame. If you’re a gamer, you can also swap to optical switches for faster actuation. Some of its shortcomings, like a total lack of configuration software, cannot be overcome: Still, it’s a high-quality option for less than you’d normally expect to spend on mechanical keys.

Things to consider before buying a wireless mechanical keyboard

The wireless mechanical keyboard has a somewhat checkered history. For a time, wireless connectivity and mechanical switches felt like opposite technical upgrades. Mechanical keys, which use a physical switch to “actuate” your inputs, were prized for their superior typing feel and the reliability of a physical switch. Wireless keyboards offered convenience, but often at the expense of technical performance, thanks to additional input lag and small potential for missed inputs.

That hasn’t been the case for a few years now, though. Wireless keyboards, particularly those with Wi-Fi connection, offer reliable connections with virtually no lag. Battery life has improved. Suddenly, the two feel like a natural pair. You can get convenience and performance, together, in a single device.

When shopping for a wireless mechanical keyboard, the most important thing to consider is how you’ll actually be using it. Do you need the fastest connection or just something reliable that won’t miss a keystroke? Battery life, charging, and form factor are also important, especially if you’re planning on taking it to and from work every day. Lastly, it’s important to choose a switch that matches your taste and needs. Here are the big four things to consider when buying a wireless mechanical keyboard.

Form factor

Keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. Keyboard makers will change up a keyboard’s size, number of keys, and, occasionally, its layout to optimize it for different use cases and preferences. Here are the most common layouts and how they’re typically used:

• Full-size: Technically, a traditional full-size keyboard with a full number pad and function row has 104 keys. Manufacturers refer to any keyboard with a numpad and function keys as a full-size, including models with even more than that. Full-size keyboards are often preferred for productivity tasks due to the embedded Numpad.
• Tenkeyless: Tenkeyless, or TKL, keyboards are identical to full-size keyboards, save for the fact that they do not include a number pad. They traditionally feature 87 keys, but that number can vary either way depending on any unique twists the manufacturer might include. They are a good middle-ground between performance and compactness. A compact TKL is sometimes called a 75-percent and removes some of the lesser-used keys (like Pause and Scroll Lock) for an even more compact layout.
• 65-percent: 65-percent keyboards strip away a few more keys from the TKL layout, cutting the keyboard down to 65 to 68 keys. They do away with the function row and limit the navigation and editing cluster to a single column of 3 to 4 keys on the right side. The essential keys that have been removed are still accessible, though, as secondary commands accessed with key combinations. These keyboards are often viewed as a good compact option for users who don’t typically use the missing keys but may still need navigation and editing buttons or arrows for gaming.
• 60-percent: 60-percent keyboards are the most compact of all and feature only 60 keys. This tiny form factor does away with the function row, arrow keys, and all navigation and editing buttons and instead makes most accessible as secondary commands (this varies between keyboards). These keyboards are often enjoyed by gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who mainly type or use WASD keys in games.

Wireless mechanical keyboards can come in all of these form factors. If you’re planning on leaving the keyboard in one place and have space to spare, a full-size keyboard is a safe bet. But if you plan to travel, that same keyboard will feel bulky and hard to conceal in a bag. For portable use, compact TKLs and 65-percent keyboards can be excellent options. 

Connection types

Many wireless keyboards support Bluetooth as their primary connection type. For normal work tasks and web browsing, this is typically fine, though it’s always smart to read user reviews to be sure. Avoid keyboards that use any Bluetooth version below 4.0 and, ideally, look for 5.0 or higher. An older Bluetooth version indicates the keyboard itself is older and perhaps from a time when reliability issues were more prevalent. Worse, it could indicate that the manufacturer isn’t willing to invest in the added performance and battery life newer Bluetooth versions have brought, which doesn’t bode well for the rest of the product.

For gaming, Bluetooth isn’t a good choice. The increased delay between pressing a key and seeing your action pop up on-screen can be problematic for competitive games (less so for casual games) and leave you at a disadvantage. Instead, look for wireless mechanical keyboards that offer a 2.4GHz wireless connection via a USB dongle. While it requires a USB slot, the more “direct” wireless connection cuts down input latency dramatically. Once a non-starter for gamers, most wireless gaming keyboards are now indistinguishable from their wired counterparts

Key switches

One of the most important characteristics of any mechanical keyboard is the type of switch it uses. Unlike a membrane keyboard that uses a rubber mat under the entire keyset, mechanical keyboards use a physical switch under every key. These switches can be linear, clicky, and tactile. 

Linear switches are smooth from the top of the press to the bottom and are usually colored red. They don’t offer any kind of feedback to let you know when an input has been sent. They’re great for gaming when you need to send multiple presses quickly but can result in more typos as you learn to use them.

Clicky switches are often enjoyed by typists and are usually colored blue. They offer a physical bump as well as an audible click when a letter is sent. Though they can be satisfying to use, the added noise can disturb coworkers or roommates.

Tactile switches are a middle ground between clicky and linear switches. They feature a small bump that can be felt in your fingers halfway through the press but don’t have an audible click. They are usually lightweight enough to be used for gaming and aren’t as distracting to people who may be working nearby.

Battery life and charging

The final thing to consider with any wireless mechanical keyboard is its rated battery life and how it accepts a charge. Newer keyboards can offer outstanding battery life, even extending multiple years (for example, the Logitech Pop Keys). That’s not a given, however, as the size of the battery, connection type, and backlighting all impact how long the keyboard will last between recharges. 

This is especially important for keyboards with RGB backlighting. These LEDs, while pretty, can dramatically reduce battery life. The Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed, for example, is rated for 200 hours of use with the backlight turned off. With the RGB set to its full brightness, that drops all the way to 17 hours. It’s common for RGB to halve battery life, so bear that in mind when choosing the best keyboard for you.

For charging, most wireless keyboards today integrate nonreplaceable rechargeable batteries, though some less expensive models will rely on replaceable AA or AAAs. Though some keyboards offer tremendous battery life off a Duracell or two, we generally prefer rechargeable peripherals. They tend to produce less e-waste over the lifespan of your keyboard. (Would I prefer that companies make internal batteries replaceable? Of course, but that’s another conversation.) On a practical level, disposable batteries also open up the possibility that your device will stop working at a crucial time if you don’t have replacements handy.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best wireless mechanical keyboards

• Best overall: Logitech G915 Lightspeed 
• Best for gaming: ASUS ROG Azoth
• Best for the office: Razer Pro Type Ultra
• Best for programmers: Happy Hacking Keyboard Hybrid Type-S
• Best compact: Nuphy Air75
• Best budget: Keychron K8

The days of wireless mechanical keyboards playing second fiddle to their wired counterparts are behind us. Thanks to improved Bluetooth codecs and 2.4GHz wireless, maintaining a reliable connection isn’t the same problem it used to be. Likewise, improved lithium batteries and extended battery life help ward off the surprise disconnections that drove so many of us to stick with wired keyboards in the first place. It’s a new era for wireless mechanical keyboards, and they’re only going to get better from here.

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 wireless mechanical keyboards 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		HP Envy X360		SEE IT	This 15-inch 2-in-1 laptop is widely considered to be the best one HP has to offer.
Best for speed		Lenovo Chromebook C330		SEE IT	It’s a super-compact 2-in-1 with a screen/tablet section that’s not much larger than an iPad.
Best budget		Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop		SEE IT	No frills, but easy on the wallet.

If you are in the market for both a new laptop and a new tablet, a 2-in-1 laptop will give you both in a single device. Think of all the benefits you’ll reap with a device that functions as both a full-fledged computer and a more casual tablet. All it takes is a snap or a rotation for it to go from one to the other. When you travel, you’ll only have to make luggage space for one device instead of two, and the best 2-in-1 laptops are also super-portable when you’re just running around town. If you’re heading out to do errands and want to take your work with you, just disconnect the tablet from the keyboard or flip the device and go.

With 2-in-1 laptops, you won’t have to worry about saving files to two different devices, and you only need one outlet and plug to charge both. Using them can also be a family affair. Adults get to do their work during the day and read in bed at night on the same PC, and the touchscreens make them kid-friendly. The little ones will also love the tablet component. The whole family can stay busy—and happy—with one of the best 2-in-1 laptops.

• Best overall: HP Envy X360
• Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
• Best for Android users: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+
• Best with touchscreen: Dell New XPS 13
• Best for speed: Lenovo Chromebook C330
• Best budget: Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

How we chose the best 2-in-1 laptops

In order to find the best 2-in-1 laptops, we looked at user reviews and critical recommendations and performed heavy research. We also looked at past computer and laptop coverage to ensure all picks have specifications to tackle multiple browser windows, streaming, and workflow apps.

The best 2-in-1 laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Buying a new laptop or tablet can be a stressful undertaking. With so many brands and models to choose from, how do you pick the one that best meets your needs? One of our picks should do just that.

Best overall: HP Envy X360

HP

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Specs

• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 512GB
• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Battery life: Almost 10 hours

Pros

• Large screen
• Long battery life
• Powerful specs

Cons

• Might be a little large for a commute

With its perfect 1080p high definition, expanded memory and storage, backlit keyboard, and powerhouse 3-cell lithium-ion battery (9 hours and 45 minutes of life), HP’s crowning achievement in 2-in-1 laptops offers a lot more than its relatively bargain-level price tag might suggest. Its convertible design allows it to switch from regular laptop to tent and tablet modes.

Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Acer

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Specs

• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 32GB
• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Battery life: 10 hours

Pros

• Portable
• Great for surfing the web
• Strong touchscreen

Cons

• Not good for beefier computing

Chromebooks give you access to more than two million Android apps available on Google Play, and this one’s IPS technology and antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass 6 touchscreen deliver maximum clarity and detail. It offers limited space compared to other models, but there’s a microSD slot for extra storage, should you need it.

Best for Android users: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+

Samsung

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Specs

• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 512GB
• Screen size: 12.4 inches
• Battery life: Two days

Pros

• Long battery life
• Can control other Android devices with the tablet
• Water- and dust-resistant

Cons

• Keyboard sold separately

If you’re a big fan of Android apps, meet your match. With this 2-in-1, you’ll have access to all the apps you need without having to do any fancy finagling. Although it’s built mainly for use as a tablet, this model can easily expand into a laptop by attaching it to the separate S9+ keyboard.

Best with touchscreen: Dell New XPS 13

Dell

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Specs

• RAM: 32GB
• Storage: 2 TB
• Screen size: 13.4 inches
• Battery life: 17 hours

Pros

• Loaded with features
• Blue light-reducing screen
• Thin

Cons

• Expensive

It may not be cheap, but this Dell 2-in-1 comes loaded with features, including a sleek aluminum design that’s six percent thinner than the market average, a 2.25mm HD webcam, Dolby Vision, a damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 6 screen, and an Eyesafe display that reduces harmful blue-light emissions. Just touch the power button and let it work its 2-in-1 magic.

Best for speed: Lenovo Chromebook C330

Lenovo

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Specs

• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Battery life: 10 hours

Pros

• Compact
• Boots up fast
• 10-point touch screen

Cons

• Reviews note poor customer service from Lenovo

Lenovo laptops boot up quickly, and you won’t have to wait more than a few seconds to get this one started. Its 10-point touch screen further ensures easy maneuverability. Although the RAM and storage meet only the minimum requirements for high efficiency, its compact price and size make it a top 2-in-1 pick.

Best budget: Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

Gateway

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Specs

• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Screen size: 11.6 inches
• Battery life: 8.5 hours

Pros

• Portable
• Lots of ports
• Decent battery life

Cons

• Reviews note flaky Bluetooth

This one has fairly basic functionality with 4GB of RAM, and 64GB storage and is perfect for casual use. If you’re only looking to surf the internet and use Microsoft Word, then the specs are just enough to get the job done. Its fun blue color makes it stand out from the silver and black laptop pack, and its price is phenomenal.

Things to consider when shopping for the best 2-in-1 laptops

Of course, decisions must still be made when searching for the best 2-in-1 laptop. First, do you want a detachable or convertible device? Next, how do you want the touch screen to work? If you are using it as a tablet outdoors or while multitasking, this will become an especially crucial detail. Should you go with a Google Chromebook or a Windows device? The operating system will have a huge effect on the apps you’re able to use. Another question: How long does it take to boot up and complete tasks? Finally, how good is the sound and screen resolution? The gamers and movie buffs in your household will definitely want to know.

Should you go detachable or convertible?

The best 2-in-1 laptops come in two different forms: detachable and convertible. The former allows the screen to be completely detached from the keyboard for use as a tablet. That solves any bulk issues with one snap. Extra portability is obviously the biggest benefit of a detachable 2-in-1, and it gives you a lighter, more traditional tablet experience. Apple disciples take note: The brand has not yet entered the 2-in-1 market, but to get the 2-in-1 laptop experience with Apple, you can pair an iPad Pro with a smart keypad.

With convertible 2-in-1 laptops, the screen swivels or folds in different directions and at different angles while remaining attached to the keyboard. You can use it in regular laptop form manipulate it into an upside-down V shape, or bend the keypad back and face down to watch movies. If you want to read in bed or use it while in transit, you can bend it flat so that it functions as a tablet. The main drawback here is that if you can’t detach the keyboard, it will be bulkier than the average tablet.

In the end, the choice between detachable and convertible will come down to personal taste. Convertibles are best if you will be using the device primarily as a laptop, as they tend to be sturdier and have superior keyboards. If you’re frequently on the run and want to avoid bulk, a detachable 2-in-1 will probably be more suited to your lifestyle needs.

What about all your apps?

If you have favorite Android or iOS apps, not all of them might be available in a 2-in-1 that’s supported by Windows. Meanwhile, a Google Chromebook supported by Chrome OS will let you access all the Android apps in the Google Play Store. Still, remember, certain apps that were designed primarily for use with laptops might not work as well in tablet mode.

There are, thankfully, ways around the app and OS limitations. If you are part of the Windows Insider program, you can now run Android mobile apps on both your Windows 10 laptop and supported Samsung devices. You simply pin your favorite Android apps to the taskbar or the start menu of your laptop using the Your Phone app. Once accessible, you can use the apps without installing them on your laptop, even when they aren’t open on your phone. For now, this only works if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, and it must be connected to the same WiFi network as your phone.

The main takeaway here is this: If you are very particular about your apps and how they work, the supporting operating system should be a major consideration. Even if you get the best 2-in-1 laptop that money can buy, you might want to hang on to your smartphone and keep it close … just in case.

How does the touchscreen work?

Most of us are accustomed to mouse-operated laptops, but touch screens have their place, particularly with tablets. Although they’re fairly straightforward, several variables should be considered when evaluating a touchscreen. If you’re outside in cold weather, will it respond to your fingers while you’re wearing gloves? Also, moist fingers won’t activate some screens, which might be frustrating if you’re in a wet situation and can’t immediately dry them.

Certain laptop activities require a mouse, but with Windows and Google both supporting touch screens, they’re not just for tablets anymore. A responsive touchscreen is an especially important 2-in-1 laptop feature if young children are using it since their fingers tend to be stickier than most. Smudges left by their fingerprints may not be your only touchscreen issue. Some apps, like File Explorer, were designed with a keyboard and mouse in mind, so they might not be as user-friendly when you access them in tablet mode.

If you go for a brand that allows you to use a stylus to input information, you’ll want to be sure it has palm-rejection technology. With that feature, the 2-in-1 will respond only to the stylus and not to another part of your hand that’s touching the screen.

How important is speed to you?

A traditional laptop will probably get the job done most efficiently when it comes to complicated tasks that require a graphics card, like video editing and gaming. If you’re a casual user and speed is key, you’ll get more mileage—and cover it a lot more quickly—with the best 2-in-1 laptop than you would with just a tablet. They do, after all, feature full PC operating systems and faster processors.

Speed does tend to vary among 2-in-1 laptops, so to be sure you get the fastest bang for your bucks, make a checklist: Does it take forever to turn on and off? How easy is it to open programs and apps? Can you do what you need to do efficiently without wasting time watching a spinning wheel?

One thing that will affect the speed in a major way is the memory (RAM) and storage capacity of your 2-in-1. Since computers tend to slow down as they begin to run out of memory and space, you should get one that can hold as much memory and storage as possible. Light casual users who won’t be storing their entire life on a computer can probably get by with 4GB of RAM and 250GB of storage, but to stay on the safe — and fast—side, you should go as high with both as your finances will take you.

Looks (and sound) matter

What good is a 2-in-1 if it delivers crappy sound and screen resolution? You should approach buying yours the same way you might approach buying a new television or speaker. The sound should be clear and crisp without requiring further amplification. Even the best 2-in-1 laptops won’t give you audio that’s as Hi-Fi as that of a cheap soundbar, but if you are going to be watching a lot of movies and videos online or playing music on iTunes or Spotify, you shouldn’t have to strain to hear what’s going on.

Keep this in mind when assessing sound: The fans that keep the best 2-in-1 laptops from overheating might interfere with the audio, so to offset any potential effect, at least 8GB of RAM/memory is recommended. High-quality multimedia demands that your device processes data at high speeds, so more firepower means better audio while listening to music or watching movies.

Alas, nothing you screen on even the best 2-in-1 laptops will give you movie cinema or even 55-inch TV gorgeousness, but high definition maximizes viewing pleasure. The base HD standard is 1920×1080, or 1080p, while many computers now ofter 4K. Some brands pack on features that allow users to approximate the cinematic experience more closely, but if you’re in the HD range, you’re already on your way.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 2-in-1 laptops

• Best overall: HP Envy X360
• Best convertible: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
• Best for Android users: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+
• Best with touch screen: Dell New XPS 13
• Best for speed: Lenovo Chromebook C330
• Best budget: Gateway Touchscreen 11.6 HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

The best 2-in-1 laptops will do more for you than travel well. It’s great to have both your laptop and tablet in one place, but it’s even better if you don’t have to give up any of the benefits of having two separate devices. A number of brands are making 2-in-1 laptops with superior audio and visuals, and since Chromebooks run on the Google operating system instead of Windows 10, if you go with a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook or any other Chromebook model, you’ll be able to access your favorite Google Play Store apps with minimal hassle. All the music you want to listen to, the movies you want to watch, and the games you want to play are just a tap of a touch screen away.

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 2-in-1 laptops for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

This article was originally published on Undark.

IN JANUARY 2023, Tara Sweeney’s plane landed on Thwaites Glacier, a 74,000-square-mile mass of frozen water in West Antarctica. She arrived with an international research team to study the glacier’s geology and ice fabric, and how its ice melt might contribute to sea level rise. But while near Earth’s southernmost point, Sweeney kept thinking about the moon.

“It felt every bit of what I think it will feel like being a space explorer,” said Sweeney, a former Air Force officer who’s now working on a doctorate in lunar geology at the University of Texas at El Paso. “You have all of these resources, and you get to be the one to go out and do the exploring and do the science. And that was really spectacular.”

That similarity is why space scientists study the physiology and psychology of people living in Antarctic and other remote outposts: For around 25 years, people have played out what existence might be like on, or en route to, another world. Polar explorers are, in a way, analogous to astronauts who land on alien planets. And while Sweeney wasn’t technically on an “analog astronaut” mission — her primary objective being the geological exploration of Earth — her days played out much the same as a space explorer’s might.

For 16 days, Sweeney and her colleagues lived in tents on the ice, spending half their time trapped inside as storms blew snow against their tents. When the weather permitted, Sweeney snowmobiled to and from seismometer sites, once getting caught in a whiteout that, she said, felt like zooming inside a ping-pong ball.

On the glacier, Sweeney was always cold, sometimes bored, often frustrated. But she was also alive, elated. And she felt a form of focus that eluded her on her home continent. “I had three objectives: to be a good crewmate, to do good science, and to stay alive,” she said. “That’s all I had to do.”

None of that was easy, of course. But it may have been easier than landing back on the earth of El Paso. “My mission ended, and it’s over,” she said. “And how do I process through all these things that I’m feeling?”

Then, in May, she attended the 2023 Analog Astronaut Conference, a gathering of people who simulate long-term space travel from the relative safety and comfort of Earth. Sweeney had learned about the event when she visited an analog facility in the country of Jordan. There, she’d met one of the conference’s founders, Jas Purewal, who invited her to the gathering.

The meeting was held, appropriately, at Biosphere 2, a glass-paneled, self-contained habitat in the Arizona desert that resembles a 1980s sci-fi vision of a space settlement — one of the first facilities built, in part, to understand whether humans could create a habitable environment on a hostile planet.

A speaker at the conference had spent eight months locked inside a simulated space habitat in Moscow, Russia, and she talked about how the post-mission period had been hard for her. The psychological toll of reintegration became a chattering theme throughout the whole meeting. Sweeney, it turned out, wasn’t alone.

Across the world, around 20 analog space facilities host people who volunteer to be study subjects, isolating themselves for weeks or months in polar stations, desert outposts, or even sealed habitats inside NASA centers. These places are intended to mimic how people might fare on Mars or the moon, or on long-term orbital stations. Such research, scientists say, can help test out medical and software tools, enhance indoor agriculture, and address the difficulties analog astronauts face, including, like Sweeney’s, those that come when their “missions” are over.

Lately, a community of researchers has started to make the field more formalized: laying out standards so that results are comparable; gathering research papers into a single database so investigators can build on previous work; and bringing scientists, participants, and facility directors together to share results and insights.

With that cohesion, a formerly quiet area of research is enhancing its reputation and looking to gain more credibility with space agencies. “I think the analogs are underestimated,” said Jenni Hesterman, a retired Air Force officer who is helping spearhead this formalization. “A lot of people think it’s just space camp.”

ANALOG ASTRONAUT FACILITIES emerged as a way to test drive space missions without the price tag of actually going to space. Scientists, for example, want to make sure tools work properly and so analog astronauts will test out equipment ranging from spacesuits to extreme-environment medical equipment.

Researchers are also interested in how astronauts fare in isolation, and so they will sometimes track characteristics like microbiome changes, stress levels, and immune responses by taking samples of spit, skin, blood, urine, and fecal matter. Analog missions “can give us insights about how a person would react or what kind of team — what kind of mix of people — can react to some challenges,” said Francesco Pagnini, a psychology professor at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Italy, who has researched human behavior and performance in collaboration with the European and Italian space agencies.

Some facilities are run by space agencies, like NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog, or HERA, which is located inside NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The center also houses a 3D-printed habitat called Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog, or CHAPEA, where crews will simulate a year-long mission to Mars. The structure looks like an artificial intelligence created a cosmic living space using IKEA as its source material.

“My mission ended, and it’s over,” Sweeney said. “And how do I process through all these things that I’m feeling?”

Most analog spots, though, are run by private organizations and take research proposals from space agencies, university researchers, and sometimes laypeople with projects that the facilities select through an application process.

Such work has been going on for decades: NASA’s first official analog mission took place in 1997, in Death Valley, when four people spent a week pretending to be Martian geologists. In 2000, the nonprofit Mars Society, a space-exploration advocacy and research organization, built the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station in Nunavut, Canada, and soon after constructed the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. (Both facilities have been used by NASA researchers, too.) But the practice was in place long before those projects, even if the terminology and permanent facilities were not: In the Apollo era, astronauts used to try out their rovers and space walks, along with scientific techniques, in Arizona and Hawaii.

Many facilities, according to Ronita Cromwell, formerly the lead scientist of NASA’s Flight Analogs Project, are located in two types of places: extreme environments or controlled ones. The former include Antarctic or Arctic research stations, which tend to be used to study topics like sleep patterns and team dynamics. The latter — sealed, simulated habitats — are primarily useful for human behavior research, like learning how cognitive ability changes over the course of a mission, or testing out equipment, like software that helps astronauts make decisions without communicating to mission control. That independence becomes necessary as crews travel farther from Earth, because the communication delays increase with distance.

During her work on NASA’s mission simulations, Cromwell saw their value. “What excited me is that we were able to create sort of spaceflight situations on the ground, to study spaceflight changes in the human body,” Cromwell said, “whether they be, you know, psychological, cognitive changes, or physiological changes.”

Psychiatry researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, for instance, recently found that members of a crew at HERA performed better on cognition tasks — like clicking on squares that randomly appear on a screen and memorizing three-dimensional objects — as their mission went on. Another recent HERA study, led by scientists at Northwestern and DePaul universities, found that over time, teams got better at executing physical tasks together, but worsened when they tried to work together creatively and intellectually, like brainstorming as many uses as possible for a given object. Those brain and behavioral changes could teach scientists about tight teams deployed in other remote, tedious, stressful situations. “I think space psychology can also speak a lot about everyday life,” said Pagnini.

On the physical side, an international team that included a NASA scientist recently used the Mars Desert Research Station to test whether analog astronauts could be quickly taught how to fix broken bones using a device that could work on Mars — or an earthly site far from medical facilities. Investigations into self-contained, sustainable living reveal how low-resource existence could work on Earth, too. For example, another crew, led by Griffith University medical researchers, performed an experiment extracting water from minerals in case of emergency.

“I think the analogs are underestimated,” said Hesterman. “A lot of people think it’s just space camp.”

While scientific research that actually takes place in space usually gets the spotlight, the ground-testing of all systems, including human ones, is necessary, if not always glamorous or publicly lauded. “I felt like I was in charge of a deep, dark secret,” said Cromwell, jokingly, of her work on the NASA analog program.

In fact, even people who work in adjacent fields sometimes haven’t heard of the field. Purewal, an astrophysicist, only learned about analog space research in 2020. With Covid-19 restrictions in place, though, most facilities had halted new missions. “If I can’t go to an analog, maybe I can bring the analog to me,” Purewal thought.

Amid the drapey willow branches and manicured hedges of her parents’ backyard in Warwick, England, she constructed a geodesic dome out of broomstick handles and tent-like materials. Purewal sequestered inside for a week, leaving only to use the bathroom — and then only while wearing a simulated spacesuit. She communicated with those outside her dome on a synthesized 20-minute delay and ate freeze-dried foods, which she came to hate, and insect protein from mealworms and locusts, which she came to like more than she anticipated.

While Purewal admits her personal analog was “low-fidelity,” it offered a test drive for more rigorous research. By 2021, Purewal had, with SpaceX civilian astronaut Sian Proctor, co-founded the Analog Astronaut Conference that Sweeney attended, along with an associated online community of more than 1,000 people. She also participated in an analog mission in someone else’s backyard — one surrounded by Utah State Trust Lands — in November 2022. Their endeavor was sponsored by the Mars Society and involved research on mental health, geologic research tools, and sustainable food supplies, all of which would be necessary if they were going to Mars.

BUT THEY WEREN’T HEADED to Mars, they were headed to Utah. About five minutes from the small town of Hanksville — home to “Hollow Mountain,” a gas station convenience store dug out of a rock formation — sits the turnoff to the Mars Desert Research Station. Operated by the Mars Society, the facility is 3.4 miles down a dirt track called N Cow Dung Road. The landscape looks otherworldly: mushroom-shaped rock formations; sandy, granular ground; and eroded hills of red rock.

The station sits in a flat spot surrounded by those hills, with a cylindrical living space two stories tall but just 26 feet in diameter. The habitat links out via above-ground “tunnels” to a greenhouse and a geodesic dome that resembles Purewal’s initial backyard creation, and houses a control center and lab.

In November 2022, Purewal brought a team there for two weeks, with Hesterman as commander. In the habitat, an astrobiology student tried to grow edible mushrooms in the crew’s food waste. Another team member wanted to see if they could make yogurt from powdered milk and bacteria. Purewal, meanwhile, was experimenting with an AI companion robot called PARO. Shaped like a baby harp seal, PARO is typically used to relieve stress in medical situations. The crew members interacted with PARO and wore bio-monitoring straps that measured things like heart rate as they did so.

Every day on “Mars” had a set of missions: spacewalks, splinting a broken ankle on a virtual reality headset, a tabletop emergency exercise about evacuating for noxious fumes, a fake pass-out to test emergency response protocol. Their personal protocols were working well, but Purewal and Hesterman, locked in together, had begun to fret about the quality and consistency of the analog enterprise more broadly. They started to think about creating standards: for the research, for the facilities themselves. At their Utah-Mars station, for instance, a pipe broke under their sink. There were electrical issues. A propane monitor was malfunctioning.

After their mission ended, they spoke with others, and heard about issues such as expired fire extinguishers, or the lack of safety training for participants who would be using specialized technologies and life support systems. They consulted Emily Apollonio, a former aircraft accident investigator. In 2022, she traveled to Hawaii to live at HI-SEAS, a 1,200-square-foot analog station located 8,200 feet above sea level on the Mauna Loa volcano. Apollonio thought HI-SEAS had avoidable problems. For one, the bathroom had only a composting toilet, which the mission crew weren’t allowed to pee in, and a urinal, which the women had to use, too.

With a draft version released this June, they hope to improve conditions for participants — ensuring, for instance, that facilities adhere to building codes and provide adequate medical support. They also want to encourage analog participants to follow research best practices to ensure rigorous outputs. The standards suggest, for instance, that each mission have its research plan pre-validated by the principal investigator and habitat director, a timeline for research completion, and an Institutional Review Board approval in place for human experiments. While projects with federal or institutional grant funding go through these steps anyway, the formality isn’t uniform across the board.

While some analogs already have rigorous protocols in place to protect participants, the safety issues and inclusivity gaps she heard about from colleagues helped inspire Apollonio to start a training and consulting company called Interstellar Performance Labs to help prepare would-be analog astronauts before their missions. She also started to work with Purewal, Hesterman, and others on a document called “International Guidelines and Standards for Space Analogs.”

The standards also detail the creation of a research database, putting all the writeups (peer-reviewed and otherwise) of analog projects in one place. That way, people aren’t duplicating efforts — as the mushroom-grower, it turns out, was — unless they mean to test the replicability of results. They can also better link their studies to space agencies’ established needs to be more directly helpful and relevant to the real world.

“I didn’t know where to look, I didn’t know where to go,” Apollonio said. “I couldn’t hear my thoughts.”

As part of this centralization effort, Purewal, Apollonio, Hesterman, and colleagues are also putting together what they call the World’s Biggest Analog: a simultaneous, month-long mission involving at least 10 isolated bases across the world, which together will simulate a large, cooperative future presence in space.

So far, though, attempts to give the community cohesion and coherency have yet to fully address the aspect of analog life that gives many participants trouble: the end of their mission. “Being in an analog mission was less difficult than coming out an analog mission,” said Apollonio, of her own experience.

Shortly after emerging from HI-SEAS, she walked around the streets of Waikiki with her husband. The lights, the noise — everything was too much. “I didn’t know where to look, I didn’t know where to go,” she said. “I couldn’t hear my thoughts.” After they chose a restaurant for dinner, and the server handed her a menu, she froze. “I have to choose my own food,” she realized. It was overwhelming, and that feeling didn’t abate.

Meanwhile, few other people understood the experience, said Hesterman. “You come home and you’re all excited, like, you want to tell everybody about it,” she continued. “You tell everybody about it once, and then they’re just done. On back to paying the bills and cutting the grass and stuff. You still want to talk about it.”

Purewal missed the team and the sense of shared purpose, and started to seek it outside the simulation. “I need to find this same feeling in my day-to-day life,” she said. “We all kind of need our crew.”

RESEARCH ON THE post-mission experience is scant, said Pagnini. In March 2023, he co-authored a review paper, commissioned by the European Space Agency, which aimed to lay out the state of research on human behavior and performance in space, including gaps in the science. Studying how astronauts react and cope “post-mission,” his research found, has been particularly neglected. The same is true of returning from analog space.

Pagnini says the research isn’t just relevant to analog or actual astronauts. Life in space has similarities to life on Earth — including in its difficulties. Italy’s heavily restrictive and prolonged Covid-19 lockdown, for instance, resembled going away on a mission. “When we got out of the lockdown phase, getting in touch with other people was kind of strange,” he said. Much of living a regular life on Earth was strange.

The strangeness also extends to other experiences, like military deployments and the subsequent return to domestic life. “The expectation is kind of that families will live happily ever after” once they’re reunited, said Leanne Knobloch, a professor of communication at the University of Illinois, who performed a large reintegration study on military couples. “So that’s why reintegration has sometimes been overlooked, but more and more researchers are starting to recognize that it is a challenging period, and it’s not the storybook ending that people make it out to be.”

She noted that her research, like that on the psychology of space travel and the post-mission experience, can apply to other arenas. “Any kind of situation where partners are separated and they come together, this research can help understand that puzzle piece more broadly,” she said.

Knobloch’s work includes suggestions for easing the transition, such as preparing people for the issues they’re likely to experience. “If you’re ready and expect that you might experience some of these problems, it won’t be so stressful,” she said. “Because you’ll recognize that they’re normal.”

Apollonio’s Interstellar Performance Labs, for one, is already planning to include education on “aftercare,” educating people about what she calls the “deorbiting effect” of returning to regular life.

WHEN THE DAY finally came for Sweeney to depart Thwaites Glacier, the aircraft seemed to materialize right out of the sky, as though the remote outpost had transformed into a busy airport. As she was leaving, she looked down at the camp where half her team remained. “You could just see how small our little footprint was,” she said. A speck in the middle of endless white space.

Since she landed in North America, Sweeney has savored time with her family. But the adjustment hasn’t been easy. “Each day that ticks by of being back, I started feeling pulled in different directions,” she said. With numerous projects ongoing — mentoring, speaking, doing her doctoral research — she felt her sense of self splintering. In Antarctica, she had been a smooth, singular whole.

But at the Analog Astronaut Conference in May, hearing about others’ similar readjustment difficulties, Sweeney felt some sense of normalcy. Having a community of support could help with post-mission struggles. Further research — aided by the new database and standardization measures — could help uncover best coping strategies, along with the keys to successful crew dynamics, stress creators and mitigators, and tools and designs that make the practicalities of a mission easier. Maybe someone will look at the database, see this scientific gap, and try to fill it.

Such research might resonate with Sweeney and others having trouble readjusting to their daily lives. “We have to get back to work, we have to go see our families, we want to pick up the projects we were doing before,” she said. “But also, we need to make space for the magnitude of the experience that we just had. And to be able to decompress from that.”

UPDATE: A previous version of this piece incorrectly stated that Tara Sweeney’s plane landed on Thwaites Glacier in November 2022. She arrived to McMurdo Station in Antarctica in November 2022, but did not land on Thwaites Glacier until January 2023. The piece also described a scene in which Sweeney left her camp on Thwaites Glacier, and incorrectly stated that she was departing Antarctica at that time. She remained in Antarctica for several weeks after she left the glacier. Lastly, a previous version stated that storms dumped feet of snow on the landscape. To clarify that the snow was not fresh snowfall, the piece has been updated to reflect that snow blew against the tents.

This article was originally published on Undark. Read the original article.

The post Inside the small world of simulating other worlds appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Steelcase Gesture		SEE IT	This chair can support up to 400 pounds and offers a comfortable ergonomic design.
Best budget		JOYFLY Big and Tall Office Chair		SEE IT	The JOYFLY chair is more affordable than other options and is still very comfortable.
Best for gaming		Secretlab Titan Evo		SEE IT	The Secretlab gaming chair comes with a removable headrest and sleek design.

Big and tall office chairs often sacrifice design and comfort for capacity. That doesn’t have to be the case, however. There are tons of models on the market that support bigger bodies with comfort and style. We’ve surveyed and tested some of the most popular options on the market to track down the best big and tall office chairs for anybody and any body. 

• Best overall: Steelcase Gesture
• Best budget: JOYFLY Big and Tall Office Chair
• Best for gaming: Secretlab Titan Evo
• Best for over 400 pounds: Ralex-Chair Executive Office Chair 
• Best design: Steelcase Series 1 Work Office Chair

How we chose the best big and tall office chairs

For this list, we emphasized models with a high weight capacity and tall seat heights without getting too stuffy or cheesy looking. You won’t find a tufted CEO chair on this list. We relied on a mixture of hands-on experience, user feedback, editorial reviews, and spec comparisons to make our selections. As a big and tall person, I have sat in many bad chairs, and this topic is very near and dear to my heart. These are chairs I would spend 10 hours per day sitting in myself.

The best big and tall office chairs: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you need a big and tall office chair for sitting at a desk through long Zoom meetings or epic gaming sessions, these chairs will keep you comfortable without sacrificing style.

Best overall: Steelcase Gesture

Steelcase

SEE IT

Specs

• Maximum weight: 400 pounds
• Maximum seat height: 21 inches 
• Material: Polyester with foam padding
• Weight: 70 pounds

Pros

• Supports a wide array of body shapes and sizes
• Support in crucial areas
• Supports up to 400 pounds
• Highly adjustable
• Versatile arms that won’t cut into legs

Cons

• Expensive

If you spend most of your life sitting at a desk (like so many people do), it’s worth investing in something that will treat your body correctly. This chair comfortably supports up to 400 pounds and has a maximum seat height of 21 inches. That makes it very versatile for bodies of any size. It has highly adjustable arms, which aren’t attached at the front of the seat, so they won’t dig into your thighs if your legs sit far apart (something many other big-and-tall chairs inexplicably suffer from). 

The seat cushion has air pockets inside for ideal support and squishiness. Plus, the cushions are softer around the edges so they flex under your legs. That puts less pressure on the muscles and helps with blood flow. The back of the chair has a patented flexible panel that mimics the ideal shape of the spine to encourage sturdy posture in a natural configuration. The additional headrest also encourages sitters to maintain a more upright position to prevent slouching. Yes, it’s expensive, but it will treat your body how it deserves to be treated.

Best budget: JOYFLY Big and Tall Office Chair

Joyfly

SEE IT

Specs

• Maximum weight: 450 pounds
• Maximum height: 20 inches
• Material: Mesh and polyester
• Weight: 41 pounds

Pros

• Looks expensive
• Affordable
• Holds up to 450 pounds
• Mesh back and covering for breathability
• Adjustable, single-post arms

Cons

• Can be creaky
• Not overly adjustable

This elegant-looking chair supports up to 450 pounds comfortably, more than most big-and-tall chairs. The high back isn’t a headrest, but you can lean back on it to give your neck a break occasionally. The mesh material feels strong, but it’s very flexible. Plus, the tiny holes provide solid ventilation, refreshing compared to other fabric or leather chairs. 

It’s not the most supportive chair in the world, but it’s ergonomically shaped and very comfortable. The seat itself could stand to go a little higher, especially if you’re very tall. But, the gas-powered raising and lowering is smooth and effective. This is a sturdy place to sit that provides a lot of comfort for a surprisingly affordable price. 

Best for gaming: Secretlab Titan Evo

Secretlab

SEE IT

Specs

• Maximum weight: Up to 395 pounds
• Maximum height: 22 inches
• Material: Hybrid leatherette
• Weight: 80 pounds

Pros

• Wide sitting area
• Highly adjustable, single-post arms
• Sturdy cushioning that won’t flatten out
• Magnetic pillow for added head support
• Lumbar support adjustments
• Sturdy base
• Very rugged material

Cons

• Heavy
• Material can be hot

Make sure you get a size XL when you’re ordering this chair if you want the most support and room. This gaming-specific chair offers a familiar high back with a clever magnetic pillow that acts as a headrest. The arms adjust up and down, but there’s plenty of room between them for a comfortable fit. The leatherette material is tougher than regular leather, and it feels that way. I’ve been using this chair for about a month now, and it doesn’t even have a scuff. 

The chair moves up and down easily. Plus, it has a versatile reclining function. You can recline the chair almost all the way back or lock it somewhere between upright and totally reclined. I like to sit just a bit reclined, and the lock works great for me. 

Assembly takes some work, but it comes with some of the best instructions I’ve ever found in a piece of furniture. And while this is a PC gaming chair, the whole gamer style isn’t overly apparent. You could totally use this in an office without raising any issues. 

Best for over 400 pounds: Ralex-Chair Executive Office Chair

Ralex-Chair

SEE IT

Specs

• Maximum weight: 500 pounds
• Maximum height: Up to 24-inch seat height
• Material: Fake leather
• Weight: 20 pounds

Pros

• Typical chairs only hold up to 400 pounds while this one goes to 500
• Flip-up arms make extra space
• Contoured back provides some spine support
• Sturdy wheels and base

Cons

• Barebones in terms of features and adjustability

If you want a very heavy-duty chair, this one supports up to 500 pounds, 100 pounds more than most. The arms flip up, and out of the way in case you need extra room instead of a place to put your arms. It’s made from sturdy fake leather, which is good for durability but isn’t ideal for ventilation. 

The high back provides support all the way up to the neck. The high-density foam will resist squishing, even over extended use. This is a relatively no-frills option, but it does promise very high capacity, and sometimes that’s crucial. It’s also surprisingly affordable, which is nice. 

Best design: Steelcase Series 1 Work Office Chair

Steelcase

SEE IT

Specs

• Maximum weight: 400 pounds
• Maximum height: 21.5-inch seat height
• Material: Polyester mesh
• Weight: 29 pounds

Pros

• Very nice to look at
• High back for support
• Lots of adjustability
• Mesh for ventilation
• Sturdy build
• Many features from the best overall at a lower price

Cons

• Arm adjustability is just OK
• Seat cushion is slightly narrower than others

Many big and tall chairs can look stuffy or nerdy. This one, however, adds some style despite its high maximum weight limit. Like other Steelcase options, it relies on 100 percent polyester mesh to provide excellent strength and plenty of ventilation. The mesh back includes the company’s familiar back support technology which mimics the spine’s natural shape for ideal sitting positions. 

It has an extremely sturdy base with chunky wheels that move well, even when someone is sitting in the chair. The arms could use a little more adjustability, and the seat itself is a little narrower than other entries on the list. But, it’s still a great fitting chair for most bodies and will last for a long time. 

Things to consider when shopping for the best big and tall office chairs

Here are some crucial variables to consider when you’re looking for the best big and tall office chair. Don’t just get the biggest, puffiest one you can find. You’ll regret it in the long run. 

Materials

Most of the time, you’ll choose between fabric, fake leather, and mesh. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Leatherette looks classy and is durable, but it’s bad for ventilation and tends to show marks. Mesh is great for breathability and flexibility, but it’s not always the most durable. Fabric runs the gamut in terms of durability and comfort. It really comes down to personal preference. I like leatherette, but if you spend tons of time in your chair and need ventilation, mesh may be what you’re looking for. 

Wheels

Most chairs come with one set of wheels, but some higher-end models will ask you to specify between hardwood and carpet wheels. Make sure you check for this option before making a purchase. It will make a big difference in durability for your floor and rolling ease. 

Support

A high-back chair typically offers better support than a low one, but it’s not a given. Adjustable support in the lumbar area is a very nice addition and worth paying for if you have back pain or old injuries. Just because the back of a chair is vaguely spine-shaped, don’t assume it’s actually based on research or anything other than aesthetics.

Armrests

With bigger bodies, armrests can be a huge issue. If they’re attached at two points, the front supports can often dig into your legs and be very uncomfortable. I prefer a single-post armrest with adjustable pads on top. Some big and tall chairs are very wide, so you may actually want to adjust the arms inward in some cases. More adjustability is generally better since you’re going to be keeping your arms attached to them for large chunks of the day. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best big and tall office chairs

• Best overall: Steelcase Gesture
• Best budget: JOYFLY Big and Tall Office Chair
• Best for gaming: Secretlab Titan Evo
• Best for over 400 pounds: Ralex-Chair Executive Office Chair 
• Best design: Steelcase Series 1 Work Office Chair

You don’t need to buy a big, stuffy chair for a big and tall body. There are fantastic models out there that lend themselves to any kind of sitting situation without sacrificing design and style. The best big and tall office chairs provide the support you need for everything from gaming marathons to extended Excel sessions. 

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 big and tall office chairs 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 Overall		Sanken Cos-11D		SEE IT	Professional-grade audio in a tiny package
Best For DSLR		Sennheiser EW 112P G4		SEE IT	Natural-sounding mic with a powerful wireless kit
Best Mic For Streaming		Audio Technica AT899		SEE IT	A wired lav that’s used throughout many industries

Lavalier mics capture clear and clean audio in a small and lightweight package while leaving people’s hands free for other things. It’s a simple mission, and whether they’re used on a movie set, news broadcast, live presentation, or podcast, these ubiquitous clip-on mics have performed it well for decades. 

Lavaliers—also commonly known as a lapel mic, body mic, or, simply, a lav—come in wired varieties that plug into a power source and then directly into a recorder, computer, mixer, or PA system. Wireless models rely on a small transmitter and receiver pack that allow wearers a full range of unencumbered movement. Both can sound excellent, and choosing the right one depends entirely on your goals.

Lavs have a place in any dedicated audio kit, studio, or camera bag—or attached to your computer for Zoom meetings. And because they’re available at a variety of price points, you don’t need to be a professional sound engineer to afford one. We’ve assembled five of the best lavalier microphones to help you cut through the noise and find the one that best suits your needs.

• Best lavalier mic: Sanken Cos-11D
• Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4
• Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+
• Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899
• Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

How we chose the best lavalier mics 

When considering which lavalier microphones to include in our recommendations, we relied on our own experience and also consulted with other professionals in the film, TV, streaming, and recording worlds to find out which mics they use. We read trade journals and websites and checked online impressions to see what typical users thought of the equipment. We narrowed the field down to 10 excellent microphones, focusing first and foremost on audio quality and then considering size, types of connectors, power sources, and, of course, price. When evaluating wireless kits, we evaluated the quality of the lav first and then looked at transmitter and receiver specs to check things like the robustness of their signals, their effectiveness in handling interference, and the flexibility of their features.

The best lavalier mics: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Sanken Cos-11D

Sanken

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This professional-grade microphone captures the human voice without noticeable coloration, and its small size makes it easy to hide. No wonder you’ll find the Cos-11D on many TV and movie sets.

Specs

• Frequency Range: 50Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: XLR-3M, Locking 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Natural, open sound
• Small and easy to hide
• Picks up very little clothing rustle
• Resistant to sweat and moisture

Cons

• More expensive than many lavs

The Sanken Cos-11D condenser mic has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz and captures wide, open, and natural sound. This 4mm lavalier hides easily under clothes, and a small boost in the upper-mid frequencies helps to counter any muffling effect.

With an omnidirectional polar pattern, the mic captures audio clearly even when positioned off-axis—it’s pretty forgiving when not placed perfectly. A built-in mesh screen helps resist RF interference while also providing a fair degree of protection against sweat and smeary makeup. Sanken makes the lapel mic in various connector configurations to fit any use and it comes with an alligator clip; small snap-on windscreen; and plastic sleeve to help when mounting it under clothes.

Finding fault with the Cos-11D isn’t easy, but this level of quality comes with a higher price tag. If your budget isn’t there yet, or your applications just aren’t as demanding as the professional broadcast world, other mics can deliver excellent sound in almost as small a package for less money.

Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4

Sennheiser Pro Audio

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Sennheiser pairs their excellent ME2-II microphone with a flexible wireless transmitter and receiver for a kit that won’t tie up filmmakers or streamers with extra cables.

Specs

• Frequency Range: 50Hz-18kHz
• Connection Type: Locking 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Rugged construction
• Easy to set up
• Comes with transmitter and receiver

Cons

• Requires a lot of batteries
• Audio can sound somewhat boxy

Sennheiser’s EW112P wireless kit includes their ME2-II omnidirectional microphone, a wireless transmitter, and receiver. It’s a clean-sounding, affordable kit that’s become a workhorse on indie films, documentaries, live presentations, worship services, business events—basically, any situation where movement is key. The 5.6-ounce receiver won’t weigh down your digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera and the transmitter easily slips into a pocket or clips to a belt. 

The microphone 50Hz to 18Khz frequency response doesn’t match those found on higher-end, professional lavaliers. But it still performs well without coloring the sound too much or adding mud to the low-end. The mic handles sudden boosts in volume well. Like other mics with omnidirectional polar patterns, the ME2-II isn’t picky about where you place it. However, it’s susceptible to rustling from clothes, so be careful if trying to hide it. 

The plastic and metal transmitter sends a signal up to 330 feet and features 1680 RF channels to help you avoid interference from other wireless sources. Digital displays on both the transmitter and receiver provide information on battery status, output level, and RF level. Each runs on convenient AA batteries, though you’ll want to buy a lot of them—best practices are that you change batteries before each shoot just to be safe. The kit includes cables terminating in both XLR and 3.5 TRS jacks for connecting the receiver to any kind of camera, as well as a convenient, plastic cold-shoe mount. 

Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+

Rode

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The smartLav+ includes Rode’s iPhone recording app that features editing functions and EQ settings, and can export files to SoundCloud and Dropbox.  

Specs 

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: 3.5mm TRRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Kevlar-reinforced cable resists stretching and tearing
• Included pop filter to cut down on plosive B and P sounds
• Custom iPhone recording app
• Compatible with third-party recording apps

Cons

• May require a TRRS-to-TRS adapter for use with some DSLRs.
• No version of Rode’s app for Android devices

Rode has a reputation for building affordable, high-quality mics. The smartLav+ plugs into an iPhone and you can use the company’s custom app to record, edit, and upload your audio. It’s great for anyone looking for a simple, streamlined recording solution that doesn’t require additional equipment. This body mic will work with Android phones as well, but you’ll need a third-party app. You can also plug it into DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but you consult the camera’s manual to see if you’ll also need a TRRS-to-TRS adapter. 

As expected, this omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from all sides for easy use. It comes with a pop-filter to cut down on plosives—the hard B, P, and T sounds that can wreak havoc on a recording. Kevlar-reinforcing protects the cable from snapping, and the included mic mount includes an extra clip to help with wire management.   

Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899

Audio-Technica

SEE IT

Why It made the cut: The AT899’s small profile won’t distract your viewers, and it works off an included battery pack or 48v phantom power, making it easy to integrate into any type of streaming studio. 

Specs

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: XLR
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Professional-quality sound
• Small profile
• Multiple power options
• Includes battery pack

Cons

• Moderately expensive

The AT899 is a wired lavalier that offers professional-quality sound in a small, flexible package suitable for any streaming studio. The included power-pack connects the mic to any device, including computer interfaces, mobile recorders, or cameras. But this lav also supports 48-volt phantom power for streamlined integration into higher-end mixing consoles, streaming interfaces, or pre-amps.

The low-profile 5mm hides easily under clothes; but even when exposed, it’s small enough that it won’t distract your audience. A wide, flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response captures the nuances of the human voice and an omnidirectional polar pattern offers flexibility.

You’ll need an XLR to 3.5mm TRS adapter if you want to plug it directly into a DSLR or computer without a balanced audio interface.

Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

Giant Squid Audio Lab Company

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This lavalier from Giant Squid Audio Labs has a low price and surprisingly wide frequency response, making it ideal for people with tight budgets. 

Specs 

• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
• Connection Type: 3.5mm TRS
• Polar Pattern: Omni-Directional

Pros

• Good sounding for a sub-$100 mic
• Convenient six-foot cord
• Low price

Cons

• Windscreen falls off easily
• Needs a TRRS adapter for smartphone use

With microphones, you often get what you pay for. However, Giant Squid Labs has done a nice job of delivering a reasonably flat-sounding lavalier for less than $50. Does it compete with a Sanken Cos-11D? Of course not—but the Sanken is about eight times the price. Still, Giant Squid Labs’ 20Hz-20kHz frequency response captures reasonably natural sound—even if it lacks a lot of the presence found in higher-end mics.

This budget lapel mic comes with an alligator clip, small windscreen, and a 6-foot cord. The latter is nice; no one looks great in a Zoom meeting when sitting too close to a web camera. And the windscreen helps cut down on noise when using the mic outside. However, it falls off easily, so consider avoiding heavy winds. The mic connects to a computer or other device using a 3.5mm TRS connector. If you want to use it with a smartphone, you’ll need a TRS-to-TRRS adapter.

Things to consider before buying the best lavalier mics

Wired or wireless

Lavalier microphones come in two basic varieties: Wired and wireless. Wired lavs connect to a small power source (usually an AA battery pack) that plugs into a recorder, PA system, or computer interface. It’s a strong signal path that won’t suffer from any interference. However, the length of the mic cable limits the wearer’s movement.

Wireless lavaliers plug into a small, wearable transmitter that sends the audio signal to a receiver plugged into a recorder or PA system. Wireless lavaliers provide complete freedom of movement, making them useful for video projects or presentations. While the transmitters and receivers have adjustable channels and frequencies to help avoid interference, sometimes they’ll still run into trouble in areas with too many other wireless systems. 

Pick-up pattern

Microphones have something called pick-up (or polar) patterns, which describe the way mics capture or reject sound. Most lavaliers have either omnidirectional or cardioid patterns. The first picks up sound evenly from all sides, a handy trick when there’s no way to perfectly position the mic. An omnidirectional mic attached to someone’s collar will capture sound almost as well as one placed on a lapel or tie. Mics with cardioid patterns, on the other hand, are directional, requiring more careful placement—make sure they’re pointed toward the speaker’s mouth. A less forgiving mic might sound like a big drawback, but because cardioid patterns are better at rejecting sound from the sides, these lavs work well in noisy spaces. When purchasing a body mic, think hard about the environment where you’ll use it the most.  

Power

Many lavaliers are condenser mics, and condensers need external power to operate. And let’s not forget, wireless mics require power for their transmitters and receivers. In either case, most of these body mics, as well as transmitters and receivers, run off AA batteries. Best practices say to change batteries before each use to avoid the risk of bad audio—or transmitters that drop signals entirely. Be prepared to stock up on AAs, and factor that into your budget. Good quality rechargeables will cost more at the outset, but they will cut costs and waste in the long run. 

Some lavaliers also accept 48+ volt phantom power from recorders, mixers, cameras, or other sources. These also have battery packs for use with other equipment. And other mics, like Rode’s smartLav+, can draw power through their 3.5mm jack. 

Connectors

The wires connected to lavaliers can terminate in a number of different jacks, including XLR, 3.5-inch TRS, and 3.5-inch TRRS for use with smartphones. Many companies manufacture their best clip-on mics in a variety of jack configurations. 

Durability

Lavaliers often take a lot of abuse. Not only can they get banged around, but their wires get twisted, and they’re sometimes attached to sweaty bodies. The best clip-on mics are durably built with at least a nod toward protecting them from low levels of moisture. Don’t submerge them, but don’t be afraid to attach them to someone who might be working in the sun all day. 

Attachments

Clip-on mics can attach to people in a variety of ways. Alligator-style clips are common and use a loop made from metal or rubber to hold the mic in place. If you don’t have anywhere to clip something like that, vampire clips use two small pins to attach the mic to clothing (hence the name). There are also magnetic attachments, which have a small metal disk that gets placed inside a shirt, and a small, magnetized loop that connects to it and holds the mic. Third-party manufacturers also make small foam or plastic sleeves that encase mics to minimize the rustling noise when hidden under clothes. Most lavaliers come with at least some basic attachments, but when buying others, find one that isn’t too big or small for your lav. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best lavalier mics

• Best lavalier mic: Sanken Cos-11D
• Best for DSLR: Sennheiser EW 112P G4
• Best for iPhone: Rode smartLav+
• Best mic for streaming: Audio Technica AT899
• Best budget: Giant Squid Audio Labs

If you’re looking for the cleanest, clearest, professional-quality lavalier for your film or streaming program, and you’re not worried about your budget, then I absolutely recommend the Sanken Cos-11D. It’s become my go-to mic on documentaries and TV shows, and I often pair it with a Sennheiser wireless transmitter and receiver for the most flexibility. 

But I’ve also used mics that cost a third as much. Before I upgraded to the Sanken, I was happy with the Sennheiser ME2-II lav that comes in the EW 112P G4 wireless kit. As long as I placed it carefully and watched my levels, it never let me down. I still carry it in my kit as a backup. 

In the end, great equipment won’t do much if you don’t know how to use it. Take the time to learn proper miking techniques and develop your skills. 

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 lavalier mics 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		ASUS ROG Strix		SEE IT	With the best refresh rate of any portable monitor, the Asus ROG Strix is great for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Best for laptops		Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K		SEE IT	The Arzopa’s 2K portable monitor shows that good things come in small packages.
Best budget		Arzopa A1 Gamut		SEE IT	The Arzopa A1 Gamut proves you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality portable monitor.

When you’re using a laptop or traveling and need more screen real estate, portable monitors provide new versatility and solid picture quality in an easily portable form factor. Plus, laptops, tablets, and smartphones provide convenience and mobility, but those small screens can cause headaches, blurry eyes, and fatigue. Trying to crowd a lot of information on such a small screen only exacerbates the problem—especially if you’re using computer devices for several hours a day. However, a portable monitor can provide a much better working and viewing experience. Picking the right one for you will depend on several factors, but we’ve done the legwork to select and highlight the best portable monitors currently on the market.

• Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)   
• Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K
• Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 
• Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
• Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C
• Best for drawing: Espresso Display
• Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz
• Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14
• Best unattached multiscreen: The Portable Monitor Slide
• Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

How we chose the best portable monitors

As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for publications including PopSci, CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Bob Vila. Our personal monitor selections are based on personal testing, extensive research, recommendations from fellow critics, and user impressions.

The best portable monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

A portable monitor can give you a dual-monitor experience even when you’re away from your desk setup. Even with the limitations of their size and form factor, the best portable monitors come in different sizes and have different features that can help you be more efficient with less digital eye strain. Whether you need it for work, school, or play, at least one of these displays should be a perfect fit.

Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 

Terri Williams

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay

Why it made the cut: The ASUS ROG Strix has a high refresh rate and lots of great features, making it the best choice for most people.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.98 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LED
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Inputs: HDMI, USB, Audio jack
• Battery life: 7,800 mAh

Pros 

• 144Hz refresh rate
• Landscape and portrait modes, plus a universal tripod
• Nvidia G-Sync compatible
• Battery-powered option

Cons

• Expensive

Perhaps unsurprisingly from a company that makes excellent, and at times affordable, battlestation accessories, the best portable monitor is made for gaming. The ASUS ROG Strix 15.6-inch portable monitor is one of only a handful of models with a 144Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth animation in and out of games. 

Even if you don’t play much, it has some very useful bells and whistles. Its kickstand rotates, so you can easily switch between traditional landscape or vertically minded portrait mode. It also has stereo speakers in case you forget your headset at home.

In addition to a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, a USB Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to A adapter are also included. One usual feature is the universal tripod socket—a hole with a ¼” thread—which makes it convenient to use the portable monitor with a tripod stand. However, a sleeve, which can be used as a stand, is also included.

If you really want to max out your portable gaming setup, ASUS also makes an even bigger 17.3-inch version of the Strix portable monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. Most people, even gamers, don’t really need a 240Hz display, which is why we recommend the less expensive model. It may be worth the extra cash if you want to carry around a zero-compromises esports display, however.

Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K

Brandt Ranj

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay

Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s monitor has a higher resolution than we expected to see at its price.

Specs

• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Weight: 1.41 pounds
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: 2 USB-C, 1 Mini HDMI, 1 headphone jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Compact size
• High-resolution screen
• Three inputs

Cons

• USB-C ports on one side

If you want something to pair with a smaller laptop, the 13.3-inch is the ideal second screen. The portable monitor has the same resolution as Apple’s 13-Inch MacBook Pro (pictured above), which makes them a particularly good pair. Text, images, and videos look sharp on Arzopa’s screen, although I recommend immediately enabling its HDR mode, which wasn’t on by default. This setting will make colors look a lot more accurate, which is necessary if you’d like to use the portable monitor for image or video editing. In our tests, this portable monitor with a MacBook Pro benefited our productivity.

We were used to working on a display of its size and resolution, which made adapting our workflows a lot easier. Arzopa’s monitor has two USB-C ports and one Mini HDMI port to connect multiple devices simultaneously. The company bundles the portable monitor with both a USB-C cable and Mini-HDMI cord so that you can use it with all of your devices right out of the box. Our only complaint is that both USB-C ports are located on one side, requiring us to snake the cord around the back of our MacBook to its Thunderbolt 4 ports. It’d be perfect if Arzopa could update this portable monitor’s design with one USB-C port on both sides.

Overall, we were happy with how easy the monitor was to set up and use. Our MacBook Pro recognized the monitor immediately, and we could adjust its resolution and color profile settings in the Display Preferences section of MacOS. It was also easy to adjust the monitor’s brightness, contrast, and HDR settings through a little switch on the right-hand side of the display. It only took about five minutes to fully set up Arzopa’s monitor, and it would’ve taken less time if we weren’t messing around with different settings.

Most 13.3-inch portable monitors are only 1080P, and the extra resolution on Arzopa’s 2K display makes a big difference. The ability to see even more information on the screen is reason enough to upgrade if you have a lower-resolution second screen. This is an excellent place to start if you’re new to portable monitors.

Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 

Terri Williams

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Innocn PU15 PRE is expensive, but its 4K OLED display is incomparable among portable displays. 

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 2.07 lbs
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB and HDMI
• Battery life: 5,000 mAh

Pros

• 4K resolution
• OLED panel
• Touch screen
• Portrait and landscape modes

Cons

• Very expensive

Innocn’s top OLED portable monitor is the most expensive pick on our list, and for good reason. Among desktop monitors and laptops, 4K OLED touchscreens don’t come cheap (and we won’t even talk about the best OLED TVs prices). Among portable monitors, they are virtually unheard of. Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays feature self-emitting backlit pixels that can independently turn on and off when an image calls for it, producing incredible contrast and a more vivid picture. Combine that with 4K resolution, and, well, it’s very pretty.

Meanwhile, the touchscreen feature allows you to use the portable monitor like a drawing tablet. It has stereo speakers, in case you need them, and it can be used in both portrait and landscape mode. At $799.99, it is considerably more expensive than the rest of our picks, but it also delivers a higher class of picture.

Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT

ASUS

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished here: Amazon

Why it made the cut: The ASUS Zenscreen Touch’s portable touchscreen is responsive and easy to use. You can even draw on it.

Specs:

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.98 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: 2 Micro USB
• Battery life: 7,800 mAh

Pros

• Touchscreen
• Built-in speakers
• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3

Cons

• Have to download driver for USB Type-A connection

The ASUS ZenScreen Touch’s 10-point 1080p touchscreen won us over with its intuitive fingertip control, which makes it incredibly easy to make changes to documents, play games, and draw on slides. It comes with many of the basic features we look for, including stereo speakers and a smart case kickstand. Having a portable monitor with a touchscreen is especially helpful for traveling workers getting things done on a phone. You can use the ZenScreen Touch app to control your Android phone, making it a perfect pairing for a powerful smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. There’s even a smartpen holder for your stylus to ensure you don’t lose it when not in use.

Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C

Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s A1C is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that can be used for email and Slack.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.69 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LED
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Inputs: HDMI, USB, Audio jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros 

• Price
• Multiple connectivity options
• Low blue light protection

Cons

• Hinge system is finicky

Arzopa’s A1C portable monitor shares many of the same features as the company’s 2K model, which we recommended earlier, but at a significantly lower cost. The build quality of the display is solid, save for its folding stand, which required a fair amount of time to fully understand.

You need to fold it in a particular way, which was unclear due to the vague instructions—that said, setting up the monitor was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it. You can connect this portable monitor to your device using the included USB-C to USB-C or micro-HDMI to HDMI cable. We exclusively used the former. Our computer quickly recognized the monitor, and we could immediately begin using it.

This display’s 1080P resolution is a step down from Arzopa’s 2K model, but it still displayed colors very well, and text looked pretty clear. HD videos looked perfectly fine on this monitor, and the display is the perfect place to keep spare windows you need to use or reference while working on your computer’s main screen. While the A1C can be used horizontally, using it vertically will make it more comfortable to view certain applications. Email and chat apps (think Slack or Google Teams) work particularly well this way, as do long-form articles.

Basically, turning the monitor on its side gives you a more smartphone or tablet-like experience. The only downside is you have to deal with a cable sticking up over the monitor to your computer. When the A1C is used in this capacity, it can improve your productivity. If you’re trying to mitigate the negative effects of staring at a screen all day, you’ll appreciate this monitor’s built-in blue light protection, which may reduce eye strain during extended use.

If you’ve been holding out on getting a portable monitor by waiting for a good deal, it’s hard to argue with the Arzopa A1C’s value.

Best for drawing: Espresso Display

espresso Displays

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Why it made the cut: The Espresso Display has a stylus pen that can be used to draw, sketch, retouch photos, and edit videos on the portable monitor.

Specs 

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB-C (2)
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Touchscreen with stylus function
• Automatically rotates
• Ultra-thin design
• Available in 2 display sizes
• Compatible with various artistic apps
• Built-in speakers

Cons

• Stylus (plus stand and case) are extra

Creatives looking for a portable monitor to complement their main display will appreciate the level of functionality and convenience available on the Espresso Display. It has both touchscreen and pen capabilities, which makes it easier to be productive anywhere. The portable monitor, made of aeronautical grade aluminum, offers two USB ports and is compatible with Mac. It can also support numerous apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchbook, Microsoft Whiteboard, Mural, FigJam, Miro, and ZBrush.

The monitor can be used for document markups as well as whiteboarding. The 15.6-inch version is the largest of the espresso Display models (the other two are 13-inch and 13-inch touch versions), but it’s incredibly slim: 0.2 inches thin and weighing only 2 pounds.

The only problem we found with the espresso Display is that everything is considered extra. The company ships the espresso Display Monitor, USB-C to USB-C cable, and a cleaning cloth. However, the pen, stand, and case are extra.  These items can be purchased separately or in a bundle.

Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz

Terri Williams

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Why it made the cut: The generous screen provides plenty of viewing space, and the 300Hz refresh rate is ideal for gaming.

Specs

• Screen size: 17.3 inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 300Hz
• Inputs: USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Battery life:  N/A

Pros

• 300Hz refresh rate
• Adjustable kickstand
• Dual Hi-Fi Speakers
• FreeSync, G-SYNC
• Delta-E <2 color accuracy
• Built-in kickstand

Cons

• Doesn’t come in 13-inch version

If you need an extra monitor for gaming but would prefer something portable that’s easy to break down, store, and transport, the Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz portable monitor certainly fits the bill. The generous 17.3-inch screen eliminates the need to squint and ensures that you can see more of the game. It’s compatible with Playstation, Switch, and Xbox. Or you can use it with any game console with an HDMI or USB Type-C output.

The monitor features a 300Hz refresh rate and is compatible with FreeSync and G-SYNC to provide a seamless gaming experience and lag-free response time.  Gamers will find this particularly important as tearing and stuttering are greatly minimized. And the Delta-E <2 provides accurate colors for a more realistic experience.

The dual Hi-Fi speakers make it easier to hear and be immersed while gaming, though you’ll likely still want to invest in a gaming headset. The built-in kickstand keeps the portable monitor securely in place and can be adjustable from 50 degrees to 80 degrees. There’s also a magnetic protective cover to keep the monitor safe from dust, a foldable stand, and an IR remote.

In addition to the 17.3-inch model, Nexigo also makes a 16-inch version along with models with different refresh rates.

Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14

LIMINK

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Why it made the cut: Dual monitors attach to either side of your laptop to provide a 3-screen setup.

Specs

• Screen size: 14 inches on each side
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1200
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB-C, HDMI, Displayport, VGA
• Battery life:  N/A

Pros

• Leather Smart Case
• Kickstand on back and top center 
• Delta-E <2 color accuracy
• Fits 13-inch to 16-inch laptops

Cons

• Not compatible with M1 and M2 chip MacBooks (but does support M1 Pro and M1 Max chip).

Perhaps the only thing better than an extra monitor is two extra monitors. The LIMINK LK14 Portable Triple Monitor attaches to your laptop and provides one monitor on the left side and another one on the right side. (Note: dual monitor setups are referred to as “triple” monitors because when set up correctly, they provide three monitors – including the laptop’s monitor).

We like this dual monitor setup because it doesn’t put undue pressure on the laptop. The LIMINK LK14 uses metal clips and a pull ring to attach the device. The 8-level kickstand on the back ensures that the installation is secure and allows the laptop screen to be tilted from 0 to 45 degrees. Since there are two monitors, it requires two cables to connect (one for each monitor). It’s worth noting that each monitor has three ports.

The aluminum alloy body is strong and corrosion-resistant, but the monitors are still lightweight. When the monitors are not in use, they collapse in the middle and can be stored in the leather smart case for easy transportation.

Best unattached multi-screen: The Portable Monitor Slide

The Portable Monitor

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Why it made the cut: You don’t have to attach your laptop to these dual portable monitors physically, and it can fold into a triangle for sharing your screen with others.

Specs

• Screen size: 13.3 inches x 2  
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Both monitors are rotatable
• 14-level kickstand
• Connects via single cable
• Available in 2 finishes

Cons

• Costs a pretty penny
• Heavier than some dual monitors

Like most snobbish MacBook owners, I like to keep my laptops smooth and clean—so I don’t really like the idea of attaching anything to the exterior. Fortunately, the Slide not only fits on laptops of any size, but the dual monitors are also standalone, so I can just slide my laptop monitor right up against the area where the laptop attaches. This means that I can also use the dual monitors with a smartphone or tablet instead of a laptop. 

Most dual portable monitors need two cables (one for each monitor). However, the Slide only needs one cable for power and video transfer from both monitors. This results in a cleaner, less-cluttered workspace.

The dual monitors can rotate to form a triangle (the left monitor rotates 180 degrees, and the left monitor rotates 60 degrees), making this an excellent choice for presentations or group collaborations. This configuration allows you to provide three viewing angles instead of having people crowd around you. Even when you’re not presenting, having two extra screens significantly increases your viewing real estate. The Slide is available in either a Premium Aluminum or a Carbon finish.

Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

Abby Ferguson

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Why it made the cut: The Arzopa A1 Gamut offers an ideal balance of features, quality, and price.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.44 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: Mini HDMI, dual USB-C, Audio jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Compatible with most devices
• IPS display offers large viewing angles
• Bright, large display
• Plug-and-play design

Cons

• New stand design is a separate piece that could get lost
• Built-in speakers are lacking in quality

Too often, you have to choose between quality and price. The Arzopa A1 Gamut offers a compromise with excellent quality despite the reasonable $149 price. And it frequently goes on sale, so you can usually get it much cheaper. The large 15.6-inch display with slim bezels provides a large viewing area. It made our transition from a large desktop monitor to a portable monitor much easier when on the go.

Arzopa designed the A1 Gamut with an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution, which results in sharp, clear images and text. You can easily adjust the brightness on the side of the monitor. We found it plenty bright, even when working in rooms with lots of windows and light. And the IPS display makes it easier to see at a range of angles, even if there are windows directly behind you. The 1200:1 contrast ratio is higher than many portable monitors, resulting in a rich, attractive display. While it won’t provide perfectly accurate colors, it works for editing photos in a pinch—just be prepared to make adjustments if you plan on printing the images later.

The A1 Gamut is incredibly easy to set up and use. It comes with all of the cords you may need to connect to your favorite devices and features two USB-C ports along with a mini HDMI port. All you need to do is plug in the monitor, which automatically turns on. You won’t need to fuss with downloading drivers or anything of the sort, as it’s a true plug-and-play device. The main downside is that the ports are all on the left side, which happens to be the same side as our MacBook Pro, making the connection a little less than ideal.

Arzopa redesigned the stand since our version, and it is now a separate metal piece. That separate piece could be easy to lose. But it offers an adjustable height, which is not typical for portable monitors, and makes the display more ergonomic. Unfortunately, the new stand means there is no longer a built-in cover for the A1 Gamut, so you will want to take care when packing it up for travel. 

What to consider when buying the best portable monitors

There are several factors to consider when choosing between portable monitors. Budget, resolution, and ease of connectivity are usually top of mind. However, other factors may depend on your personal preferences. These are some of the features you should keep in mind to ensure the portable monitor meets your needs:

Screen size

Portable monitors tend to mirror the sizes of laptop displays, coming in sizes from 14 inches to 15.6 inches to 17 inches. Since you’re always moving portable displays around, picking a screen size comes down to personal preference. A larger screen looks great and makes things easier to see, but remember that a larger screen will take up more space on your desk or table and in your laptop bag or suitcase.

Connectivity

Most portable monitors connect to devices via USB-C and/or mini-HDMI cables (such as this inexpensive AmazonBasics option). While an increasingly wide array of phones, tablets, PCs, and other devices support USB-C, you may need a USB-C hub, adapters, or a USB-A to USB-C cable. Likewise, if you already have a standard HDMI cable, you may need to purchase an HDMI to mini-HDMI adapter for mini-HDMI-based screens. Make sure that the monitor you select has the ports you need to pair it wherever you plan to use it, including your laptop, smartphone, tablet, camera, and game consoles.

Resolution

Your portable monitor’s resolution will determine the sharpness and clarity of its picture. As you can see, based on our selections, most portable monitors support 1080p resolution (often referred to as Full HD). That puts it on par with most basic and mid-range desktop monitors. There are high-resolution models, including some portable 4K monitors. And, just like when shopping, say, for desktop monitors for Macs, they cost quite a bit more.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how many times your monitor can redraw an image each second. A higher refresh rate opens the door for a higher frame rate in games and smoother movement in menus and other software. All monitors on this list feature a 60Hz refresh rate, meaning the screen updates 60 times a second. That’s lower than we’d recommend for a standard monitor, but it is standard among portable monitors. That said, there is a 144Hz display, which stands out as an especially good choice for gaming and drawing.

All IPS, all the time

While desktop monitor panels come in a few flavors, all of the portable monitors on our list are In-Plane Switching (IPS) displays. This technology ensures color accuracy and better views from wider angles (for example, even if someone is standing on the far-left side of the monitor, the view should be good. However, it’s debatable if an IPS display panel makes that much of a difference in a portable monitor. 

Audio

Some portable monitors include built-in speakers (and headphone jacks), which may or may not be important in certain situations. If you’re connecting your monitor to a computer or phone, you may already have the audio covered through the device. In general, the speakers on these monitors aren’t especially impressive, so powered desktop speakers or over-ear headphones are usually the way to go. That said, if you think that monitor audio will be useful, be sure to check for that feature.

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best portable monitors

• Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)   
• Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K
• Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 
• Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
• Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C
• Best for drawing: Espresso Display
• Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz
• Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14
• Best unattached multiscreen: The Portable Monitor Slide
• Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

A portable monitor helps make it easier to do serious work away from your primary work setup. Having more screen space to spread out all your windows can help you keep track of things. Looking at a larger display, especially compared to a phone’s screen, will help reduce eye strain. Plus, you have a way to mirror your screen and show other people. If money is no object, the Innocn OLED provides the best resolution possible. However, you can spend a lot less and get something very useful, from the gaming-focused ASUS ROG Strix to the very affordable Arzopa A1 Gamut. No matter what you go with, simply having one of these displays should hopefully make your life a little easier.

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 monitors of 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Audio-Technica AT2020		SEE IT	In terms of overall audio and build quality, you won’t find a better inexpensive XLR microphone than Audio-Technica’s AT2020.
Best kit		Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone		SEE IT	If you want an entire at-home recording setup, Tonor’s budget XLR microphone and accessories bundle will get you almost all the way there.
Best budget		Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone		SEE IT	Pyle’s Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ultra-durable and designed to sound great.

A cheap XLR microphone is one of the key pieces of gear you’ll need to start a podcast or lay down vocals on a track you’re working on. Expensive gear is nice, but you can get a lot of quality out of a mic that costs well under $100. XLR microphones are used by professional musicians and broadcasters worldwide due to their consistency and universal, interface-friendly connector. You’ll never have to worry about a software update accidentally breaking your microphone or that it will somehow become technically outdated. Instead, spending a couple of bucks today will allow you to use and appreciate this gear for years (if not decades) to come. And the best cheap XLR microphones will provide good enough results that you may never have to upgrade.

• Best overall: Audio-Technica AT2020
• Best for podcasts: Marantz MPM-1000
• Best kit: Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone
• Best USB-XLR combo: Samson Q2U
• Best budget: Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone

How we chose the best cheap XLR microphones

When deciding which cheap XLR microphone recommendations to include in our guide, we considered the different reasons one may need to pick up a mic. Musicians and podcasters need slightly different equipment, though using the same XLR microphone for both cases can work. We also considered microphones that come with accessories like stands or arms, as these bundles can save you even more money when compared to picking up pieces of gear individually. The word cheap is relative, but we made sure all of the microphones we’re recommending cost under $100—the least expensive model below costs under $23. The SM7B is a standard, sure, but not everyone has $399 (or more) to spend on one component.

The best cheap XLR microphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you want to finally start a podcast or go from songs you’ve recorded on your phone’s mic to making polished tracks, these are the best cheap XLR microphones to start a recording rig.

Best overall: Audio-Technica AT2020

Audio-Technica

SEE IT

Specs

• Microphone type: Condensor
• Weight: 1.32 pounds
• Price: $99

Pros

• Sound source isolation
• Includes stand mount
• Part of a rich accessories ecosystem

Cons

• Price

This is the most expensive XLR microphone we’re recommending, but if you can stretch your budget a bit, you’ll be rewarded with audio excellence. Audio-Technica’s AT2020 is a condenser microphone designed for broadcasters or vocalists to sound their best. Thanks to its cardioid pattern, the microphone will reject more unwanted sounds coming from the sides or rear, just picking up what you want: your voice. It comes with a mount, so you can easily attach it to any microphone stand, and can be oriented on its side for easy access. You may want to get a sturdy stand because the AT2020 is among the heaviest microphones we’re recommending. One reason we like Audio-Technica gear is that it tends to last a long time, and the company offers first-party accessories designed to work especially well with its own hardware. Getting the AT2020 today means you can build a studio-class audio setup piece by piece.

Best for podcasts: Marantz MPM-1000

Marantz

SEE IT

Specs

• Microphone type: $49
• Weight: .66 pounds
• Price: $49

Pros

• Directional cardioid mic capsule
• Includes shock mount, windscreen, and desktop stand included
• 20-20,000Hz frequency range

Cons

• Not a great choice for recording instruments

For many podcasters, a USB microphone is their first, and often only, thought. But that limits them to a direct-to-laptop setup. If you want to be broadcasting on a budget without having your other hardware be limited, you won’t find a better cheap XLR microphone than Marantz’s MPM-1000. The mic comes with all the accessories you’ll need to sound your best on the go. All you’ll need to add to this bundle is an audio interface or mixer, and you’ll have a competent mobile recording setup with outboard processor access. The MPM-1000’s cardioid microphone capsule is oriented in such a way that the only sound being recorded will be your voice, and its frequency range captures the natural range of the human voice (and human hearing). The included windscreen will also act as a pop filter to prevent an unwanted frequency spike when you say words with the letter p in them. Marantz’s shock mount will keep the microphone from picking up unwanted distortion if it’s moved around while on a stand. You’re getting an exceptional amount of value from this bundle, given its $50 price tag, and you can up the ante by getting a package that includes a set of M-Audio headphones for under $90.

Best kit: Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone

Tonor

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Specs

• Microphone type: Condenser
• Weight: 4.19 pounds
• Price: $64.99

Pros

• Includes a lot of helpful accessories
• 20Hz-20kHz frequency range
• Off-axis audio suppression

Cons

• You need a permanent recording space

If you have enough room for a permanent recording area, this cheap XLR microphone from Tonor comes with most of what you’ll need to get started. The microphone itself was designed with off-axis audio suppression, which is its way of only capturing your voice rather than sounds happening around you. The microphone’s high-frequency range ensures voices of all pitches can be picked up accurately. This microphone is a fine choice on its own, but Tonor’s included accessories push it over the edge.

The pop filter will prevent harsh sounds from marring your recording when certain consonants are spoken, Tonor’s shock mount will prevent the microphone from shaking around too much when it’s moved, and Tonor even includes an XLR cable in the box. The most helpful accessory in this bundle is the microphone arm, which allows you to position Tonor’s cheap XLR microphone directly in front of your face at the perfect angle. This gives you the greatest chance of creating a high-quality recording and allows you to adjust your chair’s position while moving the mic in front of your face.

Best USB-XLR combo: Samson Q2U

Samson

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Specs

• Microphone type: Dynamic
• Weight: .7 pounds
• Price: $69.99

Pros

• Great for recording instruments and vocals
• Can be connected directly to a computer if need be
• Has a built-in headphone jack for monitoring

Cons

• Price

While we’re highlighting cheap XLR microphones, Samson’s Q2U also offers USB connectivity, so you can plug the mic directly into your computer to create digital recordings. This is also the only microphone we recommend with a built-in headphone jack, so you can listen to the recordings you’re making in real-time to know whether you’ll need to move the microphone’s position or if a recording sounds off for some other reason. Samson includes both a pop filter and desktop stand with its microphone, so you’ll have a compact recording setup ready to go. The fact that you can use this as the backbone of an entire recording setup is especially great for beginning broadcasters or musicians without much room. Samson’s Q2U may be a little pricer than most of our other recommendations, but its versatility more than makes up for its cost. Want to up the build and sound quality? The Samson Q9U is a dynamic microphone that our reviewer found capable of handling high SPLs to vocal subtleties.

Best budget: Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Pyle

SEE IT

Specs

• Microphone type: Dynamic
• Weight: 1.32 pounds
• Price: $22.80

Pros

• Includes long audio cable
• On and off switch
• Price

Cons

• Heavier

If you want an ultra-cheap XLR microphone for your first recording setup or need a secondary mic to keep in a gig bag, Pyle’s Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone is the right choice. This unidirectional mic has a durable all-metal design, with an anti-dent ring along the middle of the microphone to prevent dings. The company says its built-in pop filter manages unwanted sounds well, so a standalone filter isn’t needed or included. In fact, the only accessory bundled with this mic is a 15-foot-long cable. The most clever part of this microphone’s design is its on-off switch, which is helpful if you’re performing music live and don’t want to risk feedback from the PA system when you’re not performing. It may be heavier than most of the microphones we’re recommending, but that’s the counterbalance to having an all-metal design. If you need the cheapest XLR microphone possible without settling for subpar sound, Pyle’s mic is the one.

What to consider when choosing the right cheap XLR microphone for you

There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing the best cheap XLR microphone for you. Below, you’ll find the ones we considered most important when selecting the microphones for this guide. Price was a factor, of course, as we highlight the best budget gear in this category, and these are the other things we thought about while picking microphones with our favorite mid-century connector:

Microphone type

Generally speaking, microphones can be categorized into two types: dynamic and condenser.

Dynamic microphones feature a Mylar diaphragm with a conductive coil attached to it. When sound waves vibrate the diaphragm, it moves the coil in a magnetic field, creating an AC voltage. As a result, dynamics are sometimes called moving-coil dynamic microphones. Live musicians typically use this mic style due to their durability and lower chance of distortion.

Condenser microphones feature a movable diaphragm attached to a fixed metal plate; both are charged and have electrodes attached. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, the distance between it and the plate changes, creating what’s called capacitance and resulting in small voltage changes that mimic the original wave. This microphone style has better high-frequency audio reproduction, which makes it better for picking up voices, which is especially helpful for broadcasters.

Weight

Weight is very important if you plan on holding your microphone while singing or recording a show. If a microphone is too heavy, it’ll cause fatigue. If it’s too light, you may unintentionally move it around a lot, leading to unwanted pops on your recording.

Accessories

If you’re starting your recording setup from scratch, a cheap XLR microphone may not be the only thing you’ll want to pick up. While some of our recommendations include accessories, you might need to consider things like a tabletop stand, pop filter, arm, and, most importantly, XLR cables. Getting a microphone bundle is also helpful because you know for a fact that all of these accessories will work with one another.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap XLR microphones

• Best overall: Audio-Technica AT2020
• Best for podcasts: Marantz MPM-1000
• Best kit: Tonor XLR Condenser Microphone
• Best USB-XLR combo: Samson Q2U
• Best budget: Pyle Professional Dynamic Vocal Microphone

A cheap XLR microphone can serve you well for many years, and will become the cornerstone of your recording setup. It’s a lo-fi tool you can confidently bring into any recording studio or music venue, with a guarantee you’ll be able to plug it into the house system to get the sound you’re familiar with. You can even continue using your cheap XLR microphone as you upgrade other pieces of gear in your recording setup.

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 cheap XLR microphones 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		Nobull Gum Trainer+		SEE IT	The sturdy and seamless, which prevents annoying blisters from forming.
Best budget		Nike Metcon 8		SEE IT	They’re one generation old, but they’re still great and frequently on sale.
Best for recovery		Hoka Ora Recovery Slides		SEE IT	They’re comfortable like flip flops, but much better for your feet.

If you’ve ever attended a WOD (short for Workout of the Day in CrossFit parlance), you know the right CrossFit shoes can make a huge difference in your performance. Of all the many, many CrossFit accessories you can purchase to improve your training, few have the same kind of impact as your shoe choice. But, CrossFit is a varied discipline with several distinct aspects. In this list, we’ll break down the best CrossFit shoes for cross-training, Olympic lifting, and even recovery.

• Best overall: Nobull Gum Trainer+
• Best budget: Nike Metcon 8
• Best for beginning lifters: Reebok Lifter PR II
• Best for advanced lifters: Nike Romaleos 4 SE
• Best for recovery: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide

How we chose the best CrossFit shoes

I have been a part of my local CrossFit community since 2009, during which time I’ve tried just about every shoe meant for the mats. You can even see a very embarrassing picture of me online from the Reebok CrossFit launch event way back in 2012. For this article, I relied on personal experience, editorial reviews, spec comparisons, and advice from several high-level CrossFit competitors who can’t be named here due to their sponsorship status. While CrossFit-oriented shoes are never cheap, I have focused on pairs that are durable enough to last for years while providing the comfort and performance required to keep you ringing up PRs. 

The best CrossFit shoes: Reviews & Recommendations

While we make specific recommendations about individual products, you’re always best off checking out all the options before purchasing. There’s lots of product overlap, so know your options before you pay.

Best overall: Nobull Gum Trainer+

Nobull

SEE IT

Specs

• Sizes: Men’s 8-16 and Women’s 5-11
• Best for: All-around shoe suitable for weightlifting and metabolic conditioning

Pros

• No seams to rub and cause blisters
• Very comfortable
• Subtle heel rise
• Rubber reinforcement makes them very durable
• Wide toe box for stability

Cons

• Toe box may actually feel too wide for some
• Women’s sizes cap at 11

Nobull burst onto the CrossFit scene just a few years ago, and now the company is the title sponsor for the annual CrossFit Games. The Nobull shoes are easily recognizable thanks to their seamless design, which makes them cool to look at but also reduces the risk of blisters from bunched fabric. CrossFit requires a lot of unusual movements in every direction, and one bad seam inside of a shoe can cause havoc. 

Heavy-duty rubber reinforces areas that take a lot of abuse. The toe caps are burly, so repeated burpees won’t tear them apart. The bottom is thick and sturdy, so it won’t flex when you don’t want it to. Plus, the wide toe cage and reinforced sole provide a very stable platform for heavy lifts and intense dynamic movements. Despite their rugged build, they’re still relatively light and extremely breathable. 

These shoes were specifically built for the rigors of a CrossFit gym, and it shows. 

Best budget: Nike Metcon 8

Stan Horaczek

SEE IT

Specs

• Sizes: Women’s 5-12 and Men’s 6-15
• Best for: All-around shoe for lifting and conditioning

Pros

• Very wide size range in both men’s and women’s
• Attractive design with lots of colors
• Affordable because they’re usually on-sale
• Sturdy sole provides a very solid platform
• Breathable

Cons

• Toe box isn’t as wide as some others

You’ll notice that the Metcon 9 is already on the market, which may make the 8 seem like a weird recommendation. But, if you don’t need the absolute latest model, you can save quite a bit of cash and still get a great shoe. 

The Nike Metcon 8 (“Meton” is CrossFit speak for “metabolic conditioning”) offers a flat, sturdy bottom with four degrees of heel rise. That makes them much more stable than running shoes when it comes to dynamic movements and heavy lifts. They’re naturally a bit more narrow than the Nobulls, but they break in very nicely. They’re reinforced with sturdy rubber at points that naturally take a lot of abuse. There’s even a large rubber area on the outside midsole of the shoe to prevent rope climbs from tearing up your kicks. 

While the Nobulls opt for a very no-nonsense design, the Nikes are much flashier, which I personally appreciate. There are lots of colorways to choose from. 

The toe box is wide but not massive, so you might have to spend a little time breaking these in before they feel just right. Once you’ve gotten a couple of workouts in, though, they’re excellent. 

Best for beginning lifters: Reebok Lifter PR II

Reebok

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Specs

• Sizes: Men’s 6-14 (men and women can wear the same style)
• Best for: Weightlifting

Pros

• Affordable compared to other dedicated lifters
• Relatively light
• Lots of size options
• Easy to put on
• Stable

Cons

• Not as durable as more expensive models

Once you start lifting seriously, a solid pair of weight-lifting shoes can make a huge difference in your form and the overall feel of your lifts. You’ll notice that pro lifters typically wear wedge-shaped shoes with a raised heel that puts their legs (and by extension, their entire body) into a better position. These beginner-oriented lifters do just that with a wedge-shaped sole that slightly raises the heel. This is useful for backsquatting, Olympic lifting, and other activities with heavy weights. 

A sturdy velcro strap goes across the laces to add an extra layer for stability during the high-torque process that is weight-lifting. If you’re just starting out, these will likely provide all the stability you need. Plus, they’re durable enough to last for years of training before you move up to something more advanced.

Best for advanced lifters: Nike Romaleos 4 SE

Nike

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Specs

• Sizes: Men’s 3.5-15 (unisex)
• Best for: Serious weight lifting

Pros

• Heel rise provides a comfortable lifting position
• Extremely sturdy
• Very stable even under heavy load
• Cool colorways
• Easy to put on

Cons

• Some reviewers complain about the durability of the Velcro strap

Once you’re ready to move on to a more advanced (and more expensive) lifter, this is a great option. The hard, flat bottom provides a very stable base and a satisfying slap against the gym floor during Olympic lifts. The raised heel puts your body in an ideal position for a deep squat without taxing your Achilles and other vulnerable tendons. The leather upper is very sturdy to handle the rotational forces involved with heavy lifts. Plus, a pair of Velcro straps go over the laces in order to keep everything cinched up tightly. These are pro-grade lifting shoes for moving serious weight. 

Best for recovery: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide

Hoka

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Specs

• Sizes: Men’s 4-14 (unisex)
• Best for: Wearing after a workout

Pros

• Specifically shaped to support the foot, unlike regular sandals
• Air channels to keep cool
• Two-stage material to refine squish under your foot
• Lots of colorways

Cons

• Most colorways are very bright, which may not be your style

Recovery is crucial for your entire body. But, feet take an especially hard beating. Just about any good trainer will tell you that the average sandal or flip-flop is like a foot torture device. Hoka designed these slides with recovery in mind. They have a two-stage design, which provides the right balance of squishy padding and stable support. The shape of the slide cradles your foot in an active position rather than flattening it out and stressing the delicate parts inside. They’re super-light, ventilated for airflow, and cool-looking as long as you can pull off the bright color vibes. You could get some to match your workout headphones.

Things to consider when shopping for the best CrossFit shoes

Here are some variables and terms to understand when shopping for the best CrossFit shoes.

Style

Most serious CrossFitters have a pair of shoes they use for metabolic conditioning workouts and then another pair of shoes meant specifically for weight lifting. If you’re just starting out, you probably don’t need a dedicated set of lifters. A simple pair of training shoes from this list can do everything you need. Once you start getting to heavier lifts, however, a good pair of lifting shoes will pay off in the long run. Plus, since you only wear them a few hours a week, they should last a long time. 

Heel drop

Running shoes are not good for CrossFit. They typically have too much padding, which makes them unstable during lateral movements and under heavy weights. Plus, they typically have more than 10mm of drop from the heel to the toe. That elevated heel puts your legs in the incorrect position and can limit your flexibility and mobility down the road. A shoe like the Nobull trainers on this list, for example, only has 4mm of heel drop. You’ll find that most CrossFit shoes hover around that. You want something that’s still relatively comfortable, but that puts your legs in the correct position during a workout. 

Fit

Most CrossFit shoes offer a wide toe box that may feel weird when you’re first getting used to it. You need a wide, stable base for dynamic movements (especially when you’re moving laterally), so CrossFit shoes skew much wider than running shoes or casual footwear. Even with that wide toe box, however, you want to ensure you tie them very tightly. You don’t want your foot wiggling around while you work out. That’s a surefire ticket to Blister City. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best CrossFit shoes

• Best overall: Nobull Gum Trainer+
• Best budget: Nike Metcon 8
• Best for beginning lifters: Reebok Lifter PR II
• Best for advanced lifters: Nike Romaleos 4 SE
• Best for recovery: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide

Whether you’re just starting out or have been around since the early days, the right CrossFit shoes can make a huge difference in how you train. You want stability, versatility, and durability. Plus, you want them to look cool, so when you post your daily Instagram story from the gym, you look the part. 

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 CrossFit shoes 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 overall		iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum		SEE IT	This premium model features smart mapping, programmable no-go zones, spot cleaning, and works with voice assistants.
Best self-emptying		Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base		SEE IT	This model is programmable, cleans rooms row by row, and then empties debris into a bin.
Best budget		eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX		SEE IT	Pros This affordable option is designed with anti-collision technology and provides 100 minutes of cleaning.

Pet owners know keeping fur from collecting in corners, couch crevices, and our clothes is a Sisyphean task, but a robot vacuum for pet hair can help. It doesn’t matter if scritch sessions end in a handful of Himalayan or husky; our fate is to vacuum again and again, forever. But that kind of menial, repetitive task can easily be outsourced to a robot vacuum that will never tire—even during seasonal shedding. Since their debut, robot vacuums have gotten smarter, better, and added a bunch of bells and whistles like scheduling, hands-free emptying, and mops so you can delegate more cleaning tasks. Here’s our guide to finding the best robot vacuums for pet hair so that you can spend more time with your furry friend(s) and less worrying about the floors.

• Best overall: iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
• Best self-emptying: Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base
• Best for hardwood floors: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum
• Best vacuum-and-mop combo: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
• Best budget: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX

How we chose the best robot vacuums for pet hair

As long-time pawrents, we understand fur is nature’s glitter; it’s magically everywhere, hard to remove, and turns up where you least expect it. It takes a combination of frequent maintenance and deep cleaning to keep a house clear of tumbleweeds of fluff and allergens. As much as robot vacuums have stronger suction than they used to (we recommend paying, if possible, for models with at least 2500 Pa—the vacuum force for listing debris), they are best at tackling the frequency part of the equation. Have them do a lap around the house a few times a week (or daily!) to delay how often you need to drag out a traditional vacuum and its arsenal of brushes and tools for furniture. (And here are our suggestions for regular vacuums for pet hair.) With that in mind, we made recommendations based on hands-on experience, research, and reviews to find a reliable robot helper.

The best robot vacuums for pet hair: Reviews & Recommendations

The right robot vacuum depends on how many furry friends you have, their coats, how much they shed, and what floor types need to be cleaned. A house with an American domestic short-hair cat and hard floors may want a machine that can pick up litter and do some mopping. Anyone with a herd of shepherds may want a self-emptying base to minimize how often they dump all that hair. Or maybe you want an affordable machine to supplement your other vacuum. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

Best overall: iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

iRobot

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Specs

• Robot dimensions: 3.5 inches tall by 12.3 inches wide
• Robot weight: 8.2 pounds
• Base dimensions: 19 inches tall by 11.5 inches wide by 15 inches deep
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Bin size: 60 days of dirt
• Run time: Maximum 120 minutes

Pros

• Self-emptying design
• Three levels of cleaning
• Smart mapping
• D-shaped robot
• Dual rubber brushes
• Customizable no-go zones
• Alexa, Siri, and Google voice assistant compatible
• WiFi connected

Cons

• Pricey
• Noisy
• Some app complaints

So many intelligent features are packed in the iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum that they’re hard to list. The WiFi-connected robot features smart mapping, programmable no-go zones, and the ability to send it out for spot cleaning. It is also compatible with many voice assistants, including the big three: Alexa, Siri, and Google.

The black-and-bronze robot effortlessly weaves through furniture. Its D-shape allows it to maneuver into corners better than some round machines we’ve tested. Its various sensors help it dodge socks and toys we fail to pick up. The powerful suction and dual rubber brushes easily pick up large debris and ably pull up dog hair ground into the carpet. Occasionally, it leaves a wad of fur in its wake when it goes to empty the bin, but it often picks it up as it shimmies through a second sweep (though not always). Not all robot vacuums have self-emptying bases, but pet owners will find it well worth it to avoid handling a mix of fur and floor grunge. The Roomba s9+ empties itself into a bag, which may need frequent replacing in a high-fluff house.

When the Roomba s9+ debuted, it was the top-of-the-line vacuum with a matching price of $1,000. However, Roomba has released new models and dropped the cost of the s9+ considerably, making it a better value. It can also be linked to iRobot’s Braava Robot Mop (included in our best Roombas guide). Users report two main complaints: the app has occasional weirdness, like losing maps, and both the 2500Pa robot and its dock are loud.

Best self-emptying: Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base

iRobot

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Specs

• Robot weight: 12.2 pounds
• Base dimensions: 11.4 inches tall by 18.5 inches wide by 13.4 inches deep
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Bin size: 30 days of dirt
• Run time: Maximum 60 minutes

Pros

• Self-emptying base
• Bagless
• Room mapping
• Google and Alexa compatible
• WiFi connected
• Can schedule cleaning

Cons

• Noisy
• Not great at edges and corners
• Some users have difficulty with the app

You don’t have to drop a fortune to get a self-emptying base for a robot vacuum. The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base is an older but reliable model that empties itself into a bin with no bag. Just dump the container after about a month of cleanings. The EZ Robot goes row by row to clean a room and can resume a cleaning where it left off should it recharge before the room is done. Google Assistant, Alexa, or the app can be used to control and schedule cleanings, though some users report issues with the app connecting. The round bot is a little clunky. It has a built-in bumper, which is good because it sometimes bumps into furniture.

Best for hardwood floors: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum

Bissell

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Specs

• Robot dimensions: 4 inches tall by 13 inches wide by 14 inches deep
• Robot weight: 7.5 pounds
• Surfaces: Hard floors, low- to medium-pile carpets
• Run time: 130 minutes

Pros

• Vacuums and mops
• Two-tank system
• Uses cleaning solution specially designed for wood floors
• Donates money to support homeless pets with every purchase
• Cleans with reusable pads
• Can schedule cleaning
• WiFi connected
• Quiet

Cons

• No mapping
• Sometimes bumps into furniture
• Must use Bissell cleaners or warranty is voided

Bissell has long made wet/dry vacuums, but the Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum is its first robot that does both. Swap in the dry tank to have it vacuum, or put in the water tank to mop with two spinning, washable pads. This versatility helps out pet parents with a lot of hard floors to keep clean. At this mid-range price, the SpinWave delivers more than expected, like an app that offers customized cleaning priorities, the option to build a cleaning schedule, and quiet operation.

Even though it doesn’t have advanced mapping features, the SpinWave cleans in tidy rows instead of bumping around randomly. The mopping mode avoids carpets with a soft surface sensor and is safe for hardwood floors, vinyl, and tile. The SpinWave also uses Bissell’s range of proprietary cleaners instead of the plain water most robot mops suggest. However, the solution evaporates rather than being suctioned up, so furry friends should be kept out until dry.

Best vacuum-and-mop combo: ECOVACS Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop

Ecovacs

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Specs

• Robot dimensions: 3.7 inches tall by 13.9 inches wide by 12.6 inches deep
• Base dimensions: 20.8 inches tall by 15.5 inches wide by 17.4 inches deep
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Bin size: Reported 90 days of dirt
• Water tank size: 4 liters
• Run time: Maximum 210 minutes

Pros

• 3D mapping
• Four cleaning modes: vacuum only, mop only, vacuum before mop, vacuum and mop
• Mop pads lift when not in use
• OMNI station automates emptying, water refilling, and drying
• AI-controlled obstacle avoidance
• Lidar sensor
• YIKO voice assistant
• WiFi connected

Cons

• Pricey
• Durability to be determined

While the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop isn’t The Jetsons’s Rosey, it’s getting close. The newly launched flagship model comes stacked with high-tech features like artificial intelligence to suggest how to clean up a mess and a LiDAR sensor, a type of laser detection and ranging technology used on self-driving cars and other autonomous vehicles. It maps in 3D and can be sent to spot clean by pointing it out on the app. It also comes with a voice assistant and can make two-way video calls if you want to see what your pet is up to. We haven’t done an in-home test yet, but we saw a demonstration where the squared-off robot successfully dodged toys, power cords, and expensive short-throw projectors on hardwood, holding a tight line with a wall while also sensing the need to lift its mop pads as it went over a carpet. 

In addition to the kind of tech that can keep a vacuum from knocking over a pet’s water bowl, and 8000Pa suction to get all the stray kibble and undercoat, the X2 Omni has a mode where vacuuming and mopping happen simultaneously. It’s a time saver and a big plus if vacuums stress out your pet (after all, we want to clean up any puppy puddles, not inspire new ones). The dock, dubbed the Omni station, automates a lot of the floor care that most people don’t want to deal with, like emptying the dust bin, refilling the robot’s water tank, and cleaning and drying the dual mop pads after use. The convenience comes at a recommended price of $1,499, but we’ve seen launch deals that knock a couple hundred off.

Best budget: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX

Eufy

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Specs

• Robot dimensions: 2.9 inches tall by 12.8 inches wide by 12.8 inches deep
• Robot weight: 5.7 pounds
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Run time: Maximum 100 minutes

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Quiet
• Remote control
• Amazon Echo compatible

Cons

• Not “smart”

Look no further than the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX for an affordable robot vacuum. It’s a bit old-school because it doesn’t map or go row by row. Instead, it cuts a random path through a room but features anti-collision technology and drop-sensors so it doesn’t fall down stairs. It has about 100 minutes of cleaning time, 2000Pa of suction, and is relatively quiet. It’s also under three inches tall, easily fitting under couches where fluff transforms into dust bunnies. At around $250 (and often on sale), it’s a highly rated model for people looking for simple operation without apps or cameras.

What to consider when buying the best robot vacuums for pet hair

Budget

As robot vacuums have become more common, their prices have dropped while the features you can get for your money have increased. Entry-level robot vacuums can start around $100, but they’re often made by obscure or unknown brands and have that erratic, bump-and-go style. Determine your budget and think about how smart—or not—you want the robot to be. Remember that more expensive connected smart-home models often have advanced features, like sophisticated sensors, voice control, and mapping technology.

Robot height and shape

In the robot vacuum world, short kings reign supreme. It’s worth measuring low furniture to see how much clearance is available. Can a robot move freely under a platform bed, or will it get trapped? A robot’s shape can impact cleaning, too. D-shaped or squared-off bots can get closer to corners and edges than round ones.

Room for a dock

A regular vacuum can live in a closet or a spare corner, but a robot vacuum needs space around its dock. Manufacturers’ guidance varies, but they often recommend a foot and a half to three feet of space on either side of the dock and four feet of empty space in front of it. And you’ll need a power plug.

Privacy

All smart tech comes with privacy concerns; robot vacuums are no different. Robots that map our homes are inherently collecting private data. Devices that connect to WiFi open the possibility of that data being accessed by someone else by accident or design. The advanced cameras some models use to map and identify objects also capture images of our home’s interior and potentially our family members. If this freaks you out, opt for a bot that doesn’t connect to the internet or has cameras, but it won’t be able to avoid pet waste.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best robot vacuums for pet hair

• Best overall: iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
• Best self-emptying: Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base
• Best for hardwood floors: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum
• Best vacuum-and-mop combo: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
• Best budget: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX

Robot vacuums were practically made for pet owners, saving time and effort. While we think the self-emptying base, advanced mapping features, and ability to block out no-go zones make iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum the best overall pick for a robot vacuum, all of the options on this list can ably cut down fur and dander without a ton of human effort.

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 robot vacuums for pet hair 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		TCL Q6		SEE IT	TCL’s Q6 offers the perfect balance of performance and price.
Best OLED		Sony BRAVIA XR A80L		SEE IT	Sony’s BRAVIA XR A80L will provide the best contrast and color reproduction of any Google TV out there.
Best budget		TCL S3		SEE IT	It’s hard to argue with a new 43-inch HDTV that costs $200.

Google’s Android TV has become a go-to software platform for TV makers over the past few years because of the search giant’s commitment to providing continual software updates and user interface improvements. Android TV is loaded onto TVs from the likes of Sony, TCl, and Hisense, three companies committed to creating cutting-edge sets for movie watching and gaming alike. Choosing one of the best Android TVs means picking a television with an operating system that keeps content streaming smoothly.

• Best overall: TCL Q6
• Best OLED: Sony BRAVIA XR A80L
• Best for gaming: Sony XR65X90K
• Best QLED: Hisense U7H
• Best budget: TCL S3

How we chose the best Android TVs

Our recommendations for the best Google TVs are based on a mix of hands-on testing and research. We paid additional to each Google TV’s video and audio quality, size, refresh rate, port selection, and price. The way you tend to use your TVs is also important. For example, if you’re a hardcore gamer, you’ll need a TV with different specs than someone who just wants to stream video for a couple of hours after work. Both are valid use cases, but require different hardware.

The best Android TVs: Reviews & Recommendations

If you’re ready to get a more modern smart-home TV for your family room or want a new one for your home theater system, these are the best Google TVs you can get right now.

Best overall: TCL Q6

Brandt Ranj

SEE IT

Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Sizes available: 55, 65, 75, 85-inches
• Ports: 3x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x optical audio, 1x coaxial, 1x Ethernet, 1x USB

Pros

• Excellent picture quality
• Snappy performance
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Some settings are confusing

The 2022 model of TCL’s 6-Series is so good that it earned a spot in our guide, but the company has continued to defy our expectations of what to expect from a sub-$1,000 4K TV with its successor, the Q6. We’ll cut to the chase: This is the TCL TV you should get unless you have really specialized needs or a very strict budget. In our tests, which included playing Nintendo Switch games and streaming native 4K content from Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services, the Q6 couldn’t have performed much better.

We noticed the biggest differences when watching shows with a lot of contrast—like Star Trek: Picard—in which dimly lit scenes are often punctuated with pops of light and color. We can confirm each shot from a phaser was pleasing to the eye, and details in dark, seemingly abandoned spaceships were present. The Q6 was able to show colors more accurately, too. In games, like the Nintendo Switch‘s Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, foliage looked lush, dragons looked imposing, and “The Depths” felt isolating.

Gamers who play on more powerful consoles or PCs will be able to push the Q6 and their gaming hardware to its limits thanks to the TV’s 120Hz panel. Additionally, features, like TCL’s Game Accelerator Enhanced Gaming and Auto Game Mode with AMD FreeSync will automatically optimize the Q6 to lower latency (lag) for the smoothest experience. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who spends their nights playing online titles with friends, the Q6 has you covered.

We’re also pleased to report that TCL’s Q6 was as easy to setup as it was to use. The model we tested ran Google TV, and we could run through most of the setup process on our phone using the Google Home app, which is available on iOS and Android. It took about 10 minutes to sign into our Google account, run through the typical gauntlet of security questions, and download a software update. Similarly, Google’s operating system was easy to navigate, and streaming apps loaded quickly. Shortcut buttons on the Q6’s remote made opening the most common streaming apps a single button push away.

We don’t have any complaints with the TCL Q6’s performance, but we were a little confused by the default picture setting being a low-power mode. We’re used to seeing normal in its place and didn’t want to limit the screen’s brightness for the sake of power savings. We ended up using the Q6’s Smart HDR setting for the majority of our tests, which worked well for both playing games and watching videos.

If you want a reliable TV that runs well and looks even better, we can’t find much fault with TCL’s Q6, which is competitive not only with the company’s other sets but also with what’s available from TCL’s competitors.

Best OLED: Sony BRAVIA XR A80L

Sony

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Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Sizes available: 55, 65, 77, 83-inches
• Ports: 4x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x optical audio, 1x coaxial, 1x Ethernet, 2x USB

Pros

• OLED display
• Fast refresh rate
• Exclusive features for PlayStation 5

Cons

• Price

As far as QLED and MiniLED technology have come, they can’t match the true black levels of an OLED screen, which makes them particularly good for gaming. Sony is no stranger to the space, considering the PlayStation’s multi-decade dominance in the console space, so it’s not surprising that it makes the best Google TV for gamers.

The XR A80L’s OLED panel has a 120Hz refresh rate, support for Dolby Vision HDR, and runs on a custom processor that optimizes its performance for video streaming and gaming. These features will benefit all gamers, but PlayStation-exclusive ones like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Mode will tune the set when you plug in Sony’s console. The two can speak to one another in ways other consoles can’t because of custom hardware and software developed for each.

Another exclusive feature of Sony’s TVs is the BRAVIA CORE app, which allows you to buy and stream digital copies of the company’s movies at the highest-possible quality. Cinephiles will appreciate this more than the common streamer, but it’s nice to have as these films will show off what the XR A80L is truly capable of. This TV has no discernable technical flaws, but its price tag matches its fidelity. If you don’t mind spending extra to have the best of the best, though, this is a no-compromise Google TV.

Best for gaming: Sony XR65X90K

Sony

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Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Sizes available: 55, 65, 75, 85-inches
• Ports:4 HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x optical audio, 1x coaxial, 1x Ethernet, 2x USB

Pros

• Custom Sony processor
• Fast refresh rate
• Exclusive features for PlayStation 5

Cons

• Can’t quite match the Sony BRAVIA XR A80L

If you like everything about the Sony BRAVIA TVs except price, and don’t mind giving up its OLED screen, we recommend the Sony XR65X90K. It has the same PlayStation-exclusive gaming features, processor, refresh rate, resolution, and port selection as its luxe sibling, alongside access to Sony’s BRAVIA CORE service.

The only real difference is the screen technology used by both sets. While the XR A80L has an OLED display, the XR65X90K sports a full array LED screen. The differences will be subtle to most people, but hardcore gamers who want the most hyper-realistic-looking skin tones and contras (assuming their games are going for such an aesthetic) may be disappointed. Everyone else will find a lot to like from this Google TV, which costs roughly half the price of the XR A80L when it’s on sale.

One place the XR65X90K actually pulls ahead of the XR A80L is in its maximum screen size. The former tops out at 85 inches, while the latter only goes up to 83 inches. Again, this is a subtle difference, but one that could make a big difference to gamers.

Best QLED: Hisense U7H

Hisense

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Specs

• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Sizes available: 55, 65, 75, 85-inches
• Ports: 4x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x optical audio, 1x coaxial, 1x Ethernet, 2x USB

Pros

• Very affordable
• Excellent picture for the price
• Bright
• Full-array local dimming for better contrast

Cons

• Picture lags behind more expensive sets

Hisense has spent the last several years pouring more resources than you’d expect to find in a QLED TV at its price range. So much so that we named it one of the best 65-inch TVs regardless of operating system or price. It includes some unexpected niceties like HDMI 2.1 ports, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a svelte frame. Most importantly, Hisense chose to hop on the QLED bandwagon, which means you should expect excellent brightness, contrast, and overall performance. It even has local dimming zones, which allow the TV to automatically and intelligently manage the brightness levels on different sections of the screen.

All of these features will benefit gamers and video streamers alike, and we wouldn’t expect to find them in a TV priced well under $1,000. Now the color reproduction and contrast may not be as high as they would be on higher-end sets, but we can still recommend the U7H without reservation because it punches far above its weight.

Best budget: TCL S3

TCL

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Specs

• Resolution: 1080P
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Sizes available: 32, 40, 43-inches
• Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x headphone jack, 1x USB, 1x Ethernet jack, 1x coaxial, 1x optical
• Operating system: Google TV, Roku TV

Pros

• Price
• Available in smaller sizes
• Modern look

Cons

• Two HDMI ports

Choosing a best budget TV for this guide was difficult because all of its hardware punches above its weight at its price class. There isn’t a poor value in TCL’s current-generation lineup, which is a testament to its value. That said, if you need an inexpensive TV for a guest or bedroom, or have very basic video streaming needs, TCL’s S3 is the one to get.

The 1080P TV doesn’t have the same gaming or premium video features as its high-end siblings, but it does have a couple of distinct advantages. First, you can get a TCL S3 TV in sizes as little as 32 inches, which is the perfect size for a dorm room or to wall mount in a kitchen. Big screens are great for home theaters and living rooms, but they’re not always necessary. The second reason to pick up a TCL S3 TV is, unsurprisingly, its price. The largest-screen model in this line costs under $200. That’s an incredible value for a 43-inch screen. If you’re not gaming or playing streaming 4K videos, this is all the TV you’re going to need.

It’s easy to associate inexpensive tech gear with looking and feeling cheap, but TCL has maintained a high bar for industrial design even with its lower-specced TVs. The S3 TV’s bezel (rim) is nearly flush with the screen, which lowers its bulk and weight in addition to making it look modern. The only problem you may run into is its relatively low number of HDMI ports. There’s enough for one game console and a soundbar, but not much else. If all you want to do is stream the latest season of Stranger Things, this won’t be an issue.

If you’ve been using the same TV for a decade, and want an inexpensive replacement that will look and perform well for its price, TCL’s S2 is the one to get.

What to consider when choosing a Google TV

When deciding which Google TV is appropriate for you, we drilled down into tech specs that make the biggest difference between all sets. One additional overarching factor in your decision will be your budget, which we factored heavily in our decisions.

Size

We understand space constraints may bar you from picking up a truly massive screen, and with that in mind we’ve tailored our recommendations to suit every room. Our Google TV recommendations range in size from 32 to 85 inches. It’s worth noting that going for the largest possible TV may not be wise, even if you have enough space due to your viewing angle. You want the Google TV to be far enough away that you can comfortably see things happening on both edges. We recommend you reference this chart to ensure you get the right-sized Google TV for your room.

Resolution

A Google TV’s resolution determines the number of pixels on its panel, and in this case, more means more. A 4K TV has eight times as many pixels as a 1080P set, which means videos will look sharper and, therefore, more lifelike. While we’re mostly recommending 4K TVs, you should also think about the resolution of the content you consume. If you play games on the Nintendo Switch and have a basic Netflix account, for example, you’ll only be gaming and streaming 1080P content.

A majority of the video content you’ll watch is HD, but we feel getting a 4K set today means you won’t have to upgrade in the near future. The amount of 4K video content continues to increase exponentially, and it’s better to have a TV that can handle it rather than having to get another set down the line.

Refresh rate

A television’s refresh rate determines the number of times it’s able to display new information every second. This doesn’t matter when you’re watching TV shows and movies (unless you’re a serious cinephile who watches movies at 24 frames per second), but is important for gaming. If you have the right system and games, a Google TV with a 120Hz refresh rate will make gameplay look buttery smooth. As with 4K video content, you’ll need a game that can run at up to 120 frames per second to take full advantage of this tech spec.

Ports

The assortment ports on the back of a Google TV aren’t as important as they used to be as people cut the cord and have moved on to streaming video from services you can access directly from the set. Still, if you plan on hooking up a soundbar, game console, or other peripherals, you’ll want to get an Android TV that has enough ports to handle your equipment.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Android TVs

• Best overall: TCL Q6
• Best OLED: Sony BRAVIA XR A80L
• Best for gaming: Sony XR65X90K
• Best QLED: Hisense U7H
• Best budget: TCL S3

As Google TV continues to evolve, it’ll become even easier to recommend sets running this operating system to everyone. The fact that you’ll find the operating system running on TVs at a wide range of prices only speaks to Google’s commitment to the space. We eagerly anticipate the continued introduction of new features as the platform evolves. Rest assured, getting one of these Google TV today means a positive experience.

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 Android TVs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Coordinating locations with friends and family can be a real hassle. “I’m by a big tree,” “I’m standing on the corner,” and “My car broke down but there are no signs so just drive along I-95 for a while” simply aren’t helpful when there are multiple corners, dozens of trees, and 1,908 miles of Interstate 95.

It’s a lot easier if you use an app that lets you share your location safely and privately—without broadcasting it to the world. Apple has put tools inside iOS for sharing your location from an iPhone, and Google has done the same in Google Maps, but there are also several third-party apps that can do the job well.

At first it might seem unsettling to let other people know exactly where you are, but you’re in full control of who has this information and how long they have it for—and the next time you’re trying to meet up with someone, this can save you a whole lot of time and a whole lot of messages.

Glympse

Among the apps specifically built for location sharing, Glympse is one of the most comprehensive and competent. It’s great for quick, customized location sharing with people who might not all be using the same brand of phone or the same apps, and there are mapping tools inside the app that will help you find friends and family.

You can send location shares—called, appropriately enough, glympses—over email, text, or through other apps as well as Glympse. If the recipient is on a computer, or using a phone without Glympse, the glympse shows up in that person’s web browser instead, and only for the allotted time. You don’t even need a Glympse account to share your location.

You get full control over who you share your location with and for how long, and you can set up private groups where everyone can see where everyone else is. Another handy feature is the option to add public tags to your glympses: They work a bit like social media hashtags, and you can use them to let the wider world know that you’re at a music festival or a sports event.

Glympse is free for Android and iOS.

Life360

Life360 is aimed specifically at families, so you can keep tabs on where your kids are and make sure they’re safe. You can get alerts when they turn up at home or school, see where they are on a map, and even get alerts if they may have been involved in a crash on the road. With Tile tracker support, you can track your possessions in the app too.

The map view is the center of the Life360 app. It lets you check up on where family members are in real time, and for peace of mind there’s an SOS feature that lets anyone discreetly and quietly send an alert to their family. If your kids want a bit more privacy, they can share their general location rather than a precise spot on the map.

[Related: These smartphone settings could save your life]

You and your family can use Life360 free of charge, but you’ll get access to more features if you sign up for one of the premium accounts, which start at $15 a month. Paying for the service means 30 days rather than two days of location history, alerts for an unlimited number of locations instead of just two, and a road crash detection feature.

Life360 is free for Android and iOS, with a premium version starting at $15.

Messaging apps

Beyond standalone apps dedicated to location sharing, you’ll also find the feature built into several messaging and social media apps. If you want to temporarily share your location with a specific group of people—like when you’re on a family vacation—you might find that these apps are a better fit for you.

How to share your location on WhatsApp

In WhatsApp, tap the paperclip icon at the bottom of any one-to-one conversation or group chat, then choose Location. You can choose between sending a single message showing where you currently are, or broadcasting your live location in real time for 15 minutes, an hour, or eight hours (with the option to cancel the sharing at any time).

It’s perfect for quick and easy location sharing that you don’t want to go on indefinitely, especially as you probably already have the necessary group conversations set up inside the app for your friends, family, colleagues, and special events. Don’t worry: Your location will stay private within these group chats, or within the one-to-one conversation you’ve selected.

WhatsApp is free for Android and iOS.

How to use Snapchat’s location settings

Snapchat has a feature called Snap Map, which you can use to let your friends know where you are. No one who isn’t your friend will be able to see your location, and you can limit it to certain friends if necessary. The Snap Map will also show you public snaps posted to the Snapchat network—usually showing off a particular place or event to the world at large.

Tap the map pin (bottom left) on Snapchat’s camera screen to find the map and see where your friends are. Touch the cog icon (top right), and you can choose which friends can see where you are, or turn on ghost mode to temporarily hide your location. Your location only updates when Snapchat is open, and is removed from the map after 24 hours.

[Related: Make a Memoji that actually looks like you]

On this same screen, there’s also a Share live option: This grants specific friends the privilege of seeing where you are in real time, and you can enable it for one hour, eight hours, or until you turn it off. It’s a useful extra layer of location sharing you can enable for the people you trust the most, like your partner or your kids.

Snapchat is free or $4 a month for Android and iOS.

Share your location in Signal

The primary reason to get yourself and your friends on Signal is the security and privacy it offers: There’s end-to-end encryption, the option to use disappearing messages, and (perhaps most importantly) it’s run by a developer that isn’t interested in advertising to you or trying to keep you locked inside its own ecosystem.

While it’s not worth switching to Signal for its location-sharing features alone, it does have them, so you won’t miss out on being able to let other people know where you are at specific times. Like everything else in Signal, location sharing is handled simply and securely, and can be done within one-to-one conversations or inside group chats.

At the bottom of the relevant conversation, tap the plus button in the bottom right corner, then choose Location from the menu that pops up. You’ll then be able to confirm where you are before sharing your location—it’s shared in a one-off message with the people inside the selected chat, so your location won’t be updated in real time.

Signal is free for Android and iOS.

The post 5 location-sharing apps that aren’t run by Apple or Google appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Vega Sport Chocolate		SEE IT	This high-performance protein tastes good and comes at a reasonable price-per-serving.
Best tasting		Garden of Life: Creamy Oat Chocolate Brownie		SEE IT	If you have trouble choking down regular protein, this pleasant powder may be what you’re looking for.
Best for sensitive stomachs		Promix Vegan Raw Chocolate		SEE IT	If you want simple ingredients and immaculate macros, then this is a great choice.

The plant-based bandwagon has been picking up a lot of passengers these last few years, which has led to an abundance of vegan protein powders on the market. But, the workout supplement landscape can be tricky to navigate. It’s full of expensive scams and misinformation. Plus, the rise of well-meaning, but unqualified foodies and fitness influencers across the Internet has made it difficult to discern fact from fiction. We’re here to help you sort it out. Whether you’re throwing haymakers on the heavy bag or trying to PR on your deadlift, we found five vegan protein powders that will support your every workout. 

• Best overall: Vega Sport Chocolate
• Best tasting: Garden of Life: Creamy Oat Chocolate Brownie
• Best meal replacement: Gnarly Vegan Chocolate
• Best for sensitive stomachs: Promix Vegan Raw Chocolate
• Best after an interval workout: Ladder Chocolate

How we chose the best vegan protein powder

PopSci has multiple staff members who are vegetarian and explore animal protein alternatives, while I’ve been an active athlete since childhood and have been vegan most of my adult life. I filtered my search to performance supplements that are purely plant-based. I’m also a Columbia-educated registered dietician. I focused my search on products with ingredients that are accurately labeled, which can be tricky since the FDA doesn’t regulate protein powder in the same way it regulates regular food. Therefore, I relied on supplements certified by NSFSport, trusted by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) and most major league sports associations, to verify product authenticity and suitability for athletes. You’ll notice I chose the chocolate flavors of each brand because that’s what I find best fits the most common peanut butter and banana “recipe” many of us use for protein smoothies (most brands only carry a chocolate and vanilla flavor in their vegan selection, anyway). Finally, as I reviewed the available options, I made sure to account for differences in things like packaging, allergens, and price.

Here’s that easy, delicious smoothie recipe:

• 12 oz Britta water
• 1 large banana
• 2 ice cubes
• Teaspoon of peanut butter
• Dash of vanilla extract
• Shake of cinnamon
• Shake of cloves

The best vegan protein: Reviews & Recommendations

While we make specific recommendations, it’s important to consider your needs and tastes. Be sure to check out all the options on the list before ordering.

Best overall: Vega Sport Chocolate

Vega

SEE IT

Specs

• Protein per serving: 30g
• Carbs per serving: 6g
• Fat per serving: 3g
• Calories per serving: 160
• Cost per serving: $1.92

Pros

• High absolute and relative protein content (second highest of all reviewed)
• Has 2.5 g of leucine, which is important for stimulating MPS (muscle protein synthesis)
• Simple ingredients make it less likely to upset your stomach
• Tart cherry, a powerful antioxidant, can help aid in recovery

Cons

• Not personally a huge fan of the stevia taste, but it’s not bad

The Vega brand carries a lot of weight in the world of vegan athletics because of its co-founder, Brendan Brazier—a former ultra-endurance athlete who helped prove the competitive viability of a plant-based lifestyle. This protein powder looks like it’s formulated to help you maintain that competitive edge. It got top billing on this list because of its high protein content, GI-safe ingredients, and adequate leucine content—important traits for any protein supplement. It comes stacked with 30 grams of protein per 44 gram serving (a ratio of 0.682 per gram) and 2.5 grams of leucine, which is important for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. It’s also free of the pro- and prebiotics, often the cause of GI disturbances, found in the more expensive “Premium” version. It doesn’t skimp on vitamins with 7 milligrams of iron and 20% of your daily calcium needs. I remember the early Vega protein powders in the mid-2000s and, I’ll be honest, they weren’t great. This has come a long way in taste and texture with a subtle, chocolatey flavor not overly affected by that distinct stevia taste. It blended well with the rest of my smoothie ingredients without getting too frothy. I’m not a fan of “froth” because it just puts my air in your stomach, causing most people to feel bloated. Finally, at only $29.99 for the standard tub, Vega’s Sport Protein – Plant-Based Protein Powder Chocolate does all I need it to do as a vegan athlete.

Best tasting: Garden of Life: Creamy Oat Chocolate Brownie

Garden of Life

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Specs

• Protein per serving: 20g
• Carbs per serving: 16g
• Fat per serving: 4.5g
• Calories per serving: 170
• Cost per serving: $2

Pros

• Oat milk does just what it says—gives it a creamy taste
• Fully organic, non-GMO product
• Trusted brand that has been around a long time

Cons

• The protein-to-powder ratio is a little low compared to competitors
• Pro- and prebiotic blend can upset the stomach of a person with a normal GI tract or IBS

Taste is a huge factor when considering a supplement because, let’s be honest, if it tastes bad, you’re probably not going to take it. The Garden of Life Creamy Organic Vegan Protein Powder + OatMilk is not that chalky protein powder of old. The coconut and oat milk powders give it a silky and creamy flavor that tastes pretty close to an actual milkshake. And, I’m not a chef, but there’s this nutty character of the chocolate that I’m guessing comes from the gluten-free grains they use for extra protein—brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and chia. Now, as someone who tries to get a pretty high amount of protein in his body every day, I do wish it had a bit more than 20 grams per serving (a ratio of 0.435 per gram), especially since vegan athletes have a slightly less access to bioavailable proteins. It also has a number of ingredients like erythritol (sugar alcohol), inulin, acacia gum, and a probiotic blend that can cause bloating or GI irritation for some people. Still, Garden of Life has been around a long time and makes a host of products that are independently verified to be as authentic, organic, and generally good for you as they try to be. If you get a good amount of protein in your diet and just want a bit extra through a delicious, organic shake, this is a good bet.

Best meal replacement: Gnarly Vegan Chocolate

Gnarly

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Specs

• Protein per serving: 20g
• Carbs per serving: 16g
• Fat per serving: 7g
• Calories per serving: 200
• Cost per serving: $3.69

Pros

• Higher overall calories and a broad macronutrient profile 
• Contains widest array of micronutrients, including biotin, vitamin D, and iron
• Includes more than 30% of daily fiber needs (9 grams)

Cons

• Larger serving size means you’ve got a lot of powder to chug
• Higher fat content than the others on the list

Gnarly Vegan’s Chocolate Meal Replacement protein is great for exactly that—a meal replacement. It’s got the highest calorie count (200 kilocals) and the widest array of micronutrients (i.e., vitamins and minerals) of all the brands reviewed. At 20 grams of protein per serving (a ratio of 0.400 per gram), 7 grams of net carbohydrates, and an impressive 9 grams of dietary fiber (one of the most chronically insufficient nutrients in American diets) it has a macronutrient distribution atypical for a protein powder but worthy of a meal replacement if you add a few more sources of carbohydrates. On their website, Gnarly owns up to the fact that this supplement is just barely a meal replacement, claiming that the higher calorie count (as compared to most protein supplements) puts them in that category.

As a sports dietitian, I agree, and added a few more bananas, berries, and applesauce to my shake in order to make it meet a full meal’s worth of nutrients. I would have added more powder, but the large serving size (50 grams) might have made it a more chalky smoothie than I was looking to drink. Be that as it may, if you’re looking to pack on muscle, which nutritionally relies on caloric surplus and protein intake, Gnarly Vegan’s Chocolate Meal Replacement is a safe bet. 

Best for sensitive stomachs: Promix Vegan Raw Chocolate

Promix

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Specs

• Protein per serving: 25g
• Carbs per serving: 3g
• Fat per serving: 2g
• Calories per serving: 130
• Cost per serving: $1.32

Pros

• Highest relative protein content of all reviewed (more than 3/4s of the product weight is protein at 0.781 per gram) 
• Fewest ingredients make it pretty easy on the stomach
• Made mostly in America (94%)

Cons

• Packaging is inconvenient and easily punctured

Promix’s Vegan Raw Chocolate protein powder is my kind of straight-to-the-point, no-frills workout supplement. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone and just packs a lot of protein in as few ingredients as possible. For that reason, it gets the nod as the easiest on your stomach, free of bubbly-guts culprits like prebiotics, probiotics, gums, sugar-alcohols, and all nine major food allergens. It actually has more protein per gram of product (0.781) than any of the others I reviewed, which means you get a lot of muscle-building macronutrients without too much powder. I found this to help with taste since I tasted more of the banana and cinnamon I added than the powder itself, which was more of a generic, neutral chocolate flavor than anything else. It’s not overly delightful, but it’s not at all offensive like some supplements can be. Finally, for those who like to shop with a bit of environmental responsibility, Promix’s manufacturing processes ensure 67% less carbon emissions compared to most competitors, and it sources 94% of its ingredients in North America.

Best after an interval workout: Ladder Chocolate

Ladder

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Specs

• Protein per serving: 21g
• Carbs per serving: 7g
• Fat per serving: 2g
• Calories per serving: TK
• Cost per serving: $1.80

Pros

• High in electrolytes (sodium and potassium), making it a good option for someone who sweats a lot 
• Tart cherry contents help with recovery after a tough workout
• Chocolatiest of the chocolate protein powders

Cons

• Pro- and prebiotic blend can upset the stomach of a person with a normal GI tract or IBS

Ladder’s Premium Chocolate Protein was close to getting the award for best tasting because of its rich chocolatey flavor while providing 21 grams of protein per serving. I actually tasted it by itself (mixing it with just water) and it legit tasted like a cooled-down hot chocolate. What makes it stand out, though, is its high concentration of electrolytes (650 mg of sodium, 620 mg of potassium), which are essential in rehydrating after an intense workout, and it’s inclusion of 480 mg of tart cherry extract—a powerful antioxidant which has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. It isn’t specific about its leucine content, but it does boast 1000 mg of BCAAs (valine, leucine, isoleucine) and methionine. I could also do without the probiotic blends, but some people may find that useful. Overall, it tasted great and didn’t bother my stomach much, if at all. It’s definitely something I’ll consider taking after a bunch of rounds on the heavy bag. 

Things to consider when shopping for vegan protein powder

Here are some essential variables to consider when shopping for a vegan protein supplement.

Protein content

The first thing I consider when looking for a vegan protein supplement is how much protein it contains. As plant-based athletes, it can be challenging to get high-bioavailability protein into our systems without eating a massive amount of food. Vegan protein sources are usually found in foods containing a lot of fiber, so some of the protein gets passed through us. Therefore, I’m usually trying to get the biggest bang for my buck, with a minimum of 20 grams of protein per serving, but preferably 30.

Ingredients and your ability to digest them

I’m also looking out for unnecessary ingredients (like probiotics) because I don’t need my protein shake to solve any GI issues I have. I just need it to give me protein without making me feel bloated or giving me the runs (we’ve all been there). This includes being aware of the protein source—soy, pea, brown rice, etc.—though most these days come from peas. Pea protein tends to be easy on the gut and peas have a high protein content compared to other legumes. Also worth thinking about is a supplement’s overall macronutrient content. Most protein powders will have a good ratio that is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates, but most of us don’t need to be overly concerned with that. The truth is, muscle building mostly happens in energy surplus, meaning we need sufficient overall calories for the protein we ingest to be put to proper use. Having adequate calories from carbohydrates and fats is an important part of that equation.

Other beneficial ingredients

Finally, where possible, I try to find a supplement with about 3 grams of leucine, an essential amino acid that stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Some powders will advertise their BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) but aren’t specific about how much leucine is present, even though it’s the most important of the three (leucine, isoleucine, and valine). If you can’t get it in your protein powder, soy, legumes, and whole wheats are usually a good bet. You know your body and your goals, so make the choices that best suit you, but keep the above in mind. Whenever possible, talk to an accredited dietitian to better understand what dietary adjustments best suit you. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best vegan protein powder

• Best overall: Vega Sport Chocolate
• Best tasting: Garden of Life: Creamy Oat Chocolate Brownie
• Best meal replacement: Gnarly Vegan Chocolate
• Best for sensitive stomachs: Promix Vegan Raw Chocolate
• Best after an interval workout: Ladder Chocolate

At the end of the day, our goals are individual, and our tastes are subjective. You’ve got to figure out what your body needs and how best to get there. Find a protein powder that you’re going to use consistently, maybe because of its taste, because it helps you recover after a workout, or because it doesn’t bother your stomach. You find what works for you. When in doubt, find a registered dietitian to help you sort through the details.

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 vegan protein powder for 2023, tested and reviewed by experts appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Despite only eating fish, the Southern Resident orcas of the Pacific Northwest’s Salish Sea are known for a perplexing behavior. They harass and even kill porpoises without eating them and scientists are not really sure why. A study published September 28 in the journal Marine Mammal Science looked at over 60 years of data to try and solve this ongoing mystery.

[Related: Raising male offspring comes at a high price for orca mothers.]

While their relatives called transient killer whales eat other organisms including squid, shark, and porpoises, the Southern Resident orcas exclusively eat fish, particularly Chinook salmon. The strange porpoise-harassing behavior was first scientifically documented in 1962. The new study analyzed 78 documented incidents and found three plausible explanations.

Orcas at play

The behavior may be a form of social play for orcas. Like many intelligent species including dogs, elephants, and kangaroos, these whales sometimes engage in playful activities as a way to bond, communicate, or just simply enjoy themselves. Going after porpoises might benefit their group coordination and teamwork.

This theory may be reminiscent of the orcas who became famous for sinking boats in Spain and Portugal. While the Southern Resident killer whales and the whales from the Iberian Peninsula are two different populations with distinct cultures, their affinity for play could be something both populations share, according to the authors of the study. 

Hunting practice

Going after a larger animal like porpoises might help these whales hone their critical salmon-hunting skills. They may view porpoises as moving targets to practice their hunting techniques, even if a meal is not the end result.

Mismothering behavior

The orcas may be attempting to provide care for porpoises that they perceive as either sick or weak. This could be a behavioral manifestation of their natural inclination to help others within their pod. Female orcas have been observed carrying their deceased calves and have been observed carrying porpoises in a similar manner.  

Scientists also call mismothering behavior displaced epimeletic behavior. It could be due to their limited opportunities to care for their young, according to study co-author and science and research director at Wild Orca Deborah Giles. 

“Our research has shown that due to malnutrition, nearly 70 percent of Southern Resident killer whale pregnancies have resulted in miscarriages or calves that died right away after birth,” Giles said in a statement.

An endangered group

Southern Resident killer whales are considered an endangered population. Currently, only 75 individuals exist and their survival is essentially tied to Chinook salmon. A 2022 study found that these orcas have been in a food deficit for over 40 years and another study found that the older and fatter fish are also becoming more scarce in several populations.

“I am frequently asked, why don’t the Southern Residents just eat seals or porpoises instead?” said Giles. “It’s because fish-eating killer whales have a completely different ecology and culture from orcas that eat marine mammals—even though the two populations live in the same waters. So we must conclude that their interactions with porpoises serve a different purpose, but this purpose has only been speculation until now.”

Even with these three theories for the behavior, the team acknowledges that the exact reason behind porpoise harassment may always remain a mystery. What is clear is that porpoises are not a part of the Southern Resident killer whale diet, so eating them is highly unlikely. 

“Killer whales are incredibly complex and intelligent animals. We found that porpoise-harassing behavior has been passed on through generations and across social groupings. It’s an amazing example of killer whale culture,” Sarah Teman, a study co-author and marine mammal biologist with the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s SeaDoc Society, said in a statement. “Still, we don’t expect the Southern Resident killer whales to start eating porpoises. The culture of eating salmon is deeply ingrained in Southern Resident society. These whales need healthy salmon populations to survive.”

However, this research does underscore the importance of salmon conservation in the Salish Sea and the Southern Resident’s entire range. They generally stay near southern Vancouver Island and Washington State, but their range can extend as far as the central California coast and southeastern Alaska.  Maintaining an adequate salmon supply will be vital to their survival and well-being of the Salish Sea ecosystem as a whole.

The post Why are these orcas harassing porpoises? Scientists have 3 theories. appeared first on Popular Science.

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Aerospace companies that create a new stealth aircraft as their signature achievement face a conundrum. They put years if not decades of work into its aerodynamic and industrial design and its state-of-the-art technology, creating a machine that carries terrible destructive power. And after all that, the contours of the design can be public but the details must remain somewhat obscured. This is true especially when it comes to the physical shape of the plane itself, as the exterior form of a stealth plane is part of what makes stealth possible. All of these concerns made it an unexpected surprise, and a planespotter’s delight, when the United States Air Force released two new photos of the stealthy B-21 Raider on September 12.

On the military media repository platform DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service), the new photos are dated July 31. One shows the Raider, head-on, in the hangar. The other has the Raider outside the hangar, at sunset.

The details revealed in the photographs are remarkable, but it is important to start with what is left out of these images. The rear of the bomber, and especially the exhaust ports, are not visible. Stealth, as a family of technologies, is primarily designed to hide aircraft from detection by refracted radar waves. Jet engines, full of spinning blades at a sharp angle to the world, are refractive, so in stealth design the turbines are tucked away behind inlets. Exhaust ports, while not as radar-revelatory, will show up on sensors that look for infrared and heat. Missiles that seek heat are decades old, and looking for exhaust is one tried and true way to see what a low-visibility design on radar obscures.

The available angles on the B-21, including these new photographs as well as photos from the initial flashy December roll-out, all largely serve to obscure the control surfaces on the Raider’s flying wing body. One photo taken March 7 offers an angle somewhat from above, but that photo is at a much lower resolution than the others.

But while it’s easy to focus on what the new photos of the Raider don’t show, what’s at least as compelling is the new evidence contained in these latest releases. Tyler Rogoway of The War Zone focused in part on the “ejection hatch panels.” He observed: “They sit far back and are another indicator of just how limited the pilots’ visibility will likely be in this aircraft. They also speak to the challenge that is judging the proportions on the alien-like B-21. The cockpit is either very small or very tall. We are leaning toward the former. We also see the aerial refueling markings peeking out from atop the aircraft’s bulged spine.” (The War Zone is owned by Recurrent Ventures, PopSci’s parent company.)

Other hidden gems abound, and Rogoway’s analysis offers insight. One that is pertinent to future observations of the bomber is that the B-21 on display, serial number 0001, has a large probe affixed to it. This will collect data in-flight for testing purposes, whenever the Raider makes its first test flight later this year.

In addition to the two photos released by the Air Force on September 12, Northrop Grumman, makers of the B-21, released a photo of the bomber on the same day. This photo was paired with an announcement that the Raider is undergoing engine runs, part of the testing to ensure that the plane’s power plant works as intended in the aircraft. 

“Engine testing is an essential milestone for the program as the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft continues on the path to flight test,” reads the Northrop Grumman announcement. “The B-21’s first flight will remain a data driven event that is monitored by Northrop Grumman and the United States Air Force.”

Airplane generations vary depending on the exact counting, but it is important to note that the B-21 is not just a stealth flying wing, but a successor stealth flying wing to the B-2 Spirit. In more than most senses, this means the plane represents an era shift in design, even as it draws from similar lessons about form.

Rogoway notes that the quarter view of the Raider reveals “Just how deeply ‘buried’ the Raider’s [engine] inlets — one of the most exotic and challenging low-observable features of the design — truly are.” He added: “This is a good reminder of just how the Raider will conceal its engine inlets from adversary radars, especially those emitting from any aspect below the aircraft.”

Until the Air Force flies the B-21 for the first time, analysis and understanding of the plane will come in bits and pieces as new filtered images trickle out. That is, unless details about the bomber end up leaked to the War Thunder forums, as has already happened with classified documents about two different military aircraft this month.

The post New B-21 stealth bomber photos reveal tantalizing clues about the aircraft appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier		SEE IT	A front-runner that pulls moisture from the air efficiently, and in diverse temperatures, up to the point you desire.
Best smart		GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement		SEE IT	Between asking Alexa to dry up your basement and doing a lot of stat tracking, you’ll love this offering from GoveeLife.
Best budget		MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements		SEE IT	If your basement is just mildly too damp, this number-1 customer pick can handle the job.

If you have a basement, you may have a problem with humidity, and the best way to handle that issue is with dehumidifiers for basements. But dehumidifiers need to cool air down to work, and, based on the simple fact that hot air rises, we know that basements tend to be cool. They also tend to be a bit damper than what the average dehumidifier encounters, meaning they’ll not only need to filter more water out of the air, but they’ll need to dispose of more of it. As a result, finding the best dehumidifiers for basements can take some sorting and searching, so we did that task for you.

• Best overall: Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier
• Best for large basement: VEAGASO 70 Pints Dehumidifier
• Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement
• Best quiet: Bublue DH1 Pro
• Best for cold: Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier
• Best budget: MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements

How we chose the best dehumidifiers for basements

Through and through, the best dehumidifiers for basements need to be able to remove large amounts of water and deal with cool temperatures better than the rest. Still, we wanted to give readers a wide variety and some choices that had excellent qualities that would support different kinds of homes.

The best dehumidifiers for basements: Reviews & Recommendations

The following choices represent the best dehumidifiers for basements while still providing quality across a number of other categories. No matter what your individual situation, you should be able to find a product amongst those on this list. While the overall best is exemplary of the class and representative of what a dehumidifier can do in a basement, other items on the list are still worth checking out as they may pull ahead in their own niches.

Note that manufacturer specs may label their water tanks in gallons, liters, or other units. Here, we have converted all units to pints for your convenience so you can compare the maximum removal capacity of the unit with the size of its tank. While you can’t necessarily expect to get the max pull each day, it will help you gauge how labor-intensive manual draining might be in a way that isn’t misleading or confusing.

Best overall: Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier

Frigidaire

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Why it made the cut: This is a solid product from a solid brand—it’ll take you through most situations.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 50 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (16.9 pint tank)
• Size: 16 x 24.25 x 12.2
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• Works in rooms up to 3,000 square feet
• Can work down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit
• Adjustable humidistat
• Remote control

Cons

• Not smartphone connectable

Frigidaire’s 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier is a well-rounded machine that should keep the vast majority of customers happy. Its 50-pint collection is appropriate for most basements and is the sweet spot between power and pricing that you’ll find reflected in most of the best dehumidifiers for basements. Features like multiple fan speeds, a built-in humidistat, and a timer shutoff are nice to see, too.

You can set the Frigidaire to continuously drain if you have the right tubing and a spot to drain at. If that is too much effort, the 2.11-gallon tank (that’s 16.9 pints) will serve you just fine. Like most dehumidifiers, the machine will automatically shut off when the water bucket is full. However, if you’re paying attention to detail, you’ll note that it can draw 50 pints a day from the air in the right conditions. This means that when you initially start using this product, you may need to dump the bucket several times daily to maximize efficiency. However, after your basement reaches a sort of equilibrium, this will likely change.

While speaking of efficiency, one thing to note is the Frigidaire’s ability to work at temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This is great for families that have briefly cool periods during the year, but remember that even the best dehumidifiers for basements still won’t get the maximum water withdrawal rate at this temperature.

It doesn’t have WiFi or smartphone connectivity, which we would have liked to have seen at this power and price range. Still, if you don’t have a home filled with smart-home devices, and use your basement regularly enough, you’ll enjoy and trust this product to get the job done. And, if operating the machine from afar (such as lowering its fan speed during TV watching) is important to you, it includes a remote.

Best for large basement: VEAGASO 70 Pints Dehumidifier

Veagaso

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Why it made the cut: If you want maximum power at a good price, here it is.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 70 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (8.5 pint tank)
• Size: 10 x 11 x 20 inches
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• Advanced backlit display and control panel
• Reservoir beeps when full
• Quick toggle child lock
• Humidistat for 33% to 80% humidity is good for any purpose

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Small water tank

The VEAGASO is made for intense drainage for larger areas, handling basements up to 5,500 square feet in size. It’ll pull 70 pints per day in the perfect climate (95 degrees Fahrenheit, 90% humidity), so it can service real problem areas quickly. Remember that even under non-ideal circumstances, a dehumidifier like this will have more pull than others.

You’ll like the VEAGASO’s backlit display and convenient control panel. On it, you can set your ideal humidity level, fan speed, choose which part of the house you’ve put your dehumidifier in (yes, there is a basement choice), and set the child lock with a single tap. It’ll also light up when the air filter should be changed and flash red, beep, and automatically shut off once the reservoir bucket is filled to capacity.

Speaking of the bucket, it is probably the only negative aspect of the highly-regarded VEAGASO dehumidifier. It’s considerably smaller than the water removal capacity, so human effort can possibly become a bottleneck in your humidity removal efforts if you use it over the drainage system. Still, there’s hardly a better value-for-the-price 70 pints unit out there.

Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement

GoveeLife

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Why it made the cut: If you want to monitor your basement’s humidity from afar, you can do that with GoveeLife.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Typically 50-70 pints/day, but can hit 109 pints/day.
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (16-pint tank)
• Size: 11.61 x 15.35 x 24.41 inches
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• App, voice, and touch panel control
• Good water removal even without being a hot room
• 1.6-foot drainage hose included
• App lets you control dehumidifier and monitor results easily

Cons

• Drain has no pump, requires gravity

For those who want smartphone and assistant integration, as well as some stat tracking, GoveeLife offers quite a few premium dehumidifiers that will do the trick. This one, the Smart Dehumidifier for Basement, pulls out between 50 and 70 pints of water per day, depending on mode and environment. At 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% RH, it can even get out 109 pints/day. It works in 4,500 square-foot basements but is most effective up to 900 square feet.

We particularly like how many options there are for controlling the GoveeLife. It has a touch panel for immediate control. However, it really shines with its app assistant, which will give you details of the room’s humidity over time, including across the hours of the day. You’ll get alerts when the tank is full, can set your desired basement humidity and run times, and can toggle features such as auto restart (which turns on the machine again after power outages).

Even more “smart” is the ability to integrate with your smart home system. If you have an Alexa device, Google Assistant, or IFTTT system with voice control, you can control it using those, as well as voice commands. It also receives firmware updates over-the-air via a WiFi connection.

Best quiet: Bublue DH1 Pro

BuBlue

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Why it made the cut: It is designed to stay at a decent noise level.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 50 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (8.4-pint tank)
• Size: 13.78 x 9.25 x 22.76 inches
• Energy Star-certified: No

Pros

• 40dB noise reduction
• Sleep mode toggle
• Sturdy drainage pipe

Cons

• Heavy when full

If you use your basement quite a lot, adding a loud piece of equipment isn’t really an option. Bublue understands your issue and designed this dehumidifier around operating in a quiet way that has passed customer scrutiny. Additionally, there is a sleep mode if you happen to be a nighttime basement dweller.

The Bublue DH1 Pro is quite efficient at pulling water out of the air, with customers reporting having to dump the tank rather frequently. If possible, use the included drainage pipe to empty the machine. You can roll the DH1 Pro to your outlet on its wheels, which is good since there are a few complaints about how surprisingly heavy this dehumidifier can get. On the bright side, you won’t have to worry about it being knocked over.

Best for cold: Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier

Honeywell

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Why it made the cut: As a heater, AC, dehumidifier combo, this can actually eliminate the cold.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 51 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain
• Size: 15.2 x 18.1 x 29.4 inches
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• Provides year-round comfort
• All your air-altering needs in one machine
• Heats the air to provide better dehumidification environment

Cons

• Expensive (but multi-functional)

Dehumidifiers don’t work as well in cold environments. Even the ones that can work in colder environments don’t work well there. As a result, the best option is to have a heater in your basement alongside one of the best dehumidifiers.

But what do you do when you don’t have the room or outlets for a heater and dehumidifier in your basement? One option is the Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier. It’s a device that can take on all of the tasks required to handle a room’s air. Admittedly, this dehumidifier is more expensive than other options and doesn’t have the same robust dehumidifier features you might expect. But, it isn’t trying to be the best humidifier for basements; it is going for being a whole lot more. Our recommendation is to pick this item if you really need the space or hookups for other things, or have a really tiny basement, but to go for other options if you can.

Best budget: MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements

Mapoor

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When you search for dehumidifiers for the basement, you usually find machines that cost at least $100 and, quite often, over $200. However, the MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements (and other parts of the home) consistently shows high customer satisfaction at a low price.

While it doesn’t suck out as much moisture as high-end devices—you really can’t skimp on this kind of thing if you have a huge moisture problem—it is ripe with features. From sleep mode and timing mode to automatic frost shut down if you hit 35 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, the MAPOOR really has it all.

So, if your basement humidity is just a touch out of range, and you have a smaller basement, grab the MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements to save yourself some money. It’s small as well, so can be easily moved about the home to where it is needed most. Additionally, the tank is large enough to hold a couple of days worth of liquid, making this one of the best dehumidifiers for basements in the sense of removal capacity to tank capacity ratio.

How humidifiers work

Understanding the true difficulties of getting a good dehumidifier for your basement helps to understand the process by which standard dehumidifiers work.

Naturally, dehumidifiers are machines with dozens or hundreds of interlocking parts. Instead of going into overly complex detail, we’ll highlight the key parts you need to know about in everyday operations, especially when selecting dehumidifiers for basements. With that in mind, here are the basic steps:

1. Moist air from the basement is drawn into the machine and cooled.
2. The cooled air’s moisture begins to condensate out, like water on the outside of a glass of ice water.
3. This water is collected by a reservoir or pumped out.
4. The drier air is reheated and released back into the basement.

Using dehumidifiers in the basement

Understanding the process by which dehumidifiers work shows us a couple of the difficulties that occur when using them in the basement.

Airflow and circulation: Windows, doors opening and closing, vents, and people walking to and fro circulates the air about most rooms quite well. In a closed basement, largely used for storage? Not so much.

Cool air: Basements have cool air, typically around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, yet cooling is an essential part of the dehumidification process and essential for condensation. According to GE Appliances, dehumidifiers are unlikely to work in a satisfactory manner below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. While dehumidifier use will naturally heat a basement to some degree, some advocate for using a heater alongside dehumidifiers for more efficient moisture removal. This same combo might be beneficial for your basement if your basement is particularly cold. We recommend the non-infrared options among these space heaters for this purpose.

Capacity

Knowing how dehumidifiers work also illuminates the most confusing word involved in their usage: capacity.

In one way, “capacity” refers to a dehumidifier’s ability to remove moisture from the air. This is typically expressed as a maximum amount of water able to be pulled in a day from ideal (or average) circumstances. It’s an engineer’s standard term for the work being done by this style of machine.

In another way, “capacity” is used for the size of water storage tanks in models that use those instead of direct drainage. It’s just the most natural way to talk about reservoirs for liquids, much the same as you might talk about a gas tank’s capacity.

Unfortunately for the consumer, manufacturer resources (and, indeed, guides) do surprisingly little to differentiate the two forms of “capacity” in a way that isn’t confusing. To do our part in keeping things straight, we’ve done our best to refer to the first form of capacity as “removal capacity” while discussing tank size separately.

What to consider before buying dehumidifiers for basements

Despite the simple operating process outlined above, dehumidifiers for basements are actually quite complex from a customer’s perspective. Part of this is due to the jargon issues outlined above, but there’s also quite a bit of water logistics to plan out before you make a purchase.

Removal capacity

Higher removal capacity is nearly always better, but you’ll likely have to pay extra for the highest removal capacity possible. You should also remember that removal capacity reflects the ability of the dehumidifier to draw water out of the air in ideal temperatures and humidities.

This means that a cool basement will likely not reach removal capacity. Additionally, as the machine does its job, the humidity in the room will lower. As a result, once you’ve run your dehumidifier for a while, there is a high likelihood of reduced daily removal numbers unless there is a consistent high influx of humidity.

All this being said, a 50-pint-per-day removal capacity is likely the sweet spot for most basements. You can crank that up to 70 pints in extreme cases or down to 30 pints if your goal is to just take the edge off of a looming issue. If you have a very mild problem (and a small basement) even less will do.

You should also note that there are several reasons why a dehumidifier will automatically shut off over the course of a day, which will also reduce removal capacity. One large one is if your water disposal technique is a manually removable reservoir and it gets full. Learn more about this in the next section. 

Water disposal technique

There are two methods by which dehumidifiers for basements dispose of water, and they both have drawbacks. While it is usually better to focus on the positives, water disposal has the most potential to cause you trouble as you work with a dehumidifier in your basement.

Automatic drain: A system that collects water and channels it through a drainage hose. If you have a sink or some other place to run the water to, it can be great. If you don’t, you might need to do some tinkering and spend extra time and/or money on the dehumidifier’s installation. Another pain point of this style is the possibility of hoses or plumbing leaking.

Reservoir tank: This style of dehumidifier has a tank, usually in the form of a built-in water bucket, in the bottom half of the dehumidifier. As the dehumidifier pulls water out of the air, it fills. It’s up to you to dump it. This can be a huge pain and takes manual work.

Interestingly, dehumidifiers for the basement have a water removal capacity many times higher than the tank’s capacity, meaning you could (theoretically) need to take several trips to get maximum water removal from your dehumidifier throughout the day. Nearly all dehumidifiers with a tank have an automatic shut-off feature for when it gets too full. Also note that the tank size is typically measured in gallons or liters, but we have converted this to pints for the items in this article so you can compare the dehumidifiers’ ability to withdraw water from the air with their ability to store said water.

Most dehumidifiers for the basement have both a drain and a reservoir tank, giving you more choices.

Humidity level settings

In our review of the best humidifiers, we started by reminding people in very general terms that the EPA advises an internal humidity level between 30% and 50% for our homes. That article dealt with one half of the issue, and this deals with the other. However, both share one common thread:

You don’t want to overcorrect and run into the opposite problem.

To solve this, many of the best dehumidifiers for basements have an internal monitor that automatically shuts off the machine once the humidity arrives at a comfortable level. Others provide precise humidistats that allow you to fine-tune the humidity to your exact preferences. The former helps protect your dehumidifier and save energy, while the latter can be particularly useful if you use your basement for storing wine or have certain preferences.

Before you buy dehumidifiers for basements

As personal responsibility becomes increasingly important for protecting the environment, we’d like you to consider looking for an Energy Star-certified dehumidifier. Note that most dehumidifiers on the list above are Energy Star certified.

Saving energy can help reduce electricity used in your home and reduce environmental waste. Dehumidifiers that pass Energy Star’s energy efficiency requirements are rated to use (at minimum) 13% less energy than conventional models at minimum. While this might not sound like a lot, over the course of a year you get 1.5 months of operation for “free” if you use a certified dehumidifier in your basement. Also, note that some models use even less energy than this.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best dehumidifiers for basements

• Best overall: Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier
• Best for large basement: VEAGASO 70 Pints Dehumidifier
• Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement
• Best quiet: Bublue DH1 Pro
• Best for cold: Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier
• Best budget: MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements

The best dehumidifiers for basements are typically characterized by their ability to pull a lot of water out of the air, their ability to dispose of said water satisfactorily, and the ability to have a lot of control over their functioning. As a result, the above dehumidifiers should work well for your basement over the long run.

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 dehumidifiers for basements in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Grab this Alpha Z PRO 4K + Flying Fox 4K Wide-Angle Dual-Camera Drone Bundle featuring two 4K-capable drones for the price of one. This deal runs through Sept. 30 only.

If you missed out on the chance to fly over the summer, it’s not too late to take your adventures to the skies. If hopping on a plane is not an option, how does flying a drone sound? Not only are drones fun to operate, but the activity itself allows for a relaxing experience. Health professionals even purported that it can relieve stress and promote cardiovascular health. It can even help boost your cognitive function, too.

But if you feel iffy about the idea of picking up drones as a hobby due to how expensive those little copters can be, consider this deal an early holiday present to yourself. Through Sept. 30, you can grab a pair of top-rated drones for just $109.97. You can gift one to a pal, or you can keep both for yourself for endless fun.

This bundle comes with the Alpha Z PRO and Flying Fox drones. Both mini quadcopters are armed with a 4K front camera and 720p bottom camera to yield impressively clear photos and videos. They’re also not a pain to control, with both having a 6-axis gyroscope and altitude hold mode for stability, a 4-channel mode that allows them to ascend, descend, fly forward, backward, and sideward, and even do rolling tricks, and a one-key automatic return that lets them find their way back to you on their own. They also feature headless mode, so you won’t have to adjust their position before takeoff. With WiFi connectivity and real-time FPV, you can see what the drones see and capture via the accompanying app. 

While these drones share many of the same features, they still have components and functionality unique to each of them. The Alpha Z Pro comes in a sleek black color and can fly up to nine minutes, while the Flying Fox comes in silver and can navigate the skies for up to 12 minutes. The latter even has gesture control for easy recording and a follow function to connect the distance between the drone and your current location.

This drone duo retails for $398 when bought separately, but you can get both on sale as the Alpha Z PRO 4K + Flying Fox 4K Wide-Angle Dual-Camera Drone Bundle for just $109.97 until Sept. 30.

Prices subject to change.

The post Score two top-rated drones for only $110 with this limited-time deal appeared first on Popular Science.

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Sea turtles have been around for at least 110 million years, yet relatively little is known about their evolution. Two of the most common sea turtles on Earth are olive ridley and Kemp’s ridley turtles that belong to a genus called Lepidochelys that could help fill in some of the gaps of sea turtle biology and evolution. A team of paleontologists not only discovered the oldest known fossil of turtle from the Lepidochelys genus, but also found some traces of ancient turtle DNA. The findings are detailed in a study published September 28 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

[Related: 150 million-year-old turtle ‘pancake’ found in Germany.]

The DNA comes from the remains of a turtle shell first uncovered in 2015 in the Chagres Formation on Panama’s Caribbean coast. It represents the oldest known fossil evidence of Lepidochelys turtles. The turtle lived approximately 6 million years ago, curing the upper Miocene Epoch. At this time, present day Panama’s climate was getting cooler and drier, sea ice was accumulating at Earth’s poles, rainfall was decreasing, sea levels were falling.

“The fossil was not complete, but it had enough features to identify it as a member of the Lepidochelys genus,” study co-author and Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia paleontologist Edwin Cadena tells PopSci. Cadena is also a research associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.

The team detected preserved bone cells called osteocytes. These bone cells are the most abundant cells in vertebrates and they have nucleus-like structures. The team used a solution called DAPI to test the osteocytes for genetic material.

“In some of them [the osteocytes], the nuclei were preserved and reacted to DAPI, a solution that allowed us to recognize remains of DNA. This is the first time we have documented DNA remains in a fossilized turtle millions of years old,” says Cadena.

According to the study, fossils like this one from vertebrates preserved in this part of Panama are important for our understanding of the biodiversity that was present when the Isthmus of Panama first emerged roughly 3 million years ago. This narrow strip of land divided the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean and joined North and South America. It created a land bridge that made it easier for some animals and plants to migrate between the two continents.

[Related: Hungry green sea turtles have eaten in the same seagrass meadows for about 3,000 years.]

This specimen could also have important implications for the emerging field of molecular paleontology. Scientists in this field study ancient and prehistoric biomatter including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and DNA that can sometimes be extracted from fossils. 

Molecular paleontology aims to determine if scientists can use this type of evidence to determine more about the organisms than their physical shape, which is typically what is preserved in most fossils. Extracting this tiny material from bones was critical in sequencing the Neanderthal genome, which earned Swedish scientist Svante Pääbo the 2022 Nobel prize in physiology or medicine.

“Many generations have grown up with the idea of extracting and bringing back to life extinct organisms,” says Cadena. “However, that is not the real purpose of molecular paleontology. Instead, its goal is to trace, document, and understand how complex biomolecules such as DNA and proteins can be preserved in fossils.”

This new turtle specimen could help other molecular paleontologists better understand how soft tissues can be preserved over time. It could also shift the idea that original biomolecules like proteins or DNA have a specific timeline for preservation in fossils and encourage re-examining older specimens for traces of biomolecules. 

The post This 6-million-year-old turtle shell still has some DNA appeared first on Popular Science.

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Sci-fi author Brian Herbert once wrote, “The only guarantee in life is death, and the only guarantee in death is its shocking unpredictability.” These words ring true to researchers who investigate what happens in a person’s final moments—and the frustration that comes with these studies. One big problem almost always gets in the way: How do you ask people what dying feels like when they’re no longer here? 

Because we haven’t yet figured out how to communicate with the dead, the best-case scenario is talking to people who have had a close brush with death. They often mention seeing bright lights, their life flashing before their eyes, or visions of deceased loved ones. Some have even reported spotting the Grim Reaper by their bedside. It’s a paradoxical situation, says Kevin Nelson, a professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky: A few perceptions are common—a shining light, for instance—but the near-death experience is unique to each individual.

There’s still a lot of mystery when it comes to the cause, but the field is progressing thanks to people who have allowed scientists to study their brains in these situations. People who have survived these close calls say the encounter can be life-changing. One thing is certain: medical experts say near-death experiences are not a figment of the imagination. 

And figuring out the mechanisms behind this phenomenon goes beyond general curiosity. One goal is to better understand how cardiac arrests happen. It could also potentially save lives, because doctors would have more knowledge for when to continue resuscitations after a patient’s heart stops.

“The research not only benefits our understanding of consciousness, but also in understanding the importance of the heart, lung, and brain in our everyday physiology,” says Jimo Borjigin, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Unreal recall

A near-death experience can happen to anyone. In fact, 1 in 10 people have reported sharper senses, slowed time, out-of-body sensations or other features associated with near-death, despite not being in grave danger. Research shows that near-death experiences come in four types: emotional, cognitive, spiritual and religious experiences, and supernatural. Of the four, people often recall supernatural activity, particularly the feeling of detaching from a physical body.

About 76 percent of people report an out-of-body experience during a near-death experience. While some people may attribute this to a spiritual experience, this is actually a sensory deception caused by the brain, which scientists have successfully replicated in people who are asleep. Research has shown that direct electrical stimulation of a brain area normally inactive in REM sleep can provoke an out-of-body experience. “Like a flip of a switch, you can literally throw somebody out of their body and back into their body,” Nelson says.

[Related: CPR can save lives. Here’s how (and when) to do it.]

Often, though, people with cardiac arrest will recall near-death experiences. “About a quarter of people who suffer and survived cardiac arrest have memories about some aspect of near-death experience, Borjigin says. This is because people with cardiac arrest have decreasing blood pressure, she says. With the heart unable to pump properly, oxygen is unable to travel to the rest of the body, which is essential for every single cell in your body to survive. When a brain is alerted to a sudden decline in oxygen, your brain undergoes certain changes that contribute to the perceptual distortions that accompany a near-death experience. 

Electrical surges in the brain

Ten years ago, Borjigin and her team observed that rats in simulated cardiac arrest still had fully active brains even 30 seconds after their hearts stopped. What’s more, their brains increased in electrical activity. To confirm whether this happens in humans, Borjigin recently tested the brains of four people who were critically ill and removed from life support.

When these comatose patients were taken off their ventilators, they could not breathe on their own. But, using EEGs, Borjigin noticed two people showed a surge in gamma brainwaves as their bodies started shutting down. Gamma brainwaves are usually a sign of consciousness, because they are mostly active when someone is awake and alert. 

“We’ve shown the brain has a unique mechanism that deals with a lack of oxygen because oxygen is so essential for survival that even an acute loss massively activates the brain and could lead to a near-death experience,” Borjigin explains. 

The boost in gamma waves occurred in a brain area called the temporo-parieto-occipital (TPO) junction. This is responsible for blending information from our senses, including touch, motion, and vision, into our conscious selves. It’s impossible to know if the increased brain activity was related to any visions they may have had, because, sadly, the two patients died. But Borjigin suggests activation of this area suggests people may likely pick up sounds and understand language. “They might hear and perceive the conversation around them and form a visual image in their brain even when their eyes are closed.” 

Hidden consciousness

In one of the largest studies of near-death experiences, an international team of doctors has linked the surge in brain activity to what they called a hidden consciousness immediately following death. In the study, people who were brought back to life through CPR after cardiac arrest could recall memories and conversations while they were seemingly unconscious. 

Between May 2017 and March 2020, the team tracked 567 people who underwent a cardiac arrest. They used EEGs and cerebral oxygenation monitoring to measure electrical activity and brain oxygen levels during CPR. To study auditory and visual awareness, the team used a tablet showing one of 10 images on the screen, and five minutes after, it would play a recording of fruit names: pear, banana, and apple, for another five minutes. 

Only 53 people of the original 567 participants were successfully resuscitated. Initially, they showed no signs of brain activity and were considered dead. But during the CPR, the team noticed bursts of activity. These spikes included gamma waves and others: delta, theta, alpha, and beta waves—all electrical activity that signals consciousness. 

[Related: How your brain conjures dreams]

Twenty-eight of those 53 patients were cognitively capable of having an interview. Eleven people recalled being lucid during CPR, being aware of what was happening or showing perceptions of consciousness like an out-of-body experience. No one could recall the visual image but when asked to randomly name three fruit, one person correctly named all the fruits in the audio recording—though the authors note this could have been a random lucky guess. 

The study authors also included self-reports of 126 other survivors of cardiac arrests not involved in the study and what they remembered from almost dying. Common themes included the pain and pressure of chest compressions, hearing conversations from doctors, out-of-body experiences, and abstract dreams that had nothing to do with the medical event.

The findings debunk the idea that an oxygen-deprived brain stays alive for only five to ten minutes. They also raise the question whether doctors can save people already determined to be dead. “These patients were actually alive within, as seen in the positive waves on the EEG, but externally they were dead,” says Chinwe Ogedegbe, an emergency trauma center section chief and coauthor of the study. 

Beyond the brain’s resilience to the lack of oxygen, the authors propose an alternative “braking system” that could explain the distorted perceptions of consciousness. The brain normally filters and inhibits unneeded information when you’re awake. In this unconscious state, however, the braking system is gone, which could allow dormant brain pathways to activate and access a deeper realm of consciousness containing all of your memory, thoughts, and actions. “Instead of being hallucinatory, illusory or delusional, this appears to facilitate lucid understanding of new dimensions of reality,” the authors write in their paper.

Unfortunately, with only a small number of participants surviving their cardiac arrest, it’s unclear whether this altered consciousness is more visual or auditory. Ogedegbe is working to increase the number of participants in the next trial to 1,500. Doing so will give researchers a better idea of the type of brain activity that goes on when someone is at death’s door, and potentially provide comfort that their loved ones can sense them in their final moments.

The post What really happens during a near-death experience appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher		SEE IT	This tried and tested pitcher offers long lasting filters and a BPA-free design.
Best faucet		PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System		SEE IT	The PUR faucet filter will give you clean water on-demand.
Best water bottle		LifeStraw Go Series		SEE IT	The two-stage filter in the LifeStraw Go water bottle will provide safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Water filters may seem like devices that mostly come up when people talk about travels to the backcountry or other countries, but they can be important tools everywhere. Tap water goes through a fantastic journey from rivers and reservoirs through pipes of many sizes to flow through your faucet. Drinking water in the U.S. from public water systems is among the safest in the world, but many households opt for additional filtration. Filtering often focuses on removing funky tastes, smells, and sediment, though many filtration systems also reduce other potentially harmful chemicals. We dove into specifications and certifications of small portable systems up to countertop water dispensers to surface the best water filters for a glass of fresh-tasting H2O.

• Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher
• Best pitcher: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour
• Best faucet: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
• Best water bottle: LifeStraw Go Series
• Best backpacking: Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System
• Best countertop: Brita Hub
• Best budget: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Dispenser

How we chose the best water filters

Water filters come in as many sizes and shapes as you can imagine. However, we winnowed our list of portable and affordable options for households looking to improve their water taste. We kept our renting readers in mind, so homeowners may want to explore permanently installed options like under-sink water filters or whole-house water filters. We’re not a lab, so we opted for products that meet or are certified to standards set by NSF International/American National Standards Institute and the Water Quality Association.

The best water filters: Reviews & Recommendations

The type of water filter that’s best for you depends on how much you want to treat at a time, how long that takes, what you’re treating it for, and how often you’re replacing filters. Are you looking to remove basics like chlorine and sediment? Is a lead a concern? Different filters target a range of contaminants, such as chlorine, particulates, lead, heavy metals, microbes, bacteria, viruses, or PFAS, more commonly known as “forever chemicals.” Some even filter out microplastics, which is a growing concern for many. 

Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher

Brita

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Specs

• Dimensions: 10.7  x 5.4 x 10.1 inches 
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Filter: Brita Elite filters (proprietary active filtering agents)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 120 gallons or about 6 months

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Flip top for easy refilling
• Long-lasting filter
• Electronic filter indicator
• BPA-free container
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Slow filtering
• Frequent refills for thirsty/large households

Our pick for the best overall water filter is an update on a classic. The Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher is the best for most people because of its low cost (about $35), ease of use, and improved filter. Most of us have likely used a Brita pitcher at one point. This model makes some notable design improvements. Instead of removing the whole lid to refill, simply pop open the flip-top. 

The spout features a color-coded system to indicate when to replace a filter. Green is good, yellow indicates replacement is coming up, and red shows it’s time to change. The rest of the form is familiar: The tap water goes into an upper tank, and clean water slowly filters into the bottom reservoir. This model boasts a 10-cup capacity, but households that fill many water bottles daily may find themselves refilling—and waiting—a lot.

The essential improvement in this model is the Brita Elite filter, which catches more contaminants than the standard model and lasts three times longer. You only need to replace the filter once every six months instead of every two, minimizing cost and trash. The filter still results in the crisp, chlorine-free taste Britas are known for and is certified to reduce lead (99 percent), Cadmium, Mercury, Benzene, Asbestos, and more. Many reviewers note that the Elite does have clogging issues, so you may find yourself changing more frequently than the six-month replacement window. Still, the extra protection over Brita’s standard filters seems worth the extra few bucks.

All pitchers have downsides. They don’t purify water, so always start with potable water—and make sure it’s cold or room-temperature, never hot. They’ll need thorough hand washing regularly to keep clean, but most are made of a brittle plastic that chips, clouds, or cracks with age. But they are abundant, readily available, and affordable. Remember to factor in buying and replacing filters as part of the overall expense.

Best pitcher: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour

Brita

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Specs

• Dimensions: 10.75 x 5.6 x 10 inches 
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Filter: Brita Stream filters (activated carbon in a BPA-free housing)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 40 gallons or about two months

Pros

• Low upfront costs
• Filters as you pour
• Flip top for easy refilling
• Electronic filter indicator
• BPA-free container
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53

Cons

• Taste/odor-focused filtering
• Frequent filter replacement

Usually, a water filter pitcher has an inner reservoir that you fill, and it slowly drips clean water into the bottom half. You have to wait until gravity does its job before taking a sip. The Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour bucks that trend. The 10-cup pitcher forces water through an activated carbon filter before pouring out of the spout. Admittedly, waiting a few minutes for filtered water to drip from the reservoir to the rest of the pitcher isn’t the most significant inconvenience—but it is annoying if you’re the person who always seems to grab the pitcher when there’s only half a glass left. (And obviously, we’re often that person.)

This Brita water filter pitcher removes chlorine taste and smell but retains fluoride, minerals, and electrolytes. The filter clicks into a cage that then twists into place on the lid. The lid also houses an electronic indicator to remind you to change filters, which is about every 40 gallons or every two months. Brita Stream replacement filters run about $9 to $10 each, a few bucks more per filter than Brita Standard filters but on par with the longer-lasting Brita Elite filter.

Best faucet: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System

PUR

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Specs

• Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.9 x 5.2 inches 
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Capacity: N/A
• Filters: PUR PLUS faucet filters (activated charcoal)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 100 gallons or 3 months

Pros

• Small form factor
• Installs and removes without tools
• Filter change light
• Can switch between filtered/unfiltered water
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• May not fit all faucets, especially pull-out or handheld faucets
• Frequent filter replacement
• Doesn’t filter microbes

Installing a PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is a low-cost, low-effort filtration system that quickly filters drinking and cooking water. No tools are required: Remove the faucet’s original aerator and washer and replace them with the PUR PLUS Faucet Mount system with the PUR PLUS filter inside. For around $30 to $40, the filtration system helps reduce chlorine taste, odors, and 70 other contaminants, including lead, mercury, and some pesticides. However, the filter does not remove microbes. 

The PUR PLUS filter includes activated carbon from coconut shells and a mineral core to replace some natural minerals—like calcium and magnesium—for a fresh taste. The benefit of a faucet filter is that you can pour directly into a pot or a giant gallon water bottle without repeatedly refilling a filtering pitcher or dispenser. And it filters instantly, so you don’t need to wait around. The PUR PLUS Faucet Mount filters last longer than most pitchers, stretching to 100 gallons or every three months. The faucet system comes in several colors, and the horizontal filter positioning looks sleek.

Best water bottle: LifeStraw Go Series

Abby Ferguson

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Specs

• Dimensions: ‎‎3.54 x 3.54 x 10.79 inches
• Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Capacity: 1 liter
• Filter: 2-stage filter system (membrane microfilter and activated carbon)
• Filter lifespan: Membrane microfilter: 1,000 gallons (roughly 5 years), carbon filter: 26 gallons (roughly 2 months)

Pros:

• Easy to carry
• Available in many colors and 22-ounce capacity
• Cap covers mouthpiece
• Meets NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and P231

Cons:

• Large size doesn’t fit in cupholders or some backpack pockets
• Two filters will have different replacement schedules

Here at PopSci, we are very much into on-the-go hydration. And carrying a water bottle with a built-in filter can bring peace of mind whether refilling for everyday adventures or traveling to exotic locales. We’ve loved the LifeStraw Go Series for a number of reasons, but largely because of how effective the two-stage filter system is. 

The activated charcoal filter helps keep water tasting fresh and smelling, well, not smelling. The membrane microfilter catches little nasties like bacteria, parasites, sand, dirt, and microplastics—all things that could seriously ruin a vacation. It’s important to note that the charcoal filter lasts about two months (26 gallons), while the membrane lasts for five years (or more than 1,000 gallons). There’s no clear way to track both, so you’ll just have to remember.

The plastic version of this water bottle is BPA-free, made of 50 percent recycled plastic, and comes in 1-liter or 22-ounce sizes. The lightweight materials are ideal for hiking or travel. However, if you want to minimize your plastic use or want insulation, the Go Series also comes in a stainless steel version in 24-ounce or 1-liter capacities. The double-walled bottle keeps water cool—a huge part of hitting your daily water goals—but it’s not for hot beverages. All versions include a cover that keeps the mouthpiece clean, which we definitely appreciate when traveling. 

Best backpacking: Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System

Sawyer

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Specs

• Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches 
• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Capacity: N/A, but filters up to 32 ounces at a time
• Filter: Hollow fiber filter
• Filter lifespan: Indefinite

Pros

• Lightweight
• Includes attachments for different uses
• Lifetime warranty
• Filters down to 0.1-micron absolute filtration
• Reduces bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics
• Can be cleaned and used nearly indefinitely

Cons:

• Not for chemical contaminants or viruses
• Reviewers warn not to let pouches freeze
• Squeezing and rolling can wear out the pouches
• Occasional backwashing is needed to restore flow rate

PopSci previously identified the Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System as a reliable, portable water filter system for backpackers, hikers, and other adventurers. The tiny size makes it easy to throw in your pack without adding excessive weight, which is a must when backpacking. 

It’s also very simple to use. To clean water, fill a pouch, attach it to the palm-sized filter, and squeeze the water into your mouth. But that’s just one way the kit works. It also includes a straw and a hydration pack adapter to filter inline. Plus, the filter can attach to most standard water bottles, so you don’t need to fuss with the pouches on trips. Reviewers often suggest avoiding the “squeeze” and letting gravity pull dirty water through the filter to prevent wear and tear. 

The system removes most bacteria, protozoa, cysts, and microplastics. In fact, the Sawyer squeeze filter is the only filter on the market that can claim 0.1 absolute microns (every fiber is 0.1 microns in size). For perspective, no harmful bacteria are smaller than that; therefore, none can slip through the filter. As long as you keep the filter clean, this device should last forever. In fact, there are no filters to replace. However, Sawyer recommends periodically backwashing if the flow rate slows, which should restore 98 percent of the flow rate. 

And remember, there are right and wrong ways to handle camping water filter storage.

Best countertop: Brita Hub

Brita

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Specs

• Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 15 inches 
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Capacity: 96 ounces
• Filter: Brita Hub filter (carbon block)
• Filter lifespan: 120 gallons or 6 months

Pros

• Water reservoir position can change
• No tools for installation
• Frees up fridge space
• Pours 12 or 20 ounces at a time, with one free-flow option
• Filter lasts up to 6 months
• Certified for NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Dispenses room-temperature water only
• Requires counter space
• Higher upfront costs

For fast-filtered water and less frequent filter changes, check out the Brita Hub. No installation or plumbing is required for this countertop filter system. Simply plug in the sleek, white Hub, fill the 12-cup water reservoir, and instantly get filtered water free of chlorine tastes or odor. The tradeoff for a filter on the counter is that it will only serve up room-temperature water. But it’s a solid option for people who don’t have the fridge space for clunky pitchers or large dispensers.

The carbon block filters (about $30 each) last up to six months, and an indicator light will give a heads-up when it’s time for a change. The Brita Hub is certified to reduce 70 contaminants, such as lead, some forever chemicals, and select pesticides. The main downside is that a unit will run about $180 (at the time of writing), which is more upfront cost than other options on this list. But if you want a large-capacity option for your counter, the Hub is a great choice. 

Best budget: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Dispenser

PUR

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Specs

• Dimensions: 11.2 x 6 x 16.1 inches 
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Capacity: 30 cups
• Filter: PUR PLUS faucet filters (activated charcoal)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 40 gallons or 2 months

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Filter change indicator
• Slim design
• Large capacity
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Heavy when full
• Frequent filter replacement

One of the better bargains for water filters is getting a high-capacity dispenser in your fridge. You can snag a PUR PLUS 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser for the same price as some water filter pitchers. The slim, deep design doesn’t take as much space in a fridge as it feels like it should, though it can be heavy and awkward to put on a shelf when it’s full. 

A spigot allows easy access, even if the system is still filtering. The dispenser uses the same activated carbon filters as the PUR PLUS faucet mount system, reducing 70 contaminants, such as lead and microplastics. It’s good for chronically parched or large households, though the filter must be swapped out every two months. Like most water-filtering pitchers, this dispenser isn’t a purifier. It refines already drinkable water and doesn’t remove microbes.

What to consider when buying the best water filters

Choosing water filters depends on where and how much water you plan to drink or use for cooking. That said, you could surround yourself with many options, like a pitcher for home use and a water bottle for running around during the day. While all these options will result in crisp, clean-tasting water, consider if you want your filter to offer additional protection.

Cost

We stuck to products with relatively low-cost products, but the ongoing cost of each replacement must be factored into the long-term cost of ownership. There’s no hacking a filter: They must be replaced regularly to remain effective. Most use proprietary filters, so you’ll need to stick with the specific filter made for your product. 

Water consumption vs. filter capacity

Compare how much water you drink with how long the filter is supposed to last. Many options above require changes as frequently as two months or 40 gallons. If you’re attempting to drink a gallon per day, that shortens the filter’s lifespan to just over one month. Finding a water filter system that handles a higher volume of water with a longer-lasting filter may be time-saving and cheaper.

Filter type

Most of the filters in this round-up rely on activated carbon, which can absorb chlorine and reduce asbestos, lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds. Other products use other filtration processes like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation, which you should consider if installing an under-the-sink or whole-home filter or if you have serious concerns about water quality.

Filtration efficiency

Filter effectiveness varies, so we looked at NSF/ANSI standards. We prefer certified products, which means that NSF International or the Water Quality Association tested and verified the company’s claims. Certification is time-consuming and costly for a company, so we also indicated where outside labs found products that “meet the standards” but aren’t certified.

Here’s what some of the standards mean, but review the manufacturer’s performance data to see the specific contaminants a filter is effective against:

• NSF/ANSI Standard 42: This is a common standard, which indicates a filter can remove chlorine taste and odor or chloramines.
• NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Another common standard that indicates the reduction of some heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, as well as some pesticides and herbicides.
• NSF/ANSI Standard 401: This indicates the filter removes or reduces up to 15 kinds of “emerging impurities,” such as bisphenol A (BPA), ibuprofen, DEET, microplastics, and some pesticides and herbicides.
• NSF/ANSI Standard P231: This is where purification comes in. This standard means microbiological contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and cysts are reduced or removed. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best water filters

• Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher
• Best pitcher: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour
• Best faucet: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
• Best water bottle: LifeStraw Go Series
• Best backpacking: Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System
• Best countertop: Brita Hub
• Best budget: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Dispenser

Anyone looking for the best water filters has plenty of affordable options to cover a variety of needs, whether lugging around a reliable system in the woods or covering a household’s drinking and cooking needs. It’s hard to go wrong with the filters we recommend from well-known, longtime brands like PUR and Brita. Both brands’ filters are readily available and carry multiple certifications. And don’t rule out getting multiple items—you never know when you’ll be thirsty next.

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 water filters 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 men's overall		The North Face McMurdo Parka		SEE IT	Brave the elements during quick trips to the supermarket or longer excursions outdoors.
Best stylish for women		Canada Goose Women's Rossclair Parka		SEE IT	This women’s winter jacket combats harsh winds and offers many comforts.
Best budget		Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket		SEE IT	An interchangeable jacket that won’t break the bank.

It’s always winter in some hemisphere, so it’s a good idea to supply yourself with a fantastic jacket to keep you warm wherever and whenever you might need it. An absolute essential for anyone who lives in or travels to a colder climate, the best winter jacket will mesh well with your personal style while providing top-notch protection from wind, rain, sleet, and snow. Whether you are looking for a lightweight running jacket, a simple, stylish parka jacket for errands, or a down-filled design perfect for vacations exploring the backcountry, you want to find the best blend of form and function. Plenty of options are available, so we’ve curated this selection to help you find the best winter coats to add to your wardrobe.

• Best men’s overall: The North Face McMurdo Parka
• Best women’s overall: The North Face Metropolis Parka III
• Best lightweight: Ibex Women’s Wool Aire Hoodie
• Best for warmth: Nobis Supra Men’s Performance Puffer 
• Best outdoor performance: Arc’teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody
• Best stylish for women: Canada Goose Women’s Rossclair Parka
• Best budget: Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket

How we chose the best winter jackets

When choosing the best winter jacket for you, the most important thing to consider is climate, followed closely by activity. You’ll likely have to choose between a casual or performance coat. Casual winter clothing is designed for errands, walks about town, or keeping warm during your commute to work. These coats might be a bit heavier, but they are super warm and crafted with style and silhouette in mind. A performance jacket is designed for athletic activities like hiking, running, or cycling. They are lightweight and will provide increased mobility while protecting for long periods in the cold. For example, if you live in a super snowy place and need a jacket suitable for a long hike, you’ll need a well-insulated waterproof model with a lightweight fill to keep you warm without dragging you down. If you live in a city with cold winds, a versatile jacket with a sleek shell and fur-lined hood is a stylish way to stay warm and keep the wind out of your eyes. 

The fill material and its effect on price is the next thing to consider. Winter jackets can be quite expensive, for a reason. They are your first line of defense for brutally cold days, offering excellent insulation and heat retention. Pricing can depend on many things, but one of the most common structures correlates to the fill material and power. A jacket’s fill is the material stuffed between the outer and inner layers, directly responsible for trapping heat and keeping out the cold. The most popular fill is down, which is the light undercoating that lies beneath the feathers of ducks and geese. Synthetic down is also available, typically made from ultrafine polyester fibers that perform well even when wet. Each jacket is given a fill-power number to reflect the loftiness of the down. The higher the fill power, the better the down will be at trapping air, generating an effective warmth-to-weight ratio, and quickly compressing when it’s time for summer storage. 

The best winter jackets: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you’re prepped with the logistics, let’s dive deeper into our favorite picks and a few more tips for selecting the best winter jackets. We’ve also covered other winter gear—like the best heated gloves, socks, and insoles—so we know something about staying cozy in frigid situations.

Best men’s overall: The North Face McMurdo Parka

The North Face

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Why it made the cut: A loose fit and 600-fill goose down makes for a warm and stylish jacket.

Specs

• Material: Polyester
• Insulation: 600-fill recycled down
• Weather-proofing: Waterproof,
• Machine washable: No, dry clean only

Pros

• Waterproof
• Down fill for light warmth
• Light

Cons

• Dry clean only

The North Face McMurdo winter jacket will help you brave the elements during quick trips to the supermarket or longer excursions outdoors. It has a two-layer DryVent waterproof shell, 600-fill-power recycled down, and weighs a little over 3 pounds. The hood has an emergency gaiter to prevent any snow from sneaking in, plus the faux-fur trim is removable, so you can even customize your coat a bit. While North Face doesn’t have a women’s winter jacket that’s the exact same model, The North Face Arctic Parka II, shares many of the features of the men’s winter jacket, including fill power and DryVent technology.

Best women’s overall: The North Face Metropolis Parka III

The North Face

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Why it made the cut: A fitted silhouette and 550-fill goose down make for a warm and stylish jacket.

Specs

• Material: 100% recycled polyester plain weave with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish
• Insulation: 550-fill goose-down
• Weather-proofing: Water-repellent
• Machine washable: No

Pros

• Long design keeps you warmer
• Removable hood
• Collar lining is soft brushed-tricot
• Very warm

Cons

• Hood detaches too easily

A long jacket is the way to go if you want ultimate warmth. The North Face Women’s Metropolis offers an ideal length that keeps your tush and waist warm even as you move around. It helps keep the drafty, biting wind at bay as well. But it isn’t so long that it’s difficult to walk or move around in, which is ideal for your winter commutes or playing outside with your kids. 

This winter jacket uses 550-fill goose down for ultimate warmth. The down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which we like to see. The exterior is made with a water-repellent finish and 100 percent recycled materials. It will keep you dry and comfortable even during a strong snowstorm. The North Face lined the collar with a soft brushed-tricot material, which keeps your neck, chin, and cheeks from getting stretched or rubbed even when you have it zipped all the way up. 

There’s not much to dislike about this puffy. The main complaint is that the hood comes off too easily, which makes it liable to get lost. But if you want an all-around excellent winter jacket for those extra cold days, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

Best lightweight: Ibex Women’s Wool Aire Hoodie

Jen McCaffery

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Why it made the cut: This super-lightweight jacket is insulated with merino wool that adjusts to your body temperature to keep you warm.

Specs

• Material: Nylon, polyester
• Insulation: Merino wool
• Weather-proofing: Waterproof and wind-resistant
• Machine-washable: Yes

Pros

• Ultra lightweight
• Insulation adjusts to body temperature
• Comes in its own bag
• Easy to pack

Cons

• Not designed for super-cold conditions
• Doesn’t cover lower body

Layering is one of the secrets of keeping warm in the winter, and the Ibex Women’s Wool Aire Hoodie is designed for just that. This extremely lightweight nylon jacket weighs just 10 ounces but is insulated with merino wool that adjusts to your body temperature to keep the heat in. The materials also make the jacket breathable and help wick moisture away. 

Designed with a hood you can pull tight around your face, this jacket is also water- and wind-resistant. Zipped pockets on the side and the interior help you keep your hands warm and your keys and phone safe from the elements. This jacket is comfortable to wear throughout the year, but keep in mind that it runs small, so you may want to go a size up if you plan to wear it over layers. 

The Aire hoodie comes in a cute bag that makes it easy to pack, and it’s available in seven colors: Aqua Blue, Black, Bloodstone, Midnight Navy, Deep Ocean Orange, Dark Green, and Evergreen.

Best for warmth: Nobis Supra Men’s Performance Puffer 

Nobis

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Why it made the cut: This jacket withstands temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring you’ll feel cozy in even the iciest of conditions.

Specs

• Material: Polyester
• Insulation: Duck down insulation
• Weather-proofing: Windproof, waterproof
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Underarm vent system
• Performs in incredibly low temperature
• Machine washable

Cons

• Hood is non-removable

The Supra Men’s Performance Puffer makes a great winter statement. Filled with premium Canadian Origin White Duck Down, down-filled hood and ribbed cuffs that seal in heat, this men’s winter jacket will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The waterproof material will keep you dry during a snowstorm, and its seam seal tape beefs up its ability to protect you from the elements. Plus, a 10,000mm windproof laminated membrane fends off gusts and gales.

You can protect your phone or keys in its flap pockets at the waist or the zipped pocket on the left bicep. And there’s no need to spend extra money to maintain the jacket—just toss it in the washing machine. The men’s winter jacket is available in a variety of colorways so that you can find your perfect match. 

Best outdoor performance: Arc’teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody

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Why it made the cut: You don’t need a thick, bulky jacket to stay snug while hiking or running outdoors.

Specs

• Material: Fortius DW 1.0 87% nylon/13% elastane
• Insulation: None (soft shell)
• Weather-proofing: Wind-resistant, water-repellent, UPF 50+
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Fabric is breathable and moves well
• Durable materials
• UPF 50+ protection

Cons

• More water resistance would be ideal

If you’re moving around in the mountains, you won’t want a bulky winter jacket. Instead, layers are key. That’s where a shell like the Arc’teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody comes in handy. This softshell jacket is breathable and lightweight for those warm, sunny winter days in the mountains. Then, when the temperature drops, the regular fit allows you to layer underneath for added warmth. 

The Gamma Lightweight Hoody is made of 43 percent recycled content. It stretches nicely, allowing you to move freely even when you have layers underneath. The Fortiu 1.0 softshell fabric is highly durable, making this a good choice for technical hikes on rugged terrain. It is wind resistant and provides UPF 50+ protection, an important feature for high alpine environments. The main downside is that this jacket is only water-repellent, not waterproof. You won’t want to get caught in extremely wet conditions with this one. But for treks that would benefit from layering, the Gamma Lightweight Hoody definitely fits the bill.

In general, if you’re off on an alpine adventure, Arc’Teyrx has protective, packable layers that have got your back (literally) from pavement to peak. For instance, the Alpha Lightweight Parka has RDS-certified 850-fill goose down warmth and a windproof, weather-resistant, breathable GORE-TEX INFINIUM with an abrasion-resistant Hadron face—perfect for base camp at upper elevations. You can layer underneath it and put a shell on top—like the Gamma if traveling light or the thermally insulated GORE-TEX Beta Insulated jacket or minimalist but rugged Alpha SV GORE-TEX PRO shell in colder climbing conditions—if the weather turns severe. While the brand’s jackets are an investment, they can be relied on no matter the environment.

Best stylish for women: Canada Goose Women’s Rossclair Parka

Rossclair

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Why it made the cut: With a tailored fit and finish, this women’s winter jacket combats harsh winds and offers many comforts.

Specs

• Material: Company’s Arctic Tech fabric, a blend of polyester and cotton
• Insulation: 625-fill duck down
• Weather-proofing: Water resistant
• Machine washable: No, dry clean only

Pros

• Fusion fit great for more petite bodies
• Not boxy
• Adjustable waist for A-line silhouette

Cons

• Expensive
• Dry clean only

Canada Goose is known for producing the best winter coats with Arctic Tech fabric, a blend of 83% Polyester and 17% Cotton with a water-repellent finish that will hold up in the freezing cold. The Rossclair parka is a Canada Goose jacket that delivers 650 fill power in a streamlined, slim fit that eliminates any boxiness, plus adjustable exterior waist straps mean you can get a sleek cinch. Available in nine colors, each with a two-way adjustable hood with removable fur ruff, plus recessed rib-knit cuffs, this women’s winter jacket combats harsh winds and offers many comforts.

Best budget: Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket

Columbia

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Why it made the cut: A quality winter jacket doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg—and this one from Columbia is proof.

Specs

• Material: Nylon and polyester
• Insulation: Thermal insulation
• Weather-proofing: Waterproof
• Machine washable: Yes

Pros

• Removable hood
• Interchangeable layers mean you can customize it depending on temperature
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not windproof
• Runs large

An interchangeable jacket that won’t break the bank, this model from Columbia utilizes a combination of heat-reflective and air-permeable waterproof technology to dissipate moisture while keeping the heat in and the cold out. As it gets warmer, you can settle on just the shell, or if it’s still quite cold, but the snow has stopped, you can comfortably get away with the inner layer alone. 

What to consider when buying the best winter jackets

Looking for an everyday, casual jacket that will keep you toasty at all times?

A truly great winter jacket is comfortable, and cozy, and can last for seasons to come. It should stand up to snow and sleet without weighing you down, protect and insulate without any Achilles heel, and have a stylish yet neutral design to pair with any outfit you own. If you’re not looking for a thin, lightweight outdoor activity jacket, you might find it comforting to buy a model with a little more weight and slightly lower fill power. You’ll know for sure that you won’t get cold, plus you’ll feel more protected. A fill power of 500 and above should be perfectly adequate for walks about town, taking the train to work, or heading out to dinner with friends on a below-freezing winter evening. 

If you live in a place that gets a fair amount of snow or winter rain, ensure your winter jacket is waterproof or has a waterproof shell. We recommend selecting a coat that will fall at or around the upper/mid-thigh for maximum coverage without any extra bulk. It also doesn’t hurt to wear a hood for additional shielding around the face. Once you’ve found an option with the right amount of fill for your locale’s weather, all you need to do is decide on the color and—bam—you’ll have the best winter coat around town.

Do you want something that will be on-trend without sacrificing warmth?

Winter coats are known to be boxy, bulky, or simply uncool. But that doesn’t have to be the case. While you can undoubtedly find a sleek, streamlined wool coat, hip bomber jacket, or trendy oversized teddy designs, you may find yourself shaking if things get too frigid. If you live in a freezing climate, we recommend having at least one really well-insulated coat to keep on hand when your other options just won’t cut it. A long parka jacket with a fur-lined hood is one of our favorite popular styles (there’s a reason, say, a Canada Goose jacket is coveted). If you select a top-notch jacket from a reputable brand, you won’t need to invest in a new coat for years to come. They will give you the look of winter royalty and ensure you stay protected against the elements.

Want a jacket that can transition from the sidewalk to the hiking trail?

While some prefer to have two different jackets for outdoor pastimes—one for, say, trail walking, and one for shorter excursions like running to the store or walking the dog—there are many great options for those looking to have it all. A combination casual/performance winter coat is the way to go if you want maximum flexibility. For an easy transition from snowshoeing to a drink slopeside, go for a jacket with a high fill power: something around the 700 mark should do the trick. This will ensure your jacket is light enough to keep you moving without overheating, with a bit of puff to provide maximum coziness and comfort when you’re not exercising. Of course, you’ll want to make sure the shell is water and wind-resistant, so you’re not soaked through or chilled to the bone if the weather suddenly changes. Unlike a purely casual jacket, we recommend lifting the hemline a bit so that it rests at or around your hips. This length will still keep you warm, but it will free up your lower half and increase mobility. A combination casual and performance jacket will set you up nicely for anything the colder months can throw at you.

Do you need a winter jacket for running and other outdoor exercises?

Cold weather doesn’t mean you must stop enjoying the great outdoors and everything it offers. If you’re lucky enough to live in or visit a place where winter running and cycling are available to you, make sure you’re equipped with the best winter jacket available. A winter running jacket made for running outdoors will rely less on down fill and more on a thin yet insulated design to ensure you don’t overheat. The key to outdoor exercise is layering. You’ll notice that many winter jackets are significantly thinner than their casual or even trekking counterparts; this is because they are designed to fit over other pieces of moisture-wicking clothing, like long-sleeve shirts or lightweight fleece. Having the option to shed or add a layer can be a game-changer when it comes to a challenging run. If you know your first few layers can be quite thick, think about sizing up your jacket. You can also opt for a heated vest if you don’t need a full jacket, but would still like some warmth.

As with all our favorite jackets, it’s important to find a waterproof hooded model, but you’ll also need to think about breathability. While you can still consider a high fill power (something around 750 will do nicely), you should pay even more attention to the construction and material. A material like Gore-Tex repels water without trapping in sweat, making it great for all-weather use and ensuring your cool down won’t leave you shivering. 

So, what’s the best winter jacket I can get for under $200?

An excellent winter jacket is certainly an investment and can set you back more than just a pretty penny. However, you can definitely find a few more reasonably priced winter jackets if you’re not ready to shell out a grand for a Canada Goose jacket quite yet. Ultimately, you’ll want your winter coat to last for more than one season, which can help explain the price. If you want an outer layer that costs under $100, there is a good chance you’ll find yourself looking for a replacement within a year or two. However, if you pay apt attention to the fill quality (synthetic or natural) and overall construction, you may be able to find a great quality jacket for less.

FAQs

Related: Need a warm, comfortable hat? Head on over to this winter accessories guide.

Final thoughts on the best winter jackets

• Best men’s overall: The North Face McMurdo Parka
• Best women’s overall: The North Face Metropolis Parka III
• Best lightweight: Ibex Women’s Wool Aire Hoodie
• Best for warmth: Nobis Supra Men’s Performance Puffer 
• Best outdoor performance: Arc’teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody
• Best stylish for women: Canada Goose Women’s Rossclair Parka
• Best budget: Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket

The best winter coats and jackets are wardrobe essentials for anyone who will experience cold weather. The best winter jacket for you will suit your climate and won’t prohibit you from participating in your favorite outdoor activities. Water and wind resistance are certainly must-have features, and we recommend never saying no to a removable hood. Choose a casual coat for everyday wear and a performance coat for more demanding activities like trail running, or select a combination for a great winter jacket that will keep you cozy during the winter seasons to come.

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 winter jackets for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best HD home theater projector		BenQ HT2060		SEE IT	Imagery that punches above its price.
Best 4K home theater projector		Epson Home Cinema 5050UB		SEE IT	Bold colors and the highest contrast ratio.
Best value home theater projector		Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12		SEE IT	Packed with streaming content.

The best part about owning home theater projectors is watching your shows with all the immersive fun of sitting in a movie theater. That 65-inch flatscreen is great, but nothing compares to sitting and watching that giant Star Destroyer descending down your entire wall in the opening shot of Star Wars. Home projectors bring that experience to your living room, den, or, if you’re lucky, a dedicated movie room. 

Projectors for home theater also provide the flexibility you don’t often find with TVs, especially large ones. They take up much less space in a room, and aren’t an unsightly decorating “dead zone.” With a home projector, you can even take the show outside. Set one up on the deck for a romantic night of movie-watching under the stars. (Again, that Star Destroyer under the night sky would be pretty sweet!) Not all home theater projectors are the same, though, and it’s important to match the right device with your viewing habits, space, and overall needs. With that in mind, we’ve, well, screened the options, and collected our selections and considerations for the best home theater projectors. 

• Best HD: BenQ HT2060
• Best 4K: Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
• Best for gaming: Optoma UHD38x
• Best value: Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12
• Best outdoor: BenQ TH685P

How we chose the best home theater projectors

When selecting the best home theater projectors, we looked at many different units. We read reviews, both from industry insiders and owners, and scoured manufacturers’ technical specs. Projectors were evaluated based on brightness, picture quality (particularly in terms of sharpness, color, and contrast), resolution, chip type, and refresh rate. We wanted to know how a projector performed not only in specially designed movie rooms, but also rooms with ambient light or outdoors. For gaming, we compared lag times among units to see which could keep up with players’ reflexes. While not a primary concern, extra features, like lens shift and motorized lenses, or audio capabilities, were noted and considered as well.

The best home theater projectors: Reviews & Recommendations

The best home theater projectors produce a sharp image with strong contrast and bright, vibrant colors. They fit into your life, both literally (producing the right size image for your room) and figuratively (price and ease of use). In short, the best projectors for watching movies and programs at home deliver the entertainment you expect from a standard TV, only much, much larger. Pair that with the right home theater sound system for your space and be transported into fantastical worlds without leaving the house.

Best HD home theater projector: BenQ HT2060

BenQ

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Why it made the cut: Darker blacks, bright whites, and realistic colors all help the BenQ HT2060 punch above its price point.  

Specs

• Product Dimensions (HWD): 19 x 15.5 x 8.8 inches
• Brightness: 2,200 lumens
• Chip Type: DLP
• Resolution: 1080p HDR
• Video input: HDMI