I also spoke to John Gallucci, a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer who specializes in treating symptoms from poor office posture, and he confirmed much of what Egbert said. Closed case, right? Well, it’s certainly not just marketing speak so that office chair manufacturers can charge you extra. But there are some important factors to consider.
Not All Lumbar Support Is Equal
Gallucci was quick to point out the benefits of lumbar support, but he also issued some warnings about how to proceed. Turns out, not all lumbar support is equal. “The most important thing to look for in a chair is ergonomic adjustability,” he says, referencing the need for adjustable lumbar support. “A good chair should support your posture for long periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. That means it should allow you to adjust the seat height, seat pan depth, armrests, lumbar support, and backrest tilt.”
Chairs with fixed lumbar support mean it isn’t adjustable to your body. Lumbar support and adjustments come in different forms these days. For example, some chairs have lumbar height adjustment but not depth, also known as “two-way” adjustment. Some use a dial for adjustment, and others use a ratchet or lever system. Other chairs let you adjust the entire backrest to find the right position, and some cheaper chairs resort to just a simple pad that can be manually moved. These can, in theory, all be good solutions, so long as you’re able to find the right position.
“That curve has to be adjustable as to where it is,” Egbert says. “My butt might be lower than your butt, and you want it to match where that curve in your lower back is. You want to be able to slide it up and down.”
A good example of an ergonomic chair with “two-way” lumbar adjustment is the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro. We’ve tested dozens of chairs, and this excellent lumbar support is one of the reasons WIRED’s office chair reviewer, Julian Chokkattu, found it so comfortable. It also doesn’t cost over a thousand dollars like so many high-end office chairs.
If you aren’t ready to shell out $500 on an ergonomic chair, that doesn’t mean you have to be doomed to lower back pain. Some DIY solutions can even be better than a chair with inadequate lumbar adjustment. We’ve even tested some add-on lumbar cushions that we like, such as this LoveHome model you can find on Amazon.
When it comes down to it, though, lumbar support isn’t the first thing to tackle when setting up your workspace. If you’re sitting at an old desk working from only a laptop, lumbar support is never going to solve your posture issues. Fix that first, with either a laptop stand or a height-adjustable monitor.
After that, yes, lumbar support is a good thing. It needs to be adjustable and well-implemented, but it’s something you’ll want to make sure is available on your next office chair. If you’re sitting for eight hours a day, your back deserves it.
As you’ve probably noticed, Google has gotten … weird lately. Weirder? It can be hard to find the search results you’re looking for. Between AI summaries and algorithm changes resulting in unexpected sources, it can be tricky to navigate the most popular search engine in the world. (And publishersarefeeling the strain, too.)
Earlier this year, Google updated its algorithm. This is nothing new—Google updates its algorithms hundreds of times per year, with anywhere from two to four major “core updates” that result in significant changes. And while it’s tricky to determine exactly what changed, publishers and websites large and small noticed significant traffic drops and lower search rankings—even for content that had previously been doing well. “Google Zero” (as Nilay Patel of The Verge first called it) is thought to be caused, at least in part, by AI overviews.
Google Search has shown a slow crawl toward this for a couple of years, but the most recent blow was delivered over the summer. When you search for something and you get a neat little summary of various reporting completed by journalists, you’re less likely to visit the websites that actually did the work. And, in some instances, that summary contains incorrect AI hallucinations or reporting from websites you might not trust as much. It’s hard to say whether the next core update will make your search results show what you expect, but in the meantime, there’s a tweak that can help it feel more tailored to your preferences.
Take back control of your Google search results with the new Google “Preferred Sources” tool. This can help you see more of WIRED, from our rigorous and obsessive Reviews coverage to the important breaking stories on our Politics desk to our Culture team’s “What to Watch” roundups. (And, yes, this works for other publishers you know and trust, too.)
Preferred Sources are prioritized in Top Stories search results, and you’ll also get a dedicated From Your Sources section on some search results pages.
To set WIRED as a Preferred Source, you can click this link and check the box to the right. You can also search for additional sources you prefer on this page and check the respective boxes to make sure they’re prioritized in your Google searches.
As a new parent myself, I can tell you unequivocally that when babies become mobile, the world becomes their playground. Coffee tables become climbing gyms, cabinets become treasure troves, and phone chargers become rope toys. Babyproofing your home isn’t about bubble-wrapping your life; it’s about thinking like a young mind and getting one step ahead of curiosity. We’re here to help: This guide will help you spot hidden dangers, make smart fixes, and provide a safe space for little ones to explore without hazards around every corner.
Whether you’re expecting or your baby is still firmly in the potato stage, it’s best to start babyproofing sooner rather than later. Baby and toddler safety expert Holly Choi—whose business, Safe Beginnings, offers CPR courses, safety consultations, and more—warns that little ones often advance faster than you think. “Some kids can go from zero to 100 in a week,” she says. “They’re constantly practicing in their crib. Half the time we don’t even see it, and then suddenly, they’re in everything.” Think of babyproofing less as a weekend project and more as an ongoing lifestyle shift.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test/Silence button on a household carbon monoxide alarm detector.Photograph: Kenneth Cheung/Getty Images
Both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor of your home, especially in or near sleeping areas. Test them monthly by pressing the built-in test button (usually in the center or on the side), and replace the batteries once a year, or right away if you hear that low-battery chirp.
The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 87 percent of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, which can be a serious risk to children and pregnant women. The safest way to rule out lead-based paint is to hire a licensed lead inspector with your municipality’s department of health.
Courtesy of Newton
A safe sleep starts with the right mattress. A newborn mattress should be firm with no give, and it must fit snugly in its bassinet or crib with no gaps around the edges. (Fellow WIRED parenting writer Nena Farrell loved the one above for her son.) Stick to a fitted sheet designed for a mattress that size, and skip extra add-ons like pillows, blankets, and stuffies.
As cozy as rugs are, they can be a tripping hazard, which is the last thing you want when you’re carrying a newborn in your arms. Use nonslip pads beneath your rugs or double-sided rug tape to keep them in place, and avoid small rugs altogether in high-traffic areas. Also clear the premises of other obstacles like loose toys or cords that could catch your foot mid-step, especially on the stairs. “One in four babies injured on the stairs were being carried by an adult,” Choi says.
Introducing a baby into a home where pets rule can be stressful for everyone involved, so establishing routines with them early will help make things smoother for the whole family. Before Baby arrives, work on basic obedience with your pets. Teach dogs to sit and stay, and make sure they know the off-limit areas in the house. Help cats get comfortable with baby gates and closed doors.
First aid, CPR training with an infant mannequinPhotograph: Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images
Not a traditional babyproofing checklist item, per se, but unthinkable accidents happen no matter how prepped your home may be. Check your local hospital or the Red Cross for courses (they even offer them online) to prep you before baby arrives.
How to Babyproof Your Home’s Interior
Babies are naturally curious. We’ll break down the practical steps to make your space safer.
“If you are going to do one thing, period, I want it to be anchoring your furniture,” Choi says. “Tip-over injuries are so fast, and furniture is probably the largest hazard we all have in our home. You’re really lucky if you get a second chance with tip-over injuries.”
It takes surprisingly little force to tip over even heavy pieces of furniture, and the risks are serious. Use wall anchors to secure anything in your home that could topple over, especially tall, narrow pieces and in areas where your baby is the most mobile. Mounting furniture takes minutes, and most kits come with the basic hardware you need. And don’t forget about TVs, which should be mounted to the wall or secured with anti-tip straps.
Cover Outlets and Hide Cords
Eye-level cords and outlets are particularly inviting for babies to poke and prod. Snap-in or slide-in outlet safety covers keep tiny fingers and toys blocked from danger.
Hide or secure cords from electronics like lamps and chargers—they can be pulled, chewed on, tripped over, and dangling wires can be an opportunity to pull and bring heavy electronics down with it. Cord covers, floor strips, and cable boxes are all smart ways to keep electric cords out of reach.
Courtesy of Amazon
Stairs, kitchens, and bathrooms can be danger zones once a baby starts moving, and baby gates are your first line of defense. (WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell recommends the one above.) For the top of stairs, a hardware-mounted gate is best, because they’re sturdier and can’t be pushed loose. “If a child throws themselves against a pressure-mounted gate, they will go down the stairs with the gate,” Choi says. “And the mechanism of injury of going down the stairs with the gate versus just going down the stairs is significantly worse.”
Doorways and hallways can use pressure-mounted options. Make sure that the gates are tall enough that your baby, a future toddler, won’t be able to climb over them and that latches are secure and childproof.
Coffee tables, TV stands, and low bookshelves often have sharp edges right at a baby’s head height. Corner guards soften the impact if your little one bumps into a corner. They come in a variety of shades and styles to blend in with furniture—just be sure they’re gripped nice and tight, since babies can be surprisingly good at peeling things loose.
Keep Medications and Cleaning Supplies Out of Reach
If you have a young one, you know that they love sticking things in their mouths, and every pill and spray can look like a toy. Medications, vitamins, and cleaning supplies should be locked up high and out of sight, and ideally in cabinets with childproof latches. This rule also goes for any “natural” or herbal products, which can still be toxic in large doses.
Close up on child proof cabinet latch and knob on far rightPhotograph: tiburonstudios/Getty Images
No matter what, you’re bound to have child-level cabinets that’ll have hazardous materials in them. Installing childproof locks on cabinets helps keep little hands away from toxic cleaners, medications, and dangerous and sharp kitchen cabinets. “We’re not locking things down because we’re going to not supervise our kids,” Choi says. “We’re locking things down since we’re just buying ourselves time.”
Kristianne Egbert has worked in occupational ergonomics for nearly 20 years and is now a senior corporate ergonomist at Briotix Health, a workplace injury prevention company. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Egbert also says that repeated use of a laptop alone on a desk is going to have a huge effect on your overall posture.
Egbert referred to what’s known as the 20-degree rule. If you’re holding your neck at an angle of 20 degrees or more, you’re officially crossing the risk threshold. “You’re probably bending over because you’re leaning forward to see that screen and be able to reach the keyboard,” she says.
Sitting back farther in your chair might seem like a fix to the problem temporarily, but in reality, bending beyond 20 degrees isn’t the real issue. Most people aren’t comfortable holding that position for long periods of time, which means it’s what else your body does to compensate that’s problematic.
“Nobody really wants to bend their head that much more than 20 degrees,” Egbert says. “So, when you don’t want to bend your neck forward, then the rest of your body is going to try and accommodate.”
You might tilt your whole back forward to avoid that extreme neck posture to type on the keyboard and see the screen of your laptop. That’s where bad posture habits really form. It’s not that you need to just suck it up and have better posture. You need to change the way you’re working, not necessarily your discipline.
“The other thing that ends up happening when your back starts getting tired is you’re like, ‘OK, well, I’m gonna scoot back a little bit to keep my back a little straighter,’” she says, demonstrating the position over the Zoom call. “But then, my arms are going to come out a little bit more, and I’m anchoring my wrist down while I’m typing.” This position can cause all sorts of other problems.
It’s even worse for shorter people, who are often working from chairs that aren’t tall enough. Egbert often recommends putting the laptop down on the lap, so that your arms can be down “where they belong.” You can tilt the laptop screen and look down at it, cutting the risk of leaning forward too much.
What to Do Instead
Hansker Productivity Mouse
Photograph: Henri Robbins
Fortunately, there are some simple (and even affordable!) solutions to this ergonomic disaster. Both experts I interviewed indicated that your office chair is a good place to start for better posture and office ergonomics. (We have an excellent guide that can help.)
Making Homemade Croutons is easy, delicious and SO much better than store-bought. Say goodbye hard-as-a-rock pre-packaged croutons and hello to the absolute best crispy yet soft and chewy croutons! Perfect for adding to your favorite salads and soups!
What Type Of Bread Is Best For Making Croutons?
The short answer: all bread! The long answer: Personally I like to use a loaf (preferably one that isn’t pre-sliced) of either sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, pretzel bread, a crusty rustic boule, rye, pita bread and even day old cornbread. Cinnamon raisin and cranberry walnut are great on a breakfast salad or adding a touch of sweetness to a savory soup, like this squash soup. That being said, in the past I’ve also made croutons using sandwich bread. I don’t necessarily recommend it because there are so many better options, however if in a pinch it’ll work.
In this post I’m using an onion asiago boule that I picked up in the bakery section of our local grocery store. I do plan to test out and recreate it at home, but I couldn’t resist it once I saw it in the bakery case. Plus it smelled incredible!
To Make Homemade Croutons You Will Need:
olive oil spray – Or ghee oil spray works great as well.
loaf of bread – Sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia – really any bread you choose!
kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the croutons.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 200°C).
Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil spray.
Start by slicing a 16-ounce (or thereabout) loaf into 3/4-inch to 1 inch slices (more or less to what you prefer). Then cut each slice into strips and then cubes. Alternatively, you could tear by hand into pieces.
Spread the cubed bread in an even layer onto the prepared pan. Lightly spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with a few generous pinches of kosher salt (more or less to your preference).
Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Or until the bottom of the croutons are golden brown. For extra-crispy croutons bake for 2 to 3 minutes longer or until desired doneness. Let cool before topping soups or adding to salads.
How To Store Homemade Croutons:
Store completely cooled croutons in an air-tight container or re-sealable bag for 5 to 7 days. I do find that they do lose their crunch after time, so I’ll add them to the air-fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp back up. Always check for freshness before serving consuming after the first few days.
Enjoy! And if you give this Homemade Croutons recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 10servings
Homemade Croutons
Making Homemade Croutons is easy, delicious and SO much better than store-bought. Say goodbye hard-as-a-rock pre-packaged croutons and hello to the absolute best crispy yet soft and chewy croutons! Perfect for adding to your favorite salads and soups!See notes about nutritional value and serving size.
Prep Time: 10 minutesmins
Cook Time: 10 minutesmins
Total Time: 20 minutesmins
olive oil spray, or ghee oil spray
16ouncesbread
2pincheskosher salt
Preheat your oven to 400°F (OR 200°C).
Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil spray.
Spread the cubed bread in an even layer onto the prepared pan. Lightly spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with a few generous pinches of kosher salt (more or less to your preference).
Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bottom of the croutons are golden brown. Let cool before adding to soups or salads. For crispier croutons bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes (or longer).
See blog post for storage instructions.
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline. Note:The nutritional value will depend on what type of bread is used and the serving size depends on how large or small you cut the bread for croutons.
“You need to realize you’ve already rejected tradition by not getting a dark roast coffee. You’ve embraced modernism,” Hedrick says. “And if you’re going to embrace modernism and reject traditionalism, you must always also reject traditional shot parameters.”
But terrific light roast is possible. There are two ways to go.
You can go traditional—changing your dose and ratios a bit but aiming for a cup with intensity and balance. That’s what I’ve been honing for the past year.
But there’s also a wilder, weirder path: The turbo shot, also called a gusher. Hedrick, following the results of new scientific research from University of Oregon biochemistry professor Christopher Hendon and others, has gone all in on throwing out the entire traditional espresso rulebook in his pursuit of light roast espresso that’s neither sour nor bitter.
Here are two ways of making light roast espresso, and the results.
How to Make a “Traditional” Light Espresso Shot
Some of the knee-jerk advice for light roast espresso was just to keep grinding finer and finer and jack up the temperature on your machine in order to get better extraction.
Problem is, the finer you grind, the more likely you’ll choke your machine. And also the more likely that water will clog up in places and find a path of least resistance through your coffee puck. Which is to say, it’ll “channel” through only some of the coffee, extracting too much from some parts of your coffee puck while under-extracting from other parts. The results will be intense, bitter, and sour. It’ll taste like those early light roast espressos that put me off of light roast espresso.
There’s a different path.
Instead of pretending light roast is dark roast and going finer and finer, you can instead adjust the amount of coffee and water. Use more coffee and pull longer, for more time—and grind fine but not ridiculously fine.
This was the approach used on a recent visit to Sterling Coffee Roasters, one of the few Portland, Oregon, roasters I’ve found that regularly (and expertly) pulls light roast espresso shots. The shop offered up an excellent, cranberry-fruity light roast Ethiopia Bensa Bombe using this method. My barista let a two-ounce shot drag out for 37 seconds until its fruity-acidic flavors mixed with a little bit of backbone, not to mention the flavors of ferment resulting from natural-process beans.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
This is the classic approach I’ve arrived at through trial and error, a bit of research, and a lot of conversation with smart baristas:
Increase the amount of coffee you use. A darker-roast double shot is often 15 or 18 grams. But going bigger, about 20 grams, can extend the extraction time without having to grind so fine you choke your machine.
Increase the water-to-coffee ratio. Standard espresso is a 1:2 ratio. That means if you use 15 grams of espresso, you’ll aim for 30 grams of espresso in your cup. Longer ratios, often called “lungo,” will also help increase extraction by simply running more water through a certain volume of coffee. I often go as long as 1:3, which is about 60 grams (two ounces) for a 20-gram espresso shot.
Go a little longer. It’s a long shot, and a lot of coffee. Don’t worry about the “25 to 30 seconds” you’ve been told is the only way to go. Drift a little longer, maybe into the mid-30s or so. You may find a more balanced shot by the end of it.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
Grind only as finely as you need to, but don’t go crazy. Longer shots, and thicker pucks, will offer resistance to the flow of water, without needing powder-fine espresso dust that ends up creating more unpredictable results.
Spritz your beans. A recent paper by authors including Hendon showed that there’s real science behind the idea that spritzing water on coffee beans can help reduce static electricity and clumping, leading to more even extraction.
Look for natural-process beans, not washed. Most modern beans, until recently, were “washed,” which removes all of the coffee fruit before processing, leading to a more predictable result. But lately, a lot of growers in Latin America and Africa have begun to try out natural process beans, fermenting some of the coffee berry sugars or mucilage. Natural processing, or honey and bourbon processing, can lead to more body, more sweetness, and more complexity. It can also lead to less acidity. The result, in light roast espresso, is coffee that’s not just more balanced but more nuanced, with added earthy notes that can bind the coffee’s flavors into a more organic whole.
Use a grinder well-attuned to light roast espresso. Some geometries are better attuned to light-roast beans than others, notes coffee expert Hedrick, largely because light roast beans grind less easily. Hexagonal or pentagonal geometries, with more “points” on the conical burr, tend to have better results. Assuming you’re not on a huge budget, Hedrick recommends the Kingrinder K6 manual grinder that’s also recommended by WIRED. I’ve been using it for months, with good results, to make light roast espresso.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
Kingrinder
K6 Manual Coffee Grinder
How to Make a Turbo Espresso Shot, or “Gusher”
Here’s the new-school approach laid out by coffee expert Lance Hedrick, following new findings published in 2020 by coffee scientist Christopher Hendon at the University of Oregon, among others. The turbo espresso shot, also called a gusher, involves up-ending pretty much every assumption about how good espresso is made—grinding coarser for light roast espresso and running a whole lot of water through the puck quickly and at lower pressure.
The result is a fully extracted shot, sometimes even better extracted than a classic one. But the flavor is different: It tends to be sweeter, aromatic, and almost devoid of bitterness.
Crazy, right? Not really. There’s a bit of science behind it, which you can read about in the bottom section of the article. But first, here’s how to make a turbo shot, according to advice from coffee expert Hedrick, who says the best shots he’s pulled all come from this method.
Use less beans by volume. Try out a 15-gram double shot to better facilitate flow of water through the puck.
Grind coarser. In my own attempts to replicate Hedrick’s method, I’ve found that you need a coarseness a lot closer to the coarsest espresso.
Use a high ratio. Try out up to a 1:3 ratio, meaning 45 grams of espresso for 15 grams of coffee.
Let it gush. The resulting fast flow will knock out a big shot in 10 to 15 seconds or so, way faster than any traditional espresso.
Don’t worry about crema. You’re not going to get the same stable crema you’ll get from robusta-dark-roast Italian beans on traditional methods. But crema is not the most important part of your espresso, and less important to mouthfeel and body than many assume. “Don’t worship crema,” Hedrick says. “In fact, crema is the most bitter part of your espresso.”
Don’t neglect your water. Good water means good extraction. Filter your water, of course, which will help keep your machine running longer. But also? Throw a little baking soda in the tank, if you’ve got soft water, and it’ll help reduce the acidity of your espresso.
First, adjust yield. Then grind size. Don’t play with your grind first. If your coffee is sour, try running the shot to a higher volume. If bitter, dial it back. You can get more consistent results playing with yield than with grind. (Though, you may also need to adjust your grind.)
OK, the pressure thing. Hendon’s research showed best extraction on a turbo shot with 6 bars of pressure, which helps slow water’s path through the puck. But unless you do some modding or hacks on your espresso machine, you probably have a machine designed to pump 9 bars. Is it all for nought? According to Hedrick, it’s probably kinda fine, even if you don’t have a machine that can program lower pressure. With a coarse grind, a fast shot, and fewer grounds, you likely won’t build up 9 bars anyway. Just roll with what tastes good.
The Theory Behind Turbo Espresso Shots
OK, so how does a turbo shot work?
A gusher is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an espresso shot that practically just pours out of the portafilter so it’s over in about 15 seconds, even at high volume—a heresy among traditional espresso people. Conventional wisdom says this shot should taste terrible, underextracted, sour. But magically, it doesn’t. Extraction is in some ways better and more reliable.
Finer grinds don’t necessarily or always mean better extraction, they showed. And the 25-second espresso shot is a tradition … not a scientific certainty. Often, a lot of the unpleasant flavor compounds start to emerge after a mere 20 seconds. But especially, Hendon tells WIRED, grinding more coarsely, and using lower pressure and lower volumes of beans, leads to much more consistency between shots.
“What we were trying to do is find brew parameters that would allow us to make highly reproducible espresso,” he said. What he and his collaborators learned was that if you grind finer, extraction got better, but not forever. At some “critical point,” grinding finer actually led to worse extraction. Coffee clumped up. It clogged. Water actually got less contact with coffee grounds, not more.
If you ground beans more coarsely, and let the water flow longer through lower volumes of beans, you could get more even extraction, they discovered after analysis. This method also offered more repeatability. Using less coffee, and lower pressure, likewise allowed water to spend more time in contact with the coffee grounds—leading to even better extraction.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
And so, grind coarser. Use less coffee. Use less pressure. Let it gush. Result: excellent extraction of sweet and aromatic compounds. Almost no bitterness. Hedrick tells WIRED that the best shots he’s pulled in recent memory have come using this method.
Hendon figures few would have paid attention to his findings if Hedrick hadn’t taken up the research and run with it—making video after video about the new technique for making what Hedrick now calls “modern” espresso, highlighting a bean’s bright aromatics without all the bitterness. Traditional shots just don’t get the flavors Hedrick wants, and have too many of the bitter flavors he hates.
Now, in the meantime, there are caveats. Hendon published a more recent paper showing that clumping at finer grinds could be avoided if you just spritzed your beans with a bit of water before grinding. (Coffee nerds had been doing this for a while; it just hadn’t been backed up by science.)
Which is to say, while turbo shots are a new and interesting and fun discovery, classic light roast espresso shots can also get good results.
Which Is Better, Classic Light Roast Espresso or Modern Turbo Shots?
Classic light roast espresso shots and turbo shots are both achievable. But note that turbo shots are a lot easier to pull off: Coarser grinds are quite simply more manageable. You’ll get more consistent shots time after time with gushers, Hedrick and Hendon both note.
So, how does a turbo shot taste? It is, on my attempts over the past couple of weeks, not quite as complex as more traditional, longer, finer-ground shots—at least when I’ve attempted them with more traditional 9-bar machines, like the Breville Oracle Jet and the new Meraki espresso machine I’m currently testing.
The combination of coarse grind and fast flow actually end up reminding me somewhat of results from some newer superautomatic espresso machines like the excellent De’Longhi Rivelia. These machines grind coarser and flow faster, and smooth out the edges of traditional shots. The results on my turbo shots were likewise smooth and flavorful, and a bit more sweet, but maybe also a less exciting and eventful ride.
Photograph: De’Longhi
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
This said, I’ve also struck intense flavor gold with some turbo shots. And when they were good, the results were shockingly good. I have drunk a 12-second light roast espresso with flavor so round and full it made me question everything I’d previously been told about how good espresso should be made.
The difference between turbo and classic light roast shots is actually, if I’m comparing, a lot like the difference between a new-school hazy IPA and a West Coast IPA. The turbo shot, like a modern hazy IPA, offers more juiciness and less bitterness. Maybe it also offers a little less complexity. But in exchange, it’s an easy, smooth ride across the palate that’s more in line with modern tastes. It’s delicious.
So which do you prefer? Juicy or balanced? Complexity and intensity, or affable aroma and sweetness? A difficult test of espresso mettle, or an easy win? Shoot your shot.
Meet the Experts
Lance Hedrick is one of the most-followed coffee industry voices on YouTube, a two-time World Latte Art champion, two-time US Brewers Cup finalist, and director of EU and West Coast wholesale for Onyx Coffee.
Christopher Hendon is associate professor of computational materials chemistry at the University of Oregon and has authored or coauthored numerous published works on the chemistry of coffee flavor and extraction.
Work slowly, starting with getting your pet comfortable in the empty bathtub, using treats for positive reinforcement. Then, introduce water, while still giving treats, and slowly introduce the other bathing elements, all while giving treats. “Some dogs are afraid of the hose or faucet, so we will often use a cup to pour water over them as a more gentle, less noisy option,” says groomer Shea Barrett.
Smearing peanut butter on the side of the tub or using a suction lick mat is a great way to distract and occupy your dog while associating the bath with a treat.
Photograph: Amazon
Lukito
Slow Feeder Lick Mats
Fur Maintenance for Cats and Dogs
Short-haired cats and dogs only require brushing once a week. Long-haired cats and dogs require it daily. A de-shedding brush helps clear the undercoat and is useful for dogs during shedding periods, usually when the seasons change.
My long-haired cat hates being brushed, which makes my job a lot harder. My biggest advice for new kitten or puppy owners is to groom, clip nails, and brush teeth regularly starting at a young age so they are desensitized to the grooming process. For my cat’s wispy long fur, I like using a combination of brushes, one with many short bristles and a self-emptying button for ease, and a longer comb with fine- and wide-pronged teeth, which helps detangle top fur and thin out the undercoat.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Sanitary Shaves
My aforementioned long-haired cat, Clover, is nicknamed Poopy Butt because she sometimes gets messy near her rear, due to her hair being so long. One of the best things I’ve done is buy an at-home grooming kit so I can keep up with shaving the hair near her hind area to keep things sanitary.
“Sanitary shaves help keep the genital and anal area clean in long-haired pets. If trying this at home, use clippers with a guard and only if your pet is calm; never use sharp scissors near sensitive areas,” says veterinarian Jamie Richardson.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Bautrium
Cat Grooming Clippers Kit
I’d suggest buying a kit, like the one I have above, with multiple heads (and the comb I discussed earlier) so you can more easily and safely access those smaller or tucked-away areas.
For technique, I sit Clover in my lap and access her pubic area while I’m above. If I have another person to help, I will have them hold her in place and lift her tail, so I can do the hindquarters from behind. (This provides more visibility, but she’s so squirmy that I need another person’s help to keep her in place this way.)
I’ve tested several solid cat water fountains and automatic feeders from brand Oneisall, and the company has tons of different options and sizes for clippers and other grooming devices for dogs that I’d suggest dog-owning readers check out.
How to Clip Nails
You should clip your cat or dog’s nails about every four weeks. This may be needed less for dogs, as their nails get naturally filed as they walk on pavement. But indoor cats’ nails need to be clipped every three to four weeks, along with providing scratchers so they can help naturally file their nails between cutting.
Like the dog clippers set above, there are handheld nail grinders that help to gradually and gently file away dog nails for a less traumatic clipping experience. (These aren’t recommended for cats, as the quick of their nail is farther down and more susceptible to accidental nicking and injury.)
On newer Apple iPhones (and Apple Watches,) the Emergency SOS safety net can still connect you to rescue crews even when you’re out of cellular service, though it’s limited to transmitting key information when you’re in a sticky situation: where you are, what condition you’re in, and what you need help with. Unlike a satellite messenger, it won’t offer live tracking or two-way messaging where there’s no 4G/5G.
Pro tip: You’ll need to check the region to make sure cell SOS services are available. Some have only been deployed in the United States.
Why Pack a Satellite Messenger?
Photograph: Kieran Alger
If you’re firing up Expedition Mode and embarking on remote travel or outdoor adventures where cellular coverage and proximity to civilization is scarce, a good satellite messenger can be an important additional insurance policy to your smartphone.
“A satellite messenger is essential any time I head into remote areas where cell service is unreliable or simply doesn’t exist,’ says Manners. “In the Himalayas, for example, mountains, cliffs, and ridgelines block any signal between my phone and the nearest tower. In many high-altitude regions, towers don’t exist at all because they are too difficult to build and maintain, or the distance is simply too great for a phone to connect.
“A satellite messenger removes all of those limitations,” Manners continues. “Instead of relying on ground towers, it connects directly to satellites orbiting the Earth, allowing me to send messages, share my location, or trigger an SOS no matter how isolated I am.”
You want a satellite messenger when you’re thinking: Multiday hikes, ultra runs, thru-hikes, or backcountry skiing, as well as excursions into high-risk, low-signal environments like deserts, mountain ranges, dense forests, or offshore trips.
These mainly handheld devices use the Iridium and Globalstar low-Earth-orbit satellite networks, which are generally used for communication because they take less energy and have far less lag time than GPS. Most have basic screens to save power and long multiday battery life. Some endure as long as 200 hours.
“These devices are built for purpose,” says Kevin Stamps, Garmin Response senior manager. “Specialist battery life capabilities mean it will not run out like your smartphone does, and reliable, durable and rugged designs are military-grade to suit challenging environments.”
“When I’m climbing in the Khumbu Valley and moving above 5,500 meters, the temperatures drop so low that a smartphone battery quickly drains or shuts down altogether,” says Manners. “A satellite messenger, however, is built to keep working in sub-zero conditions, at altitude, and even after being knocked around in a pack. That level of durability makes it a far more reliable safety tool in the high mountains.”
That old saying “no news is good news” doesn’t quite stand up when you’re heading into high-risk environments. Devices like the Garmin InReach Mini 2 beam your location onto sharable maps for real-time tracking. Some can also be programmed to activate tracking when you reach or depart from specific locations, sending automated alerts to loved ones when you hit milestones on your adventure.
While we’re talking about the display, make sure your Pixel is using the highest screen resolution. In Display & touch, scroll down to Screen resolution and choose Max resolution. It may eat up more battery life, but you paid for a high-quality display! Use it. Smooth display sits right below, but it’s finally enabled by default, allowing your phone to hit a 120-Hz screen refresh rate.
Enhance Your Lock Screen
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The lock screen is fairly customizable. Head to Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen to customize how notifications appear (compact or full list), hide silent notifications, hide sensitive content, and add shortcuts to the left or right corner (like Flashlight or Wallet). You should also enable Dynamic clock, which changes the size of the clock based on what’s on the lock screen. To change the appearance of the lock screen clock, head to Settings > Wallpaper & style and Clock (on the lock screen tab). There are several styles to choose from, and you can adjust the colors and size.
As for your lock screen wallpaper, tap on a photo and then tap Effects. You can customize how photos of your loved ones appear—within shapes, a fresh background color, with real-time weather animations, or a Cinematic look that adds depth.
Change the Power Button Behavior
If you want to restart your Pixel or turn it off, you have to pull down the notification drawer and tap on the digital power button. What about the physical power button? Google defaults it to triggering its Gemini voice assistant. You can actually get the power menu back by pressing the power button and the top volume button simultaneously, but if you want the old-school behavior back, head to Settings > System > Gestures > Press & hold power button.
If you go this route but still want to access Gemini, you can just say, “Hey Google,” to set up voice commands, or use the Gemini widget on the home screen to activate it. To add a widget, press and hold anywhere on the home screen, tap Widgets, and scroll to Gemini.
Switch to the AV1 Codec and Use Video Boost
This is for the Pixel 10 series, but these phones can now record in the AV1 video format. This greatly saves storage space, so if you’re someone who takes a lot of video, it’s the smart approach. However, AV1 isn’t supported universally. You shouldn’t have issues uploading AV1 videos to Instagram, for example, but you’ll want to check if the source you want to upload to supports it. To switch to AV1, open the camera app, click the gear icon on the left, then tap the three dots at the top right. Scroll to the bottom, tap on Video format, and choose AV1.
Speaking of video, Google’s Pro Pixel phones, since the Pixel 8 Pro, have been able to use a feature called Video Boost. This sends your footage to the cloud for processing, improving color, brightness, and stabilization, while reducing noise. Depending on the length of the video, the processing can take 20 minutes, several hours, or even a day. You’ll be notified when it’s ready, and until then, you can use the native footage you originally shot. It’s a smart way to level up the video quality (the Pixel 10 Pro can even upscale it to 8K), even if it’d be nice if Google just improved native video capture. To enable Video Boost, switch to the Video tab in the camera app, tap the gear icon in the camera app, and toggle it on.
Disable Pro Res Zoom and Camera Coach
Courtesy of Joel Chokkattu
Another one for Pixel 10 users, Pro Res Zoom is available on the Pixel 10 Pro models, and Camera Coach is on all Pixel 10 phones (though there’s a chance one of these could come to older Pixels). You can learn more about how these camera features work here, but Pro Res Zoom essentially stitches hundreds of frames together once you go past 30X to 100X digital zoom, and employs generative AI to fill in the details of the image. That results in spectacularly sharp zoomed-in photos, but it may leave a weird taste in your mouth because parts of it were AI-generated. You can turn it off! Open the camera, press the gear icon on the bottom left, and tap the three-dot menu icon. Tap Model download and then the trash icon next to Pro Res Zoom.
If you’re switching from an iPhone, you may want to install Google’s Android Switch app or the Google Drive app. With the Switch app, you can follow the onscreen prompts, but if you opt for the Google Drive app, here’s what to do:
Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone.
Go to Settings and Backup.
Choose everything you want to save and move across to your new phone.
You should also go to your iPhone Settings, head to Messages, toggle off iMessage, and go to Settings,FaceTime to toggle it off so you don’t miss calls and texts on your new phone.
Folks with any two-factor authentication (2FA) apps, like Google Authenticator, should check the apps’ instructions for transferring accounts (do not wipe your old phone until you have done this!) If you use any messaging apps, like WhatsApp, back up your chats on your old phone by going to Settings, Chats, and Chat backup.
Setting Up Your New Android Phone
Put your SIM card in your new phone (skip this step if you’re using an eSIM) and hold down the power button to turn it on. (You can also insert your SIM card after you’ve set up your device.) You’ll be greeted with a series of setup chores, starting with selecting your language and region preferences.
Depending on your new Android phone, you may be able to copy data from your old device directly. While you can do this via Wi-Fi, connecting the two phones with a cable is the fastest, easiest, and usually the most comprehensive way to copy your old data (especially photos and videos), so we recommend doing that if you’re given the option.
If you are switching from an iPhone to an Android phone, for example, you can transfer contacts, photos, videos, and calendar events via Wi-Fi, but you must use a cable if you want to transfer messages (SMS, iMessage, WhatsApp), apps (assuming they are available in the Play Store), music (non-DRM only), and notes. There is a handy Android website with more details about how to switch.
We’ve all been there: You moved your TV or computer monitor with bare hands and got it all greasy, or you splashed a bit of liquid on it in sports- or video-game-fueled excitement. How do you clean your screen? Read our guide below for pro tips.
While older, glass-fronted TVs were easy to clean with any anti-static rag and cleaner, you need to be more careful with modern screens, which aren’t protected.
Photograph: Parker Hall
The best method for cleaning off the small amount of dirt, grease, dust, or other muck that has accumulated on your TV? Ditch the solvent and just use a soft, dry microfiber cloth ($26 for 80) to clean the display. Wipe in a circular motion, much like you would when brushing your teeth or cleaning your counters.
If things are too gunky for a clean rag to pick up, reach for some distilled and deionized water ($17 per gallon), which won’t leave spots or have impurities that can damage your screen. Put a little on the cloth and wipe, following up with a fresh dry rag.
In a worst-case scenario, you can add a tiny amount of Dawn dish soap ($15 for 112 ounces) to the water (read: add a drop to an entire spray bottle [$8 for 2]) and use that. If you do this, you’ll want to wipe a second time with distilled water, then again with a dry rag to ensure no residue is left behind. Remember: screens aren’t waterproof at the edges, so be sure to go lightly with water if you’re using it.
It is typically easier to see how dirty your screen is when it is off, so I recommend turning it off or unplugging it when doing a cleaning. Be careful not to press too hard when rubbing, as you can damage your screen.
One of the lesser-known apps in the Google Drive online suite is Google Forms. It’s an easy, intuitive way to create a web form for other people to enter information into. You can use it for employee surveys, for organizing social gatherings, for giving people a way to contact you, and much more. But Google Forms can also be used for malicious purposes.
These forms can be created in minutes, with clean and clear formatting, official-looking images and video, and—most importantly of all—a genuine Google Docs URL that your web browser will see no problem with. Scammers can then use these authentic-looking forms to ask for payment details or login information.
It’s a type of scam that continues to spread, with Google itself issuing a warning about the issue in February. Students and staff at Stanford University were among those targeted with a Google Forms link that asked for login details for the academic portal there, and the attack beat standard email malware protection.
How the Scam Works
Google Forms are quick and easy to put together.
David Nield
These scams can take a variety of guises, but they’ll typically start with a phishing email that will try to trick you into believing it’s an official and genuine communication. It might be designed to look like it’s from a colleague, an administrator, or someone from a reputable organization.
The apparent quality and trustworthiness of this original phishing email is part of the con. Our inboxes are regularly filled with requests to reset passwords, verify details, or otherwise take action. Like many scams, the email might suggest a sense or urgency, or indicate that your security has been compromised in some way.
Even worse, the instigating email might actually come from a legitimate email address, if someone in your social circle, family, or office has had their account hijacked. In this case you wouldn’t be able to run the usual checks on the sender identity and email address, because everything would look genuine—though the wording and style would be off.
This email (or perhaps a direct message on social media) will be used to deliver a Google Forms link, which is the second half of the scam. This form will most often be set up to look genuine, and may be trying to spoof a recognized site like your place of work or your bank. The form might prompt you for sensitive information, offer up a link to malware, or feature a phone number or email address to lead you into further trouble.
When you’ve worked in the sleep industry long enough, you’re going to hear one question resurface time and time again: “How much melatonin should I take?” The answer will vary from person to person, and the best person to deliver it is your doctor.
First of all, let’s back up. What is melatonin? It’s the hormone your brain produces naturally as part of its circadian rhythm, or the internal clock your body has to keep you on a natural, daily sleep schedule. Your pineal gland is in charge of making it, and sunlight signals it to slow down production so you can wake up and go about your day. Though your brain is already producing melatonin, the idea of taking a supplement is that it jump-starts your sleep cycle.
If you’ve taken melatonin before and felt it didn’t work for you, or are considering starting it, this is where you should consult your doctor. And do it before starting any supplement, melatonin included. You may be on medications that won’t make it work as well, giving you the impression that you need more. Or, you could experience the side effects of mixing melatonin and medications. Let’s avoid the late-night WebMD doomscrolls and check off that box first.
Snake Oil or Sleep Supplement?
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Onnit
Instant Melatonin Mist
Another reason to talk to a licensed health care provider ahead of jumping on the melatonin train is that they can give you a tailored recommendation on how to go about getting melatonin, either in supplement or even nutritional form. Or, as Kuhlmann recommends to me, bypassing it altogether, for many reasons—one of which is possible unforeseen side effects, like GI upset. More on that in a minute.
The reality is, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. The University of Pennsylvania’s Regulatory Review has reported that the FDA evaluates supplements on a dietary basis, pretty much like what is done for food or medication. According to Pieter Cohen in an interview for the American Medical Association, the FDA actually evaluates supplements as a “subcategory of food” and not medication. Kuhlmann corroborated this for me, emphasizing that “increased access” and the fact that brands are not as “tightly regulated” in the market have led to dangerous outcomes. He described the uptick in melatonin poisoning cases that medical professionals have seen over the past decade, primarily in kids under the age of 5.
There’s a whole lot of gray area for what’s OK and what’s not before a product hits the market, and even after it’s sold to customers. So if an extra (and questionable) ingredient weasels its way into the formula, and the supplement hits the market, there’s not much the FDA can do besides send companies a warning letter to recall the supplement. It’s the equivalent of shrugging, saying “Whoopsie, your fault,” and putting responsibility on a brand to make it right—which, as The Regulatory Review also points out, they don’t always do.
Want to buy something online and have it shipped into the US? Well, get ready to pay more for the privilege. Starting Friday, small packages imported into the country will be subjected to a duty.
The Trump administration is levying a new tax on all packages coming into the country—regardless of value—starting August 29. This is the latest push in President Trump’s global trade war.
The new policy is the result of an executive order issued in July that officially suspended the de minimis import exemption for all countries. Previously this exemption allowed shipments valued at less than $800 to enter the country without being subjected to a duty fee. The change means any seller shipping packages into the US will now be charged a fee even if the value is well under $800.
The fee amount for imports varies depending on the tariff rate the Trump administration has levied on the shipment’s specific country of origin. This fee can range from 10 to 50 percent of the item’s value. For at least the next six months, shippers can also choose to pay a flat fee instead of the new value-based duty, and that fee will be anywhere between $80 and $200 per shipment.
Lots of people are freaking out about this. Postal services in Europe, Mexico, and Japan, along with companies like DHL have said they will suspend shipments to the US. Independent sellers on platforms like Etsy are worrying that the additional costs will make it pricier to ship their bespoke goods. And, like the tariff shuffles earlier this year, the move has caused further chaos for merchants and supply chains as sellers consider how much more to charge going forward.
“There’s obviously going to be some sort of a balancing act of not trying to raise prices quickly to avoid shocking consumers,” says Juozas Kaziukėnas, a technology analyst who focuses on global trade and services like Temu and Shein. “There’s really no way to get around it.”
Gift It
If you’re not selling something and just want to send a package across country lines, you can still declare the item a gift. If you’re using a service like Royal Mail in the UK, the package will avoid the new costs if you classify it as a gift and declare the value to be under $100.
Declaring something a gift is not exactly a winning strategy for businesses or Etsy sellers, though, as it would be seen as an effort to wriggle out of the increased cost.
“Catching tariff avoidance is probably one of the top priorities for the DOJ right now,” Kaziukėnas says. “It’s not something you want to mess around with.”
Sellers Beware
While there has been a lot of consternation about tariffs this year, Kaziukėnas says most of the chaos and upheaval has been felt by the sellers. The new fees are also likely to hit independent sellers harder, since their smaller sales volumes makes it more difficult for them to absorb the added costs.
“Things you would buy on eBay, things you would buy on Etsy, random things from Japan or random things from somewhere in Portugal, those are now uniquely exposed to this change.” Kaziukėnas says.
As is the case for many people, my home cannot be retrofitted with central air. My 100-plus-year-old Brooklyn apartment, which features prominently in my seven years of air qualityreportingfor WIRED, relies on window air conditioning units to keep cool on our warming planet. While there is the obvious paradox that air conditioners are players in climate change, AC units are evolving with more environmentally safe refrigerants, eco modes, smart apps, modern design, and energy-efficient consumption.
That is to say, while I prefer to keep my AC units turned off, on hot days, my top-floor apartment’s temperature will climb to the upper 90s without the support of air conditioning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 700 people die every year in the United States due to extreme heat. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with existing medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
The number one recommendation from the CDC during extreme heat events is to stay inside an air-conditioned location. The World Health Organization warns that while electric fans can move air onto the body to create a sort of wind-chill effect, when it’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above, they can actually increase your body temperature. The ideal combination is using air conditioningin concert with fans to move cool air around a space.
Courtesy of Kat Merck
Lasko
20-inch Classic Box Fan
The inability to cool down one’s body temperature is what can lead to heat stroke and other heat-related health events. Air conditioning saves lives.
I’ve been writing about air quality for WIRED since 2018, and as climate change wreaks havoc on our environment, I continue to test and review the latest window air conditioning units on the market. There are two types of window units we review: the recognizable metal box units that hang out of a window, and the increasingly popular “portable” units that use hoses—preferably two—that attach to the window. Both types of AC units offer relief from the heat and protect against heat-related illness. If you’re unsure whether you should turn on your air conditioner, you can check the CDC’s HeatRisk Tracker Map.
Professional Installation Is Worth the Money
Photograph: Lisa Wood Shapiro
LG
12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
Your city or town may not have fines and requirements for window unit installation. New York City requires support brackets, especially for those units above sidewalks. I recently hired a professional AC company to securely install LG’s 12,000 BTU model, above. At over 80 pounds, it was too heavy for me to lift. I’ve yet to test a window unit AC where the manufacturer didn’t recommend two people for lifting and installing the unit, usually with a pictogram on the box of two people holding the same box.
Window units are designed to fit in single- or double-hung windows, usually at a minimum height opening of 13 inches. A window unit’s metal support brackets are designed to counteract the downward force of gravity. And there shouldn’t be any books, bricks, or blocks of wood used to level the unit once in the window. There are exceptions—window designs like U-Shaped ACs, like our pick below (an updated model from the one that was recalled this summer), distribute weight equally between the inside and outside of the window sash and may not require brackets.
Courtesy of Midea
Midea
U-Shaped Air Conditioner
Smart AC Units Save Money
More and more AC units connect to an app, and while some apps are easier to use than others, smart units have the added feature of turning them on and off remotely or through the use of in-app timers. Smart units have Eco Mode that run at a lower setting, as well as a variety of other features, including temperature settings. Smart ACs give the user so much more agency in knowing when to turn on or off their units.
Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant
Photograph: Lisa Shapiro
Windmill
8,000 BTU with WhisperTech
In my hometown of New York City, residents need to make an online appointment with the Department of Sanitation when placing an old air conditioner on the sidewalk for trash collection. The city removes the CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) gas, or Freon, and affixes a sticker, clearing the unit to be picked for removal. There are now more environmentally friendly refrigerants on the market, such as R600a or R32. Windmill uses R32 in its line of ACs, like our pick above, and while refrigerants like R32 have fewer ozone-depleting properties than old Freon, it is flammable. It’s that flammability that keeps municipal waste management from collecting it for disposal. Companies like Windmill have a trade-in and recycling program for their customers. If your new AC has a yellow triangle with a black flame, your refrigerant is flammable.
Sound
The rattle from a window unit can vibrate throughout a window frame—another reason why professional installation is so important. If an AC isn’t properly leveled, there’s going to be noise. Beyond the rattle of an unleveled AC, would-be AC customers can log on to a manufacturer’s website or online store to see the decibel rating for each unit. Knowing that a refrigerator’s hum is around 40 to 50 decibels and that conversation is around 60 decibels can help you choose the right sound level for you. Knowing the decibel rating is especially important for bedroom units. Will your AC keep you up on hot nights?
Directional Airflow and Filters
Photograph: Lisa Wood Shapiro
GE
Window Air Conditioner Unit, 5,000 BTU
I recently tested GE’s most affordable AC unit, above, and it was only when it was placed next to my bed that I noticed the limited choices I had in choosing the direction of airflow. It had a small grip to slide the airflow to the right, center, or left. They all felt very similar, and it was apparent that having the directional airflow option for straight-up or close to straight-up airflow is a must-have. There is little choice in where to place a window AC in a one-window room. Look for louvers that can move both up and down as well as side to side. WIRED has tested ACs with HEPA filters and with regular slide-out filters. It’s important to keep your AC’s filters clean for your unit to run properly. A clean-the-filter indicator light is an especially helpful feature.
Portable ACs for Unusual Windows
Courtesy of EcoFlow
Photograph: Lisa Wood Shapiro
Ecoflow
Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners are often the only choice for those with either unique or sliding windows, or for those who can’t or aren’t allowed to install a unit in their window. It wasn’t that long ago that most units on the market had a single hose that fit into a window panel with a hole that matched the circumference of the duct. A single hose has the potential of lowering the air pressure and creating a vacuum. A two-duct system like Ecoflow’s, above, is more efficient with both air intake and exhaust, and more and more smart models are app-enabled. The downside of these AC units is their large presence in the room. Many look like rectangular robots. They’re heavy, but most have wheels to make moving them easier, along with the option to have the airflow go straight up. While the design of many of the units we’ve tested has gotten more compact and sleek, the ducts are still a lot. The wide tubing isn’t easy to hide. Still, if you need an AC and cannot use a window unit, portable air conditioners are a godsend.
What Are BTUs?
British thermal unit or BTU is the measurement of the energy required to remove heat within an hour. According to the US Department of Energy, you’ll need 20 BTUs for each square foot of living space. A 300-square-foot room will require an AC with 6,000 BTUs. It’s important to know your room’s square footage. A high BTU in a small room will result in improper dehumidification, and if the BTU is too weak, it will take longer for the unit to cool the room efficiently.
Looks
Courtesy of July
In the past, window units have been necessary eyesores. They were functional, but for years little had been done to make them aesthetically pleasing. That is no longer the case, with startups like July, which makes our pick above, reimagining what a window AC looks like. There are wood-panel fronts and sleek, modern designs that blend in with the room, and that trend isn’t letting up any time soon.
Discounts for teachers are sought after for good reason. Teaching is a tough, important, and often thankless job. And with so many out-of-pocket costs for supplies and resources, even small savings can feel crucial. We’ve rounded up a list of exclusive discounts that educators can snag with their teacher credentials—so you can spend a little less time stressing out over full-price dry-erase markers and a little more time stressing about the kid who learned to swear over the summer. We thank you for your service.
Retailers and service providers use various authentication methods to verify whether someone is eligible for faculty discounts. The website SheerID verifies teacher status and has a huge list of offers available to teachers. The same is true for ID Me. If you’re a homeschool teacher or a childcare provider, you may still be able to qualify for some of these deals and discounts. Check with the listed reward offerer for more information and details.
Tech and Apparel Deals
Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images
The Apple education discount isn’t just for students. Teachers can get 10 percent off Apple hardware. The company usually sweetens the deals in the fall. In 2025, you can get free accessories like AirPods or a Magic Keyboard with your iMac, iPad, or MacBook purchase.
Dell offers discounts to teachers, but the sign-up process is a bit confusing. You’ll need to sign in or sign up for a free Dell Rewards account. Navigate to your Membership settings, then click Verify Teacher Status to verify through SheerID. You’ll get an extra 10 percent off select PCs, monitors, and accessories, plus up to 9 percent back in rewards.
Sign up for HP education discounts by verifying your .edu email address. HP says eligible shoppers can save up to 40 percent on select products, with “special discounts” for students, parents, and faculty. Find more HP coupon codes here.
Lenovo switches its discounts on a regular basis, but students and teachers can get at least 5 percent off on top of any seasonal savings. Accounts are free and verified via ID Me.
Microsoft offers up to 10 percent off a variety of products, including Surface devices and accessories. Parents, students, and faculty are eligible.
Samsung’s program is for students, parents, and educators, who can get up to 30 percent off laptops, tablets, phones, and other gadgets. Usually, these discounts come in the form of extra percentage-based savings on already-discounted gear, but sometimes you can get additional storage for free or deals on bundled products. WIRED has additional Samsung promo codes you may want to check out.
Adidas offers teachers 30 percent off online and in-store orders and 15 percent off factory-outlet purchases. Verification is completed through ID Me. You can find some Adidas promo codes here.
Teachers love Crocs, and who could blame them? (I also love my Crocs). They’re comfortable and fun to decorate. Verify your teacher status with ID Me to get 15 percent off full-price styles. (Yes, this includes Jibbitz).
Educators and school staff can take 20 percent off one qualifying online purchase through August 30. You’ll need to join Target Circle (which is free) to redeem the offer. You can also get half-off a paid Circle 360 membership (usually $99 per year).
Verify your educator status through ID Me to get a one-time 20 percent discount online. You can also get a one-time 20 percent discount for an in-store purchase, though it’s unclear whether you can redeem both coupons or need to choose between them.
Educators can always get 15 percent off at Michaels, including on sale items. Aside from picking up the obvious arts-and-crafts supplies, this could be a good way to get a slight discount on things like baskets, prizes, plastic drawers, desk accessories, and decor. (Or very oversize coffee mugs.)
Educators can join this program to guarantee that they’ll always get the lowest possible price at Blick. In-store purchases are matched to online pricing, with shipping and handling costs included. You’ll also get an extra 10 percent off your order. Note that you need to sign up for this program in-store. You’ll also need to present your faculty ID in addition to your membership card to get the discount when checking out in-store.
Photograph: DmitriiSimakov/Getty Images
Teachers can get 20 percent off in-store purchases at Books-A-Million by applying for the free Educator Discount Program. You’ll get free shipping on your online orders, and there are extra savings during “educator events” throughout the year. You can apply for the card in-store or online.
Half Price Books gives educators 10 percent off in-store purchases year-round. Note that the discount doesn’t apply to online purchases.
Meijer’s teacher appreciation sale runs through September 7. Show your ID to the customer service desk and you’ll be able to save on school supplies, home office gear, cleaning essentials, and more. There’s a big list of eligible items on this page.
Teachers get half-off a subscription to Vooks, which are essentially animated educational storybooks with read-along text. The price drops to $3 per month or $50 for a year. Note that this membership used to be free, but this still isn’t a bad deal if you’re in the market.
Teachers are eligible to receive a free used book valued at $7 or less when they purchase four or more books at ThriftBooks. Eligibility and sign-up are completed via SheerID.
Sign up for the free Extra Credit rewards program to get 10 percent off your purchases.
Music teachers can get 8 percent back through Sheet Music Plus’ rebate program. The cash back is given in the form of a Sheet Music Plus gift card. If you’re buying lots of sheet music, it’s worth checking out.
The Eduporium Educator Discount Program offers teachers up to 20 percent off. The marketplace has several STEM resources such as 3D printers, drones, coding tools, and robotics devices.
The website Teacher Wish Lists allows educators to make a wish list that may be fulfilled by random donors or members of your community. If there are items you’d like to have but don’t necessarily need, this tool may be worth a shot. Get Your Teach On is another popular teacher wish list aggregator.
Free Educational Resources for Teachers
A few websites compile free resources, from worksheets to posters to fonts. Check out Teachers Pay Teachers, Crayola, and Canva for examples.
Software and Service Deals
Babbel
Courtesy of Babbel
This is nearly half off the normal cost of a six-month Babbel subscription. Babbel is our favorite language-learning app out of the many we have tried.
Eligible students, parents, and educators get 50 percent off an Ableton Live Intro, Standard, or Suite license, or you can apply the same percentage off to Live bundled with Push. This software is especially enticing for music creators, though if you’ve been considering uploading some fun projects to SoundCloud, it might be worth your while. It’s the best DAW for DJs and live performers. You don’t need to be a music major to take advantage of the offer. Check out our guide to learning music online for more tips.
Students and educators can use a valid .edu email address to get free access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams, plus some Microsoft AI tools. There are free alternatives to Microsoft Office products, but if you use the suite frequently, this deal is worth considering.
Adobe Creative Cloud includes more than 20 apps, like Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, Lightroom, Firefly AI tools, and more. You also get 100 GB of cloud storage. It’s usually $70 a month, but students and educators can get it for $30 monthly with a free one-month trial. After a year, the $30 price raises to $40, but it’s a good discount if you can’t access needed Adobe apps another way. This discount can be applied to monthly or annual plan purchases.
Courtesy of Apple
This bundle includes licenses for Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and more. It’s tailored to video and music creators and costs $200. Considering that Final Cut Pro sells for $300 on its own, this bundle is a worthwhile purchase if you plan on buying any of these software licenses individually.
Prezi offers a slate of tools used to perfect digital presentations. It can be integrated with Zoom and Google Meet, along with other services. Prezi has two educational premium plans for students and educators that cost either $4 or $8 per month (usually $7 or $19 per month, respectively).
Teachers can save on select phone plans and home internet plans at Verizon when they verify eligibility through ID Me. Phone lines start at $25 per month, and Fios Home Internet starts at $45 per month. As is true with most mobile phone services, there are many terms and conditions. However, it’s still worth checking out, especially if you’re already a Verizon customer. These Verizon promo codes may also be of use.
Educators can provide their employee ID to get discounts on wireless services through AT&T. The discounts fluctuate often, but you can save on various phones, phone plans, and home internet plans. WIRED also has AT&T promo codes that may be helpful.
Verify your status with ID Me to get 50 percent off your first Home Chef box (up to $60), plus 10 percent off future orders. You’ll also get free shipping on the first box and free dessert for life. Home Chef is our favorite meal kit subscription service for families, and it’ll help a lot when you need to cook dinner after school and your brain is too tired to function. You can find more Home Chef coupon codes here.
Discounts on Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions
We’re biased, but a year of unlimited digital access to WIRED costs $24 per year. Teachers can also get affordable subscriptions to The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Bloomberg, and more. If there’s a magazine or newspaper that you frequently read, you may be able to get a discount when you subscribe. It’s also worth checking your local library to see if you can get a free or discounted subscription there.
When you need to ship your vehicle across the USA, it can feel overwhelming with so many companies promising different things at wildly different prices. Whether you’re moving across the country for a new job, buying your dream car from a seller three states away, or joining the seasonal migration to warmer weather, you’re probably wondering how to make this whole process as painless as possible.
We’ve put together this complete guide to walk you through everything you need to know about shipping your vehicle across the country. From understanding your options to spotting the red flags, we’ll help you make smart decisions every step of the way.
You’ll also learn why SGT Auto Transport has earned the trust of over 76,000 customers and become the go-to choice for drivers who want their car shipping experience to actually go smoothly.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to expect and feel confident about getting your vehicle safely to its new home.
Why Ship Your Car Instead of That Epic Road Trip?
Look, we get it. There’s something romantic about the idea of driving cross-country – windows down, music up, discovering hidden gems along the way. Here’s the reality check: That drive from coast to coast is going to eat up about 40 hours of your life, cost you $400-$600 in gas alone, plus hotels, food, and the wear and tear on your car.
But, it’s not just about the money. Think about the stress of navigating unfamiliar highways, dealing with bad weather, and the sheer exhaustion of driving 8+ hours a day. And if something goes wrong, like a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, an accident, or even just getting sick on the road, you’re stuck dealing with it far from home.
Auto transport takes all that worry off your plate. Your car gets to its destination safely while you can fly, focus on other moving logistics, or just avoid the hassle altogether. For families juggling multiple cars, elderly folks, or anyone who’d rather not spend a week of their life behind the wheel, professional car shipping isn’t just convenient, it’s a sanity saver.
Understanding the Vehicle Shipping Process in 2025
The car shipping industry used to be pretty old-school, with lots of waiting around for quotes, wondering where your car was, and dealing with surprise fees. Thankfully, companies like SGT have figured out that customers want transparency, speed, and no nasty surprises.
Car shipping today is all about making your life easier. They use real-time tracking so you actually know where your car is, smart quote systems that give you accurate prices instantly, and communication that keeps you in the loop without bombarding you with unnecessary updates.
Getting a car shipping quote used to mean calling around to different companies, waiting for callbacks, and then getting prices that seemed to change every time you talked to someone. Thankfully, that’s mostly a thing of the past.
Modern car shipping companies like SGT Auto Transport now have smart quote systems that actually make sense. Instead of just multiplying distance by some random rate, they consider things like how popular your route is (popular routes are usually cheaper), what time of year you’re shipping (winter from north to south gets pricey), and what kind of car you have.
Here’s what you’ll need to get an accurate quote:
Where you’re picking up and dropping off
What kind of car you’re shipping
Whether you want open or enclosed transport
When you need it done.
Reputable companies will give you one price that covers everything with no surprise fees showing up later.
Step 2: Professional Vehicle Pickup
Once you’ve booked your shipment, the pickup part is actually pretty straightforward.
Your driver will give you a heads up a few hours before they show up. They’ll double-check the timing and make sure they can actually get to your house (those car carriers are big and don’t love narrow streets or low-hanging tree branches).
When the driver arrives, you’ll both walk around your car and note any existing scratches, dents, or dings. Think of it like a rental car inspection, but in reverse. You’ll both sign off on a Bill of Lading, which is the documentation of what your car looked like when they picked it up. Keep your copy safe because you’ll need it when your car gets delivered.
The actual loading process is pretty cool to watch if you’ve never seen it before. These drivers know what they’re doing and have special ramps and tie-downs designed specifically for cars. They’ve probably loaded thousands of vehicles. Whether your car goes on an open trailer or gets the VIP treatment in an enclosed one, they follow the same careful process to make sure nothing shifts around during the trip.
Step 3: Transport Monitoring and Delivery
Once your car hits the road, you’ll get frequent updates along the way. SGT Auto Transport uses GPS tracking so you can see roughly where your car is, and they’ll let you know about any major delays or changes to the schedule.
When your car is getting close to its destination, the driver will give you a call a few hours ahead of time. This isn’t just a courtesy. They want to make sure you’re actually going to be there when they arrive.
The delivery works just like the pickup did. You and the driver will walk around your car together, checking for any new damage and comparing it to that Bill of Lading you signed when they picked it up. If everything looks good (and it almost always does), you’ll sign off on the delivery and your car shipping adventure is complete.
Try the Instant Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Get real-time pricing based on your route, car, and timeline. See your estimate in seconds.
Your Two Main Shipping Options: Open vs Enclosed Transport
Most people go with open transport, and there’s a good reason for that. About 8 out of 10 cars get shipped this way because it’s affordable and totally reliable. Your car rides on the same type of trailer you see delivering new cars to dealerships. Sure, it’s exposed to the weather, but these trailers are designed for it and the damage rate is incredibly low – we’re talking less than 1% of shipments.
Enclosed transport is like first-class for your car. Your vehicle gets loaded into a covered trailer that protects it from rain, snow, road salt, and flying debris. This is what most people choose for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or anything they’ve customized. It costs about 30-40% more than open transport, but if your car is worth six figures or has sentimental value you can’t put a price on, it’s worth every penny.
5 Things That Affect Your Vehicle Shipping Cost
A bunch of different things go into your final price, and knowing about them can help you save money or at least understand why you’re paying what you’re paying.
How far and how popular your route is: Obviously, shipping coast-to-coast costs more than going one state over. Popular routes like California to Texas or Florida to New York often cost less per mile because there are tons of carriers running those routes regularly.
Time of year matters: Winter is expensive if you’re going south because everyone’s trying to escape the cold. Spring gets busy with people moving north again. Fall is usually your best bet for cheaper rates because fewer people are moving.
Your car itself: Big trucks and SUVs take up more space on the trailer, so they cost more. Same goes if your car doesn’t run – they need special equipment to load it. And if you’ve lowered your car or added a big spoiler, that might affect the price too.
Where you’re located: If you live in a major city, you’ll probably get better rates and faster service because carriers are already going there regularly. Rural areas sometimes cost more because the driver has to make a special trip.
How quickly you need it: Need your car there ASAP? You’ll pay extra for expedited service. But if you’re flexible with your dates, carriers can work you into their regular routes and save you money.
Avoiding Industry Pitfalls and Sketchy Operators
Don’t let people try to scare you with horror stories. Most car shipping experiences go smoothly when you choose the right company. But there are definitely some operators out there who are more interested in making a quick buck than taking care of your car.
💡 Here’s what to watch out for: If someone gives you a quote that’s way lower than everyone else, that’s usually a red flag. Same thing if they want a huge payment upfront before they’ve even assigned a driver to your car. Legitimate companies, like SGT, don’t need your money until they’re actually providing the service.
Good companies will have a real address you can visit, proper insurance paperwork they’re happy to share, and they won’t pressure you to decide on the spot. They’ll also actually answer their phones and give you straight answers to your questions.
How Technology is Changing Vehicle Shipping
The SGT Auto Transport car shipping calculator. Tap the photo to try it!
The car shipping world has gotten a major tech upgrade in recent years. Gone are the days of waiting hours for quotes or wondering where your car is during transport. Today’s best companies use smart tracking systems, instant quote calculators, and automated updates that actually make sense.
SGT Auto Transport has just launched their new car shipping calculator – and honestly, it’s about time someone made this process actually user-friendly.
Instead of those basic calculators that spit out numbers based purely on distance (which are usually wildly wrong), this one actually understands the real world. It knows that shipping from Miami to Boston costs different amounts in January versus July. It understands that some routes are super popular (and therefore cheaper) while others require special coordination.
Their car shipping cost calculator gives you the real deal immediately. There’s no waiting around for someone to call you back with a completely different price. You can play around with different dates, see how enclosed versus open transport affects cost, and actually make an informed decision without any pressure. It’s completely free and there’s no email or credit card required. Try it now!
Why Interstate Car Shipping is Trickier Than You’d Think
Every state has its own quirky rules about commercial vehicles, weight limits, and what paperwork needs to be filed where. It’s like trying to solve a 50-piece puzzle where each piece has completely different requirements.
SGT Auto Transport specializes in professional cross-country car shipping – and there’s a lot more to it than just finding a truck to haul your car from one state to another.
Take something seemingly simple like driving through different states. In some places, commercial carriers need special permits just to pass through. Weight stations operate on different schedules. Some routes that look great on a map turn into nightmares when there’s construction or seasonal weather restrictions.
Shipping cars to another state requires someone who knows these ins and outs. Reliable companies like SGT have systems to track which routes work best during different seasons, where the best fuel stops are located, and how to avoid the weight stations that always seem to be backed up on Fridays.
Professional interstate coordination also means managing across time zones without making you crazy. When your pickup is scheduled in California but you live in New York, someone needs to make sure everyone’s on the same page about timing – and that’s harder than it sounds when you’re dealing with multiple carriers, different schedules, and the occasional unexpected delay.
The Real Deal with Coast-to-Coast Car Shipping
SGT Auto Transport handles long-distance vehicle transportation in every direction across the US. Cross-country shipping means your car might start its journey in a New York blizzard and get delivered to you in sunny California weather. That’s a lot of variables to manage.
The cross-country car shipping routes tell their own stories. East to West Coast runs like New York to Los Angeles or Florida to Seattle cross multiple climate zones, elevation changes, and seasonal weather patterns. Your car might start its journey in a snowstorm and end up being delivered in 80-degree sunshine.
Here’s what makes long-distance transport tricky: A carrier leaving Denver in clear weather might hit a surprise spring snowstorm in Wyoming that delays the entire route by two days. Or construction in a major city forces a detour that adds 200 miles to the journey. The best shipping companies build buffer time into their estimates and have backup plans for when (not if) something unexpected happens.
Weather management becomes crucial on these longer hauls. Professional companies track weather patterns across the entire route, not just at pickup and delivery points. They’ll delay a shipment by a day rather than risk having your car sit in a hailstorm somewhere in Kansas.
The logistics get complex too. Cross-country routes typically take 5-14 days, and keeping everyone informed without overwhelming them with updates requires a delicate balance. You want to know your car made it through the mountains safely, but you don’t need a text every time the driver stops for gas.
Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company
💡 Don’t just go with the cheapest quote – that usually backfires.
Look for companies that actually show up when they say they will, answer their phones when you call, and have transparent pricing without hidden fees. Check their reviews, but focus on recent ones from real customers who’ve actually shipped cars.
See also
The best companies, like SGT Auto Transport, make the whole process feel easy. They have good technology that keeps you informed, customer service that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out, and solid insurance that actually covers what it says it covers. When you find a company that checks all those boxes, you’ve found a winner.
Why SGT Auto Transport Leads the Car Shipping Industry
With over a decade of experience and 76,000+ satisfied customers, SGT Auto Transport has established itself as the gold standard for professional vehicle shipping services. Their comprehensive approach combines innovative technology, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service to deliver experiences that consistently exceed expectations.
SGT maintains relationships with more than 25,000 reliable carriers nationwide, ensuring optimal coverage for virtually any shipping route. This extensive network provides faster pickup times, competitive pricing through enhanced negotiating power, route flexibility for unusual circumstances, and quality assurance through rigorous vetting processes.
Zero upfront payment – You don’t pay anything until they actually assign a driver to your car. No risk to you.
All-inclusive pricing – The price you see covers everything: taxes, toll fees, full insurance, and all shipping costs. No surprise charges later.
Comprehensive insurance coverage – Your car is protected against physical damage, theft, weather issues, and even if the carrier has problems.
Real 24/7 customer support – Actual people answer the phone around the clock, not robots or overseas call centers.
Door-to-door convenience – They pick up from your location and deliver to your destination. No driving to terminals.
Proven track record – 4.7-star rating from thousands of real customers who’ve actually used their service.
Industry recognition – Trusted partner with uShip and officially rated as one of America’s most reliable car shipping companies.
Network of reliable carriers – More than 25,000 vetted carriers nationwide means they can find the right driver for your route.
Getting Your Car Ready for Pickup
A little prep work goes a long way toward making everything go smoothly. First, clean out all your personal stuff – carriers can’t be responsible for your belongings, and you don’t want your favorite sunglasses disappearing somewhere between states. Give your car a quick wash so you can easily spot any existing scratches or dents, and take some photos of any damage that’s already there.
Keep your gas tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full – enough so the car can be moved around but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. If your car has an alarm, turn it off so the driver doesn’t have to deal with it going off every time they hit a bump. And make sure you have all the keys and remotes ready to hand over.
You’ll need your car registration, insurance info, and a photo ID. If there’s anything special the driver needs to know (like a tricky garage door or specific pickup instructions), write it down. Give them a couple ways to reach you, and if there’s any chance you won’t be available, let a friend or family member know they might need to handle things for you.
Ship Your Vehicle with Confidence
Professional vehicle shipping across the USA has never been more accessible, reliable, or competitively priced. The combination of advanced technology, industry expertise, and customer-focused service has transformed vehicle transport into a convenient solution for millions of Americans.
Whether you need reliable transport for a cross-country move, want to purchase a vehicle from another state, or require seasonal shipping for lifestyle changes, professional vehicle shipping provides the expertise and peace of mind you deserve.
Ready to experience the difference professional vehicle shipping makes?
Start your shipping journey today with SGT Auto Transport –America’s most trusted vehicle shipping company with over 76,000 satisfied customers and a proven track record of excellence. They’ve shipped over 100,000 vehicles!
Get your instant, accurate quote using their revolutionary car shipping cost calculator– the most advanced pricing tool in the industry that considers all factors affecting your transport cost and timeline.
Discover why SGT Auto Transport is the smart choice for shipping cars to another statewith their professional interstate expertise and nationwide carrier network.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Your Vehicle
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
The average cost to ship a vehicle across the USA ranges from $900 to $1,800 for open transport, depending on distance, vehicle size, and season. Enclosed transport typically costs 30–40% more.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Shipping times vary, but most cross-country shipments take between 5 to 14 days. Weather, route popularity, and your chosen service type can affect timelines.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car?
In many cases, shipping is more affordable than driving when you factor in fuel, hotels, meals, missed work, and vehicle wear and tear. It also saves time and reduces stress.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Reputable car shipping companies like SGT Auto Transport include full insurance coverage from pickup to delivery, protecting against damage, theft, and carrier issues.
Can I ship personal items in my car?
While some carriers may allow up to 100 lbs of personal items, it’s best to avoid this. Insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings, and excess weight can impact pricing and regulations.
What’s the safest way to ship a car?
Enclosed transport offers the highest level of protection, but for most vehicles, open transport is a safe, cost-effective solution with industry-wide damage rates below 1%.
Ready to Ship Your Car the Easy Way?
Get your online quote instantly! No email or credit card required!
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Everyone wants reliable and fast internet, and a good router can help. The trick is to work out how the complicated mess of standards, confusing acronyms, and sci-fi-sounding features translate to better Wi-Fi in your home. Join us as we tear back the curtain to reveal the pertinent facts about Wi-Fi, routers, mesh systems, and other jargon. Hopefully, you’ll be better equipped to buy a router by the end.
Updated November 2024: We added information on alternatives to a new router, the rollout of Wi-Fi 7, updated average speeds, details on how mesh systems use bands, more information about ports and speeds, and some useful links.
Table of Contents
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Who Is Your Internet Service Provider?
Internet service providers (ISPs) connect your home to the internet, and they usually send you a modem and router (sometimes in a single device). The modem connects your home to the broader internet, the router hooks up to the modem, and you connect all your gadgets—with wires or wirelessly—to the router to access that connectivity. ISPs often charge you a rental fee for this equipment, and their routers are usually basic in terms of performance and features. The good news is that ISPs are by law no longer allowed to force you to use their equipment or charge you to use your own hardware, though you may still have to return their stuff to avoid charges.
We’re largely looking at using your own router in this guide and using your ISP’s modem. By using your own, you can potentially save money in the long term, but you can also enjoy faster Wi-Fi, better coverage, easier configuration, and extra features like parental controls and guest Wi-Fi networks. We will run through your router options, but whatever system you decide to go with, check compatibility with your ISP before buying. You can also search your ISP’s forums to find posts where people discuss using different routers and modems. A little research before you shop can save you a big headache down the line.
What Kind of Router Do You Need?
Photograph: Simon Hill
There are various ways to make your Wi-Fi faster, and buying a new router is one of the most obvious. To help you decide on the type of router to go for, calculate the rough square footage of your home before you begin.
Single Router
The simplest solution for most people is to choose a single router or a router and modem combo. Bear in mind that this device will have to plug into your existing socket or modem via Ethernet cable, which restricts where you can place it. The Wi-Fi signal will be strongest near the router and will gradually drop off and slow down the further away you get. If you’re able to, place your router centrally in your home and leave it out in the open.
Routers should always state square footage for coverage, but certain types of construction—thick walls, insulation, and other devices—can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, so don’t expect to enjoy full-speed Wi-Fi at longer distances. Powerful routers with wide coverage are often large devices with multiple external antennas, but they’re usually very expensive.
Mesh Systems
If you have a large home and want solid coverage in your garden, or you have thick walls and specific dead spots with your current setup, then mesh Wi-Fi could be the answer. Mesh systems consist of a central hub, which connects just like a single router, as well as additional satellites or nodes you can place around the home.
Devices connect to the internet through the nearest node, so you can achieve wider Wi-Fi coverage and a more reliable connection in different areas by adding a node. Just bear in mind that each node will need a power outlet. Mesh systems are typically more expensive than single-router setups, but they enhance coverage and reliability, and they often boast additional features and control options. They also tend to be smaller than regular routers and are typically designed to blend in with your decor.
Most mesh systems are expandable, and some manufacturers allow you to link individual routers to create a mesh, so you can start with a single router and add more as required. Just make sure you understand which devices are compatible. For example, any Asus router that supports AiMesh can work as part of a mesh system, but TP-Link’s OneMesh technology only allows you to add compatible Wi-Fi extenders—you can’t link routers together.
Alternatives to a New Router
Photograph: StockSnapper/Getty Images
If your issue is more about coverage and you have a single problem room where you want to improve Wi-Fi, or a particular device that needs a faster connection, you might not need to buy a new router. Try one of these alternatives. They each have their own technical challenges and potential issues. Even when successfully deployed, they won’t come close to matching the convenience of a good mesh system, but they are all much cheaper.
Ethernet Cables
Before Wi-Fi was ubiquitous, we relied on Ethernet cables to connect computers and other devices to routers. Ethernet connections are much faster, more stable, and more secure than Wi-Fi (or any other option we suggest here). The drawback is that the device you want to connect needs to have an Ethernet port, and you have to run cable from your router to the device. If you need to run Ethernet cables to multiple spots, use an Ethernet switch. With a switch you can plug one cable in from your router and run several cables out to various devices. Anyone looking to get the best performance from a mesh system should also consider running Ethernet cables between the main router and nodes to create a wired backhaul that leaves the Wi-Fi bands free for your devices to connect to.
Power Line Adapters
Sold in pairs, power line adapters pass an internet signal through your electrical wiring. You plug one into a power outlet near your router and connect it with an Ethernet cable, while the other power line adapter plugs into a power outlet in the room where you want faster internet. They can be a good solution if you have a console or smart TV in your living room at the back of the house, but your router is in the front hall, for example. Unfortunately, effectiveness depends heavily on your electrical wiring.
MoCA (Multimedia Over Coax Alliance)
If your home already has coaxial cables installed (perhaps for cable TV), you can use them to create a reliable wired network that offers high speeds and low latency compared to Wi-Fi. You can buy routers, network adapters, or Wi-Fi extenders that support the MoCA standard. Much like power line adapters, this can be a great way to pass an internet signal to a smart TV, game console, or desktop that doesn’t get a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Wi-Fi Repeaters
You can use Wi-Fi repeaters to spread the Wi-Fi from a single router a bit further and potentially boost the signal in a dead spot. These devices are a good solution for some people, but they can be inefficient, prone to interference, and often create a secondary network with a different name from your regular Wi-Fi. Nowadays, you can get better performance at a similar price by opting for a mesh or adding a second router if your main router supports it, like Asus does with AiMesh.
Access Points
If you don’t mind a challenge and have a spare old router lying around, you can look into configuring it as an access point or using it as a Wi-Fi extender. This can be particularly effective if you’re able to connect it to your main router via cabling, but configuration can prove tricky.
What Speed Do You Need?
Photograph: RerF/Getty Images
There’s plenty to consider when you’re trying to decide how fast your router should be. The maximum speed of your internet is determined by your ISP. Internet speeds are stated in Mbps (megabits per second). The median global fixed broadband speed is 94 Mbps for downloads and 49 Mbps for uploads, according to Ookla’s Speedtest. Most ISPs will state up to a certain speed or give you a range—like 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload—but what you actually get is often lower than the maximum (especially upload speeds), and it must be shared between all of your connected devices.
Black Friday used to fall on just one day of the year. Shoppers would camp outside of stores, eagerly awaiting the chance to bust down some doors and save a ton of cash. Over time, the sales event has grown. Now, the entire month of November is a hydra where the heads are “slashed prices” and the sword-wielding hero is an overwhelmed customer.
Stores are offering more deals than ever online, meaning you don’t need to leave the couch to participate. But it can all get confusing. How can you tell if a deal is worth your time and money? When do sales start and end? Do you need that gadget? We’re here to help.
When Is Black Friday?
In 2024, Black Friday falls on November 29. It’s followed by Cyber Monday on December 2, 2024. Most of the official sales start late on Thanksgiving, though some of the best deals start on Friday, sometime in the early hours. (A handful of stores provide exact start times.)
I have been Black Friday shopping for over two decades. My advice, if you’re on the hunt for killer deals, is to stay up late the day before Thanksgiving to check for online sales starting around midnight Eastern time on Wednesday, November 27. WIRED will also cover major sales later in the day on Thanksgiving. Early Black Friday deals will kick off during the first couple of weeks of November, and retailers like Best Buy usually have a price-matching guarantee in place if an item gets cheaper on Black Friday.
Can You Get Black Friday Deals Online?
You can—and should. We exclusively cover online deals here at WIRED because the majority of Black Friday deals are available on the web. The best deals don’t stick around for too long, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to your favorite store’s sale pages (and our coverage).
Make a list of what you want to buy ahead of time—this can help you keep a clear head when it’s time to start shopping. You shouldn’t buy things just to buy them. Everyone’s on a tighter budget these days; sales will happen again. Take a deep breath and don’t get sucked into the frenzy.
Which Retailers Will Have Black Friday Deals?
Nearly all of them. There are obvious stores, like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, but chances are every retailer and brand will have some sort of sale, spanning deals on clothing, shoes, books, electric scooters, tech, health and beauty items, or fitness specialty goods to name just a few categories. There might even be promotions going on at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant. When in doubt, visit a retailer’s website. Usually, Black Friday sales are highlighted proudly on the homepage.
Here are a few Black Friday sales pages from major retailers:
Is Black Friday Worth It?
TL;DR: usually. Long answer: Most of the time, Black Friday deals are the best we see all year, and they set the precedent for what dictates a good price in the months that follow.
However, some Black Friday deals aren’t all that great or are repetitive from year to year. For instance, you’ll predictably see low prices on some smart-home tech, like the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini. In previous years, those speakers have sold for around $20 or so, every single November. This year, they’ll probably dip to the same price. Even if a price is technically a historic low, consider whether you truly need another cheap little speaker before you place your order—especially considering that these deals tend to pop up repeatedly throughout the year.
Some discounts aren’t jaw-dropping because the products tend to go on sale every few months, and the fact that stores repeat deals so frequently says a lot about the nature of discounts these days. Still, the deals are worth it if you are in the market for a specific item and want to save some cash. Just keep in mind that price research is important, and if you miss out on a deal, don’t fret; there’s a strong chance it will come around again at some point in the future.
How Much Money Can I Save on Black Friday?
That depends on what you’re shopping for. There are so many deals up for grabs in so many categories that it’s impossible to list them all here.
For example, TVs are usually a great purchase to make around Black Friday, if you can find the right model. They are at their cheapest this time of year and through the holidays. In the same vein, you’ll be able to save on clothes, toys, and home goods, but those deals may not be as enticing when you look at specific dollar amounts. They’re certainly less expensive than usual, though.
Say “Hey Google, get spooky,” and you’ll get some sound effects and spooky music on any Google speakers or smart displays you have. You can also ask Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri for costume ideas or to tell you a scary story.
Ring, Nest, and some other smart doorbells offer Halloween sounds and chimes that can replace your regular ringtone. Take a look at your app and see if you have seasonal options. Here’s how to set Halloween doorbell chimes for a couple of the main doorbell makers:
In the Ring app, choose your device and tap Audio Settings and Chime Tones to find Halloween chimes like Dracula Theme and Creepy Laugh. If you are off out trick and treating, you can also tap the Smart Responses tile to toggle Quick Replies on. Tap Enable Feature on the next screen and Quick Reply Message and choose something like Ghostly Greetings.
For Nest doorbells, open the Google Home app, choose your doorbell and tap the three vertical dots at the top right to find Settings, then Doorbell and Doorbell Theme to select Halloween.
For best results, create a trigger that sets off lighting and sound effects when someone approaches. You can use IFTTT to link devices together and create a terrifying sequence. When someone presses the doorbell, for example, you could turn off all your front lights for a second, have them come back on in red, and then play a blood-curdling scream.
Scary Scenes
Photograph: AtmosFX
Serious Halloween fans looking to take things to the next level should check out digital decorations. Atmos FX sells MP4 files that you can play on a monitor or stick on a USB drive to play on your TV, but they work best with projectors. You can play ghostly apparitions, shambling zombies, and many more things that go bump in the night. You just need a white projection screen you can set up in your window (although a cheap white shower curtain works well, too).
Many come with or without backgrounds and in a horizontal or vertical format to suit your setup. The talking jack-o’-lanterns are great for younger kids and can even be projected onto real pumpkins. To scare older kids and adults, try the Night Stalkers collection. The animations are top quality, with sound effects and music included. Set this up in your front window, with a fog machine underneath, and you are sure to attract a horde of trick-and-treaters.
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